Multilayer nanocoating of Foley urinary catheter by chlorhexidine-loaded nanoparticles for prolonged release and anti-infection of urinary tract

Abstract

Two types of chlorhexidine-loaded nanoparticles (CHX-loaded nanoparticles) were prepared: poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(ε-caprolactone) micelles and poly(ε-caprolactone) nanospheres. They were prepared by the solvent evaporation method and were used to coat the Foley urinary catheters. The 90 bilayers of dip coating with chlorhexidine-micelles and the 40 cycles of spray coating with chlorhexidine-nanospheres were investigated. The coating provided the CHX content as high as 93.59 ± 9.14 μg/cm² and the thickness of coating was 9.17 ± 0.08 μm. Coated catheters were also investigated in the in vitro chlorhexidine-release, antibacterial activity, and cytotoxicity. CHX release from the coated catheters was controlled. The bacteria proliferation was inhibited up to 28 days and showed the reduction of bacteria on the coated catheter surface. Coated catheters showed no biofilm on the surface. In addition, the cytotoxicity showed no cytotoxic effect from the coating. These nanocoating systems promoted potential uses for indwelling catheter and urinary tract infection.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Chlorhexidine
• micelles
• nanospheres
• antimicrobial
• cytotoxicity
• degradation

Disclosure statement

The authors have declared no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This research project was supported by Mahidol University, Thailand.