12-Jun-17 Polymer chameleons, also referred to as smart polymers, will likely be the next big hit in the medtech domain. They are stimuli-responsive, environmentally sensitive materials that alter their microstructure due to an external trigger such as ultrasound, pH, ionic strength, heat, magnetic and electric fields, light, and chemical species. The changes are reversible and the material structure can return to its original state on removal of the trigger. These engineered polymers are used as a functional tool for a variety of applications in metabolic control mechanisms and drug delivery implants. The different types of polymer chameleons available in the market are shape memory, thermos-responsive, electroactive and magnetically-responsive, photo-responsive, self-healing, pH responsive, enzyme-responsive, etc. Of these, shape memory polymers are predicted to see massive uptake in the near future. They can change drastically due to thermal or other such stimuli into an elastic state from a rigid polymer. They can regain their memory shape if left uncontrolled.
As per Transparency Market Research, at present just a handful of top-tier players enjoy a stronghold over the global polymer chameleons market. They are focused on product development and diversification and expanding their global outreach, particularly in high growth markets. They are also resorting to strategic acquisitions to further cement their positions.
Two unique perceived benefits of polymer chameleons are compatibility and adaptability, which aid in supporting important tools in medical treatment, including the immune system. Their massive potential, however, remains untapped. Sensing an opportunity in a nascent market, savvy players are increasingly expending time and money on product development. These days, for example, producers of polymer chameleons are coming up with unique resources that help in treating wounds, delivering drugs, designing biosensor, and other metabolically regulated systems. Posing challenges to players in the market are the difficulty in customization of polymers depending upon end-use applications, high cost of manufacturing, and scalability. Steep prices of raw materials pose another roadblock to swift commercialization. To overcome such challenges, companies are focusing on research geared toward specific applications and strategic partnerships.
Geographically, the key segments of the global market for polymer chameleons are Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, and the Rest of the World. Among them, Asia Pacific is a dominant market on account of numerous companies in the region involved in developing innovative products on account of extensive research and development facilities in therapeutic and medical sectors. Further, growing manufacturing units in the region along with implementation of advanced technologies and expertise is expected to boost the polymer chameleon smart products in the next few years. Another crucial market is Europe, which has clocked impressive growth on account of the presence of multinationals in the continent.
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