Effect on the bacterial adhesion of PVA electrospinning membrane deposited on silicone catheter surface

Abstract Bacterial adhesion is a primary factor that induces biofilm formation on the surface of medical silicone rubber (SR) catheters. To endow the SR catheter with antibacterial adhesion behavior, a three-dimensional hydrophilic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fiber membrane with varying concentrations was constructed on the SR catheter surface using electrospinning technology. Utilizing scanning electron microscopy, contact angle measurements, and bacterial adhesion experiments, the structural and physical characteristics of the PVA fiber membrane composite SR catheter (PVA/SR) were explored. The results showed that, with an increase in PVA concentration (6%–10%), the average diameter of the PVA fiber membrane increased from 392.49 ± 24.35 nm to 945.04 ± 12.60 nm, and its uniformity was enhanced. PVA/SR exhibited excellent hydrophilicity with water contact angles below 95°. In comparison to conventional SR catheters, the PVA/SR catheter demonstrated a notable inhibitory effect on the adhesion of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli , exhibiting an adhesion inhibition rate of 50%–60%, due to the hydrophilicity and physical barrier provided by PVA fiber membrane. The PVA/SR catheter exhibits excellent biocompatibility and hemocompatibility. This study provides a novel technology, theoretical basis, and experimental foundation for the development of high-performance anti-infective catheters.