Mitsubishi Chemical studying 'antithrombogenic elastomers' for medical devices

Tokyo, Japan – Mitsubishi Chemical Corp. (MCC) has launched a joint research project to advance the use of its antithrombogenic thermoplastic elastomer Zelas AMP in medical devices.

The study also includes participation from Kyushu University’s Institute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering and Osaka University’s Graduate School of Medicine.

According to MCC, the material’s key polymer combines a hydrophilic structure that improves blood compatibility with a hydrophobic structure that enhances adhesion to base resins.

When added to materials such as PVC, polyurethane or engineering plastics, it provides antithrombogenic properties, low protein adsorption and reduced bacterial adhesion.

MCC aims to commercialise the material in 2027 and expand it globally, said the group 8 Oct.

Traditionally, anticoagulant coatings are applied to device surfaces such as cardiac catheters and bypass circuits to prevent blood clotting, which according to MCC is a costly process.

The Japanese group said there is growing demand for materials that offer inherent antithrombogenic properties without costly coating processes.

Through this collaboration, MCC said it will optimise the polymer’s addition and formulation design for different medical resins.

The goal is to reduce the need for anticoagulants and surface coatings, lowering both cost and risk for blood-contacting devices.