Novel Dyneema Purity UHMWPE Membrane Technology

DSM (www.dsm.com) a global leader in biomedical materials science and regenerative medicine, announced it has developed a novel ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) membrane technology. Initial use of the proprietary membrane technology will be in peripheral stent graphs used to treat peripheral artery disease.  

The incident rate of diseases that cause complications in peripheral arteries, such as diabetes and obesity, is on the rise. According to the World Health Organization, at least 2.8 million adults die each year as a result of being overweight or obese. In addition, 44% of the diabetes burden and 23% of the ischemic heart disease burden are attributable to overweight and obesity.[1]  

Dyneema Purity (registered trademark) membrane technology is a new entrant into the material space and serves as an alternative to currently used ePTFE films (polytetrafluoroethylene). The membrane is a biocompatible and inert material that is easy to handle and can be processed at lower temperatures, resulting in easier handling and lower cost tooling requirements. It has a higher ratio of strength versus volume compared to ePTFE, which enables medical device companies to manufacture medical devices with smaller profiles, enabling treatment of patients with minimal invasivesurgery. In addition, the membrane enables creation of a laminated structure; the porosity resulting from this allows the membrane to accept coatings anddrugs. Furthermore, the membrane can be combined with other materials such as Nylon, PET, TPU and UHMWPE fibre such as DSM’s Dyneema Purity fibre itself.  

“DSM is committed to leading research and development of new material science applications that have positive impacts on medical devices and ultimately, patient clinical outcomes,” said Carola Hansen, Director of Biomedical Polyethylenes, DSM Biomedical. “The first application of our Dyneema Purity membrane technology is in peripheral stents that can reopen blood vessels, promote better circulation, and in the most extreme cases, prevent amputation. Over time, we will look to expand this technology into other cardiovascular treatment segments.”  

DSM is exhibiting at Compamed 2013 in hall 08a, booth K28. Company representatives will be available to answer questions about the new, proprietary Dyneema Purity membrane technology.

[1] Obesity and overweight fact sheet. (2013, March). In WHO | Obesity and Overweight. Retrieved October 31, 2013, from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs311/en/