12 October 2006 – Demand for synthetic biocompatible polymers in the US will increase by 6.8% per year to around $2bn by 2010, according to research. The Freedonia Group’s report says that overall demand for biocompatible materials will rise, with engineered resins producing the best growth opportunities.
Performance and cost advantages will drive synthetic biocompatible polymers on to be worth $1.97bn in 2010, according to the report. Meanwhile, the total US demand for biocompatible materials in 2010 will be $3.7bn.
Strong growth is also predicted in the ceramics sector due to advances in the properties and processing ease of the compounds.
Synthetic biocompatible polymers are expected to benefit from quality and safety advantages in catheters, IV administration sets, IV and blood containers and orthopaedic implants. By contrast, demand for PVC in biocompatible products will expand at a below average pace due to ongoing concerns about DEHP plasticizer migration, the report says.
Spurred by expanding applications in cosmetic surgery and wound management, hyaluronic acid and collagen will generate the fastest gains in demand among natural polymers. Increasing use in pharmaceutical excipients, drug delivery systems, cosmetic implants, tissue engineering and wound dressings will boost the market for natural polymers.
Many implantable medical and dental devices will continue to be made partially or wholly from biocompatible metals. Precious metals are predicted to sustain the largest demand value based on high price and widespread use in dental repair and restoration products.
