A medical device and a method for imparting antibacterial properties to
the device, made from hydrophobic polymer, particularly to urinary latex
catheters comprises treatment of the device by spreading, dipping or
spraying and consequent drying with natural biodegradable polymers (A),
composition including a cross-linking agent (B) for partial cross-linking
the mentioned polymer and an anti-microbial agent compatible with A and
B. The polymer may be from a group of polysachharides, for example
polyglucosamine-chitosan. For partial cross-linking of the polymer
substances having aldehyde groups such as glucose or evolving aldehydes
such as hexamethylenetetramine or their mixtures are used. The polymer is
able to form on the surface of the medical device a thin film that swells
in wet or moisturized state once inserted into the body. In the swollen
state it will gradually release an anti-microbial agent.