BioInteractions, pioneers of the Surface-Active Systems category of coatings, announced the launch of its Surface-Active Materials (SAMs) at COMPAMED 2025, a new generation of surface treatments delivering “the greatest performance without compromise in durability or safety” according to the company.
The first technology within this category is Assist, a highly lubricious and durable coating. It provides standout lubricity instantly, long term durability under high-stress conditions and ultra-low particulate performance for medical devices.
Developed through advanced polymer engineering, this innovative one-layer coating system addresses a critical industry need for low profile, biocompatible coatings that have a low coefficient of friction (typically <0.003) and provides greater reliability at the point of care.
“Hospitals around the world are facing increasingly complex challenges,” explains Joe Rowan, Founder and CEO of Growth Vectors Consulting. “One example is the rapid growth of miniaturised, minimally invasive procedures that rely on smaller devices to navigate tortuous pathways and deliver therapy safely. To enable these procedures, I see a growing need for hydrophilic coatings that combine superior lubricity with high durability – ensuring delivery systems perform reliably in high-stress, high-movement environments without particulation or delamination. This will be essential to support the next generation of minimally invasive therapies.”
“Surface-Active Materials are the highest performing, robust, durable surface treatments that enhance medical device performance, particularly in demanding environments where friction, movement and stress are critical factors,” explains Arjun Luthra, Commercial Director of BioInteractions. “These surface treatments, like our Assist technology for example, improve the biocompatibility and mechanical activity of the device, helping ensure consistent high performance over time. Overall, these materials form a durable surface that maintains leading performance requirements with integrity under expansion, movement, bending and sterilisation.”
At the core of SAMs coating technology lies a uniquely aligned matrix that forms long molecular chains tightly bonded to the substrate surface. It effectively combines both the priming and functional layers into a single layer process, providingexceptional lubricity and durability without the time-consuming activation, swelling or performance variability often seen in traditional hydrogel coatings.
The result is a thin, flexible coating that maintains consistent frictional performance particularly under dynamic and high stress environments. The coating structure resists flaking and abrasion, ensuring negligible particulation critical for internal lumen and implantable devices.
“With a long-standing legacy in this market, we have been at the forefront of developing proven biocompatible innovations, delivering advanced solutions like Surface-Active Materials, including Assist, to meet the needs of the industry by simplifying manufacturing processes,” added Luthra. “As the industry shifts towards PFAS free alternatives, Assist will provide an alternative platform for enabling a greater diversity of products that improve patient outcomes and surgical procedures.”
