E beam sterilization of medical devices comprising bioactive coating

Abstract

The invention provides a method for single-step terminal sterilization process for bio-active heparin coatings on materials and biomaterials containing heparin used in medical devices, such as catheters, tissue engineering scaffolds, or drug delivery carrier materials. This may include any medical device or implantable that could benefit from improved antithrombotic and biocompatible heparin surfaces. Other relevant device examples may include heparin or a heparin derivative coated stents to reduce clotting and restenosis, dental or ophthalmological implants. These materials may comprise additional polymeric compositions such as polyethyleneimine, dextran sulfate or their modified forms. These polymers together with heparin coatings may be applied to other substrate of medical devices such as metal, ceramics or biologically derived materials.