A pH-Triggered antibacterial and lubricating dual-function hydrogel coating for infection-resistant urinary catheters

The PL@SAMT/Mg coating successfully integrates intelligent antibacterial function with sustained lubrication. The PDA layer enables long-term preventive release of AMPs, while the pH-responsive hydrogel layer provides on-demand MgO release during infection. This synergistic, controlled-release strategy mitigates biotoxicity and resistance risks. The coating addresses key limitations of existing technologies through robust adhesion, effective antibacterial action, and biocompatibility, offering a promising approach to improve catheter performance and patient comfort.