The advantages of Openair^® plasma for medical technology
In medicine, the term plasma is usually associated with blood plasma. However, Openair^® plasma is a powerful new technology that enables the utilization of many new materials and the development of new processes and applications.

One of the overriding requirements for medical components is for their surfaces to be easily cleaned and sterile. Therefore materials that are smooth and non-reactive are desirable, but where necessary they also need to be bonded so the result is strong and durable. And if the material needs to be printed, the ink must be easy to read and well-bonded. The requirements of material stability and secure bonding stand in opposition to each other but they can both be achieved by using plasma to clean and activate the surfaces.

The customary method of activating surfaces was to employ vacuum plasma, a process that required the components to be treated in batches. Now, with the application of Openair^® plasma the remarkable properties of plasma can be realized in continuous in-line production without the need for a vacuum, and without the need for expensive process gases.

Openair^® plasma has the benefit that it is highly cytotoxic, killing bacteria and other microorganisms. The plasma contains a significant concentration of atomic oxygen, a highly reactive form of oxygen that is more effective than plasmas generated from argon and helium. The reactivity treats the surface of materials only and does not affect the bulk properties of the material being treated.

The BodyMedia body monitor is made from aliphatic thermoplastic urethane (ATPU) molded onto an ABS substrate. ATPU is an excellent material because it is not slippery and feels nice against the skin. As well it is chemically stable, UV resistant, impact resistant and it has high tensile strength. Normally these components would be difficult to assemble due to the nature of the materials and the intricate design, but with Openair¨ plasma high volume production is possible.

1. During heart surgery the heart/lung machine briefly takes over the function of these vital organs. The blood is oxygenated by diaphragms, whose quality is critical. Openair® plasma is used to help create reliable bonds and the components have now been in use for several years and are proving enduringly stable - and safe.
2. Implants sometimes require the application of wear protection and biocompatible coatings. Openair® plasma now makes it possible to sterilize and activate a wide range of materials including fabrics.
3. Glass ampoules have traditionally been sealed by using a flame to sterilize and fuse the opening. However, combustion products from the flame can remain inside the ampoule and contaminate the contents. In 2004 we launched an extremely clean sealing technology. It was developed jointly with ROTA GmbH & Co. and Kg, a leading manufacturer of filling and sealing machines.

Openair^® plasma has diverse applications in the manufacture of medical technology
Here is a summary of applications where Openair^® plasma is employed:

Adhesive bonding: needle to hub bonding bonding of membranes inside oxygenators and catheter bonding. Printing and coating: for example printing on syringes and measuring devices. Hydrophilization: hydrophilizing test strips with metallic inserts. Two-shot injection molding: directly bonding medical grade silicone to medical grade polycarbonate (PC). Sterilization: sterilizing metals and ceramic components and some plastics.

We are specialists in using Openair^¨ plasma for the medical industry.
If you have a potential application please call us.