Bioinert Article and Its Use

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes a layered, polymer-based coating that can be applied to a wide variety of material surfaces (such as metals, plastics, and glass) to create a highly bioinert and antifouling surface. The coating uses catecholic group-functionalized polymers in a multi-layer structure, resulting in stable, durable, and protein/cell-repelling films. This method is more robust and versatile than traditional single-layer coatings and can be used regardless of substrate material.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Medical implants and implantable devices (e.g., orthopedic implants, stents, dental implants) requiring long-term bioinert and antifouling surfaces to prevent inflammation, rejection, or restenosis.
• In vitro cell culture devices (such as Petri dishes and culture plates) where prevention of undesirable cell adhesion is crucial.
• Biosensors and diagnostic devices, where antifouling coatings are needed to maintain sensor function in biofluids.
• Blood-contacting medical devices (catheters, dialysis tubing, artificial heart components) to minimize protein fouling and thrombosis.
• Surface coatings for commodity plastics and chemically inert materials to render them non-adhesive to proteins and cells.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Provides highly stable and durable antifouling coatings that significantly reduce protein and cell adhesion, even after prolonged exposure to physiological conditions.
• Versatile coating compatible with a broad range of substrate materials (metals, metal oxides, plastics, glass, ceramics) without the need to change anchoring chemistry.
• Multilayer structure designed for maximum stability and resistance to desorption or degradation compared to monolayer coatings.
• Customizable surface: top layer can be further functionalized for specific bioactivity (e.g., promoting tissue integration for implants or selective biomolecule capture for sensors).
• Enhanced biocompatibility for implanted and contact medical devices, reducing risk of inflammation, irritation, and device failure.
• Improved performance and longevity of devices exposed to complex biological mixtures, such as blood plasma.
• Scalable synthesis and application processes suitable for commercial manufacturing volumes.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to an article, comprising a substrate (2) and a polymer film (1) attached to the substrate (2), the polymer film (1) comprising a first layer (6) of a first polymer (5) functionalized by a first functionalization compound covalently bound to said first polymer (5) and bearing at least one catecholic group being present on a surface of the first layer (6). The article is characterized in that the polymer film (1) is a layered film, a top layer of which is formed by the first layer (6), the layered film comprising at least one further layer (3a, 3b, 9) of at least one further polymer (4, 7) functionalized by a further functionalization compound covalently bound to said further polymer (4, 7) and bearing at least one catecholic group being present on a surface of the at least one further layer (3a, 3b, 9), wherein an average ratio of catecholic groups per polymer molecule is equal to or less than 1 in case of the first polymer (5) and greater than 1 in case of the further polymer (4, 7).