How antimicrobial technology can enhance medical devices
Hannah Mullane, social media and content executive, BioCote, explores integrating antimicrobial technology into medical devices for product enhancement.
An antimicrobial (AM) is something that can resist, inhibit, and prevent the growth of microbes. The technology is built based on the properties of antimicrobial materials that are formulated into a range of additives. The AM technology can then be integrated into a product during the manufacturing process.
The additives will encompass a specific antimicrobial activity and are tailored for specific products depending on the formulation of the targeted material and manufacturing process.
When in contact with microbes, silver ions damage DNA by blocking the copying of their genetic material, which stops the cells from being able to replicate. Silver ions also cause an increase in reactive oxygen species within the cell, leading to various mechanisms of cell damage and impairment of cell processes.
When infused into a product, the AM additive will work continuously to make that product not only more hygienic by minimising the potential for cross-contamination, but more resilient as it defends against microbes that cause material degradation, extending a product’s functional lifetime. This technology can be formulated into a concentrated powder, liquid suspension, or masterbatch pallet.
Why you should consider AM technology
In recent years, there has been a rise in demand for antimicrobial protection to meet ever increasing hygiene standards within the medical industry. The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has updated their cleaning standards to a three-stage audit: technical, efficiency, and external. Subsequently, the demand for antimicrobial technology is increasing within medical sectors.
For over 25 years, BioCote has been combining antimicrobial technology into a wide range of products. BioCote technology is integrated into products to reduce microbes such as mould and bacteria by up to 99.99% within 24 hours, minimising cross-contamination and making products easier to maintain and clean without the use of harsh chemicals.
Medical devices and equipment containing antimicrobial technology have a range of benefits specific to the quality of additives supplied, where some bacteria strains cannot survive on protected surfaces. AM technology supports the production of superior quality, high-performing, and hygienic products. Additionally, antimould technology can minimise growth of a wide range of unpleasant moulds.
Antimicrobial technology works to strengthen cleaning regimes that are in place at hospitals, medical centres, and clinics. It is extremely adaptable and can be added to any material at any stage of production. There are additives that are effective against antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, which helps to achieve the ultimate hygiene solution for the healthcare sector.
Integrating AM technology in medical devices
Integrating antimicrobial technology into medical devices and equipment can kill microbes and reduce cross contamination, improving the durability of products. This is achieved because AM technology ensures that the product is less susceptible to microbial growth. Due to the control of microbes that reduce potential material degradation, devices become more durable, and equipment effectiveness is maintained.
Healthcare facilities can make a difference by incorporating products with antimicrobial technology for key touch point area such as door handles, grab rails, soap dispensers, and more as the technology not only lessens the potential of cross-contamination, but significantly reduces microbes to keep medical products more hygienic.
Integrating Antimicrobial Masterbatch
Typically for plastic materials, antimicrobial additives are incorporated through masterbatch integration. The additive is encapsulated in the carrier material, allowing a seamless and stable process of dispersing the technology into a product. This can be applied to medical products such as respiratory disposables and aerosol products.
Integrating antimicrobial Powder
AM powder is widely used in paints and coatings and can offer built-in protection for the exterior of a product to add enhanced hygiene performance. Products such as hospital bed handles, bathroom safety fixtures, and tray storage have had the application of BioCote antimicrobial technology.