Covestro, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality polymer materials and their components will be showcasing innovative material developments related to wearable smart patches and wound care at this year’s EWMA conference in Paris, France, from May 23-25, 2022.

Wearable patch sensors (smart patches) are rising in popularity, as they offer a wide range of options for medical diagnosis. Current trends include enhanced convenience, even more functions, and ongoing miniaturization. What's more, the public is demanding more sustainable solutions and a move away from disposable products. Together with its partner Accensors, Covestro has developed a smart patch consisting of two elements: The disposable patch, which contains the sensors, and the ReUse patch, which contains the electronics. This makes it possible to reuse valuable electronic parts.

Efficient production of wound dressings

The production of wound dressings and plasters, as well as medical wearables, involves a multi-stage process. The combination of a polypropylene (PP) backing with blown films from the Platilon range made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), in particular, is now proving to be well suited to satisfying today's high demands for process efficiency and ease of use in wound care. In comparison to the production of paper backings, the generation of dust in the production process is significantly reduced.

Breathable wound dressings to prevent bedsores

In the case of prolonged disease progression, it is important to prevent bedsores (pressure ulcers). Covestro has developed a concept for a prevention dressing that addresses the three most important factors for bedsores: Pressure, friction and shear. A highly breathable prototype is made exclusively from Covestro polyurethane materials.

The key features of this prototype wound care dressing made from Baymedix and Platilon materials are:

Optimized friction, shear and pressure management. Excellent moisture management to support a healthy microclimate. Application- and skin-friendly polyurethane adhesive.Efficient and sustainable manufacturing technology

Extra matte films for increased wear comfort

The PP backings can also be combined with multilayer Platilon TPU films, for example, to achieve individual properties such as a specific surface finish. TPU blown films offer a wide range of surface qualities from silky to extra matte. In particular, PlatilonXM films offer an extra matte, skin-like surface and a soft feel that offers increased comfort for patients. Medical products made with the low-friction Platilon XM films adhere to the skin longer because friction against textiles is minimized. This, in turn, prevents premature changes of dressings and plasters. Owing to its The film feels like a second skin due to its soft surface feel in wound dressings, plasters and other medical products that require high breathability.