A novel method of preventing bacterial adhesion to intubation tubes was verified by means of the Kratos Axis Ultra X-ray photoelectron spectrometer.

• Pseudomonas aerugiona is one of the most prevalent bacterial strains in a clinical environment, responsible for over 30% of nosocomial pneumonia cases occurring in intubated and mechanically ventilated patients.


• To prevent bacterial adhesion, scientists have targeted the surface modification of the polymer used for intubation tubes - polyvinyl chloride (PVC) - by masking the PVC substrate with a chemically inert Teflon-like fluoropolymer layer.


• XPS analysis of the fluoropolymer films created on PVC substrates showed that the fluoropolymer completely coats the PVC surface. No trace of PVS was detectable following deposition.


• Data from XPS analysis and contact angle measurements confirmed that Pluronic® F108 modification of Teflon-like films is capable of producing surfaces resistant to protein adhesion


• Protein adhesion is believed to be the triggering event in the inflammatory response and eventual failure of biomaterials; this method could prove useful in creating anti-fouling surfaces.

Techniques: XPS analysis and contact angle measurements.

Source: Balazs DJ, Hollenstein C & Mathieu HJ; (2002); European Cells and Materials, "Surface modification of poly(vinyl chloride) intubation tubes to control bacteria adhesion: Teflon like and Pluronics®"; Vol 3. Suppl. 1; pp.7-8