Although most of the focus has been on the application of PC materials in the medical device area, it is clear that the non-fouling and surfactant properties have potential benefits is non-healthcare areas. These are summarised in the table below:
| Property |
Benefit |
Potential Application Areas |
| Reduced protein adhesion |
Reduced fouling, easier removal of fouling, lower usage of harsh cleaning chemicals, longer intervals to clean-down, reduced down-time.
|
Stay-clean / easy-clean industrial coatings for hospitals, food and drink production and preparation areas, filtration systems, non-toxic marine antifouling, water treatment, primary packaging for biopharmaceuticals |
| Reduced bacterial adhesion |
As above, plus – reduced risk of infection, contamination, spoilage, reduced biofilm formation
|
Stay-clean / easy-clean industrial coatings |
| Hydrophilicity and moisture retention |
Enhanced moisturisation and conditioning |
Cosmetics, functional / active textiles and latex products |
| Surfactancy |
Improved stabilisers to provide longer life emulsions and suspensions, higher solids content, low irritancy conditioning agents |
Cosmetics, foodstuffs, paints, storage media, textile treatments |
| Delivery of actives |
Active materials (preservatives for example) with other benefits as listed above |
Cosmetics, personal care |
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Considering these properties, PC can bring potential benefits and cost savings to a variety of industries such as:
- Personal care
- Textiles
- Food and beverage
- Pharmaceutical
- Construction
- Filtration
- Water treatment
While Vertellus has its own development programmes that are addressing certain of these areas we also welcome approaches for collaboration from interested parties who recognise the value of PC and would like to investigate its use in new applications.
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