Abstract:
Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) are driven by biofilm formation on catheter surfaces. Poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) (PMEA) is a blood-compatible polymer that suppresses protein adsorption and may inhibit bacterial attachment through a non-bactericidal anti-adhesive mechanism. This study evaluated the antibiofilm effect of PMEA coating using a blood-based in vitro model.A blood-based in vitro model was established using bovine blood to better reproduce the protein-rich intravascular environment associated with CRBSIs. Polyurethane catheter segments with or without PMEA coating were incubated for 7 days in bovine serum containing Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 or Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 35984, with or without prior plasma exposure. Biofilm biomass was quantified by toluidine blue staining and spectrophotometric measurement of absorbance at 632 nm.PMEA coating significantly suppressed biofilm formation, corresponding to an approximately 92% reduction compared with uncoated catheters. Plasma exposure markedly enhanced biofilm formation, producing an approximately 23-fold increase relative to non-exposed conditions. PMEA coating did not affect planktonic bacterial growth, supporting a non-bactericidal mechanism of action.These findings suggest that PMEA suppresses catheter-associated biofilm formation by inhibiting plasma protein adsorption and subsequent bacterial attachment. Modulation of host protein-surface interactions may represent an effective strategy for preventing CRBSIs without relying on bactericidal activity.
Reference:Kariya S, Ono Y, Nakatani M, Maruyama T, Tanaka Y, Sugiura K, Tanigawa N. Antibiofilm effects of poly(2-methoxyethyl acrylate) coating via inhibition of protein adsorption on catheter surfaces. Biofouling. 2026 Aug;42(7):730-741. doi: 10.1080/08927014.2026.2697908. Epub 2026 Jul 7. PMID: 42415517.