A stable dual functional superhydrophobic coating to inhibit Proteus mirabilis colonization, migration, and encrustation formation for urinary catheter applications

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections are some of the most common hospital-acquired infections. Proteus mirabilis, a common pathogen associated with urinary tract infections, has swarming motility and has pili on its surface for adhesion and flagella for upward movement. Migration of P. mirabilis along the catheter surface can lead to ascending urinary tract infection. However, there is currently a lack of effective strategies to inhibit or delay the colonization, migration, and encrustation formation of P. mirabilis in urinary catheters. This study developed a method for constructing a stable superhydrophobic coating on the surface of urinary catheters using a layer-by-layer approach. The adhesion and deposition of polydopamine were enhanced by pre-coating a liquid bandage film on the polydimethylsiloxane surface, resulting in a multilayer micro-nano composite structure on the catheter surface. This structure was combined with copper ions and superhydrophobic modifiers, ultimately resulting in a highly stable superhydrophobic coating. The coating retains its superhydrophobic properties after prolonged incubation, friction tests, and tape peeling tests. Importantly, the coating demonstrates excellent efficacy in inhibiting P. mirabilis colonization, migration, and encrustation formation. This study offers novel insights into developing biomedical superhydrophobic coatings with enhanced stability and efficacy in inhibiting urinary tract bacterial infections.