Visualized and pH-responsive hydrogel antibacterial coating for ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Device Coatings

Background:

• Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a serious healthcare-acquired infection linked to bacterial colonization on endotracheal tubes (ETTs).
• Existing ETTs provide a surface for bacterial biofilm formation, complicating infection control, especially in prolonged ventilation scenarios like those seen with COVID-19.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a pH-responsive antimicrobial coating for ETTs that can both indicate infection and deliver therapeutic agents.
• To evaluate the efficacy of this coating in preventing biofilm formation and treating VAP in an animal model.

Main Methods:

• A hydrogel coating (FK-MEM@CMCO-CS) was fabricated on PVC-based ETTs using chitosan, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose oxidation (CMCO), meropenem (MEM), and FK13-a1.
• The coating incorporated bromothymol blue (BTB) for pH-based visual indication of bacterial activity.
• In vitro and in vivo (VAP rat model) studies were conducted to assess coating performance.

Main Results:

• The FK-MEM@CMCO-CS coating exhibited pH-responsive release of MEM and FK13-a1.
• Significant inhibition of bacterial biofilm formation and adhesion was observed.
• In vivo, the coating reduced bacterial growth, lung inflammation, and demonstrated good biocompatibility.

Conclusions:

• The developed FK-MEM@CMCO-CS coating is an effective antimicrobial solution for ETTs, capable of signaling infection and delivering drugs.
• This technology shows promise for preventing VAP and has potential for industrial-scale production.