Light-sensitive PEG hydrogel with antibacterial performance for pacemaker pocket infection prevention

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Infectious Disease Research
• Medical Device Engineering

Background:

• Cardiovascular implantable electronic device (CIED) infections pose significant risks to patient outcomes.
• Effective prevention strategies for CIED infections are critical.
• Novel antimicrobial coatings are needed to enhance CIED safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an adhesive and antibacterial hydrogel coating for preventing CIED infections.
• To immobilize polyethylene glycol (PEG) and 2'-O-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (HAC) on titanium (Ti) surfaces.
• To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy and adhesion properties of the developed hydrogel coating.

Main Methods:

• Ti surfaces were treated to form amine groups (-NH2) for enhanced hydrogel adhesion.
• A photo-cross-linkable PEG/HAC hydrogel was immobilized onto the treated Ti surface.
• Surface characterization, adhesion testing, and in vitro/in vivo antimicrobial assays were performed.

Main Results:

• Successful immobilization of the PEG/HAC hydrogel coating on Ti implants was confirmed.
• The hydrogel coating demonstrated excellent adhesion to the Ti surface.
• Significant in vitro and in vivo antimicrobial activity was observed against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Conclusions:

• The photo-cross-linked PEG/HAC hydrogel coating is effectively formed on Ti implants.
• This novel coating exhibits potent antimicrobial properties.
• The PEG/HAC hydrogel coating shows significant potential for preventing CIED pocket infections.