2026-10-12T06:43:43Z https://api.figshare.com/v2/oai

oai:figshare.com:article/32633589 2026-10-01T17:01:51Z portal_1172 item_type_8 month_year_10_2026

Plasma-mediated approaches for biomaterial surface modification Lu Wang (45927) PUREID: 382644112 Plasma treatment Silicone rubber Urinary tract infections Hydrophilic coating Lubricious CAUTI Biomaterials are widely applied in disabled patients or in patients after surgical treatments to facilitate healing. However, biomaterial-associated infections can easily occur because bacteria can grow within biofilm communities on the surface of implanted devices, making treatment challenging and with an increased risk of patient mortality. The occurrence of such infections has led to significant healthcare expenditure, especially in patients with long-term conditions. Infections of medical devices, such as urinary catheters, endotracheal tubes, and central venous catheters, are the leading causes of healthcare-acquired infections. Urinary tract infections account for about 30% of all healthcare-acquired infections. Silicone is commonly employed as a substrate for pharmaceutical and medical device applications, including urinary catheters, because of its remarkable inertness, stability, and softness. However, due to their hydrophobic properties, the clinical application of these devices is limited by associated problems of infection and tissue trauma upon implantation. Many methods have been developed for modifying surface properties, including wet chemicals, plasma treatment, etc. Plasma treatment, as an environmentally friendly method, can activate the surface of biomaterials, and modify the surface hydrophilicity without changing the bulk properties. Moreover, robust hydrophilic coatings were developed on silicone after silane priming pre-treatment. Grafted hydrogel coatings offer much promise for reducing common issues of infection, pain, and tissue damage associated with the use of hydrophobic medical device materials. This study has demonstrated an effective method for producing a long-term stable hydrophilic hydrogel coating loaded with nalidixic acid on hydrophobic medical device materials with the reduction of bacterial adherence.<br><i><br>Thesis embargoed until 31st December 2027</i> 2026-10-01T17:01:51Z Text Thesis 10.17034/32633589.v1 https://figshare.com/articles/thesis/Plasma-mediated_approaches_for_biomaterial_surface_modification/32633589 All Rights Reserved Open Access after 2027-12-31