Beyond the Surface: Rethinking coatings as a strategic enabler in medical device innovation

By Oliver Pertoldi, Global Business Director of Medical Coatings at dsm-firmenich 

In the world of medical device innovation, it’s easy to focus on the core mechanism or the groundbreaking material. The surface coating? Sometimes it’s seen as a final, finishing touch. But what if we started thinking about it differently? What if we saw coatings not as a simple layer, but as a dynamic, performance-critical system that can unlock a device's full potential? 

A coating is more than just a product. It's a strategic enabler that can elevate a device’s function and can help improve patient safety. It’s time to move beyond the surface and recognize that the right coating-supported by the right partnership-can be a powerful competitive advantage. 

The challenges we hear from customers 

Every day, we talk to innovators who are working to solve complex challenges in patient care. Their determination is inspiring, and we hear a consistent set of hurdles they face when it comes to coatings. 

The biggest need? Sustainable solutions that help medical professionals in providing safe, efficient care. In a landscape of evolving global regulations and ever-higher quality standards, our partners need confidence. That's where ComfortCoat® comes in. ComfortCoat® can help those seeking a pathway to develop and validate high-performance devices efficiently, with fewer costly iteration cycles. 

Sustainability is no longer a “nice-to-have.” It’s a core business driver. 

As part of dsm-firmenich, our Biomedical team is committed to helping you meet your own sustainable development goals, including Scope 2 and Scope 3 targets. We design our medical coating solutions with this in mind- from the raw materials we select to the processing technology we employ. 

Why medical coating partnership beats procurement 

For over two decades, we’ve learned that the most successful medical devices come from deep collaboration, not simple transactions. Buying a coating off the shelf is one thing; gaining a strategic partner is something else entirely. 

A true partnership gives you access to a global team of experts in regulatory affairs, quality standards, and process design. It’s about co-development. Biomedical's Expert Services team, along with our world-class facilities, are here to support partners from the earliest prototype all the way to serial production. This collaborative approach means faster problem-solving and a smoother journey from lab to launch. Our focus on delivering coating solutions and services anywhere in the world means your success is our priority. 

Is a coating just a commodity? 

Some people think so, but that view overlooks a critical reality. In the medical field, a medical-grade coating is a key component that delivers essential functionality, like lubricity or antimicrobial properties, in a way that is safe for the patient. 

But the material itself is only half the story. The process used to apply that coating is just as important. The synergy between the coating chemistry and the application process is what guarantees performance, quality, and reliability. These features are clear differentiators for our customers, who refuse to compromise. 

Navigating regulatory complexities with confidence 

Regulatory approval processes in the medical device industry is undeniably complex and rigorous. The need to meet strict standards for safety, efficacy, biocompatibility, and performance can pose significant challenges for companies seeking to bring innovative products to market. At dsm-firmenich, we understand the intricacies of these regulatory landscapes and partner with our clients to ensure compliance without compromising innovation. Our deep expertise in global regulatory requirements, combined with robust documentation and testing protocols, helps streamline the approval process. By offering tailored support throughout the development cycle, we empower our customers to mitigate risks, accelerate timelines, and confidently achieve market readiness. 

But how do we turn a great idea into a commercial reality, faster? It comes down to integrated support. At Biomedical, we offer a dedicated team of experts and infrastructure designed to help you meet demanding market requirements. 

Our Netherlands based team and our application laboratory in China are prime examples. These facilities enable our partners to evaluate, test, and optimize coating solutions on their devices at the very start of a project. This early-stage collaboration, backed by robust regulatory documentation and design support, helps to de-risk the development process and creates a clear, scalable path to market. 

Find a successful partner in medical coatings 

A successful partnership is a journey, not a destination. It’s a collaborative process where expertise is shared toward a common goal: developing and commercializing a high-performing solution that is safe for patients. 

This means building shared innovation roadmaps, proactively identifying and solving problems before they derail a project, and committing to continuous improvement. At Biomedical, we see ourselves as an extension of your team, aligned with your long-term goals and invested in your success throughout the entire product lifecycle. 

Together, we can innovate for tomorrow's devices 

The next generation of medical devices requires a new way of thinking. Let’s stop treating coatings as an afterthought and start leveraging them as the strategic tool they are. By engaging early and working together, we can overcome complex challenges, accelerate innovation, and ultimately, improve patients’ lives. 

Your vision deserves a partner who can help bring it to life. Let’s collaborate and build what’s next.