Laccase coating of catheters with poly(catechin) for biofilm reduction

Abstract

Urinary polyurethane (PU) and silicone (SI) catheters were coated with poly(catechin) to reduce bacterial adhesion. Laccase was used as a biocatalyst to oxidize the catechin monomer and produce the polymer. Optimization of the catheter surface functionalization followed two different approaches: with or without previous alkali treatment. The results indicated higher levels of polymer attachment for the alkali-treated catheters ( 18% for PU and  33% for SI catheters). The reduction of biofilm formation on the catheter surface was quantitatively evaluated under static adhesion conditions against Escherichia coli (96% reduction on PU) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (81% reduction on SI). The type of catheter material greatly influenced bacterial adhesion, though alkali treatment was consistently beneficial for poly(catechin) attachment and consequently for biofilm reduction.