Abstract: A water-based coating composition suitable for preparing hydrophilic surfaces on various articles is provided which includes a supporting polymer having functional moieties capable of undergoing crosslinking reactions, said supporting polymer soluble in or emulsified in an aqueous based medium; and a hydrophilic polymer, said hydrophilic polymer associated with the supporting polymer. The composition is characterized in that, when crosslinked at the functional moieties, the supporting polymer forms a three-dimensional network which substantially minimizes disassociation of the hydrophilic polymer.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for use with substrates which are useful in the sustained delivery of bioeffecting agents are described. The compositions of the invention include a multicomponent complex which attaches a bioeffecting agent to a substrate with an anchor provided by a linker compound which also forms a cleavable linkage so that the bioeffecting agent's release into the area surrounding the substrate occurs in a sustained manner over an extended period of time. The methods of the invention involve providing a bioeffecting composition on the surface of a substrate so that a bioeffecting agent may be released in a sustained manner over time.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for use with substrates which are useful in the sustained delivery of bioeffecting agents are described. The compositions of the invention include a multicomponent complex which attaches a bioeffecting agent to a substrate with an anchor provided by a linker compound which also forms a cleavable linkage so that the bioeffecting agent's release into the area surrounding the substrate occurs in a sustained manner over an extended period of time. The methods of the invention involve providing a bioeffecting composition on the surface of a substrate so that a bioeffecting agent may be released in a sustained manner over time.

Abstract: A water-based coating composition suitable for preparing hydrophilic surfaces on various articles is provided which includes a supporting polymer having functional moieties capable of undergoing crosslinking reactions, said supporting polymer soluble in or emulsified in an aqueous based medium; and a hydrophilic polymer, said hydrophilic polymer associated with the supporting polymer. The composition is characterized in that, when crosslinked at the functional moieties, the supporting polymer forms a three-dimensional network which substantially minimizes disassociation of the hydrophilic polymer.

Abstract: A water-based coating composition suitable for preparing hydrophilic surfaces on various articles is provided which includes a supporting polymer having functional moieties capable of undergoing crosslinking reactions, said supporting polymer soluble in or emulsified in an aqueous based medium; and a hydrophilic polymer, said hydrophilic polymer associated with the supporting polymer. The composition is characterized in that, when crosslinked at the functional moieties, the supporting polymer forms a three-dimensional network which substantially minimizes disassociation of the hydrophilic polymer.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for use with substrates which are useful in the sustained delivery of bioeffecting agents are described. The compositions of the invention include a multicomponent complex which attaches a bioeffecting agent to a substrate with an anchor provided by a linker compound which also forms a cleavable linkage so that the bioeffecting agent's release into the area surrounding the substrate occurs in a sustained manner over an extended period of time. The methods of the invention involve providing a bioeffecting composition on the surface of a substrate so that a bioeffecting agent may be released in a sustained manner over time.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for use with substrates which are useful in the sustained delivery of bioeffecting agents are described. The compositions of the invention include a multicomponent complex which attaches a bioeffecting agent to a substrate with an anchor provided by a linker compound which also forms a cleavable linkage so that the bioeffecting agent's release into the area surrounding the substrate occurs in a sustained manner over an extended period of time. The methods of the invention involve providing a bioeffecting composition on the surface of a substrate so that a bioeffecting agent may be released in a sustained manner over time.

Abstract: A method for providing a medical apparatus with a protective surface coating is described. The method comprises applying to a medical apparatus a coating solution that contains a matrix polymer such as a urethane, and a reinforcing agent such as lamellar platelet and fiber additives, as micaceous pigments, flake pigments, tungsten powder and glass fiber, to increase the resistance of the medical apparatus to injury, such that the surface coating forms a protective, scratch- and puncture-resistant layer on the medical apparatus. The particles or fibers of the reinforcing agent may be oriented to provide the medical apparatus with additional resistance to injury. The coating is well suited to provide balloon catheters, particularly PET balloons, and the like with the toughness desirable for use in stent delivery and placement.

Abstract: A method for providing a medical apparatus with a protective, lubricious coating is described. The method comprises providing a coating solution which contains a protective compound such as a urethane, a slip additive such as a siloxane, and optionally, a crosslinking agent for the protective compound such as a polyfunctional aziridine, coating the solution onto a surface of a medical apparatus and allowing the coating to set. The resulting surface coating is lubricious, tough and flexible. The coating is well suited for use with materials used as components of balloon catheters.