Optimizing medical devices for successful clinical applications often requires tailoring both the bulk and surface properties of biomaterials. Instead of expensive surface treatments or topical coatings, we have developed a breakthrough polymer technology that applies the technique of self-assembly to polymer surfaces. The polymer surfaces are modified with self-assembling ‘end groups’ that are chemically bonded to the polymer chains during polymer manufacture.

SME® Technology
Surface modifying end groups are surface-active oligomers covalently bonded to the base polymer during synthesis. The result may be the improvement of key surface properties, such as thromboresistance, biostability, and abrasion resistance. This approach also allows the incorporation of mixed end groups on a single polymer. For example, the combination of hydrophobic and hydrophilic end groups.

Surface analysis
We develop new surface technologies with the use of Sum-Frequency Generation (SFG) analysis. SFG is a sophisticated, non-destructive laser technique to study polymer surfaces. This highly-sensitive method possesses several unique advantages to conventional surface analysis techniques. Read more (PDF: 299 Kb)

SAME® Technology
Self assembling monolayer end groups technology is the second generation of surface modifying end groups. While surface modifying end groups are generally ‘bio-passive’ there is a desire to achieve ‘bio-active’ surfaces using the SME® technology approach. Bioactive self assembling monolayer end groups could include drug functionality such as heparin, biological groups such as peptides, or surface functionality for post device fabrication surface reactions. Video