Poster N19 - Anticoagulating and Antifouling Surface Coating for Catheters

Introduction: The colonization of microbes along with blood-clotting in catheters is a significant challenge in healthcare settings, contributing to healthcare-associated complications. Efforts to mitigate this issue through commercial antimicrobial and anticoagulating catheters have shown limited success. This study proposes a novel approach by integrating anti-adhesive and antimicrobial coatings onto synthetic polymeric surfaces to develop a dual-functionality, hemo-compatible surface for catheters.

Materials and

Methods: Three synthetic polymeric surfaces (polyurethane, poly (vinyl chloride), and silicone) were chosen for coating integration. The process involved impregnation with a nitric oxide (NO) releasing agent followed by the application of a polyzwitterionic anti-adhesive coating. The NO releasing agent was incorporated using a simple solvent impregnation technique. The anti-adhesive coating was applied through a separate process to ensure compatibility and effectiveness.

Results, Conclusions, and Discussions: The integrated coatings showed significant improvements in resistance against microbial colonization and blood-clotting compared to commercial catheters. Analysis revealed a synergistic effect of the coatings, resulting in enhanced efficacy.
The study successfully developed a dual-functionality, hemo-compatible surface for catheters, addressing issues related to microbial colonization and blood-clotting. The tailored coatings showed promising results, offering a potential solution for catheter-associated infections in clinical settings.
The integration of anti-adhesive and antimicrobial coatings onto synthetic polymeric surfaces represents a novel approach to catheter design. The study opens avenues for further research into the development of advanced catheter materials with enhanced functionality and biocompatibility. Future studies could explore additional coatings or modifications to further improve catheter performance and address other challenges in healthcare-associated infections.

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