A new white paper focuses on product development considerations for hydrophilic coatings. Biocoat, maker of lubricious hydrophilic coatings for medical devices, has released the eight-page technical white paper, which covers the general properties of hydrophilic coatings and the most commonly used types of medical devices that require high lubricity. The paper provides design engineer with in-depth guidance on understanding the applications, how to evaluate vendors, and the cost implications of coatings processes.

The paper discusses the environmental conditions in which the device is to be manufactured, sterilized, and stored as well as the extent to which the device interacts with biological tissue. Sterilization methods, temperature and humidity rangers, the pH of fluids, and usage cycles of the final device are also discussed along with other important considerations in choosing the proper coating or coating system. A copy of the white paper can be downloaded at the company’s Web site.