Information and Device Innovations
This quarter: What do you know about chitosan?
The natural polymer, chitin and its most popular derivative chitosan, is a well know and widely used material. It is from the shells of shrimp and other creatures as well as certain plants.
The current high level of interest in chitosan is driven by the growing demand for “green” materials, which are not harmful to living creatures and the environment.
The explosion in interest in chitosan medical applications is related to its antimicrobial, biodegradable, and hemostatic properties. It can be produced in numerous forms including powders, fibers, gels, sheets, tubing, needles and other structures. Chitosan is well suited for delivery of drugs and other agents applied on, in or through soft tissue and bone.
For years, we have followed or been involved in exciting medical and scientific research being done now with chitosan. From micro-needles and micro-bubbles, to nano formulations there are numerous novel ideas emerging.
With all the effort to date, new chitosan-based devices are not yet significantly replacing or supplementing the numerous petroleum-based medical devices used in soft tissue care, drug delivery, ophthalmic applications, respiratory management, anesthesia, urology, vascular access, neuro applications, fluid handling and numerous other areas.
Advancing opportunities with these materials requires a breadth and depth of experience in the polymer-based medical devices industry. Focus is needed to make a major impact in the market with meaningful differences in the both the practice and cost of health care.
Like so many areas these opportunities will grow as experienced teams step up to move them forward. Look for teams with experience which is the result of having covered the complete life cycle of medical products including need finding, market analysis, R&D, design, intellectual property development (drafting claims, assert rights, licensing) manufacturing, clinical, regulatory, sales, marketing, distribution and safe disposal of the remaining waste.
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Send request to learn more about questions this subject, where these innovations are taking place and new opportunity areas to the Editor: Tony@Factorinnovation.com
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