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Biomedical coatings based on chitin soluble extract for inhibition of fungal adhesion to polymeric surfaces

Meital Zilberman1, Alon Navon, Hana Sandovsky-Losica

  • 1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel. meitalz@eng.tau.ac.il

Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part A
|November 23, 2006
PubMed

Insights

A new chitin soluble extract (CSE) coating for polyurethane (PU) medical devices significantly reduces Candida albicans adhesion, preventing fungal infections. This innovative coating offers a promising solution for developing safer medical devices.

Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Medical Microbiology
  • Polymer Chemistry

Background:

  • Indwelling medical devices, like intravenous (IV) catheters made of polyurethane (PU), are susceptible to fungal biofilm formation by Candida species.
  • Candida biofilms on device surfaces act as a source for systemic, difficult-to-treat infections, increasing morbidity and mortality in vulnerable patients.
  • Current strategies for preventing fungal infections associated with medical devices are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop and evaluate a novel chitin soluble extract (CSE) coating for polyurethane (PU) surfaces.
  • To assess the efficacy of CSE coatings in inhibiting the adhesion of Candida albicans.
  • To investigate the durability of the anti-adhesion properties of CSE coatings over time.

Main Methods:

  • CSE was immobilized onto PU films using both chemical binding and physical adsorption techniques.
  • The structural characteristics of the CSE coating were analyzed, revealing a unique tertiary structure with nanoscale 'fingers'.
  • The inhibition of Candida albicans adhesion to CSE-coated PU surfaces was quantified using adherence assays.

Main Results:

  • CSE coatings demonstrated significant inhibition of Candida albicans adhesion, with 75% reduction for chemical binding and 83% for physical adsorption.
  • The anti-adhesion effect of the CSE coatings remained substantial even after 11 weeks of evaluation.
  • The unique nanostructure of the CSE coating, featuring concentric arrangements of nanoscale 'fingers', is associated with its anti-adhesion properties.

Conclusions:

  • Chitin soluble extract (CSE) coatings effectively prevent Candida albicans adhesion to polyurethane (PU) surfaces.
  • CSE coatings offer a durable and potent strategy for reducing fungal infections associated with indwelling medical devices.
  • This research paves the way for a new generation of medical devices with inherent antifungal surface properties.

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