| AdvanSource Biomaterials Corporation manufactures and markets hydrophilic high slip, high water absorptive, polyether hydrophilic polyurethanes designed for use as coatings of catheters, sutures, introducers, rods, valves and rubber products. HydroMed 640™ can also be coated onto silicon microdevices to reduce absorption of white cells and proteins on the devices, thereby aiding in the analysis of blood and DNA. HydroMed 640™ is processed by traditional solvent coating methods. The polymer granules are dissolved at 1-3% concentration in 95/5 ethanol/water or other organic solution. The catheter part is dipped into the solution for about three to about twenty seconds. Most of the solvent is evaporated at room temperature in about five to thirty minutes, the device is heated in an oven to 80º for about two to fifteen minutes, depending on coating thickness, to remove the solvent. For small batches, the polymer can be mixed with the solvent on a roller mill to dissolve the polymer. To prepare films of the polymer, a 10% solution is cast into an open mold and the solvent is evaporated at 80 C. Information provided by AdvanSource Biomaterials Corporation. |
