A novel framework for evaluating the surface free energy and depinning forces of invasive medical tubes

Abstract

Medical tubes used in life-saving procedures, such as catheterization, and angioplasty are vital tools in modern healthcare, but they often fall short in one critical area: hydrophilicity. Poor surface lubricity leads to increased friction, causing patient discomfort and complications, and raising significant concerns for both clinicians and patients. The physical and chemical properties of these surfaces are key to enhancing hydrophilicity, yet current commercial coatings, long considered the gold standard, are now under regulatory scrutiny due to potential toxicities. In the present study, we introduce a breakthrough method to evaluating and improving medical tube coatings. Through a novel combination of contact angle measurements and advanced microscopy-spectroscopy techniques, we provide the first comprehensive analysis of the physicochemical parameters that govern surface performance and fundamental principles with a view to specific applications. Our findings not only expose the chemical limitations of the current coatings but also identify critical factors that enhance surface-free energy, drastically boosting hydrophilicity. For the first time, we quantify depinning forces − interfacial interactions between tube surfaces and liquids during medical procedures − linking this physical quantity to coating performance. This innovative framework delivers actionable insights for the design of next-generation, highly hydrophilic coatings that promise to transform the safety and comfort of invasive medical devices. Our work sets a new standard for the future of medical device surface engineering.