MEDICAL BACTIglas
Incorporating an antimicrobial functionality to medical polymers
Irish Manufacturing Magazine speaks with Julie Simmons on antimicrobial polymers, exploring silver-based technologies, regulatory pressures, dispersion challenges, durability testing and resistance considerations
By Julie Simmons, Wells Performance Materials Regulatory Affairs Manager and Bactiglas Specialist
What types of antimicrobial technologies are most commonly used in medical-device materials today, and that landscape? Wells PM has been developing and manufacturing antimicrobial masterbatches, compounds and powder dispersions for over 25 years, supplying the industry with polymer-based materials which are used across an extensive range of applications including healthcare and medical devices. As regulations governing medical devices and biocidal products continue to evolve, certain technologies are gaining preference over others, directly shaping the range of active substances available to formulators. A select number of actives have emerged as
‘go to’ solutions, distinguished by their excellent long favoured highly stable silver-based systems, particularly within the medical device sector. Across thousands of tests, these systems have consistently proven to be the most suitable, demonstrating outstanding durability, performance and compatibility with a wide range of polymers, polymers. It is, therefore, unsurprising that silver has become one of the most common actives used to provide inbuilt antimicrobial performance. However, not all silver technologies are equal. The delivery system and particle size of the silver and persistence of that effect. The effectiveness of an antimicrobial active depends heavily on uniform distribution of the active agent throughout the polymer. Poor dispersion leads to inconsistent antimicrobial performance, with some areas offering protection while others remain vulnerable to microbial attack. The formulation and production of the masterbatch or compound therefore plays a active agent.
Despite the challenges of an evolving
regulatory landscape, Wells PM continues to work with innovative solutions and partner with leading active ingredient producers to deliver optimal performance requirements. Illustrating we remain committed to advancing both our expertise and our offering in this vital sector.
When incorporating antimicrobial additives into polymers, what are the main technical challenges manufacturers face? The performance of antimicrobials within polymers depends on many factors. As a producer of masterbatches and compounds containing these materials, our contribution is to assist in selecting both the most suitable active ingredient and the appropriate polymer, and then ensure excellent dispersion of the active to Material selection, whether for the casing of a device such as a ventilator or an invasive device such as a catheter is typically based on the practical requirements of the item, without consideration of additional attributes that might provide enhanced functionality, such as antimicrobial properties. As a result,
36 November/December 2025 Irish Manufacturing
device manufacturers often come to Wells PM manufacturing technique are already selected and established. The concept of ‘can this be made antimicrobial’ comes much later in the project and is often viewed as a product enhancement rather than considered during early development Consequently, the polymer selection may how to introduce antimicrobial properties within an existing set of materials while ensuring both approach is to use the existing base polymer, which ultimately delivers optimal compatibility, though not necessarily the most processable solution for the masterbatch manufacturer. The manufacturing process used to produce
effectiveness. Silver-based systems are non- migratory particles, essentially ‘points’ distributed within a polymer matrix. Processes that stretch the surface and increase the distance between those points will require higher dosing levels; biaxially oriented polypropylene is a prime example. In contrast, an injection-moulded article
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