Streamlining Medical Device Development and Manufacturing Using Silicone Elastomers

This article compares high consistency silicone rubbers, liquid silicone rubbers, and low consistency elastomers, analyzing their characteristics and the implications in selecting each during different phases in the development of silicone medical devices. Read on to learn more.

Tunable Lasers Expand for Time-Resolved Spectroscopy

Many research labs are turning to tunable lasers, or optical parametric oscillators (OPOs), for nanosecond time-resolved spectroscopy. OPOs have long been utilized in sophisticated test and measurement applications such as mass spectrometry and photoacoustic imaging. Read on to learn why these tunable pulsed lasers are being utilized.

Sweat Sensor Wristwatch for Real-Time Monitoring

A unique wristwatch contains multiple modules, including a sensor array, a microfluidic chip, signal processing, and a data display system to monitor chemicals in human sweat. It can...

Biosensor: New Drugs, Sensory Organs on a Chip

A synthetic biosensor that mimics properties found in cell membranes and provides an electronic readout of activity could lead to a better understanding of cell biology, development of new...

Wearables: Gold Sensor Performs On-Body Chemical Analysis

Researchers have created a special ultrathin sensor, spun from gold, that can be attached directly to the skin without irritation or discomfort.

Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Chemical Resistance of Thermoplastics for Non-Disposable Medical Devices – A Voice from Industry Collaboration Through the COVID-19 Pandemic

Disinfectant formulations tend to be comprised of an active ingredient, a solvent or aqueous carrier solution, and additional constituents that enhance the formulation’s properties.

Building Better Gas-Phase Biosensors for Fight Against Diseases

By embedding enzymes inside the polymer string, the enzymes were operational even in a dry state.

Microparticles Pave Way for Microfluidic Devices

The research offers potential inspiration for microfluidic pumps that allow the controlled flow of liquids.

Extending the Service Life of Joint Prostheses with PEEK Biomaterials

Learn about a polymer material being explored for complex joint prosthesis systems.

Studying Shellfish Helps Develop New Adhesives

Chemists are studying shellfish to develop new, safer, and more sustainable adhesives for a variety of uses, including bandages and other medical applications.

Impact-Modified Acrylic Copolymers: Evaluating Chemical Resistance

Learn the key parameters for evaluating the chemical resistance of your materials.

Impact Modified Acrylic Copolymers: Understanding Chemical Resistance

An objective screening matrix to enable medical device manufacturers in identifying the appropriate material for device assemblies.

Conductive Cellulose Thread Shows Promise for Healthcare Applications

The thermoelectric textile produces a small amount of electricity when heated on one side.

Molding: Comparing Liquid Silicone Rubber and High Consistency Rubber for Medical Applications

Medical device OEMs often face a tough decision: Use HCR or LSR for medical device component manufacturing?

New Regulations, New Timelines: How Chemistry Changed in Response to ISO 10993-18:2020

Understand what part 18 of the 1099318 standard means for your product’s overall life cycle.

Adhesive Film Turns Smartwatch into Biochemical Health Monitoring System

The system looks for chemical indicators found in sweat.

Smart Fabrics Monitor Body by Changing Color

Researchers have developed biomaterial-based inks that respond to and quantify chemicals released from the body.

Preparing for MDR? Don’t Overlook the Analytical Evaluation Threshold

Medical device manufacturers have a big challenge in preparing for their regulatory device submissions for 2020. In addition to the European Union’s new Medical Device...

Options for Reducing Friction When Using Silicone Elastomers

Silicone has a long and proven history of use with medical devices and can provide many benefits, from flexibility to cushioning. When working with some medical devices, however,...

Innovations in Orthopedic Elastomers Enhance Durability and Appearance

The history of silicone rubber is synonymous with advancements in medical materials. Silicones, a family of biocompatible elastomers, provide an attractive balance of...

A Fast, Simple Sampling Method for Characterizing Volatile Organic Compounds Emitted from Medical Devices

In 2018, an update on regulations for respiratory medical devices meant that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from the devices...

Implant Tracks Rogue Brain Chemicals

Engineers have built a tiny, flexible sensor that is faster and more precise than past attempts at tracking this chemical, called glutamate. The sensor, an implantable device on the spinal cord, is primarily...

Fast, Flexible Ionic Transistors for Bioelectronic Devices

Many major advances in medicine, especially in neurology, have been sparked by recent advances in electronic systems that can acquire, process, and interact with biological substrates....

New Device Widens Light Beams by 400 Times

By using light waves instead of electric current to transmit data, photonic chips — circuits for light — have advanced fundamental research in many areas from timekeeping to telecommunications. But...

New Laser Pulses Faster Than Usual Ultrafast Light

A new electro-optic laser imposes microwave electronic vibrations on a continuous-wave laser operating at optical frequencies, effectively carving pulses into the light. Probing biological...

Four-Step Plastic Testing Protocol: Making Informed Design and Material Decisions

Medical devices across the United States must not only keep pace with advances in technology but also with the increased use of harsh solvents and disinfectants....

Advances in Nano-Therapeutics: Spotlight on Cerium Oxide

For decades, the pharmaceutical industry has focused its drug-development strategies around the use of organic or biologically derived compounds. Among numerous successes are also a...

Implantable Islet Cells Come with Their Own Oxygen Supply

Since the 1960s, researchers have been interested in the possibility of treating type 1 diabetes by transplanting islet cells — the pancreatic cells that are responsible for producing...