Polymer-Based Coatings with Integrated Antifouling and Bactericidal Properties for Targeted Biomedical Applications

Abstract

One of the most detrimental consequences of surface colonization by bacteria is healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), which contribute to increased patient mortality and morbidity. Medical devices inserted into the body provide a route for bacterial migration and conducive surfaces for their attachment and proliferation. Antibacterial coatings can potentially minimize bacterial colonization and consequently reduce the occurrence of HAIs. Antibacterial coatings function by either inhibiting the attachment of bacteria (antifouling coatings) or killing bacteria attached to the surface and/or in the vicinity (bactericidal coatings). On an antifouling coating, any bacterium that manages to attach will proliferate, while on bactericidal coatings, the accumulation of dead bacteria and debris provides opportunities for other bacteria to colonize the surface. As such, the integration of antifouling and bactericidal functionalities in a single coating combines the advantages of each, increasing the probability that bacterial colonization can be successfully inhibited. This Review highlights recent developments in dual-functional polymer-based antibacterial coatings for specific biomedical applications. General strategies for endowing surfaces with either antifouling or bactericidal polymeric coatings are first discussed, followed by more detailed descriptions of coatings with integrated antifouling and bactericidal functionalities that target the important biomedical applications: blood-contacting devices, orthopedic implants, wound dressings, ocular devices, urinary catheters, endotracheal tubes, and hospital textiles. The importance of tailoring the coatings to meet the specific constraints and requirements of the intended application beyond the antibacterial functionality is emphasized, and finally, the potential challenges in translating such coatings to clinical application are highlighted.

Effectiveness of Chitosan Coating Catheter in Preventing Catheter- Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI)

“…We believe that the antiadhesive properties of the chitosan were more pronounced in the CV assay more than in the sonication assay. There is a difference between the antifouling (antiadhesive) mechanisms and biocidal mechanisms for the chitosan in the catheter material [16]. The chitosan, as a polymer attached to the silicon, was believed to apply steric and electrostatic repulsion, which are considered to be antifouling mechanisms, and to prevent the adhesion of bacterial cells to the silicon inner surfaces [5,10].…”

Plasma for biomedical decontamination: from plasma-engineered to plasma-active antimicrobial surfaces

“…The so-called anti-biofouling surfaces are surfaces that can prevent initial adhesion of microorganisms such as proteins, cells, bacteria, and other bio-contaminants [40 ]. Generally, two typical surfaces are being examined: surfaces based on certain hydrophilic polymers that can resist microbial adhesion owing to their ability to form a hydration layer [41] and surfaces with low-surface-energy (hydrophobicity or superhydrophobicity) that can repel bio-contaminants [42].…”

Electrophoretic Deposition of Biocompatible and Bioactive Hydroxyapatite-Based Coatings on Titanium

“…The advantage of polymer application in reconstruction surgery, in the native or composite form, can be recognized in the possibility of producing structures with enhanced physical and mechanical properties, e.g., controlled degradation rates, porosity, enhanced biocompatibility etc. The wide field of biodegradable polymers' applications includes dentistry [23,24], tissue engineering [25,26], drug delivery [27,28], orthopedic devices [29,30], artificial skin [31,32], and cardiovascular surgery [33,34]. The most used synthetic polymers in tissue reconstruction surgery are listed below:…”