Oleamide–PDMS copolymer for coating urinary catheters with anti-adhesive and anti-biofilm properties

Background Biofilm formation on biomedical devices is a prevalent problem that can result in several complications and is responsible for over 80% of all clinical infections. Successful treatment of biofilms requires a 1500-fold increase in antibiotic concentration, which can lead to toxicity and antibiotic resistance. Therefore, biofilm growth and infection in biomedical devices are significant concerns, and their prevention is a crucial medical challenge. Objectives To prevent biofilm infection by modifying the surface properties of medical devices, an oleamide–polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) copolymer was synthesized to demonstrate anti-adhesion to bacteria and anti-biofilm activity. Catheter coatings for biomedical device applications were evaluated by blood toxicity. Results We synthesized an oleamide–PDMS copolymer (OPC) and evaluated its anti-adhesion and anti-biofilm activities against the gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) and the gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus ). The OPC films inhibited the growth of biofilms by inhibiting early adhesion of bacteria. As the oleamide content increased, the ability of the OPC films to inhibit E. coli and S. aureus surface adhesion also increased. In addition, the biofilm formation ability of both E. coli and S. aureus was significantly inhibited at oleamide contents of 2.5 wt% and 5 wt% in the OPC films, respectively. OPC films were applied to the catheter using a simple dip-coating method, and a low hemolytic capacity was confirmed by hemolysis analysis. Conclusion The anti-adhesion ability of OPC enables them to prevent biofilm growth and infection. Furthermore, they can be applied in medical devices owing to their high biocompatibility and poor hemolytic properties.