Patentability of hydrogels as biocompatible coatings for medical device biofabrication

There are a variety of hydrogels commonly used as coatings for medical device applications. The device coating process involving the deposition of hydrogels to the device surface to enhance its performance, particularly, through promotion of osseointegration, haemocompatibility, lubricity and resistance to biofouling. Hydrogels are synthetic matrices made up of a network of hydrophilic polymers that absorb water and/or biological fluids. They can be created from a large number of water-soluble materials including synthetic polymers and biopolymers. The 3D structure of these hydrogels is due to crosslinking which forms an insoluble macromolecular network in the environmental fluid. Research on hydrogels as biocompatible coatings is developing rapidly through the innovation and improvement of raw materials (polymers), chemical synthesis and methods of preparation, as well as formulations and fabrication process. This trend is justified by the several advantages that hydrogels offer for biofabrication and biomedical applications. This work in the form of patentability study presents the state of the art by introducing what has been innovated and patented in relation to hydrogel coatings. Furthermore, a detailed analysis of the patentability of hydrogel applications such as in the coating of medical devices to enhance its clinical performance, have been provided by determining publication years, jurisdictions, inventors, applicants, owners, and classifications.