ARTICLES

  • The use of polymers in the medical device industry is growing- when compared with other materials they are comparatively light weight, flexible low cost, and offer ease of processing, non-ferrous properties and superior biocompatibility. Several developments are underway in polymer materials and additives to cope with the growing requirements of the medical device industry. New grades are being developed with higher levels of chemical resistance, to offer more flexible designs and improved single-use and reusable instruments. Increasing preference towards soft-touch thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs)  is being seen as they offer a more comfortable, ergonomic feel and a more secure grip. Strides in high performance polymers offer advantage of cost and performance in medical devices. Engineering plastics can rival metals when it comes to tensile strength. Interest is growing in the use of sustainable biopolymers, and bioresorbable polymers. Read more in Trends affecting growth of polymer usage in medical device markets

  • Biomaterials used in implantable devices have a key requirement of being biocompatible- they should be physiologically acceptable and not provoke any immunogenic reaction in the human body. Biomaterials include ceramics, metals, polymers and materials derived from natural origin. The biomaterial polymers market is expected to show the highest growth at a CAGR of 22.1% uptil 2017 due to tremendous ongoing research for the development of biodegradable and bio-compatible polymeric biomaterial and its use in a wide range of applications. Polymers are estimated to grow with a fastest growth rate during the forecast period of 2013 to 2019 owing to the increasing applications into healthcare and its unique material properties such as flexibility, biocompatibility and durability. Read more in Driven by polymers, global biomaterials market for implantable devices to see robust growth till end of decade

  • Polymers offer ease of processing, strength, biocompatibility and lightness in weight, among other benefits. Rising demand for medical devices, growing metal substitution, increasing preference for home healthcare treatment and growth in ageing population, increasing usage of disposable devices are some of the key factors likely to boost demand for medical polymers. However, stringent regulations regarding new product launches are estimated to hamper market growth. To know about the factors that impact demand and growth, the regions expected to witness the fastest growth, the largest regional markets, the fastest growing market, challenges and hurdles faced, etc, read Growing application of engineering plastics in medical implants

  • Uncontrolled bleeding continues to be the leading cause of death. A revolutionary polymer gel, made from plant polymers puts immediate stop to bleeding, working with the body’s natural healing mechanisms to clot blood on contact. Another device claims the apparatus can stop a wound from bleeding in just 15 seconds. It uses sponges made from wood pulp coated with a blood-clotting, antimicrobial substance called chitosan. Read more in Developments in polymer materials aid instant cessation of bleeding, wound healing

  • A revolutionary EMP technology provides the most advanced actuator and sensor technology, allowing devices to come alive with co-located vibrations, movement, morphing and sound, enabling a new generation of ultra thin, ultra flexible and ultra light devices that bring new sensory and emotional experiences to users. This technology will provide doctors treating cardiovascular diseases the ability to dynamically drive devices inside the body will drastically simplify the challenges faced. Another development will embed miniaturized sensory feedback actuators into devices serving the the blind or visually impaired, bringing to market new products with richer tactile feedback. Read more in Electro-Mechanical Polymers to aid cardio patients, visually impared, wearable devices

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