Inhibition of Bacterial Biofilm Formation on Ureteral Stent Surface by Jelleine-1 Hydrogel Coating Doped with Copper Nanoparticles

Abstract

Aims: Ureteral stent is commonly used after urological surgeries. But, pathogenic bacteria can colonize the surface of the stent and gradually build a biofilm. Biofilms can not only promote the growth and reproduction of pathogenic bacteria, but alsoprotect them from adverse factors (e.g., physical or chemical factors), increasing the risk of urinary tract infections. Material and methods: In this study, the natural antibacterial peptide Jelleine-1 was made into a hydrogel loaded with copper nanoparticles, which was coated with a dip-coating machine to obtain a novel type of antibacterial ureteral-coated stent. Key Findings: Verified the feasibility of coating antibacterial peptides on in vivo stent, endowing them with specific biological activity.In vitro antibacterial experiments showed that the coated stent has good antibacterial activity and can inhibit the formation of biofilms. Furthermore, in vivo antibacterial experiments were performed in female rabbits. The results showed that the bacterial count was reduced by 83% compared to that in the uncoated group. Significance: Our antibacterial ureteral coated stent significantly reduced the risk of stent-related urinary tract infections.