Polyurethane Surface Coating for Tunable Medical Device Hydrophobicity
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for alternative medical devices and manufacturing methods that allow for tunable hydrophobicity in intracorporeal devices such as guidewires, catheters, and stent delivery systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of medical devices with a polyurethane layer and a hydro-specific layer covalently bonded via a thiol-ene reaction, allowing for regions with varying hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity through the use of pendent alkene groups and thiol-terminated hydro-specific molecules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing manufacturing methods are used, then medical devices can be produced, but the hydrophobic properties cannot be adequately tuned for different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the chemical composition and surface properties of the medical device through controlled polymerization reactions. By adjusting the ratio of hydrophilic to hydrophobic monomers and controlling reaction conditions, the contact angle and hydrophobicity can be precisely tuned to desired values for different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by creating a multi-component polymer system that combines hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments. The final medical device surface comprises a composite structure with embedded functional groups that provide tunable hydrophobicity, achieving both adaptability and manufacturability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a uniform hydrophobic layer is applied, then manufacturing is simplified, but different regions cannot have different contact angles for specialized functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by enabling different regions of the medical device surface to have distinct hydrophobic properties. Through spatially controlled polymerization or segmentation of the polymer composition, specific areas can be tailored with particular contact angles to meet localized functional requirements while maintaining overall manufacturing feasibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the creation of medical devices with tunable surface properties, enhancing their performance and functionality by adjusting hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity for specific applications.
Implementation Method 1
a hydro-specific layer that is covalently bonded to the polyurethane layer via a thiol-ene reaction between the plurality of pendent alkene groups and a plurality of thiol-terminated hydro-specific molecules forming the hydro-specific layer
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device include a polyurethane layer and a hydro-specific layer that is covalently bonded to the polyurethane layer. The polyurethane layer may include a plurality of monomer residues, at least some of which include pendent alkene groups. The hydro-specific layer may be a hydrophilic layer or a hydrophobic layer depending on the specific molecules used to form the hydro-specific layer. As an example, the hydro-specific layer may be covalently bonded to the polyurethane layer via a thiol-ene or alkene hydrothiolation reaction between the plurality of pendent alkene groups and a plurality of thiol-terminated hydro-specific molecules forming the hydro-specific layer.