Investigation of Biofilm-Inhibiting Zinc-Silver Oxide Urinary Catheter Coatings

Abstract

Catheter associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) is a widespread complication within hospitals and nursing homes. A potential treatment is to use a biofilm-inhibiting catheter. In this paper, methods for creating a biofilm retardant catheter coating using silver, silver oxide, and/or zinc particles combined with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) are described. The coating was first applied to the outside surface of the catheter and then tested for its antimicrobial properties with respect to preventing planktonic and biofilm growth of Escherichia coli. A comparison of our “in house” created catheters was then made with commercially available antimicrobial urinary catheters.