Seeing the (nearly) invisible

SurModics utilizes various surface characterization methodologies to support all stages of coating development by measuring the important physical and chemical properties of coatings and surfaces. We can assess smoothness, uniformity, and durability with a variety of measurement tools. With the skillful application of these highly sophisticated and powerful surface characterization tools, and extensive know-how in coating chemistry and processes, SurModics can help manufacturers speed the development and facilitate the scale-up and production of coatings for medical devices.

Surface characterization equipment at SurModics includes:

 
  • Metallurgical (Optical) Microscope

 

 - DIC (Differential Interference Contrast) mode
- Bright field mode
- Dark field mode
- Polarized light mode
  • Confocal Raman Microscope
  • Stereoscope
  • Scanning Electron Microscope
  • Atomic Force Microscope
  • Fluorescence Microscope
  • Contact Angle Instrument
  • Optical Interferometer 

 

Raman
Raman images showing dispersion of drugs throughout a coating.

  AFM
AFM image of the surface of a drug-eluting coating.

  SEM
SEM of a biodegradable coating at 60X showing surface erosion.

Biomedical researchers need to know as much as possible about the structure and composition of a device surface to better understand and predict how the device will interact with the human body. Application of highly sophisticated surface characterization helps speed up the search for the optimal coating for a particular device by providing fundamental information on the device surface, the interface between device and coating, and the coating surface. Such information also helps facilitate scale-up and coating production. Surface characterization methods allow scientists to probe the physical properties, chemical composition, and spatial distribution of molecules directly at all types of surfaces.

The goals of the surface characterization efforts at SurModics are to: (1) speed the time-to-market by providing critical information about surfaces and coatings, and (2) support customers during scale-up and production of coated medical devices through defect and failure analysis.