COMPAMED 2025: WACKER unveils biomethanol based silicone gel for wound care

• SILPURAN eco 2114 reduces carbon dioxide footprint in production by up to 28 percent
• New study on silicone gel adhesives for transdermal patches
• Pharmaceutical tubing: focus on silicones with a low-friction surface

At this year’s COMPAMED medical technology trade show, WACKER presents innovative silicone products for medical and therapeutic applications. One of the booth highlights is the company’s first biomethanol-based silicone gel SILPURAN eco 2114. The adhesive enables the skin-friendly fixation of wound dressings, plasters, wearables and sensors. WACKER also presents its newest findings regarding silicone adhesives for transdermal patches. The study examines several delivery profiles and customization options. Also, visitors shouldn’t miss WACKER’s silicone elastomer exhibits ELASTOSIL^[i][sup]®[/sup][/i] R plus 4360 and ELASTOSIL^[i][sup]®[/sup][/i] R plus 4366. These silicone rubber grades set standards in the manufacture of profiles, support parts and pharma tubing. COMPAMED 2025 will be held in Düsseldorf, Germany, from November 17 though 20.

Whether as supports for ventilation masks, catheters, handles for surgical tools or tubes for drug production – silicones have a firm place in modern medical technology. A good example of the growing importance of this high-tech material are silicone-based skin adhesives. These soft, gel-like adhesives are compatible with the skin and can be used in a variety of ways: for the fixation of wound dressings, plasters or stoma products. They adhere securely and can be removed gently from the skin whenever the dressing or the device has to be changed.

At this year’s COMPAMED trade fair, WACKER will present its first biomethanol based silicone gel for medical skin applications: SILPURAN^[i][sup]®[/sup][/i] eco 2114. During production, fossil methanol is replaced by biogenic methanol. The process which is based on the mass balance approach and is certified by the REDcert2 scheme, not only conserves fossil resources but is also climate-friendly. Taking into account the global warming potential of its emissions, SILPURAN^[i][sup]®[/sup][/i] eco 2114 saves up to 28 percent carbon dioxide in the production process versus its conventional counterpart.

Otherwise, there are no differences between the two – whether in terms of chemical composition, quality, specification or processing. The “eco” product behaves in all respects like its fossil-based counterpart, offering a drop in solution into existing processes without any need for adjustments. “Our customers simply keep using the same formulation they’ve always used. Product quality and performance remain the same,” says Ian Moore, head of the Consumer and Health Business Unit at WACKER Silicones. “The two variants are chemically identical. The key difference only lies in the associated carbon footprint which is significantly lower in the eco product.”

The two-component, addition-curing adhesive cures to form a soft, skin-friendly gel with high adhesive strength. Because it can be removed painlessly and without any residues, silicone gels are ideal for use on sensitive skin or for treating chronic wounds. SILPURAN^[i][sup]®[/sup][/i] eco 2114 has a medium viscosity and is highly transparent. Its main areas of application are wound dressings and plasters, wearables, sensors and transdermal systems.

At COMPAMED, WACKER will also present latest research findings from its Healthcare Competence Center in Ann Arbor (USA). The study investigates SILPURAN^[i][sup]®[/sup][/i]silicone gel adhesives for transdermal patches. These constitute a stable, biocompatible and breathable matrix that is able to release medical or cosmetic active ingredients on the skin at a controlled rate over time.

The research team at WACKER used a Franz diffusion cell to analyze how efficiently various substances are released from the silicone layer, which is up to 300 micrometers thick. The actives examined included over-the-counter therapeutics, such as ibuprofen, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal remedies as well as common active ingredients from the wellness sector, various vitamins and dietary supplements. The team identified above-average release rates in the case of over 20 active ingredients.

“We were also able to show that silicone gel adhesives can be used to develop customized release profiles,” says team leader Dr. Ufuk Karabiyik. These can be used to deliver the active ingredients in various ways over time: at a constant, steady rate, in an initial burst or after a prolonged delay. “Our research shows that silicones are much more than just carrier materials. They will form the basis for the next generation of transdermal systems that are gentle on the skin, can be dosed with precision and are highly versatile in use", Ufuk Karabiyik adds.

WACKER will also display two high-performance silicones that set standards in the manufacture of hoses for peristaltic pumps: ELASTOSIL^[i][sup]®[/sup][/i] R plus 4360/60 and ELASTOSIL^[i][sup]®[/sup][/i] R plus 4366/60. Both solid silicone rubber grades are addition-curing. As a consequence, no peroxide-containing cleavage products are formed during vulcanization, ensuring maximum purity and process reliability. Tubing made from such silicone products can be used in heart-lung machines, dialysis and respiratory equipment, infusion systems and catheters. Hoses made from these silicone products are also ideal for dispensing drugs and mRNA vaccines.

ELASTOSIL^[i][sup]®[/sup][/i] R plus 4360 has a high rebound resilience and a low compression set. ELASTOSIL^[i][sup]®[/sup][/i] R plus 4366 also offers a low-friction surface. Its surface friction coefficient is up to 70 percent lower than comparable standard grades. Thus, hoses made from these products are very suitable for peristaltic pumps. Tests show a greatly increased service life and pumping accuracy. Both silicone products are FDA- and BfR-compliant and therefore generally suitable for the manufacture of food contact products.

*****

IMAGE CAPTION: 

At this year’s COMPAMED, WACKER will unveil a biomethanol based silicone gel adhesive that is produced in a particularly resource- and climate-friendly manner. SILPURAN^[sup]®[/sup] eco 2114 develops high adhesive strength and makes an ideal adhesive for wound dressings and fixation aids. (Photo: WACKER)