A compound of formula I: wherein R1 is a straight or branched alkyl groupcontaining 8 to 16 carbon atoms at the 2- or 3-position of the morpholinoring, and R2 is a straight or branched alkyl group containing 2 to 10 carbonatoms, substituted with a hydroxy group except in the alpha-position, the sumof the carbon atoms in the groups R1 and R2 being at least 10 and preferably10 to 20, is used to prevent biofilm formation on a surface. The compounds areparticularly useful as coatings or treatments for medical devices, includingstents, catheters and wire guides.
