Antimicrobial polymer coatings to combat infection of medical devices

Abstract

Medical devices are vital in modern medicine, but device-associated infections pose significant challenges. Bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on device surfaces lead to infections with serious consequences. This thesis focuses on combating prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Releasing-type antibacterial coatings were developed for medical devices to combat microorganisms causing infections. Antibiotic-loaded poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) polymer films were prepared via airbrushing onto orthopedic implants to address PJIs. PLGA coatings showed controlled antibiotic release, inhibiting bacterial growth for up to a month. Weak organic acid (WOA)-loaded poly (lactic acid) (PLA) coatings were developed for indwelling urinary catheters to tackle CAUTIs. WOA-loaded PLA coatings demonstrated antibacterial and antiencrustation effects, inhibiting bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. The feasibility of forming antimicrobial polymer coatings via airbrush spray coating and dip coating methods was validated, offering potential in reducing device-associated infections in clinical settings.

Thesis is embargoed until 31 July 2029.

Date of Award	Jul 2024
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Supervisor	Matthew Wylie (Supervisor) & Colin McCoy (Supervisor)