Plasma-mediated approaches for surface modification of silicone rubber

Infection of medical devices, such as urinary catheters, endotracheal tubes and central venous catheters, are the leading cause of healthcare-acquired infections. Bacteria grow within biofilm communities on the surface of implanted devices, making treatment challenging with increased risk of patient mortality and resulting in significant healthcare expenditure. The aim of this study was to develop a new plasma-based approach for producing stable antibacterial hydrogel coatings on silicone, a commonly employed hydrophobic medical device material, to prevent associated infections and tissue trauma problems.