Preparation of anti-biofilm coating onto the catheter

Catheters-related infections are causing huge problems to patients and health care providers in the world as it increases the mortality rate of patients and health care costs. They are mostly caused by bacteria adhesion, protein adsorption and the formation of biofilm on catheters’ surfaces. Therefore, this project aimed to prepare the best SBMA anti-biofilm coating onto the catheter by using among 3 different types of methods, such as surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization, surface-initiated free radical polymerization and redox reaction polymerization. Scanning electron microscope, drop shape analyzer and in-vitro anti-biofilm test with MRSA bacteria were performed on the catheters coated with SBMA anti-biofilm coating prepared by the 3 different types of polymerization methods to evaluate and compare their properties to determine the best anti-biofilm coating method among them. The project concludes that coating SBMA onto ozone treated PU catheter through redox reaction polymerization produces the best anti-biofilm properties and it is recommended to perform further tests on its biological properties in the future before it can be proven safe, effective and efficient to be used in medical facilities and on patients.Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering