Medical Polymer Expertise: Advancing Healthcare Innovation
Cambridge Polymer Group offers unparalleled expertise in material selection and testing for medical applications. Our in-depth knowledge of polymer science enables us to support the development of cutting edge medical devices and implants.
Polymer Expertise for Medical Applications
While there’s no formal “medical grade” designation, several polymer classes have proven successful in medical devices. Our team has extensive experience with:
Polyethylene (PE)
- Widely used in arthroplasty (hip, knee, shoulder)
- Ultra-high molecular weight PE for superior wear resistance
- Excellent biocompatibility and mechanical properties
Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)
- Versatile applications: dental/orthopedic cement, intraocular lenses
- Intervertebral spacers and hip replacement centralizers
Polypropylene (PP)
- Ideal for disposable medical items and protective equipment
- Applications: syringes, surgical gowns, N95 masks, sutures, surgical meshes
Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK)
- Long-term implant material (introduced in the 1980s)
- Radiation and chemical resistant
- Used in spinal implants, medical tubing, joint replacements
Silicones
- Elastomeric materials with excellent biocompatibility
- Diverse applications: blood-contact devices, tubing, wound care, implants, catheters
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
- Known for chemical inertness and low friction
- Used in arterial grafts, sutures, barrier materials, surgical mesh
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)
- Long-standing use in sutures and vascular prostheses
Biodegradable Polymers: Engineered for Controlled Degradation
Our expertise extends to biodegradable polymers designed for temporary tissue reinforcement:
- Polylactic acid (PLA)
- Polyglycolic acid (PGA)
- Polycaprolactone (PCL)
These materials feature hydrolyzable ester groups, making them ideal for applications like sutures and tissue repair scaffolds.
Our Polymer Expertise
Cambridge Polymer Group offers:
- Material characterization
- Formulation development
- Performance optimization
- Regulatory guidance
- Failure analysis and troubleshooting
By leveraging our deep understanding of polymer science, we help medical device manufacturers:
- Enhance product performance
- Improve biocompatibility
- Optimize manufacturing processes
- Navigate regulatory challenges
- Accelerate time-to-market
Partner with Cambridge Polymer Group
Our team of polymer scientists and engineers is ready to support your medical device innovation. From material selection to advanced characterization, we provide the expertise needed to bring your ideas to life.