the invention provides a method for single - step terminal sterilization process for bio - active heparin coatings on materials and biomaterials containing heparin used in medical devices , such as catheters , tissue engineering scaffolds , or drug delivery carrier materials . this may include any medical device or implantable that could benefit from improved antithrombotic and biocompatible heparin surfaces . other relevant device examples may include heparin or a heparin derivative coated stents to reduce clotting and restenosis , dental or ophthalmological implants . these materials may comprise additional polymeric compositions such as polyethyleneimine , dextran sulfate or their modified forms . these polymers together with heparin coatings may be applied to other substrate of medical devices such as metal , ceramics or biologically derived materials .