Norfloxacin-releasing urethral catheter for long-term catheterization

Norfloxacin-releasing urethral catheters were prepared for the purpose of preventing urinary tract infections during long-term catheterization. The outer and inner surfaces of the catheters were coated with poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA) and an amphiphilic multiblock co-polymer (PEO_2kPDMS), composed of poly(ethylene oxide) and poly(dimethyl siloxane). Norfloxacin, a fluoroquinolone synthetic antibiotic, was impregnated into a coating layer. The in vitro drug release behavior was monitored for 30 days, the surface topography was investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the antibacterial activity against different bacteria implicated in urinary tract infection was evaluated by the in vitro inhibition zone test. All the coated catheters showed continuous delivery of norfloxacin for up to 30 days owing to hydrophobic natures of norfloxacin and EVA. PEO_2kPDMS incorporated in a coating layer produced a smooth and uniform surface. The coated catheters created considerable inhibition zones for 10 days against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus vulgaris, indicating the continuous release of norfloxacin. Overall, it was evident that the catheters coated with EVA/PEO_2kPDMS blends containing norfloxacin have a promising potential for the clinical use in patients undergoing long-term catheterization.