Implant infection (Antifouling and antimicrobial surface coatings through poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline),)

Bacterial infection of implanted materials and devices is a major health care problem causing an adverse impact on the quality of life of patients and high costs. Numerous studies have been conducted to generate thin coatings that reduce bacterial adhesion on solid substrates. Particularly, coatings based on polymers play a significant role in the design and creation of antifouling and antimicrobial surfaces. Some coatings attempt to overcome the issue of biofouling by incorporating the active moiety into a biopassive background, providing the surface with both biopassive and bioactive activities. Herein we report the design of dual functional surfaces by combining nonadhesive properties of poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) (PMOXA) with an antibiotic moiety to kill bacteria adhering onto the surface. The nonadhesive properties of PMOXA modified surfaces have been investigated and shown to be as efficient as poly(ethylene glycol) based surfaces in suppressing the adhesion of proteins and bacteria.