Antimicrobial Makrolon®

A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there were 4.5 hospital infections for every 100 patient admissions and nearly 100,000 deaths from hospital infection in 2002. Recent studies indicate the rate is increasing due to antibiotic resistance. In response to these alarming statistics, Bayer MaterialScience LLC (BMS) has developed two grades of antimicrobial Makrolon® polycarbonate resin to be used in the production of medical devices.

Advances in antimicrobial technology now permit the use of silver-based inorganic antimicrobials in engineering thermoplastics to control the growth of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria on the surface of medical devices.

Two developmental grades of antimicrobial Makrolon polycarbonate – grades DP1-1868 and DP1-1869 – have different levels of efficacy. With both grades, the antimicrobial additive is a component of the Makrolon polycarbonate formulation. Stain testing conducted by BMS shows that bacteria on untreated polycarbonate grow unabated, while bacteria growth on the antimicrobial Makrolon polycarbonate is virtually nonexistent.

Potential applications for antimicrobial Makrolon polycarbonate resin include intravenous (IV) access systems, urological devices, and housings for diagnostic and hospital equipment.

For more information, contact Scott Hunsberger, Bayer MaterialScience LLC, 100 Bayer Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15205, 412-777-5200, Fax: 412-777-3899, E-mail: scott.hunsberger@bayerbms.com, Web: www.BayerMaterialScienceNAFTA.com.