When it comes to implant device coatings, there are two types applied to reduce the friction between the device as well as the surrounding tissues and blood vessels as much as possible. These coatings are hydrophobic and hydrophilic coatings. Wondering what differentiates one from the other? Read on:
Hydrophobic
These refer to coatings that repel polar substances. One good example of those substances is water. That’s why it’s also called water-fearing coatings. This is the kind of coating you’ll typically find in vapor as well as liquid protective coatings. These coatings are not as lubricious as well, so that’s a helpful quality to keep in mind to help you differentiate between the two coatings.
Hydrophilic
These coatings, on the other hand, interact with polar substances and become more lubricious after the contact. They’re well-known for attracting water to the surface, keeping the water flat and preventing them from beading up. They are also known to be a self-cleaning coating.
Both coatings help doctors perform minimally invasive medical procedures. Making the surface of the implant devices lubricious with these coatings significantly cuts down on health risks and issues, along with any infection that could happen, says the FDA.
Which option should you choose?
Depending on what your needs are, hydrophilic coatings might work better for you or vice versa.
If you want something an option that’s suited for industrial flexibility or one to create more clarity as well as resistance to scratches and impact, then a hydrophobic coating might be the better option.
However, if you need coatings that will stop water from beading up, comes with self-cleaning capabilities that create an oxidizing effect to ensure dirt and contaminants are repelled, then opting for coatings that are hydrophilic in nature might offer a much better solution.
Determine what kind of coating you need to help you pick the best option possible.