OBJECTIVE Urinary tract infections are the most common hospital acquired infections in humans, caused primarily by uropathogenic Escherichia coli. Indwelling urinary catheters for bladder drainage in humans become encrusted with uropathogenic E. coli biofilms that are resistant to common antibiotics, resulting in chronic infections. We studied the efficacy of the cinnamon ingredient trans-cinnamaldehyde (Sigma) for preventing uropathogenic E. coli biofilm. We also determined the efficacy of trans-cinnamaldehyde as an ingredient in catheter lock solution to inactivate preformed uropathogenic E. coli biofilm. METHODS Polystyrene plates and urinary catheters inoculated with uropathogenic E. coli (5 to 6.0 log cfu) were treated with trans-cinnamaldehyde (0%, 0.1%, 0.25% or 0.5%) at 37C. Catheters with uropathogenic E. coli biofilm were also treated with lock solution containing trans-cinnamaldehyde (0%, 1%, 1.25% or 1.5%). Uropathogenic E. coli biofilm on control and trans-cinnamaldehyde treated plates and catheters was determined on incubation days 0, 1, 3 and 5. Trans-cinnamaldehyde potential cytotoxity, if any, was determined in HTB-4 bladder epithelial cells (ATCC). RESULTS At all concentrations trans-cinnamaldehyde effectively prevented uropathogenic E. coli biofilm on plates and catheters. As a constituent in catheter lock solution, it inactivated uropathogenic E. coli biofilm on catheters. Trans-cinnamaldehyde produced no cytotoxic effects on human bladder epithelial cells at the tested concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that trans-cinnamaldehyde may be applied as a catheter surface coating or as an ingredient in catheter lock solution to prevent urinary tract infection in humans.