Be sure to check out the March 9 print edition of Rubber & Plastics News. Our special medical report includes coverage by reporter Jennifer Karpus from the MD&M Show last month.
ANAHEIM, Calif.—Bluestar Silicones displayed its newly-expanded line of Silbione soft silicone adhesives for skin applications, including wound and scar care, transdermal patches and wearable devices, at the MD&M West Show in Anaheim Feb. 10-12.
One product on display was the Silbione HC2 2022. These products are “enhancements to our sensitive skin adhesives that are basically gels to use in open wounds, help with scar management,” said J. Christopher York, president of Bluestar Silicones North America.
“The U.S. isn't quite to the same level as Europe in skin sensitive adhesives, but we are getting there,” York said, but he does see this as a big market and opportunity for Bluestar to grow.
“This latest material has the highest tack in the industry,” he said.
Healthcare Marketing Director Karen O'Keefe added that the HC2 2022 is designed “to meet the trend of wearable devices ... so when you need a device to adhere firmly to the skin, but be able to remove it gently without damaging skin.”
For skin adhesive applications such as wearable devices, scar management and transdermal drug delivery, Bluestar Silicones introduced Silbione RT Gel 4642. Bluestar offers different levels of these adhesives, depending on need.
“We have varying tack levels from very low tack for neo natal applications,” O'Keefe said. For instance, in a newborn ICU unit or elder care, “the skin is very fragile, so you have to be careful not to compromise it.
“These gels can also be used for wound care because it won't adhere to compromise skin,” she said.
Besides medical industries, this product also can be used as a fashion tape to prevent wardrobe malfunctions.