An antibacterial hydrogel coating with pH-regulated rifampicin loading for prevention of catheter-associated infections

) across a pH range of 2.0-9.5 due to pH-dependent charge modulation. Additionally, the sulfonated polyelectrolyte simultaneously offered excellent hydrophilic lubricity with a coefficient of friction <0.03 and anticoagulant properties. Such a multifunctional hydrogel coating with antibacterial, lubricating, and anticoagulant properties provides a promising approach to reducing catheter-associated infections, equipping medical polymer-based catheters with better practical performance.