additives feature | Antimicrobials
A recent medical application for Agion antimicrobial silver is in SpectraShield respirator and surgical masks from Nexera
Material processing parameters Agion branded silver-based antimicrobial technology can be used in a wide range of polymers and coatings for medical applications. Typically for incorporation into polymer systems, the Agion additive should be com- pounded into the base polymer using a twin-screw extruder. This can be done either at use concentration, as a standalone masterbatch or as part of a colour concentrate. materials ranging from polyolefins and styrenics to pc, pEEK and other high-temperature engineering polymers have successfully incorporated the Agion materials to achieve antimicrobial perform- ance for medical devices incorporating the antimicrobial into the base
toxicity might be necessary if the chosen antimicrobial technology is known to affect a certain organ in the body. in addition, some of the standard in vitro test methods may not be appropriate to evaluate certain types of antimicrobial technologies, such as eluting technologies where the active component can accumu- late in unrealistically high concentrations during the extraction period of the in vitro test. in these cases, an animal implant study might be better suited to evaluate the potential toxicity in a more representative and dynamic environment. The iSo standard should be used as a framework to
guide device manufacturers in their test method selection. Take the time to consider the specific device, the antimicrobial technology and the end-use environ- ment when planning biocompatibility testing to ensure proper methods are used to best evaluate the potential in vitro toxicity prior to undertaking lengthy and expensive testing.
Medical Grade Polymers This article is based on a presentation that lise moloney gave at Ami’s medical grade polymers 2011 conference, which took place in September in philadelphia, pA, uSA. The next medical grade polymers event is being held in Boston, mA, uSA, on 25-26 September 2012. if you are interested in giving a presentation, please contact Sally Humphreys (
sh@amiplastics.com) before 23 march. if you would like to attend, then book your place before 30 march to save $340. Click here for more details, or contact marissa Hann (
mh@amiplastics-na.com, Tel +1 610 478 0800). ❙
www.amiconferences.com
36 compounding world | February 2012
polymer offers several advantages. once the material is compounded into the polymer carrier, it requires no additional manufacturing steps at final manufacturing. direct incorporation also provides improved antimicro- bial durability as any wear or scratching of the surface will expose new particles. For tubing and sheet applications, the use of co-extrusion to treat only one surface allows for maximized utilization of the antimi- crobial where needed. in some applications, incorporating the antimicrobial
into a coating may be advantageous. if the final part already has a coating as part of the design, then treating the coating is required. it can also be more cost effective to use a coating on larger parts or where clarity is required. The Agion materials can be incorporated into both aqueous and solvent based coatings as well as into silicone, epoxy, and other 100% solids systems.
A step ahead The medical device field is a crowded market. By properly utilizing advanced technologies such as embedded antimicrobial solutions, device manufactur- ers can set their products apart from their competitors. in turn, by using proven technologies such as silver, manufacturers can offer healthcare facility managers and clinicians assurance that their devices are not only smart, but add a safe, effective tool to their HAi- prevention strategy.
As with any design change, careful planning must be
employed; manufacturers would do best to choose an antimicrobial solution provider with the depth of experience needed to serve as a true partner, from concept to conclusion.
About the author lise moloney is director of business development for healthcare at Sciessent. ❙
www.sciessent.com ❙
www.agion-tech.com
www.compoundingworld.com
International business and technical conference on design, materials and manufacturing of medical devices
September 13-14, 2011
The Hilton City Avenue Philadelphia, PA, USA
Images courtesy of:Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics and Foster Corporation, a PolyMedex Discovery Group Company
SPECIAL OFFER: Save $190 if you register before August 5, 2011
Organized by: Applied Market Information LLC.
Media sponsor:
Marissa Hann – Conference Coordinator
mh@amiplastics-na.com Ph: +1 610 478 0800 Fx: +1 610 478 0900
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