Medical-grade polymers are a key component of the global medical ecosystem. From surgical instruments to implants and catheters, polymers are used in a range of devices.
Biocompatibility and durability are the basic attributes of raw materials used in the manufacture of medical plastic products. Substitution of metals is a continuing development trend in the medical field. Compared with reusable instruments, single-use instruments are less likely to cause medical-related infections, and reusable instruments need to be sterilized after each use. Plastic also provides ray transparency, reducing weight and reducing stress shielding.
Here are some trends we believe will define the medical polymer sector in the first half of this new decade.
3D printing will make way for 4D printing. 3D printing technology is helping medical device manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies develop treatment-specific drugs and patient-specific implants, and brings surgeons new tools for planning procedures. The adoption of 4D printing technology is at a critical juncture because it enables the development of smart materials. According to reports, the most advanced 4D printing products can change their color, shape and performance; minimize production time and reduce post-processing requirements. Both 3D and 4D printing will enhance the understanding of disease states and advance patient-specific design of surgical tools and implantable products.
Bioabsorbable materials continue to receive attention. Prospective companies are expected to use bioabsorbable materials and expand their applications in the fields of reinforcement meshes, surgical sutures and cardiovascular stents. Bioabsorbable polymers can speed up the healing process. The seemingly harmless decomposition of these polymers in the human body and their chemically neutral nature will determine the future development direction of the medical polymer industry.
Although there are some concerns about the potential impact of PVC on human health, in the next few years, the demand for PVC will continue to grow. The transparency of plasticized PVC makes it possible to monitor fluid flow without interruption. Due to its cost-effectiveness and unmatched performance characteristics, the application of PVC in medicine, surgical instruments and drug delivery has been warmly welcomed. There are more than 300 types of plasticizers, including up to 100 for commercial use. Phthalate plasticizers are used in many PVC-based products, including life-saving medical equipment such as blood bags and medical tubes. Some studies have shown that DEHP phthalate may ooze out of medical devices made of soft PVC, although these findings are far from conclusive about the impact of phthalates on human health. But people think that the negative impact may slightly affect the demand for PVC products. However, due to its many advantages, PVC will still dominate, and this material will play a considerable role in the growing popularity of medical fibers and resins. In fact, it is estimated that by 2024, the compound annual growth rate of the medical fiber and resin components of the medical polymer market will exceed 8%.
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) polymers are not affected by lipids or blood (most solvents and enzymes in the body), so they have been widely used in orthopedic implants, including plates and pins, bone screws, suture screws, and tissue anchor set. PEEK is replacing metal as a hip prosthesis, because this polymer is more adaptable to the flexibility of natural bones than titanium or steel.
Medical packaging is designed for continued growth because environmental packaging films are introduced into the supply chain to combat the harmful conditions faced by the contents and packaging, including humidity, cold and heat, microorganisms and contaminants, and water. Medical polymer films and barrier packaging can protect products from the external environment and protect them from vibration, stress, magnetic fields, and compression. Polystyrene has the advantages of light weight, good stability, strong versatility, good insulation performance, low cost, etc. It is a very popular material. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) enhances reliability and prevents contamination. EPS is considered non-toxic because it is composed of 2% material and 98% air.