Bionic Protein Bond Constraint-Reinforced and Enriched Multifunctional Hydrogel Coating for Invasive Medical Devices

Dual-targeted strategies addressing both infection and trauma from invasive devices are imperative. Herein, we developed a bionic protein bond constraint strategy to construct multifunctional quaternary ammonium hydrogel coatings (BEAC). Inspired by the secondary bonds stabilizing the protein tertiary structure, BEAC was synthesized by integrating acryloyloxyethyl trimethylammonium chloride (DAC) with amide-rich hydrophilic components. This architecture establishes bionic bond constraints via hydrogen bonding, ion‒dipole interactions, van der Waals forces, etc. The robust BEAC results in a 280% increase in tensile strength over that of the DAC, a low friction coefficient (0.08), and a tissue-matching surface modulus (198.7 kPa). Furthermore, BEAC promotes the surface enrichment of quaternary ammonium, ensuring superior antifouling, with an antibacterial rate exceeding 99.6%. Consequently, BEAC-modified nasogastric and urinary catheters significantly mitigate foreign body responses and infection risks through dual-action protection. This work provides a promising strategy for designing multifunctional hydrogel coatings, with potential applications for various invasive devices.