Page 84 - Plastics News July 2024

IN THE NEWS

medical devices. Advances in polymer engineering oxythiophene) (PEDOT) are examples of conductive
are leading to the development of new materials polymers that have been extensively studied and
with enhanced biocompatibility, functionality, and used. These materials are being incorporated into
performance. flexible electronics, wearable sensors, and organic
solar cells. The ability to print conductive polymers
One notable area of progress is in the design of pol- onto flexible substrates is particularly advantageous
ymer-based drug delivery systems. These systems for developing lightweight, flexible, and wearable
can encapsulate drugs and release them in a con- electronic devices.
trolled manner, improving therapeutic efficacy and
reducing side effects. Advances in polymer chem- Conclusion
istry have led to the creation of hydrogels, micelles, The field of polymer engineering is witnessing rapid
and nanoparticles that can deliver drugs to specific advancements, driven by the need for materials that
sites in the body, responding to stimuli such as pH are more sustainable, high-performing, and versa-
or temperature. tile. From sustainable and high-performance poly-

In tissue engineering, biodegradable polymers are mers to smart materials and advanced manufactur-
being used to create scaffolds that support the ing techniques, these innovations are transforming
growth of new tissues. These scaffolds provide a industries and improving the quality of life.
temporary structure for cells to adhere to and prolif- As researchers continue to push the boundaries of
erate, gradually degrading as the new tissue forms. polymer science, we can expect to see even more
Polymers like polyglycolic acid (PGA) and polylactic- exciting developments in the future. The integration
co-glycolic acid (PLGA) are commonly used in these of polymers with nanotechnology, biotechnology,
applications due to their biocompatibility and tun- and advanced manufacturing holds the promise of
able degradation rates. creating materials with unprecedented properties
8. Conductive Polymers and functionalities, paving the way for new appli-
cations and solutions to some of the world’s most
Conductive polymers, which can conduct electricity, pressing challenges.
are opening up new possibilities in electronics, sen-
sors, and energy storage. Unlike traditional conduc- Source – Plastics Technology
tive materials like metals, conductive polymers are
lightweight, flexible, and can be processed using
conventional polymer techniques.

Polyaniline, polypyrrole, and poly (3,4-ethylenedi-

86 PLASTICS NEWS July 2024