An Evaluation of Parylene Thin Films to Prevent Encrustation for a Urinary Bladder Pressure MEMS Sensor System

Recent developments in urological implants have focused on preventive strategies to mitigate encrustation and biofilm formation. Parylene, a conformal, pinhole-free polymer coating, has gained attention due to its high biocompatibility and chemical resistance, excellent barrier properties, and low f...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Polymers 2023-08, Vol.15 (17), p.3559
Main Authors: Buchwalder, Sébastien, Hersberger, Mario, Rebl, Henrike, Seemann, Susanne, Kram, Wolfgang, Hogg, Andreas, Tvedt, Lars G. W., Clausen, Ingelin, Burger, Jürgen
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis
Antibiotics
Biocompatibility
Biofilms
Bladder
Catheters
Chemical properties
Coating
Coefficient of friction
Contact angle
Encrustation
Energy consumption
Fourier transforms
Gases
Hydrophilic surfaces
Implants
Infrared analysis
Infrared spectroscopy
Medical equipment
Medical research
Microelectromechanical systems
Pinholes
Polymer coatings
Polymers
Protective coatings
Sensors
Silicon
Silicon oxides
Stents
Stone
Thin films
Transplants & implants
Urine
Urogenital system
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Summary:Recent developments in urological implants have focused on preventive strategies to mitigate encrustation and biofilm formation. Parylene, a conformal, pinhole-free polymer coating, has gained attention due to its high biocompatibility and chemical resistance, excellent barrier properties, and low friction coefficient. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of parylene C in comparison to a parylene VT4 grade coating in preventing encrustation on a urinary bladder pressure MEMS sensor system. Additionally, silicon oxide (SiOx) applied as a finish coating was investigated for further improvements. An in vitro encrustation system mimicking natural urine flow was used to quantify the formation of urinary stones. These stones were subsequently analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR). Encrustation results were then discussed in relation to coating surface chemical properties. Parylene C and VT4 grades demonstrated a very low encrustation mass, making them attractive options for encrustation prevention. The best performance was achieved after the addition of a hydrophilic SiOx finish coating on parylene VT4 grade. Parylene-based encapsulation proved to be an outstanding solution to prevent encrustation for urological implants.
ISSN:2073-4360
2073-4360
DOI:10.3390/polym15173559