Originally Published EMDM May/June 2005
Industry News
Coating Developed for Defence Use Migrates to Healthcare
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| A plasma-based coating can repel liquids from microplate filters, liquid-handling tips, micropipettes, reaction tubes, and drug-delivery devices. |
Originally developed to protect military and emergency personnel from chemical attacks, a coating is finding multiple applications in healthcare. Medical textiles and consumables are among the products suited for the plasma-based technology developed by P2i Ltd. (Salisbury, Wilts, UK).
The proprietary process deposits molecule-thick liquid-repellant layers over a product’s surface. The material penetrates fabrics and binds to fibre surfaces at the molecular level. The coating has substantially less surface energy than PTFE, according to the firm, and it repels 100% isopropyl alcohol and oils.
Microplate well filters were the initial medical application. “The coating is so thin,” says CEO Quentin Compton-Bishop, “that it does not affect the filter’s pore size.” This translates to enhanced performance, he adds. Reaction times are longer and sample recovery is increased. “We are now coating large volumes of filters on a routine basis.”
Compton-Bishop sees a wide range of uses beyond filters. Liquid-handling tips, micropipettes, reaction tubes, and drug-delivery devices are potential applications. “We also believe that plasma coating is ideal for lab-on-a-chip products. Woven and nonwoven medical textiles for clothing and wound-care products are other areas we are investigating,” says Compton-Bishop.
For further information, contact P2i Ltd., Tetricus Science Park, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wilts SP4 0JQ, UK; phone: +44 1980 556493; fax: +44 1980 556494; e-mail: info@p2ilabs.com; Internet: www.p2ilabs.com.
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