US demand for biocompatible materials is forecast to grow 5.4% pa to US$5.5 bln in 2018

US demand for biocompatible materials is forecast to grow 5.4% pa to US$5.5 bln in 2018, representing 2 bln lbs, as per Reportlinker. Reflecting quality, performance, and cost advantages in a broad range of applications, synthetic polymers will remain the top-selling product group by far, accounting for 56% of 2018 revenues. Ceramic materials will generate the fastest growth in demand among all biocompatible materials as advances in nanotechnology lead to the introduction of new and improved compounds for orthopaedic implants, spinal fixation devices, and dental repair and restoration products. Spurred by increasing applications in cosmetic surgery, wound management, and arthritis therapy, hyaluronic acid will post the fastest revenue gains among natural biocompatible polymers. Titanium and titanium alloys will fare the best in the marketplace among biocompatible metals as high strength, light weight, and shape memory advantages promote their expanding use in cardiac, orthopaedic, and dental implants. Competition from alternative polymer materials will hold down demand for other biocompatible metals, including precious metals and stainless steel. Demand for synthetic biocompatible polymers will reach US$3 bln in 2018, up 4.9% pa from 2013. Engineered resins -- especially silicone, sulfone, and polyketone materials -- will command the fastest revenue growth based on quality and safety advantages in high value-added catheters and implants. By contrast, demand for polyvinyl chloride, the most widely used biocompatible resin, will expand slowly due to recurring safety concerns and competition from improved grades of polypropylene and thermoplastic polyesters. Widening use in drug delivery systems, cosmetic implants, tissue engineering products, wound management supplies, and orthopaedic pain therapies will boost US demand for natural biocompatible polymers 5.5% pa to US$1.1 bln in 2018. Cellulose polymers and starch derivatives will remain the top selling product groups based on well established performance results in drug formulations and delivery systems. Hyaluronic acid will generate the fastest revenue gains spurred by expanding applications in injectable arthritis treatments. Lastly, collagen will continue to fare well in the marketplace following upward trends in the volume of cosmetic surgical procedures. Advances in alumina-zirconia nanocomposites will broaden the use of biocompatible ceramics in dental and orthopedic implants. Due to their high density structure, these nanocomposites incorporate greater resistance to cracking, a widespread problem usually seen in joint replacements composed of conventional ceramics. Biocompatible metals will retain applications in a number of dental and medical implants. Within this product group, titanium and titanium alloys will realize the fastest revenue growth based on high strength, low modulus, and strong body fluid resistance advantages in such products as joint replacement systems, dental implants, fusion cages, trauma fixation devices, and stents.