About Us

ISurTec was founded in 2004 by Dr. Patrick Guire and his team of fellow scientists, focusing on the surface interface of a solid with water and biological fluids.

Our science has been supported by the Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) program at the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.

Initially we developed surface coatings to control whether water spreads out when contacting a surface (hydrophilicity) or forms a tight ball that dances off the surface (superhydrophobicity). From that early research, the ISurGlide family of UV-cured lubricious hydrophilic coatings was born. ISurGlide was first commercialized in 2007, followed by the PhotoPrime family of primers in 2009.

Research and development is a core
strength at ISurTec

Our team of scientists and engineers continually works to design innovative new coating chemistries, often in collaboration with commercial and academic institutions.

Awards

2006
National Tibbetts Award
2008

Tekne Executive of the Year – Small and Growing Businesses

2010
Medical Alley New Technology Showcase Winner
2016
UEL Graduate – Life Science Community
2005
– Present
Six Phase II SBIR awards from the NIH and NSF plus multiple Phase I awards
2024
Excellence in Biomaterials Science Award

Timeline

2004

Founded by Dr. Patrick Guire and a team of four scientists at Gortner Labs, University of Minnesota

2005

ISurLite Photocrosslinker patent filed

ISurTec moves to University Enterprise Labs

2006

SBIR Award from National Institutes of Health

ISurGlide hydrophilic coating solutions developed for lubricity in medical devices

2007

ISurGlide 475 medium viscosity coating solution commercialized through a distributor

ISurTec expands to a dedicated production facility

Superhydrophobic coatings featured in a traveling exhibit for science museums nationwide

2009

PhotoPrime 150 and 955 Primer Solutions launched, enabling improved adherence of lubricious coatings

ISurGlide 200 and 460 expand ISurTec portfolio of hydrophilic medical device coatings

2012

Launch of PhotoPrime SR 330 Primer Solution for silicone and other challenging substrates 

2014

Successful pilot human clinical trial for ISurCoat drug delivery coating

2015

IDE approved multi-center pivotal trial for ISurCoat drug delivery coating

2016

ISurTec expands to second location in St. Paul, MN

2022

ISurGlide Plus Hydrophilic Coating Solution launched

ISurTec shifts focus to direct sales