University of Maine — Biofilm-Resistant Catheters

[Human Health and Wellbeing] Photo courtesy of University of Maine Open Philanthropy recommended two grants totaling $500,000 over three years to the University of Maine to support work led by Professor Caitlin Howell on developing a catheter design that is resistant to biofilms. The new design would prevent the catheter from protecting microbes on its surface from antibiotics, reducing the incidence of bladder infections. In addition to the direct health benefits, we believe that a biofilm-resistant catheter design could help reduce antimicrobial resistance if approved and widely used. This falls within our focus area of scientific research, specifically within our interest in advancing human health and wellbeing. The grant amount was updated in January 2023