LAUSR

The development of non-fouling and antimicrobial materials have shown great promise for reducing thrombosis and infection associated with medical devices with aims of improving device safety and decreasing the frequency of antibiotic administration. Here, the design of an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic vascular catheter is assessed in vivo over 7-d in a rabbit model. Antimicrobial and antithrombotic activity is achieved through the integration of a nitric oxide donor, while the non-fouling surface is achieved using a covalently-bound phosphorylcholine-based polyzwitterionic copolymer top coat. Effect of sterilization on the non-fouling nature and nitric oxide release are presented. Catheters significantly reduced viability of S. aureus in long term (7 d CDC bioreactor) studies and inflammation in the 7-d rabbit model. Overall, this approach provides a robust method for decreasing thrombosis, inflammation, and infections associated with vascular catheters.