Poly(Vinylpyrrolidone) Graft in Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Catheters Using Gamma Radiation for Ciprofloxacin Loading and Release.

This study addresses the modification of poly(vinyl chloride) catheters with N-vinylpyrrolidone and ciprofloxacin to achieve an antimicrobial surface. The copolymer was synthesized using the grafting-from method with gamma rays as a physical initiator and under different reaction conditions (absorbed dose, monomer concentration, and solvent). The modified catheters attained hydrophilic properties and were tested for ciprofloxacin loading and release efficiency. Antibiotic-loaded materials successfully inhibited the growth of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa strains. Therefore, surfaces with PVP chains exhibit suitable features for the loading and release of small molecules like ciprofloxacin (a fluoroquinolone). Results suggest that graft copolymers are suitable materials for the fabrication of biomedical devices with antibacterial features.