Though bioinspired approaches to adhesive R&D often lead to great improvements in the lab, translating these sophisticated chemistries to commercial scale is a considerable challenge.
With the host of diverse biomaterials produced by an estimated 6.5 million species on land and 2.2 million species in the oceans, the biomimicry toolkit that man has to play with is, for all practical purposes, limitless. The superior designs discovered in nature have inspired many research programs from around the world, both at the university and commercial levels. The gecko, sandcastle worm, caddisfly, mussel, and sea cucumber are all species that have inspired new chemical approaches to creating adhesives with unique performance features.
3M’s latest medical adhesive, 3M™ Spunlace Extended Wear Adhesive Tape on Liner, 4576, was reportedly developed for extended-wear devices requiring attachment to the skin for up to a 21-day wear time.
Bio-adhesives have rapidly gained traction as an alternative to traditional synthetic adhesives.
May 16, 2022
The global market for bio-adhesives reached nearly $2.2 billion in 2021. These bio-based materials find extensive applications across numerous industries, including medical, packaging and paper, construction, wood, and personal care.
Additive manufacturing/3D printing has grown into a $14 billion industry since its inception, according to McKinsey, and the market’s annual growth rate is 22%. Many can agree on the potential 3D printing has when it comes to innovation and being able to create prototypes and items with minimal material use, but its value is extending beyond that original purpose.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a wearable glucose monitoring device prototype consisting of an electronic sensor attached to a small alkaline solution chamber.
March 23, 2022
Noninvasive glucose monitoring devices are not currently commercially available in the U.S., so people with diabetes must collect blood samples or use sensors embedded under the skin to measure their blood sugar levels. With a new wearable device created by Penn State researchers, however, less-intrusive glucose monitoring could become the norm.
Medical device design engineers hold in their hands the power to help transform people’s health. They have the ever-important job of designing medical devices that help people monitor, track, and adjust their health for the better. However, some design engineers may be making a mistake that can affect how an entire medical device functions: they could be reducing adhesive selection to an afterthought. This critical decision is too often left until device design is almost complete.
Henkel has introduced three new low-pressure molding (LPM) materials designed to seal and protect medical devices from moisture, temperature extremes, chemicals, vibration, impact, and other environmental concerns.
Pressure-sensitive tape manufacturers are tapping into the packaging, medical, and transportation sectors to gain ground.
January 14, 2022
Today’s manufacturers have unrestrained access when it comes to bonding solutions. Pressure-sensitive tapes and labels have grown as a viable option, but why are these solutions important?
This two-part system can withstand exposure to repeated autoclaving and aggressive sterilants.
December 27, 2021
Master Bond EP62-1HTMed is a chemically resistant two-part epoxy that meets the requirements of ISO 10993-5 for non-cytotoxicity and therefore can be used in many medical device applications.
Wow, what a year. It’s like 2020 turned to 2021 and said, “Haha—beat that!” Unfortunately for us, 2021 responded with a hearty “Challenge accepted!” and proceeded to foment chaos with manic enthusiasm.