Custom-made antimicrobial hot melt adhesives

Reliable solutions for the medical sector

We presented our first medical solutions back in the 1990s. Hot melt adhesives for sensitive skin and water-absorbing adhesives for wound dressings soon followed. In recent years, we have significantly expanded our product portfolio, as additional functions are becoming more and more important in modern wound care products.

Antimicrobial hot melt adhesives for the medical sector must meet the highest biocompatibility and hygiene standards. They do not contain latex, rosin or phthalates and are ideal for applications where the focus is on skin contact, sterility and safety. Development and production are carried out in accordance with ISO 13485 and take into account the requirements of the MDR (EU Medical Device Regulation).

Applications for wound care, medical devices and surgical products

Antimicrobial adhesives are typically used in medical technology for wound treatment with plasters, wound dressings and other products. They help to prevent infections and therefore promote healing.

They are ideal for setting up and fixing catheters, respirators and dialysis machines, which must be both sterile and safe. Antimicrobial adhesives are also excellent for surgical products such as drapes, disposable instruments and other surgical supplies, minimizing the risk of post-operative infections.

The many benefits of hot melts

There are multiple reasons why hot melts are particularly beneficial for these kinds of challenges. First off, they provide a strong adhesive force on a variety of materials such as plastics, metals and textiles. Secondly, they stay flexible even after being cured. As a result, in many cases they make a significant contribution to ensuring the functionality of medical devices and equipment.

Other benefits include adjustable adhesion, even when already placed on the skin, breathability and the longer application times that come with it.

The fact that the antimicrobial hot melts are transparent can also play a role, in the case of incision films or wound dressings for example, which make it possible to observe the wound without having to remove the dressing.

Resistant to water, temperature changes and sterilization processes

As they are both water and temperature-resistant, our antimicrobial adhesives are suitable for use in a variety of environments. They are also resistant to a variety of chemicals and fluids, including body fluids, disinfectants and other medical solutions.

Medical devices must be sterilized in their packaging, using common processes such as ethylene oxide, gamma rays and X-rays. The packaging must prevent contamination over a longer period of time. This applies just as much to plasters, syringes, surgical wipes and other surgical equipment. The UV crosslinkable medical hot melt adhesives from artimelt withstand sterilization without any problems.

When in use, the fast and reliable adhesion is decisive for the safe and efficient fixation of medical devices and materials or for wound care. This saves time and increases safety, especially in work processes such as preparing for surgery or patient care.

Equally impressive in the industrial sector

Our antimicrobial hot melt adhesives inhibit the growth of microorganisms in food packaging, extend shelf lives, and protect pharmaceutical packaging to prevent the microbial contamination of drugs and medical products.

Temperature-resistant pressure-sensitive and laminating adhesives with antimicrobial properties are also very important in the textile and clothing industry, especially for protective clothing in the healthcare sector – anywhere where anti-microbial protection, temperature resistance and adhesion are critical.

Working together for optimal formulation and application

We produce our antimicrobial adhesives in close collaboration with the customer. The customer explains which bacteria need to be inhibited, what the applicable regulatory requirements are, and which antimicrobial agents are potentially suitable – often the specifications significantly limit the available options. Based on this information, we evaluate the appropriate dosage together.

Once the antimicrobial agent formulation has been established, we develop a suitable hot-melt matrix with the required properties so that the antimicrobial agents can deliver their full effect. We often start with a reference product and refine the formulation iteratively until we reliably achieve the desired effect. We also pay attention to compatibility, adhesion and other relevant requirements. We test several variants in our laboratory and produce initial samples, which then undergo microbiological testing and practical application tests, for example adhesion, flexibility and durability tests.

From pilot phase to mass production

We then start pilot production with the selected formulation in reduced quantities. This allows us to test whether the desired properties can also be reliably reproduced at production scale. With its state-of-the-art coating system, our Experience Lab enables us to produce small batches under realistic production-like conditions and to work closely with the customer.

Once the formulation has been validated, we produce the adhesive in the required quantity and accompany the customer during the transfer to its production process. On request, we also provide on-site support to ensure optimal coating and processing.

Conclusion: reliable and safe adhesive solutions that have many uses

Due to their specific properties, antimicrobial hot melts are suitable for a variety of uses. They ensure hygiene, safety and efficiency, fast processing, targeted adhesion, flexibility and resistance to water, temperature and chemicals. This means they are able to meet high standards in both the medical and industrial sectors. With over 20 years of experience with UV crosslinked hot melt adhesives and decades of medical expertise, artimelt provides a solid foundation for reliable and safe adhesive solutions. Thanks to the strong focus on biocompatibility, users can get the most out of the innovative, sustainable and safe adhesive technology.