BASF Focuses on Antimicrobial Performance Polymers

The focus of BASF’s booth at the Compamed tradeshow in Düsseldorf, Germany, is on the latest antimicrobial thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) products in the HyGentic (trademarked) product portfolio and a range of high-performance plastics for medical technology. BASF will be exhibiting its solutions from November 20 through 22, 2103 in booth G21, hall 8b.

HyGentic TPU is an antimicrobial thermoplastic polyurethane dedicated to the production of medical devices, featuring integrated silver ions that protects the product surface from contamination by microbes. This TPU is particularly suitable for tubes and catheters in hygiene-sensitive uses.

HyGentic SA is an antimicrobial styrene acrylic copolymer offering similar hardness to polycarbonate. It is transparent, easy to process, and therefore ideal for medical device housings and plug-in connectors in hygiene-sensitive environments.

HyGentic SBC is a transparent antimicrobial injection-mouldable styrene butadiene copolymer compound that equally contains antimicrobial silver ions. The ready-to-use compound can be used to manufacture medical devices, such as inhalers or ventilation filters.

HyGentic PA is an antimicrobial glass-fiber-reinforced, injection-moldable polyamide compound that is exceptionally well suited to 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,” explained Edgar Eichholz, Business Development Manager Medical Device Materials, BASF New Business. Medical devices produced from these materials can be disinfected by conventional procedures. “Hospitals can support their hygiene routine by using medical devices manufactured from HyGentic compounds,” Eichholz pointed out.

BASF’s medical devices team has the expertise and facilities it takes to produce customized application-focused formulations and test them for antimicrobial effectiveness, and will incorporate them into materials adjusted for use on the equipment available. A dedicated microbiology team checks the various formulations obtained for antimicrobial effectiveness against relevant microorganisms, including multiresistant pathogens like MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).

“The selective combination of organic and inorganic antimicrobial ingredients produces synergy effects and boosts the efficiency of the individual components,” Eichholz explained. The formulations obtained in this way act faster and remain effective for a longer period.  

High-performance thermoplastics in medical technology

BASF’s plastics portfolio identified by the suffix “PRO,” which has been geared specifically to meet the needs of the medical technology industry, comprises two classes of materials: the Ultraform PRO range (POM: polyoxymethylene; polyacetal) and Ultradur B4520 PRO (PBT: polybutylene terephthalate).

New Ultraform PRO with optimized sliding friction

The new Ultraform W2320 003 PRO TR (TR: tribology-optimised) is a preferred choice especially when it comes to minimizing friction between two functional elements that come into contact, so as to avoid unwanted noise in application. The material also features excellent flowability. A special lubricant minimizes squeaking and stick-slip.  

Comprehensive service package for medical technology

Along with its plastics from the “PRO” family (PRO: profile covered raw materials only) BASF offers a comprehensive service package that has been adapted specifically to the requirements of medical technology. Aside from support relating to applications technology, this package entails the explicit commitment that no changes will be made in the plastic formulation stored in the Drug Master File (DMF) at the FDA. All product grades of 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. Such tests are performed (on pellets) by independent third-party institutes.  

Heat-resistant Ultrason

With its stability at high temperatures and exceptional chemical resistance, Ultrason, too, is suitable for medical technology applications. What is more: it is transparent. In addition, most products from this range have been certified to the typical food contact and drinking water standards.