Antimicrobial Catheter with pH-Dependent Lysozyme Release for Infection Control, C atheter-associated infections (CAIs) represent a significant and persistent challenge in modern healthcare, leading to increased patient morbidity, mortality, and economic costs.

A primary factor contributing to the resilience of these infections is the formation of bacterial biofilms, which are highly resistant to conventional antibiotic therapies.

This project presents the development of an innovative "smart" antimicrobial catheter designed to overcome these limitations. The technology is based on a medical-grade polyethylene tubing that has been functionalized with a layer of the natural enzyme lysozyme. A key innovation is the application of a final pH-sensitive coating made from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). This coating acts as a protective barrier that controls the release of the antimicrobial lysozyme, triggering its sustained release specifically in the acidic microenvironment that characterizes a developing biofilm infection.

The findings demonstrate that this system provides a targeted and prolonged antimicrobial effect, significantly reducing biofilm formation while maintaining the necessary mechanical properties for clinical use. This approach offers a promising, biocompatible alternative to traditional antibiotic coatings and helps mitigate the risk of fostering antimicrobial resistance.

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