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oai:figshare.com:article/32640462 2026-10-01T16:30:58Z portal_1172 item_type_8 month_year_10_2026

Development and evaluation of infection-resistant coatings for medical devices Xiao Teng (7143998) PUREID: 617915679 Hydrogel antibacterial coating ionic liquid gels Healthcare-associated infections are a significant concern, leading to surgical failures, increased patient mortality, and higher healthcare costs. These infections primarily result from bacterial invasion and biofilm formation on device surfaces. This research aims to develop, characterize, and compare antibacterial hydrogels to combat such infections. Two types of hydrogels were fabricated: antibacterial agent-releasing hydrogels and contact-killing hydrogels. Cationic surfactants, benzalkonium chloride (BAK) and didecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB), were incorporated into acrylate-based hydrogels to target S. aureus and E. coli. Additionally, 1-vinyl-3-imidazolium bromide was used to create contact-active hydrogels against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa.HEMA copolymers with methyl methacrylate (MMA) and methacrylic acid (MAA) were synthesized to study their hydrophilicity, water uptake, and drug release profiles using fluorescein sodium (FS). The p(85% HEMA-co-15% MAA) hydrogels showed increased hydrophilicity and pH-sensitive swelling, suitable for urological applications, while p(85% HEMA-co-15% MMA) demonstrated slower drug release rates.BAK and DDAB showed strong bactericidal effects but were cytotoxic at certain concentrations. To mitigate this, VBIM was incorporated into hydrogels, resulting in surfaces with strong anti-adherent properties and excellent cytocompatibility. VBIM-based hydrogels applied as PVC coatings exhibited enhanced hydrophilicity and significant bacterial resistance but were less effective in the presence of protein adsorption. This research underscores the potential of antibacterial hydrogels in preventing device-associated infections, suggesting future work to optimize their clinical application by balancing antimicrobial efficacy, cytocompatibility, and protein resistance.<br><i><br>Thesis embargoed until 31st December 2029</i> 2026-10-01T16:30:58Z Text Thesis 10.17034/32640462.v1 https://figshare.com/articles/thesis/Development_and_evaluation_of_infection-resistant_coatings_for_medical_devices/32640462 All Rights Reserved Open Access after 2029-12-31