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

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections are some of the most common hospital-acquired infections. <i>Proteus mirabilis</i>, 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 <i>P. mirabilis</i> 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 <i>P. mirabilis</i> 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 <i>P. mirabilis</i> 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.