A universal anti-thrombotic and antibacterial coating: A chemical approach directed by Fenton reaction and silane coupling

Blood-contacting devices, including vascular stents, catheters and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), often lead to complications such as thrombosis, inflammation and infections, resulting in implantation failure and adverse events in clinical applications. In this study, a facile and universal antifouling coating with superhydrophobic properties was proposed to improve the contacting interface for combating thrombosis and bacterial infections. The fabrication of the coating was based on Fenton reaction and silane coupling. Oxidative groups were introduced after Fenton activation and topological structure was constructed on the surface by silane coupling agents, and fluoride was used for modification. The obtained superhydrophobic coatings appeared as compact and uniform nanofibers that possessed good resistance to protein adsorption and platelet adhesion, while the thrombus formation was inhibited. In addition, the adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was effectively prevented, which potentially delayed the formation of biofilm and reduced the risk of infections. The coating was applicable to a variety of substrates (polymer, non-metallic inorganic and metallic) and the superhydrophobic properties were preserved after immersion in PBS for 28 days, indicating that it was a promising antithrombotic and antibacterial candidate for modification of medical devices.