Optimizing medical devices often requires tailoring both the bulk and surface properties of biomaterials. Mechanical properties, processability, and the interactions of the material surface with the biological environment are all important factors in assuring successful clinical applications.

In general, polymer bulk composition does not directly correlate with surface composition. For this reason, optimized bulk properties do not often equate to optimum surface properties. This has led to the widespread use of surface treatments and topical coatings applied to pre-made medical devices, diagnostics and sensors. It has also created a need for sophisticated methods for molecular-scale characterization of surfaces at the biological interface.

PTG has developed break-through polymer technology that applies the technique of self assembly to polymer surfaces. Unlike expensive coatings and surface treatments, PTG modifies polymer surfaces with self-assembling 'end groups' that are chemically bonded to the polymer chains during polymer manufacture (i.e., synthesis). The ability to tailor polymer surface composition and nano-structure, guided by powerful surface-specific analytical techniques has great potential in medical end use. Examples of some critical device applications are antimicrobial catheters, drug delivery devices and contact lenses.