Background: The purpose of the study was to demonstrate the usefulness of the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) method for the evaluation of the modification process of biomaterials with the participation of active substances. Methods: Modified catheter samples were prepared by activating the matrix with an acid, iodine, or bromine, and then immobilizing the active molecules. To carry out the modification process, the Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) method was used. Results: FTIR analysis indicated the presence of the immobilized substances in the catheter matrix and site-specific reactions. Conclusion: We surmise that the infrared spectroscopic technique is an ideal tool for the assessment of the drug immobilization and the changes occurring in the course of the modification process.

The purpose of this paper was to present the development of antimicrobial coatings for different urinary catheters. Antimicrobial catheter coatings were prepared by immobilizing fluoroquinolones either with the use of linkers (covalent binding) or by activating the polymer matrix with iodine/bromine (noncovalent binding). The possibility of the deposition of antimicrobial agent(s) following bromine activation on latex, polyurethane, and silicone was evaluated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), used to monitor the changes in the catheter’s molecular structure occurring over the course of its multi-stage modification, confirmed the presence of fluoroquinolones in the catheter matrix as well as site-specific reactions. The amounts of drugs embedded in the catheter matrix were determined by the HPLC method. Stability of the drug binding was checked by examining the drug release. The new antimicrobial coatings obtained with the participation of fluoroquinolone antibiotics have the potential to protect the patient against infections during catheterization.