ABSTRACT
We describe a bioinspired coating that repels blood from virtually any material by covalently
tethering a layer of perfluorocarbon, which holds a thin liquid film of medical-grade perfluorocarbon on
the substrate surface, mimicking the liquid layer certain plants use to prevent adhesion. This coating
prevents fibrin attachment, reduces platelet adhesion, and suppresses biofilm formation. Surface-coated
medical-grade tubing and catheters, assembled into arteriovenous shunts and implanted in living pigs,
remain patent for at least 8 hours without anticoagulation. This coating offers the potential to significantly
reduce anticoagulation in patients while preventing thrombotic occlusion and biofouling of medical
devices.