CATHETER ASSEMBLY WITH BACTERICIDAL EFFECT

摘要

A use in a medical device of at least one salt of organic acid(s), and preferably a benzoate or a sorbate, as an antimicrobial agent is disclosed, and in particular for the manufacturing of an antimicrobial coating for a medical device for the prevention of bacterial infection. This is very useful in medical devices having a hydrophilic coating, such hydrophilic urinary catheters. It is further preferred that the pH of the hydrophilic coating is controlled to be in the range 4.0 - 8.0, and preferably in the range 5.0 - 6.0. It is also preferred that the pH of the hydrophilic coating is controlled to be below 7.0. The pH of the hydrophilic coating could be controlled by means of a pH buffer, and preferably a citrate or phosphate buffer. Specifically, the provision of the salt of organic acid in combination with a pH buffer has proven surprisingly efficient for inhibition of bacterial growth, and for prevention of bacterial infections.