Smart polysaccharide-based antifouling coating for surface management of urinary catheters

Abstract

Urinary catheters are associated with a high risk of bacterial infections and inflammation at the insertion site, leading to complications. These catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are among the most common hospital-acquired infections, posing significant health risks and increasing healthcare costs. This study introduces a smart polysaccharide-based antimicrobial and self-cleaning coating for urinary catheters, designed to address these challenges. The coating leverages the hydrophilicity of hyaluronic acid to reduce friction and prevent bacterial adhesion while incorporating chitosan and indocyanine green to provide a synergistic antimicrobial effect through cationic and sonodynamic mechanisms. The coating’s dynamic covalent bond structure enables self-healing and renewal, maintaining its efficacy even after contamination. By integrating these innovative features, the coating not only prevents bacterial colonisation but also ensures a clean and functional surface, thereby reducing the risk of CAUTIs and associated inflammation. This work represents a significant step forward in developing safer and more effective urinary catheters.