Preparation and performance optimization of PVP/PVA coatings with high adhesion and high hydrophilicity for coronary guidewires

In response to the adverse events caused by the detachment of coatings during coronary guidewire interventions, this research investigates and optimizes the preparation process of a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) coating with high adhesion and hydrophilicity. Using thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) as the substrate, the coating was prepared via polydopamine (PDA) deposition and UV curing technology. The amounts of PVA, PVP, and polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA), as well as the proportion of the photoinitiator, were optimized through orthogonal experiments, significantly enhancing the hydrophilicity and adhesion of the coating. The optimized hydrophilic coating achieves a minimum water contact angle of 7.4°. The coating with the optimized formulation has a water contact angle of 12.2°, reaches grade 0 adhesion in the cross-cut test, and maintains a stable friction coefficient of 0.16. After water exposure, the water contact angle was 22.6°, and the friction coefficient remained below 0.2. Cytotoxicity tests showed cell viability between 90 % and 110 %, and the hemolysis rate was less than 5 %. These results indicate that the coating exhibits excellent hydrophilicity, adhesion, water resistance, and stability, offering significant potential to improve the safety and operability of coronary interventional guidewires, reduce coating-related adverse events, and enhance surgical quality and safety.