Coating Technologies for Innovative Imaging

At Fraunhofer IMTE, we offer various coating technologies for marking medical instruments such as guidewires and catheters as well as implants such as stents. These markings enable the visualization of objects in magnetic imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI).

Through close cooperation with the Institute of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine as well as the Institute of Interventional Radiology at the University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, the markers shown below have already been developed for preclinical experiments. With our platform for clinical trials, suitable solutions can be developed for further clinically relevant questions in order to enable future in-vivo applications.

Permanent Coatings for Long-Term Marking

For the long-term marking of objects, we offer permanent, water-stable coatings. These provide a permanently constant signal and enable the visualization of objects such as stents in MRI and MPI.

The potential bimodal application opens up perspectives for future radiation-free endovascular therapies.

Further information on the study: https://www.dovepress.com/simple-to-fabricate-and-water-stable-instrument-markers-for-preclinica-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-MDER

Degradable Coatings with Functional Added Value

In addition, implants can be provided with biocompatible degradable coatings. These can expand the portfolio of medical diagnostics and therapy by adding functional aspects.

Based on the degradation behavior and the associated signal change of the coating, conclusions can be drawn about the surrounding medium, for example the pH value. This can support the early detection of vascular narrowing or inflammatory reactions in the immediate environment of the implant.

Further information on the study: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/mabi.202400495

Comprehensive Quality Control

At Fraunhofer IMTE, the coatings can also be quality-controlled directly. The expertise in the field of magnetic methods makes it possible to examine the coatings with regard to their signal behavior.

In our laboratories, coated objects can be examined under physiological conditions with regard to their stability or degradation behavior. The accredited testing laboratory also enables non-destructive material testing in order to investigate the internal properties of the coating. In addition, mechanical stability tests can be performed, for example the flat-plate test.

• Coating of medical instruments and implants
• Adaptation of coating properties to different application scenarios Applikationsszenarien
• Examination of the coatings with regard to their signal behavior
• Investigation of stability and degradation behavior
• Non-destructive material testing
• Mechanical stability tests, e.g. flat-plate test