Hierarchically-structured laccase@Ba3(PO4)2 hybrid nanoflowers coating on the urinary foley catheter with high durability, biocompatibility, anti-adhesion activity, and contrasting behavior

Abstract

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are common causes of long-term indwelling urinary catheter failure. In such cases, pathogenic bacteria adhere to the urinary tract or catheter surface forming recalcitrant biofilms which may lead to secondary bloodstream infections. Today, antibiofilm coatings based on effective enzymes show promise in preventing CAUTIs. In the present study, laccase@Ba3(PO4)2•hybrid nanoflowers (HNFs) were applied as a novel infection-responsive coating for urinary catheters. Scanning electron microscopy images (SEM) exhibited a homogeneous surface of layered catheters without any broad or fine cracks. Compared to the uncoated catheter, the surface coating inhibited the adhesion of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus by 64.8 %, 78.2 %, 86.4 %, and 75 %, respectively. Furthermore, the laccase@Ba3(PO4)2•HNFs layered catheter showed negligible release of Ba2+ (12.9 μM) after a 7-day immersion in an artificial urine medium. This durable coating produced a strong computed tomography (CT) signal which would be useful for visualizing the placement of urinary catheters in patients. The high viability of human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells (>80 %) demonstrated the biocompatibility of the modified catheters. Therefore, it is suggested that surfaces coated with laccase@Ba3(PO4)2•HNFs hold appropriate potential for use in medical devices.