Medical Device Link.

DRUG DELIVERY

Many of today’s emerging drugs depend upon sophisticated device materials for effective delivery. Inhalable and injectible products, in particular, require materials that ease drug passage through the device. Static electricity, for instance, can build up on certain polymers. If not addressed, such obstacles could slow product dispersion.

To address these concerns, CYRO Industries, a DeGussa Company, has developed its Vu-Stat Y-20 static-dissipative acrylic multipolymer compound. The medical-grade material consists of a polymer matrix that is inherently antistatic. These antistatic properties don’t wear off over time or through certain processes, such as through repeated washing cycles, as can happen with polymers with antistatic coatings, explains Stephen Magaziner, product portfolio manager, molding compounds.

In addition, “humidity and moisture—or lack thereof—do not affect performance,” he says. “It can be used in dry environments.” Surface scratches or abrasions won’t diminish its static protection, either.

Magaziner says that Vu-Stat Y-20 is fairly easy to mold, since it retains the properties of its acrylic base resin. Designed specifically for medical applications, “Y-20 is tough and transparent,” he says.

Vu-Stat Y-20 is currently being used in needle hubs to control static in brachytherapy devices. “The needle can be a source of static charge,” says Magaziner. In one company’s original product, which consisted of a traditional material without antistatic properties, “The brachytherapy seeds would float around in the needle hub and were difficult to control,” he explains. After switching to Vu-Stat Y-20, the needle-hub manufacturer “has gotten fewer complaints from doctors,” he adds.

Magaziner says that Vu-Stat Y-20 can be used for metered-dose inhalers with spacers. “Static charges can affect an inhalable drug’s pathway. An antistatic spacer could mean improved and more-consistent dosing, and a lower drug dosage may even be possible,” he says.