In the fast-evolving world of medical wearables, adhesives are playing a pivotal role in device success. From patient comfort to device performance and long-term wearability, the right adhesive can make or break a wearable medical device. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Mary Picotta from Berry Global, one of the leaders in adhesive innovation, about how they’re pushing the boundaries in the healthcare sector.
1.The Importance of Patient Comfort:
According to Mary, patient comfort is at the forefront of adhesive design. “If the adhesive isn’t comfortable, patients won’t use the device,” she explained. This presents a challenge when designing adhesives that need to stick to the skin for extended periods without causing discomfort, irritation, or skin damage.
Berry Global focuses on creating adhesives that balance strong adhesion with comfort, ensuring that patients can wear medical devices without any adverse reactions. These adhesives are designed to perform optimally, even during long-term wear, making them a crucial component of any wearable medical device.
2.Integration with Medical Devices:
In the world of wearable devices, integration is key. Modern devices now feature multiple sensors and components that must work together seamlessly. Mary emphasized that adhesives must not interfere with device performance, including signal processing and sensor accuracy.
Berry Global works closely with device manufacturers to ensure their adhesives fit into the device ecosystem. “Collaboration early in the development process helps us understand the bigger picture and ensure our adhesives complement the entire device,” she noted.
3.Challenges of Extended Wear:
As wearables become more sophisticated, the demand for long-term wear adhesives is increasing. Mary explained that designing adhesives for extended wear comes with its own set of challenges. Skin health and the skin’s natural turnover cycle must be considered alongside the adhesive’s ability to stay in place.
Berry Global is developing breathable adhesives that promote skin health while maintaining the strength needed for long wear times. This is particularly important for devices that must stay in place for weeks at a time, such as continuous glucose monitors or heart rate sensors.
4.Sustainability in Adhesives:
Sustainability is a growing concern in the healthcare industry. While recycling may not be feasible for medical adhesives due to hygiene concerns, Berry Global is focusing on reducing waste through longer wear times and exploring renewable materials.
Mary shared that Berry Global is actively working on biodegradable adhesives and other sustainable innovations that align with the unique needs of the medical sector. “Sustainability in healthcare is about reducing waste, not just recycling,” she explained.
Conclusion:
Adhesives may not be the most visible component of a medical device, but they are essential to its success. From ensuring patient comfort to improving device performance, the innovation happening at companies like Berry Global is revolutionizing how we think about adhesives in healthcare. By focusing on collaboration, sustainability, and long-term wear solutions, Berry Global is helping to drive the future of medical technology.