Tissue-Compatible and Lubricated Hydrogel Catheter with Promising Activity Against Polymicrobial Infections for...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Infectious Disease Research
• Medical Device Engineering

Background:

• Endotracheal intubation is critical for critically ill patients but can cause tissue damage and lead to ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).
• Current VAP management relies on antibiotics, lacking effective targeted prophylaxis against tenacious biofilms of drug-resistant pathogens.
• Existing catheters pose risks of tissue damage and microbial colonization, necessitating improved device designs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel hydrogel catheter functionalized with quaternary phosphonium salts for VAP prevention.
• To assess the catheter's tissue compatibility, lubrication, and antimicrobial properties against drug-resistant bacteria and fungi.
• To validate the catheter's efficacy in preventing VAP using a polymicrobial infection model.

Main Methods:

• Copolymerization of quaternary phosphonium electrolyte and acrylic acid monomers to create the hydrogel catheter.
• Characterization of the hydrogel's mechanical properties, tissue compatibility, antifouling, lubrication, and hydrophilicity.
• In vitro assessment of broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against multi-drug resistant bacteria and fungi.
• In vivo validation using a polymicrobial infection model mimicking VAP pathogenesis.

Main Results:

• The hydrogel catheter exhibited tunable mechanical properties, good tissue compatibility, antifouling, stable lubrication, and superior hydrophilicity.
• Demonstrated potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, eradicating ~99% of multi-drug resistant bacteria and 80% of fungi.
• Effectively inhibited pathogen invasion and prevented biofilm formation in a VAP pathogenesis model.

Conclusions:

• The quaternary phosphonium salts functionalized hydrogel catheter offers enhanced tissue compatibility and potent antimicrobial activity.
• This novel catheter design shows significant promise for preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia by inhibiting drug-resistant pathogens and biofilm formation.
• Represents a significant advancement in prophylactic strategies for VAP, potentially reducing patient morbidity and healthcare costs.