Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/3147
Date of Award
8-2025
Degree Name
MS in Polymers and Coatings
Department/Program
Chemistry & Biochemistry
College
College of Science and Mathematics
Advisor
Sandra Ward
Advisor Department
Chemistry & Biochemistry
Advisor College
College of Science and Mathematics
Abstract
Though polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is often used in medical devices due to its desirable mechanical properties and biocompatibility, its surface is often prone to bacterial adhesion. This is especially a problem for catheters, where bacteria can adhere and form biofilms that can in turn result in Urinary Tract Infections (UTI). In order to deter the presence of UTI causing bacteria on PDMS catheters, methods were developed to formulate a disulfide crosslinked hydrogel coating and create a methodology to allow adhesion to a PDMS substrate. The hydrogel coating discussed in this paper will be synthesized by chemically crosslinking stimuli-responsive vesicles, that carry therapeutic agents, within the hydrogel matrix to allow for controlled release of a therapeutic at a target condition. The hydrogel formulation will also contain therapeutics outside of the vesicles, but inside the matrix to further allow for a passive release of antibiotics. To allow for strong adhesion between the coating and its PDMS substrate, the PDMS substrate will also be functionalized to engage in chemical crosslinking with the hydrogel coating. The result should be a stimuli responsive hydrogel coating that allows for passive diffusion and stimuli responsive release of antibiotics to inhibit biofilm formation.