Toyochem, the polymers and coatings arm of the Tokyo-based Toyo Ink Group, has released a new line of 'Soft Skin' polyurethane-based pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) designed to meet the growing demand for safe, low-trauma medical devices formulated for sensitive skin individuals.
Low skin exfoliation for pain-free removal or repositioning with very little damage to skin keratin.
Suitable applications include surgical tapes and dressing films customized for the medical and healthcare fields.
The new adhesive system offers high moisture permeability and low skin exfoliation for a pain-free removal or repositioning of the adhesive material.
Silicones are widely used in the manufacturing of wound management devices, due to their biocompatibility. The new PSAs, however, are silicone-free, do not contain other substances that may contaminate coatings lines or processing environments, have been proven safe for human skin contact, and can be customised to meet International Standards ISO 10993-1.
Drawing on its expertise in urethane chemistry in the development of protective films for the electronics industry, Toyochem engineered a medical-grade urethane composition with a uniquely soft and flexible urethane-based composition.
The product adheres well to the skin, while causing very low trauma to the keratin layer when the dressing is removed or repositioned.
“The challenge is finding the right balance between adhesion and release,” said Nao Nakamura, general manager of Toyochem’s adhesives division. “Materials for medical devices and dressing must have the elasticity to conform to skin surfaces and movement to prevent water, dirt or bacteria from entering and infecting the wound. They also need to have the right amount of release to prevent trauma to the tender skin surrounding it. With the new development, we’re able to strike a fine balance that meets both requirements.”
Moreover, Toyochem says its new urethane PSA system demonstrates exceptional moisture permeability with water vapour transmission rates of 2,000g/m2/24 hours, achieving values that are considerably higher than those of conventional acrylic PSAs.
Poor moisture permeability can trap heat and water vapors between the skin and adhesive layer, often leading to skin irritation, maceration and even bacterial growth. Toyochem’s PSA product, however, is designed to substantially raise the water vapour transmission ability of the adhesive layer, allowing moisture to be evaporated to the outside of the adhesive material.