Development of a safe, novel, and biodegradeable lubricious coating for intravascular medical devices.

Smart Reactors UK Ltd (SR) is undertaking this 18-month industrial research project to develop "Bio-Lube," a groundbreaking biodegradable polymer coating for minimally invasive vascular devices. As minimally invasive procedures and advanced drug delivery systems become more prevalent, the need for reliable hydrophilic polymer coatings grows. Bio-Lube aims to meet this need by combining excellent mechanical performance with the ability to swell and become lubricious, facilitating easier navigation through blood vessels. This is especially beneficial for devices like guidewires, catheters, and stents, ensuring smoother placement and reducing discomfort and complications. Current coatings use dip-coating and UV or thermal crosslinking to strengthen the polymer layer, making it durable but less flexible. This rigidity can lead to coating damage under mechanical stress, especially in calcified lesions, and results in complications like embolism and patient discomfort due to coating delamination. Bio-Lube's innovative formulation includes hydrolysable groups along the polymer chain, allowing it to degrade into smaller fragments that the body can naturally eliminate, significantly reducing the risk of adverse immune reactions and long-term inflammation. Our proposed novel approach not only enhances patient safety by minimizing embolic events but also ensures that the polymer does not accumulate in the body, offering superior performance and better patient outcomes compared to traditional coatings.