Biopolymer Matrices
Medical-grade nonwovens from biopolymers
Biopolymer Matrices for challenging healthcare applications
Freudenberg Performance Materials produces medical-grade nonwovens under cleanroom conditions by transforming natural or synthetic biopolymers using an extremely gentle spinning process. Thanks to the variable 3D structure of the nonwovens and their ability to incorporate active ingredients into the fiber during the spinning process, these matrices are ideally suited for a uniquely broad spectrum of medical applications.
Key Features
- Bioresorbable polymers
- 3D scaffold
- Incorporation of active ingredients possible
- Stable even when wet
- Easy to cut
- Sewable
- Multilayer structure possible
Key Benefits
- Bioresorbable: resorption time can be adapted
- Adaptable to various shapes (multilayer configurations possible)
- Cuttable: facilitates easy handling and individual portioning
- Suturable
- Fluid absorption: hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties can be modified
- Wetting time: adjustable to specific requirements
- Tensile strength: can be varied by selecting different raw materials
- Gamma (ɣ) sterilization: possible while maintaining the activity of sensitive bioactive ingredients
- Fiber diameter: adjustable as regards porosity, cell response, and nutrient transport
Bioresorbable polymers: reducing treatment costs and enhancing safety
Our dedicated team is focused on the development and commercialization of bioresorbable nonwovens for medical and pharmaceutical applications. Our production line operates in a cleanroom environment that meets both European and US standards for medical products, specifically ISO 13485.
Bioresorbable polymers offer significant benefits in terms of treatment costs and safety, as they are resorbed by the body, eliminating the need for surgical removal. In addition, 3D fibrous structures (scaffolds) are bio-mimetic (i.e. similar to body structures), which can support the healing process. This technology also enables the integration of active substances into the fibers, coatings, or other finishing steps.
How does the technology differ from existing technologies?
The technology has a unique approach to the processing of raw materials and biopolymers. It operates at low temperatures, without the use of harmful solvents, and avoids polymeric degradation, ensuring a particularly gentle treatment of the materials.
What are the advantages of this technology?
The technology enables the conversion of highly-sensitive or atypical polymers into bioresorbable 3D scaffolds. In addition, it allows the incorporation of other sensitive bioactive materials directly into the bioresorbable nonwoven (e.g. peptides, proteins, antibiotics, growth factors, metabolic substrates like TCP). This expands the range of potential applications and opens new possibilities for tailored medical solutions.
Which polymers can be transformed and why?
Examples:
- Gelatin or collagen: support chronic wound healing; exhibit hemostatic properties
- Starch: hydrophilic; can be loaded with active ingredients (non-animal derived raw material)
- Dextran: rapidly soluble enabling quick release of additives
- Hyaluronic acid: important polysaccharide component of the extracellular matrix (ECM)
- PCL (polycaprolactone): hydrophobic; useful as barrier membrane; degrades over 3 to 4 years
- PEO / PEG (polyethylene oxide /polyethylene glycol): hydrophilic, very versatile
