Surface Energy and Pinning Forces of Fluorine-Free, Water-Friendly Coatings for Medical Devices.

Abstract

Medical devices, including catheters, delivery systems, introducers, and balloons, used in minimally invasive procedures such as catheterization and angioplasty, are essential to modern healthcare. However, many of these materials rely on surface coatings containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are increasingly restricted due to their environmental persistence and potential toxicity. As regulatory pressures mount, there is an urgent need for sustainable alternative