Researchers at Providence, R.I.-based Brown University created an antibacterial coating for intravascular catheters that could help to prevent catheter-related bloodstream infections in the future.
In a paper published in Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, the researchers discussed the polyurethane coating, which can be applied to surfaces where it releases a drug called auranofin. Auranofin, an FDA-approved drug for arthritis, has been shown to kill methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
Researchers found the coatings stopped MRSA growth for up to 26 days without signs of MRSA biofilm formation.
Previous attempts to create an antibacterial coating for catheters have not been successful, because the coatings lost their effectiveness after two weeks. The coating used traditional antibiotics, which led to concerns about increasing antibiotic resistance.
While the new coating is not ready for human use, preliminary lab tests for toxicity show the coating will not harm human blood or liver cells.