A Temperature‐Sensing Hydrogel Coating on The Medical Catheter

Abstract Medical surgical catheters are widely used in the medical field for drug delivery or postoperative drainage. However, infections associated with local temperature rise often occur at the catheter‐tissue interface, resulting in irreversible pathological damage, cognitive behavioral abnormalities, or even an increased risk of mortality if not monitored in time. Herein, an in situ temperature‐sensing hydrogel coating on the outer surface of medical surgical catheters for real‐time infection monitoring is developed. The hydrogel coating exhibits a record temperature coefficient of resistance of 2.90% °C −1 and maintains stable in vivo. Besides, the hydrogel layer forms a mechanically compatible catheter‐tissue interface and minimizes the risk of inflammatory responses due to its tissue‐like softness (Young's modulus of 4.24 kPa). By applying it in the early detection of infections in the brain of SD rats, the individual survival rate has increased to 90% with timely intervention.