Investigating the Anti-Biofilm Ability of Synergistic Drug Coated Urinary Catheters: In vitro Study

Aim: Coating the surface of urinary catheter using two different synergistic drug combinations to prevent bacterial adhesion was considered as the primary objective of the study. Materials and Methods: Coatings were carried out using two steps like seeding and crystallization with Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) as binding agent. Coated samples were analysed for FESEM analysis and FTIR analysis. FTIR spectrum of the synergistic drugs and carrier coated silicone was analysed for detecting the chemical interactions among them. Finally, anti-biofilm assay using minimal biofilm eradication concentration was determined to check the efficacy of coated samples. Findings: Topographical analysis of coated samples revealed as large uniform and continuous layer of parallelogram shapes on the catheter surface. From FTIR spectrum it was observed that addition of drugs and carriers did not altered the functional group of silicone. C-H vibration for methyl groups of silicone, terminal C-H stretch of drugs and asymmetric methyl groups of carriers was evident from some of the common peaks. The obtained peak showed that the functional group of silicone was not altered. Conclusion: These in vitro outcomes suggest that the antimicrobial combinations used in the present research (Cefixime+Ciprofloxacin; and Ofloxacin and Ornidazole) with specific carriers (tocopherol acetate and beta cyclodextrin) can possibly use to combat bacterial colonization and catheter-associated infections.