BioInteractions has launched Surface-Active Systems (SAS), a new category of high-performance, zero-leaching coating solutions designed to improve implant performance, enhance patient safety, and evolve therapeutic outcomes. Comprising both Surface-Active Therapeutics (SAT) and Surface-Active Materials (SAM), Surface-Active Systems address the rising demands in infection prevention, thrombosis control, and device longevity across numerous minimally invasive and long-term implantable devices.

“For many clinicians and patients, the benefits of Surface-Active Systems coatings remain largely unknown,” said Nicholas Inston, Vascular Access Society president-elect and consultant surgeon in Vascular Access and Transplantation at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham. “By preventing infection and reducing clot formation at the device surface, these coatings address two of the most serious risks associated with dialysis catheter use: bloodstream infections and thrombosis—including thrombin sheath formation, a common cause of catheter dysfunction and reduced dialysis efficiency. Providing long-lasting, site-specific antimicrobial and thromboresistant protection—with the potential to reduce reliance on systemic drugs—has the potential to transform how vascular access is managed in dialysis. In addition, by reducing the need for systemic antibiotics, minimizing interventions, preventing fibrin sheath development, and lowering hospital readmissions, these coatings could help reshape clinical strategies, ease the burden on healthcare systems, and give patients greater safety and control over their care.”

“Surface-Active Systems represent a paradigm shift for medical device coating technologies,” BioInteractions Commercial Director Arjun Luthra stated. “Within this category, durable surface treatments are tailored to enhance patient outcomes through improved device longevity as well as increased device efficacy, with better safety of medical devices. Patients benefit from improved implant performance, superior interventional results and an enhanced quality of life. Overall, they are suitable for a wide variety of medical devices and are compatible with a broad range of device geometries and substrates ranging from small metal implants to larger polymer-based systems.”

Within the Surface-Active Systems category are two product families—Surface-Active Therapeutics and Surface-Active Materials.

Surface-Active Therapeutics, which includes AstutePlus Antithrombogenic and TridAnt Antimicrobial, are advanced surface treatment technologies that do not need to release active ingredients to be effective. Instead, they remain permanently functional on the device surface providing sustained therapeutic performance without systemic drug exposure. Applied directly to the surface of medical devices, these treatments address clinical challenges such as infection, thrombosis and fibrin sheath formation.

Surface-Active Materials, which includes Assist Lubricious, are robust, durable surface treatments that enhance device performance, particularly in demanding environments where friction and movement, such as in tortuous environments, are critical factors to the device insertion, removal and performance in the patient. These surface treatments improve the physical function of the surface, enhance the biocompatibility as well as strengthens the mechanical durability of the devices, ensuring consistent operation over time and in high-stress conditions.

“For over three decades, BioInteractions has been at the forefront of biocompatible innovations, delivering advanced solutions like TridAnt, an enhanced antimicrobial coating that is the only non-leaching antimicrobial coating in the world; as well as AstutePlus, an Advanced Antithrombogenic Coating; and Assist, a flexible hydrophilic coating, that address clinical challenges with unmatched precision, performance and durability,” Luthra concluded. “With Surface-Active Systems, BioInteractions is setting a new benchmark in medical device coatings, offering OEMs permanent performance on their devices whilst reducing the risks of systemic drug-based therapies. It’s the next leap forward in better, safer and smarter implants.”

BioInteractions Ltd. has more than 30 years of research and development experience, specializing in biocompatible material technologies for the worldwide medical device industry. Based in purpose-built laboratories in the Thames Valley Science Park at the University of Reading, the company develops advanced and specialized coatings for devices used in medical treatments and procedures ranging from class I to class III implants.  BioInteractions has been a medical device supplier for more than 30 years and supported key medtech manufacturers with solutions. Its materials portfolio confronts chronic challenges such as thrombus formation, infections, friction and various other biocompatible challenges faced by customers. 

BioInteractions has secured long-term partnerships with major medical device manufacturers worldwide and in 2002, won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for a biocompatible coating that was the first to combine multiple elements for enhanced long-term antithrombogenic activity for all materials and shapes in just one.