Surmodics has announced—at the opening of Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) 2026 (31 October–3 November, San Diego, USA)—the launch of its MetalPro direct-to metal ultraviolet (UV) cure hydrophilic coatings engineered to bond directly to metal surfaces without primers or tie-layers.
By eliminating additional tie-layers, MetalPro simplifies coating applications, reduces process complexity, and has the potential to lower overall coating costs, according to Surmodics. The company also relays in a press release that the direct-to-metal approach provides manufacturers with greater design flexibility—particularly for complex catheter systems where coating thickness and mechanical performance are important considerations.
“Medical device engineers are continually challenged to improve device performance while simplifying manufacturing and managing costs,” said Bob Hergenrother, vice president of research and development (R&D) and innovation at Surmodics. “MetalPro addresses these challenges by combining high-performance hydrophilic coating technology with a simplified, direct-to-metal application process. While MetalPro is a new platform, its underlying hydrophilic coating technologies build on decades of use in medical device applications. That established history offers manufacturers a familiar technical foundation as they evaluate MetalPro for new designs.”
Engineered for medical-grade metals—including stainless steel and nitinol—MetalPro is designed to provide consistent lubricity, durability and coating quality for devices navigating complex vascular anatomy. Potential applications include guidewires, hypotubes, coils and other metal components used in cardiovascular, peripheral vascular and neurovascular procedures, Surmodics claims.
“Our customers are looking for coating technologies that deliver consistent, high-quality device performance while reducing manufacturing complexity and overall production costs,” stated Charlie Olson, senior vice president and president of Surmodics Medical Device Coatings. “We are also hearing growing interest in lubricious alternatives to PTFE [polytetrafluoroethylene]- and PFAS [per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances]-containing materials, particularly for guidewires and other metal components. MetalPro expands the options available to address both priorities.”
This launch builds on Surmodics’ broader portfolio of UV and thermal hydrophilic coatings, haemocompatible surface technologies, drug delivery capabilities, and analytical testing services. Combined with the company’s application development expertise, rapid feasibility programmes and commercial coating services, these technologies provide medical device manufacturers with comprehensive solutions from early development through commercial production, Surmodics adds in its release.
