Surface modification of a polyethylene film for anticoagulant and antimicrobial catheter

Abstract

A functional anticoagulant and anti-bacterial coating for polyethylene (PE) films is described. The stepwise preparation of this nanocomposite surface coating involves O2 plasma etching of PE film, carbodiimide coupling of cysteamine to the etched PE film, binding of Ag to sulfhydryl groups of cysteamine, and assembly of heparin capped AgNPs on the PE film. The nanocomposite film and its components were characterized by 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and field emission-scanning electron microscopy. The resulting PE films demonstrate anticoagulant activity using a hemoglobin whole blood clotting assay, and anti-bacterial activity against Bacillus cereus 3551 (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli BL21 (Gram-negative) bacteria. The hydrophilicity of the heparin coated PE was determined by contact angle measurements; and the stability of the nanocomposite film, with respect to Ag leaching, was assessed by atomic absorption spectroscopy.

Different concepts for creating antibacterial yet biocompatible surfaces: Adding bactericidal element, grafting therapeutic agent through COOH plasma polymer and their combination

“…Although the bulk properties of materials in healthcare applications have been more or less fully optimized, the implant-related microbial infections remain a serious problem in reconstructive surgery [8]. Surface engineering is an effective tool to impart desirable chemical, biological, and mechanical characteristics to a surface without compromising its bulk properties [9,10]. The modification of chemistry and morphology of an implant surface may significantly affect both antibacterial activity and bioactivity [11][12][13].…”

Enhanced Antibacterial Activity of Poly (dimethylsiloxane) Membranes by Incorporating SiO2 Microspheres Generated Silver Nanoparticles

“…When the surface of PDMS was modified with vinyl groups, their surface properties changed significantly, as shown in Figure 2a. A material surface with a water contact angle (WCA) above 90° was deemed to be hydrophobic, while that below 90° was deemed to be hydrophilic [31]. After the surface of PDMS was pre-treated with sulfuric acid, the WCA decreased from 108.75° to 28.72° and it presented high hydrophilicity because so many hydroxyl groups had been created.…”

Bactericidal ZnO glass-filled thermoplastic polyurethane and polydimethyl siloxane composites to inhibit biofilm-associated infections

“…Catheters are used in many medical procedures, being particularly common their insertion into blood vessels. The presence of indwelling catheters can pose risks of infection but also of blood clotting 39 . General screening tests were used to measure the integrity of the extrinsic and final common (PT test) as well as the intrinsic (uPTT test) pathways of the coagulation cascade 40,41 .…”