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BASF has released a range of antimicrobial thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) products in its ‘HyGentic’ portfolio as well as a range of high-performance plastics for medical technology.
HyGentic TPU is an antimicrobial thermoplastic polyurethane which has been designed for use in medical devices. It contains integrated silver ions and protects the product surface from contamination by microbes. This TPU is particularly suitable for tubes and catheters in hygiene-sensitive applications.
Also available in the range is HyGentic SA, an antimicrobial styrene acrylic copolymer offering similar hardness to polycarbonate. It is transparent, easy to process, and may be used for medical device housings and plug-in connectors in hygiene-sensitive environments.
A third HyGentic offering is SBC, a transparent antimicrobial injection-mouldable styrene butadiene copolymer compound, which again contains antimicrobial silver ions. The ready-to-use compound can be used to manufacture devices such as inhalers or ventilation filters.
Finally, HyGentic PA is offered as an antimicrobial glass-fibre-reinforced, injection-mouldable polyamide compound, which is targetted instead at the production of operating elements for medical devices.
“All HyGentic compounds are extremely effective against a broad variety of bacteria and fungi found in the hospital environment,” said Edgar Eichholz, Business Development Manager Medical Device Materials, BASF New Business. Medical devices produced from these materials can be disinfected using conventional procedures. “Hospitals can support their hygiene routine by using medical devices manufactured from HyGentic compounds,” Eichholz continued.
At BASF, the group has a dedicated microbiology team that checks the various formulations for antimicrobial effectiveness against relevant microorganisms, including multiresistant pathogens like MRSA.
“The selective combination of organic and inorganic antimicrobial ingredients produces synergy effects and boosts the efficiency of the individual components,” Eichholz said. The formulations obtained in this way act faster and remain effective for a longer period.
BASF’s ‘PRO’ portfolio has also been geared towards the medical technology industry, and comprises two classes of materials: the Ultraform PRO range (POM: polyoxymethylene; polyacetal) and Ultradur B4520 PRO (PBT: polybutylene terephthalate).
The new Ultraform W2320 003 PRO TR (tribology-optimised) line is suitable for minimising friction between two functional elements that come into contact, so as to avoid unwanted noise in application. An added lubricant minimises squeaking and stick-slip.
BASF says it also offers a comprehensive service package that has been adapted specifically to the requirements of medical technology. Aside from support relating to application technology, this package entails a commitment that “no changes will be made in the plastic formulation stored in the Drug Master File (DMF) at the FDA.”
All grades in the PRO range have been shown to comply with the applicable international standards and tests for medical technology uses of plastics such as the EU, US and Japanese Pharmacopeias and DIN EN ISO 10993-5. Tests are performed by independent third-party institutes.