Helping clients to optimise device performance through better understanding of polymer materials and polymer degradation
Intertek, a leadingquality solutions provider to industries worldwide, today announced theexpansion of its analysis services (polymer degradation) for the medical device industry and its suppliers.
“Intertek engineers and scientists in combination with abroad array of analytical problem solving tools are available to respond to ourcustomers’ questions relating to polymer degradation, helping them to optimisethe performance of the medical device”
Many key components of medical devices are made from polymer materials. The stability or degradationcharacteristics of a polymer are key attributes in evaluating how suitable theyare for use in a device as they can impact device performance. Controlledpolymer degradation is desired for drug release in a drug delivery systemwhereas, in contrast, degradation of a polymer component in a catheter, forexample, can trigger a mechanical failure. For each function, it is importantto fully understand the polymer material and the changes that can lead todegradation through study with a combination of analytical techniques.
Intertek have recentlyexpanded polymer analysis capabilities through investment in advanced polymerchromatography with fraction collection (SEC-APC) and advanced analysis bymatrix assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). Thesenew capabilities augment the existing broad array of polymer analysis toolswhich include size exclusion chromatography to evaluate polymer molecularweight and techniques to determine rheology, thermal degradation and structuralidentification.
Clients will benefitas they can access, through Intertek’s expertise, a full understanding ofpolymer materials and polymer degradation. This knowledge can assist in theearly detection of polymer failure, help clients to monitor raw materiallot-to-lot variability in relation to product performance. Learn more aboutthese techniques and related services at the upcoming MD&M Philadelphia,October 7-8, Booth 513.
“Intertek engineersand scientists in combination with a broad array of analytical problem solvingtools are available to respond to our customers’ questions relating to polymerdegradation, helping them to optimise the performance of the medical device,”states Dr. Paula McDaniel, Business Development Director at Intertek.
Intertek’s polymertesting laboratories in Allentown (United States of America), Basel(Switzerland), Geleen (Netherlands) and Wilton (United Kingdom) have workedwith innovators in the polymer industry and industries that use polymers suchas medical devices for over 20 years. Intertek polymer engineers, chemists andregulatory experts work with clients to optimise polymer development andenhance performance through advanced analytics, problem solving and pilot plantprocessing facilities.
