Polyhexanide derivatives-reinforced silver-polytetrafluoroethylene coatings for enhanced antibacterial properties

In this study, an antibacterial silver-polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-polyhexamethylene biguanide-surfactant (AgFP) coating was developed via electroless plating to combat biofilm-associated infections in medical devices. The incorporation of water-insoluble polyhexamethylene biguanide-surfactant enhanced the surface hydrophilicity of the coatings without compromising their lubricity, resulting in improved silver ion release. The AgFP coatings demonstrated sustained release of PHMB, leading to stronger antibacterial activity compared to silver (Ag) and silver-polytetrafluoroethylene (AgF) coatings, further reducing viable planktonic Escherichia coli by up to 98.1 % and biofilm formation by up to 92 % over three days. Cytotoxicity assays confirmed the coatings are biocompatible, positioning them as a promising strategy for preventing medical device-associated infections.