New polymer-antibiotic systems to inhibit bacterial biofilm formation: A suitable approach to prevent central venous catheter-associated infections

Intravascular catheters are widely employed in medical practice. However, complications such as local or systemic infections are frequently related to their use. The significant increase in this type of nosocomial infection has prompted the search for new strategies to prevent them. This paper reports on an experimental model to prevent catheter-related infections based on the adsorption of a beta-lactam antibiotic (cefamandole nafate) on functionalized urethane polymers. The polyurethanes synthesized were used to coat a commercial central venous catheter. The influence of functional groups on the polymer-antibiotic interaction was analyzed and the kinetics of the antibiotic release from the catheters was dynamically studied. We were able to realize a polymer-antibiotic system able to inhibit bacterial growth up to 7 days. These promising results have encouraged us to extend this experimental model to other polymer-antibiotic systems in order to identify those allowing bacterial growth inhibition for longer times.