Endexo® additive technology is designed to improve the safety and biocompatibility of medical devices. By significantly reducing biological adhesion and biofilm formation, Endexo® additives offer a superior alternative to traditional medical device coatings. Our additive technology for passive surface modification integrates seamlessly into existing manufacturing processes, with simplicity and minimal costs. Endexo® addresses critical device challenges such as thrombosis, bacterial adhesion, biofouling and encrustation, while optimizing surface friction for better device functionality.

With the use of Evonik's Endexo® technology, medical device innovators can:

Endexo® additives are integrated at low concentrations into base polymers (e.g. TPUs, PSU, PVC, PP, PEBA, and silicone) during standard manufacturing processes (e.g. extrusion, solution spinning, and injection molding). These additives migrate to the device surfaces, creating a unique surface chemistry that enhances biocompatibility without affecting device dimensions or functionality. This makes Endexo® an ideal solution for a wide range of medical devices, including cardiovascular, neurology, medical equipment, renal and urological applications.

Endexo® seamlessly integrates into existing manufacturing processes by blending low molecular weight additives into base polymers during standard techniques such as extrusion and injection molding. Secondary application processes or post treatments are not required. This ensures permanent surface modification without altering device dimensions or functionality. As Endexo® is not a coating, there is no risk of delamination or particulate generation.

Thrombus accumulation on blood-contacting medical devices can lead to severe complications such as device occlusion, thrombosis, which can lead to further complications such as stroke. Endexo® additive technology for passive surface modification of medical device surfaces has been shown to reduce platelet adhesion and thrombus formation by up to 99%. This significantly minimizes the risk of blood coagulation, fibrin sheath formation, and thrombosis.

Medical devices are prone to biofouling due to bacterial adhesion, leading to biofilm formation and potential infections. Endexo® technology on surfaces have shown up to a 5-log reduction in bacterial adhesion without the use of active antimicrobials. This helps to minimize biofilm formation and reduce the risk of device-related infections. This is particularly beneficial for urological devices, where bacterial adhesion can lead to encrustation and device failure. Endexo® is effective across multiple bacterial species and in various media or conditions.

For interventional catheters and other medical devices requiring low-friction surfaces, Endexo® offers a durable solution that reduces the coefficient of friction. This results in lower insertion forces, easier trackability, reduced tissue inflammation, and improved patient comfort.

Low friction device surfaces have traditionally been created via the application of hydrophilic or hydrophobic medical device coatings, liners, or both. Such medical device coatings can however be associated with challenges relating to manufacturing, cost and durability. Evaluations of catheter prototypes with various base polymers indicate that passive surface modification with Endexo® additives can reduce the coefficient of friction by up to 97% compared to unmodified devices.

Medical devices modified with Endexo® additive technology have demonstrated significant clinical benefits. For example, vascular access catheters that use Endexo® have shown a 50% reduction in rates of deep vein thrombosis and a 70% reduction in the use of thrombolytic drugs. External ventricular drainage devices with Endexo® also exhibit significantly less occlusions and require up to eight times less flushing during use.

Endexo® additive technology offers a versatile and effective solution for enhancing the biocompatibility, safety, and functionality of medical devices. By reducing thrombus formation, bacterial adhesion, and surface friction, Endexo® improves patient outcomes, making it an invaluable addition to the field of medical technology.