| abstract |
The present invention is directed to nanostructured surface treating agents, coatings or modifiers formed from nanoscale components. These nanostructured surface treating agents, coatings or modifiers have hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity and surface adhesion properties. The nanoscale component has an orientation, geometry, packing density and composition that can be adjusted to control the unique surface properties of the desired treating agent, coating or modifier. Applications of this nanostructure technology include where traction, retention or occlusion improvements are desired without excessive material or tissue deformation, or where high compressive forces are undesirable, dangerous or ineffective. Surgical clips, staples, retractors, sutures and manipulators. In one aspect, a nanostructured surface treating agent for a medical device having an outer surface is disclosed and the treating agent is applied to the outer surface to provide a hydrophobic or hydrophilic surface. In this aspect, the treating agent contains titanium dioxide and provides a nano-range structure with substantially vertical sidewalls. The treated surface of the device has a contact angle greater than or equal to 150 degrees. The vertical sidewall provides a negative capillary action and has a width of about 200 nm. Vertical sidewalls adhere to wet surfaces due to negative capillary action. The treated surface can adhere to the dry surface by van der Waals forces on the vertical sidewalls. The treatment agent may be deposited and cured on the device, or the treatment agent may be laser sprayed onto the device. [Selection] Figure 1 |