Enzymatic synthesis of poly(catechin)-antibiotic conjugates: an antimicrobial approach for indwelling catheters

Biofilm formation in urinary indwelling catheters is one of the most critical issues that patients face. Catheters were coated with poly(catechin)-antibiotic conjugates with enhanced antimicrobial properties. Catechin was conjugated with two antibiotics, namely trimethoprim (TMP) and sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) via activation with N,N'-disuccinimidyl carbonate (DSC) and subsequent coupling to molecules containing α-amine moieties. Silicone and polyurethane catheters were functionalized in situ through laccase oxidation of catechin-antibiotic conjugates. Four antimicrobial coatings were produced, namely with poly(catechin), poly(catechin)-TMP, poly(catechin)-SMZ and poly(catechin)-TMP-SMZ. The bacterial adhesion reduction was tested on the functionalized devices using gram-negative and gram-positive strains. The most significant reduction in adhesion was observed with poly(catechin)-TMP (gram-negative -85 % and gram-positive -87 %) and with poly(catechin)-TMP-SMZ (gram-negative -85 % and gram-positive -91 %). The cytotoxicity to mammalian cells was tested by indirect contact for 5 days and revealed that all the tested coatings supported more than 90 % of viable cells. A promising approach for the increase of the indwelling catheter lifespan was developed aiming to reduce catheter-associated chronic infections.