Antibacterial and antifouling materials for urinary catheter coatings

Implantable medical devices have played a significant role in improving both medical care and patients' quality of life. Urinary Catheters (UCs) are commonly utilized as a substitute for bladder drainage and urine collection to prevent urinary retention in patients. However, bacterial colonization and biofilm formation on the catheter surface are prone to occur, leading to catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) and other complications. In recent years, UC coatings have garnered increasing attention. In this review, various antifouling and antibacterial materials for UC coatings are summarized and their impacts on bacterial activities are linked to potential mechanisms of action. Additionally, this review provides an in-depth understanding of the current advancements in UC coatings by presenting the advantages, limitations, notable achievements, and latest research findings. Finally, it anticipates the prospective design and development trajectories of UC coatings in this domain. This holds paramount significance in advancing medical device technology.

Statement of significance

Combating catheter-associated urinary tract infections is a major healthcare challenge, and urinary catheter (UC) coatings are considered promising candidates to counter these infections. In this review, various antifouling and antibacterial materials for UCs are summarized, and their impacts on bacterial activities are linked to potential mechanisms of action. Additionally, the review provides an in-depth understanding of the current advancements in UC coatings by presenting the advantages, limitations, notable achievements, and latest research findings. This holds paramount significance in advancing medical device technology.

This review not only contributes to the scientific research but also sparks interest among readerships and other researchers in the study of safer and more effective UC coatings for improved patient outcomes.