One-pot synthesis of catechol-based antibacterial coating for ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene sutures

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), a promising material for high-strength sutures in bone repair, faces challenges due to its inert surface, limiting its biomedical applications. A one-pot approach was developed to apply a catechol (CA)/tobramycin (Tob)/poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (pSBMA) composite coating onto suture surfaces. During the redox reaction between Tob and CA, hydroxyl radicals were generated, initiating the polymerization of SBMA.The resulting coating not only reduces the surface roughness but also maintains sufficient mechanical strength of the fibers to withstand tissue tension during usage. Furthermore, the sutures exhibited good bactericidal and anti-bacteria adhesion properties, effectively preventing bacterial approaching and adhering, thereby reducing the infection rate at the surgical site. Additionally, the sutures demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and hemocompatibility. In conclusion, the modified UHMWPE fibers hold significant potential for application in orthopedic tissue repair. Moreover, this facile method for fabricating multifunctional coatings may provide new impetus for the development of biomedical materials. • A one-pot method was developed to fabricate functional coatings on ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers. • The presence of functional coatings endows the fibers with excellent antibacterial and anti-fouling properties. • The modified suture fibers exhibit outstanding mechanical properties, providing stable support for surgical procedures.