Effect of DMPEI coating against biofilm formation on PVC catheters nanotopography surface

Abstract

Abstract Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the major causes of morbidity in the health system. UTIs are directly linked to the use of urethral catheters, especially in surgical cases. PVC is one of the most used materials in catheters. Biofilms are polymeric structures that generate a safe environment for cell replication and the acquisition of antibiotic resistance. Strategies to prevent the development of biofilms on medical device surfaces involve molecules with antimicrobial properties, among them N,N-dodecyl, methyl polyethylenimine (DMPEI). This study aims to characterize the PVC and PVC-DMPEI surface morphology by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and hydrophobicity by contact angle measurement. Adhesion assay with Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans allowed the analysis of DMPEI efficacy in preventing microorganism adhesion onto PVC. Butanol efficiently solubilized 2 mg.mL− 1 DMPEI without compromising the PVC structure. SEM analysis confirmed the presence of a film of DMPEI on the PVC surface, reducing the roughness of the PVC surface (AFM), but increasing its hydrophilicity (contact angle analysis). The E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans adhesion assay onto PVC-DMPEI presented a significative reduction of 89.33%, 94.26%, and 86.63% in the presence of cells, respectively. SEM images confirmed the cell colonization reduction onto PVC-DMPEI surfaces and the significant change in E. coli morphology. DMPEI films efficiently reduce the adhesion of E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans onto PVC. The DMPEI polymer has the technological potential for coating smart medical devices with biofilm anti-adhesive properties.