The possible role of Zinc compounds on the cytotoxicity of latex Foley urinary catheters

Abstract

Objective: The cytotoxic effects of natural rubber gloves and urinary catheters on different cells have been earlier reported. In order to reduce these effects, various coating techniques such as silver or polymer (hydrogel, silicone, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)) coatings have been developed. However, during manufacturing process of silicone-coated rubber catheters, similar to latex catheters, zinc compounds, which have cytotoxic effects are added to the natural rubber base. The aim of this study was to compare the in vitro cytotoxic effects of rubber catheters with the silicone-coated rubber and to investigate the causes of the toxic effect. Method: The cytotoxic effects of total 48 urinary catheters in three different structure (natural rubber, silicone, silicone-coated rubber) and 8 different brands were analysed in mouse connective tissue fibroblast cell culture (L-929) by qualitative (imaging and scoring) and quantitative (MTT) methods. The levels of the elements in catheter extracts were examined in an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Results: Compared with standard polyethylene used as a negative control, the extracts from 100% silicone did not change vitality of the fibroblast cells.