Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 30, 2025
High-throughput Identification of Bacteria Repellent Polymers for Medical Devices
Published on: November 5, 2016
Surface Functionalization of Ureteral Stents-Based Polyurethane: Engineering Antibacterial Coatings
Kardelen Ecevit1,2, Eduardo Silva1,2, Luísa C Rodrigues1,2
13B's Research Group, I3Bs-Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Avepark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco GMR, Portugal.
Functionalizing polyurethane ureteral stents with chitosan-fatty acid derivatives effectively prevents bacterial colonization. This strategy enhances antibacterial properties, particularly against Gram-negative bacteria, addressing a key clinical challenge.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Medical Device Engineering
Background:
- Bacterial colonization of polyurethane (PU) ureteral stents causes significant clinical complications.
- There is a critical need for advanced materials to prevent stent-associated infections.
- Current treatments for stent infections are often challenging and invasive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate chitosan-fatty acid (CS-FA) derivatives for functionalizing PU ureteral stents.
- To assess the biocompatibility and antibacterial efficacy of the modified stents.
- To investigate the potential of this approach for preventing bacterial adhesion on medical devices.
Main Methods:
- Grafting three fatty acids (stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid) onto chitosan (CS) to create CS-FA derivatives.
- Coating PU ureteral stents with the synthesized CS-FA derivatives.
- Evaluating cytotoxicity using the L929 cell line.
- Assessing antibacterial activity against various microorganisms, including Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative bacteria.
Main Results:
- CS-FA derivative coatings exhibited negligible cytotoxicity, confirming biocompatibility.
- Coated PU stents showed improved antibacterial performance against Staphylococcus aureus compared to unmodified stents.
- A marked increase in antibacterial efficacy against Gram-negative bacteria was observed after surface functionalization.
- The CS-FA functionalization strategy proved effective in enhancing the antimicrobial properties of PU stents.
Conclusions:
- CS-FA derivatives are a promising strategy for the surface functionalization of ureteral PU stents.
- This approach significantly enhances the antibacterial properties of PU stents, especially against Gram-negative bacteria.
- The developed CS-FA coatings hold potential for application in other biomedical devices requiring antimicrobial surfaces.
