Aston University and Partnership Medical (PML) have accomplished a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), leading to the event of a revolutionary automated system for the high-level cleansing of endoscopes.

A KTP is a three-way collaboration between a business, an instructional partner and a highly qualified researcher, generally known as a KTP associate.

The project achieved industry-leading levels of cleansing, due to this fact reducing risks of microbial contamination to patients and lowering rates of morbidity and mortality.

Endoscopes are long, thin tubes with a lightweight and camera at one end. Resulting from the sensitivity of the materials and electronics they can not be sterilised in an autoclave (a machine that uses steam under pressure), opening up high potential for microbial cross infection. The automated prototype and latest cleansing materials developed resulted in an easy five-minute treatment offering deep cleansing levels 1,000 times greater than anticipated, providing hygiene and microbial reduction levels far superior to those currently possible using conventional manual procedures.

Partnership Medical Ltd (PML), based in Stoke-on-Trent, are specialists in supplying cleansing equipment and consumables for flexible endoscopes, with over 20 years of distributor experience. The corporate goals to grow to be a number one manufacturer/provider for endoscopic departments in clinics and hospitals worldwide.

The tutorial team of the KTP included Dr Andy Sutherland, a reader in organic/polymer chemistry and a member of Aston Institute of Materials Research with expertise in mesocrystal formation and dealing with nanoparticles. Dr Sutherland worked alongside Dr Tony Worthington, a clinical microbiologist and associate professor in biosciences inside the College of Health and Life Sciences. Dr Thien Duong took part because the KTP associate, bringing expertise in synthetic chemistry.

The impact of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership on Partnership Medical Limited and its staff has been remarkably significant.

The project has completely facilitated the corporate’s future vision to grow to be a world-leading supplier for endoscope accessories and consumables and paved the best way for the formation of a research and development department in the longer term.”

Justin Briggs, Director of Partnership Medical

Dr Andy Sutherland, reader in organic/polymer chemistry at Aston University, said: “If the endoscope cleansing system we now have developed successfully passes its clinical trials, it’s going to result in far cleaner endoscopes getting used in hospitals and hopefully prevent people from dying. Accordingly, by way of impact, we feel our KTP project has the potential to be highly significant.”