Plasticised PVC still has a very important role as a blood contact material

Plasticised PVC still has a very important role as a blood contact material despite concerns raised by environmentalists, according to Professor James McNiven Courtney.

In his work at the Bioengineering Unit of the University of Strathclyde, the Scottish academic has produced plasticised PVC tubing with improved blood compatibility through careful choice of plasticiser and surface modification.

After receiving the Swinburne Medal from the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining in recognition of his work, Professor Courtney said it is recognised that PVC brings with it problems related to the toxicity of the monomer precursor and environmental questions related to the commonly used DEHP plasticiser.

But in biomaterial applications he thinks that the advantages considerably outweigh the perceived disadvantages. Professor Courtney’s recent work has involved attaching the anticoagulant heparin to PVC surfaces, which has reduced the influence on blood components, partly by reducing plasticiser levels at the surface.