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

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 alternatives that maintain─or exceed─the performance of PFAS-based coatings, particularly in terms of hydrophilicity and lubricity. In this context, this study presents surface wettability in PFAS-free hydrophilic coatings for advances in Sustainable Surface Engineering, enhancing medical device coatings with an emphasis on surface functionality and environmental safety. By combining contact angle analysis with advanced microscopy and spectroscopy techniques, a comprehensive physicochemical characterization of the materials treated with two distinct techniques, that is, plasma and acid etching-dip coating processes, is provided. The approach reveals the mechanisms by which surface energy and roughness influence hydrophilicity, enabling the rational design of PFAS-free coatings. Surface energies and depinning forces are quantitatively assessed to elucidate the interfacial interactions between material surfaces and liquids during use. A comparative analysis with commercial PFAS-based coatings is performed to establish correlations between the physicochemical properties of the materials. The findings reveal alternatives for PFAS-free hydrophilic coatings, identifying key parameters that drive surface performance without relying on fluorinated compounds. The results can contribute to the development of the next generation of environmentally responsible, highly hydrophilic coatings for medical device applications that enhance patient safety and comfort, aligning with global sustainability goals.