Medical membrane materials biomedical applications

Many polymer-polymer complexes can be obtained by template polymerization. Applications of polyelectrolyte complexes are in membranes, battery separators, biomedical materials, etc. It can be predicted that the potential application of template polymerization products is in obtaining membranes with a better ordered structure than it is possible to obtain by mixing the components. The examples of such membranes from crosslinked polyCethylene glycol) and polyCacrylic acid) were described by Nishi and Kotaka. The membranes can be used as so-called chemical valves for medical applications. The membranes are permeable or impermeable for bioactive substances, depending on pH. 

Biomedical Applications. Dillon (114) synthesized IPN membranes from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) (see Perfluorinated Polymers, Polytetrafluoroethylene Silicones). These flexible membranes are used for a variety of medical purposes, especially second-degree bum care. These materials are commercially available under the trade name Silon. The PDMS component rapidly transports body fluids away from the bum site, while the PTFE provides mechanical strength. The PTFE is also waterproof, so that when the woimd area is washed, water beads up on the film. An additional valuable feature is that the Aims are highly transparent, so that the doctor can observe the wound area easily, making early treatment of any infection or other problem possible. 

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