Recent advances in hydrogel coatings for urinary catheters

Abstract

Catheters are commonly used in hospital treatment, but most of the medical materials used in the production of catheters are hydrophobic, with high surface friction and weak antibacterial properties, so a large amount of money is spent on the treatment of catheter-related urinary tract infections worldwide every year. To improve the comfort of patients, weaken the friction and damage between urinary catheters and urethra, and reduce economic burden, coating the urethral catheter surface is a good strategy. Because of the softness, lubricity and functional network structure (load or graft different substances) of hydrogel, it has a wide range of applications for medical devices. In recent years, the studies of hydrogel coatings in urethral catheters have received more and more attention. This review mainly summarized the research progress of hydrogel coating in recent years, including its function and the method of guiding the grafting of hydrogel to the substrate, and the prospects in the future.

Polymer-Drug Anti-Thrombogenic and Hemocompatible Coatings as Surface Modifications

“…As a result, the composite coating demonstrated excellent anti-thrombogenic properties, making it a promising material for applications in biomedical devices and implants. Crosslinking using non-toxic Zn-ligand coordination chemistry played a vital role in enhancing the water resistance and mechanical properties of the obtained coatings [ 82 ].…”

Emerging evidence-based innovative approaches to control catheter-associated urinary tract infection: a review

“…Hydrogel-coated catheters do offer short-term benefits of greater patient comfort and reduced microbial adherence. However, their long-term use is a concern due to the cytotoxic potential of hydrogels due to the presence of unreacted monomers, and also the physicochemical properties of the hydrogels are not clearly understood ( Siddiq and Darouiche, 2012 ; Dai et al., 2023 ). This can lead to changes in the surface properties of the hydrogel and promote microbial adhesion, increasing the risk of CAUTI.…”

Photoassisted Surface Modification with Zwitterionic Phosphorylcholine Polymers for the Fabrication of Ideal Biointerfaces

“…The BP coating technique has been adopted to modify the surface of poly­(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). Due to its excellent mechanical property, gas permeability, processability, and transparency, PDMS is widely used to fabricate biomedical devices. , However, the hydrophobicity of PDMS can cause biofouling and friction. , Therefore, researchers have sought to modify the surface of PDMS using MPC polymers. , For example, Goda et al reported modified PDMS using MPC through photopolymerization . BP was coated on PDMS using an acetone solution, and MPC was polymerized on the PDMS surface under UV irradiation.…”

“…36,37 However, the hydrophobicity of PDMS can cause biofouling and friction. 38,39 Therefore, researchers have sought to modify the surface of PDMS using MPC polymers. 25,40 For example, Goda et al reported modified PDMS using MPC through photopolymerization.…”