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oai:figshare.com:article/32641275 2026-10-01T16:24:29Z portal_1172 item_type_8 month_year_10_2026

Self-triggered smart biomaterials Jingyi Xu (6522) PUREID: 641494994 Biomaterials Hydrogel pH rifampicin ionic liquids weak organic acids Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) contribute a considerable logistical and economic burden on the healthcare system and is detrimental to patient quality of life. However, there is still a lack of effective methods to fully prevent and eradicate these infections, especially those caused by Proteus mirabilis which exacerbates the risk of catheter encrustation and blockage by increasing urinary pH during CAUTI development. Therefore, there is a need for novel approaches to prevent or delay CAUTI  and catheter encrustation. In this thesis, stimuli-responsive strategies were investigated as a potential solution. Firstly, free weak organic acids (WOAs) were shown to possess potential as anti-encrustation agents by counteracting <i>P. mirabilis</i>-induced urine alkalinisation which agreed with previous literature. However, this thesis, for the first time, synthesised a WOA-monomer conjugate which could be polymerised to form a hydrogel coating for controlled release of WOA in response to a rise in pH during CAUTI development. Later aspects of the thesis focused on improved use of antibiotics for the prevention of CAUTI. A pH-responsive hydrogel coating was developed for infection-responsive delivery of rifampicin which was shown to be able to provide on/off drug release in response to <i>P. mirabilis</i>. Subsequent co-incorporation of hydrophobic ionic liquids with rifampicin enhanced the antibacterial efficacy. This approach offers a new avenue to provide long-term protection against CAUTI, as well as other medical device-associated infections.<br><br><i>Thesis is embargoed until 31 July 2028.</i> 2026-10-01T16:24:29Z Text Thesis 10.17034/32641275.v1 https://figshare.com/articles/thesis/Self-triggered_smart_biomaterials/32641275 All Rights Reserved Open Access after 2028-07-31