Straightforward Preparation of Polyurethane-based Biomaterials with Dual Antibacterial and Anti-Adhesive Properties for Long-Lasting Catheter Applications

Catheter-associated infections is a major concern in hospital, leading to both life-threating for the patients and a high cost for society. The development of a straightforward and industrial route to make antibacterial catheter is thus worthwhile. This study demonstrates that the use of 2 wt% of an antibacterial MeI-quaternized Poly(butyl methacrylate – block – Poly (N,N-dimetylaminoethyl methacrylate) P(BMA-b-DMAEMA) copolymer in combination with 2 wt% of an anti-adhesive Poly(butyl methacrylate – block – Poly(poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) P(BMA-b-PEGxMA) copolymer (with x the molecular weight of the PEG) as additives during the extrusion of the polyurethane matrix is an efficient method to produce antibacterial and anti-adhesive PU materials without loss of activity after exposure to biologic media. The addition in the formulation of the anti-adhesive copolymers enables to protect the surface from passivation and then to keep the contact possible between the bacteria and the antibacterial material. The antibacterial activity of the materials against E. coli and S. aureus is then preserved even after exposure to albumin, plasma, intralipids or gastric acids. The prepared biomaterials present also no toxicity and were able to limit E. coli biofilm formation. Based on these results, this methodology can be realistically envisioned to elaborate long-lasting veinous or enteral catheters.