Polycarbonate based medical TPUs for implantable devices

16-Jun-11

Biomerics, a leader and innovator of medical polymer solutions, has announced the launch of its Quadrathane family of biomaterials, a complete line of polycarbonate-based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPUs) materials for the medical device market. The Quadrathane™ family of polycarbonate-based thermoplastic polyurethanes is available in aliphatic and aromatic formulations. Quadrathane™ offers superior biocompatibility, mechanical properties, chemical resistance and oxidative stability when compared to other TPUs. Quadrathane™ biomaterials are specifically designed for long-term implantable applications where biocompatibility and biostability are critical to a device’s performance. These grades have passed ISO 10993 and USP Class VI biological testing, including hemocompatibility, cytotoxicity, irritation and sensitization testing. The Quadrathane™ ALC (aliphatic polycarbonate) grades are non-yellowing and offer unique body softening properties. They are typically used in catheter applications, where softening and biodurability are required, such as hemodialysis, drainage, vascular access and pacemaker leads. The ALC family of polymers is available in eight standard body softening grades and eight standard high-resiliency grades, ranging in durometers from 75A-72D. The Quadrathane™ ARC (aromatic polycarbonate) grades deliver superior chemical resistance and toughness to long-term devices. These polymers are useful in applications where solvent resistance, resiliency and biodurability are required, such as vascular access and orthopedic devices. All grades are naturally clear, and are designed for use in extrusion, injection molding and solution processes. Standard grades may be customized with radiopacifiers, colors, antimicrobials or other additives for a given application. “Biomerics specializes in the rapid development of proprietary biopolymers to solve our customers’ application requirements,” says Travis Sessions, President and CEO of Biomerics. “Our Quadrathane™ line of materials was specifically developed to solve unmet performance, supply and quality issues experienced by many of our customers. This product line expands the tool box of materials available to device engineers to build new-to-market devices and improve patient outcomes.” Biomerics manufactures their products in ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 registered facilities.