Inteplast, VEnvirotech Biotecnology, Eurecat technological centre and the Synthetic Polymers, Structure and Property (PSEP) research group from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) have teamed up to develop biodegradable bioplastics from agri-food waste, aimed at applications in the healthcare sector.
The goal is to tackle the environmental challenges faced by the healthcare industry, where over 50% of plastic use is single-use due to hygiene and sterilisation requirements.
With these new organic-based and biodegradable formulations, adaptable to complex geometries and injection processes, two specific medical applications will be initially developed and tested: a dermal patch for drug release with reduced environmental impact, and a biodegradable suture kit, a product currently featuring a complex packaging system and significant consumption.
“PHASAL is a pioneering innovation project selected by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and funded by the European Union, where industry and research collaborate to drive sustainable solutions for the healthcare sector. At Inteplast, we will leverage our expertise and knowledge in the development and production of high technical performance plastic solutions,” explains Adriana Carré, director of Inteplast Medical, the specialised healthcare division of Inteplast.
“The selection of bio-based and biodegradable materials, such as polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), is essential for a more sustainable future, and VEnvirotech’s expertise in this field ensures that the PHASAL project remains at the forefront of innovation,” explains Germán Perez, head of the VEomaterial department at VEnvirotech.
The director of the Polymer Processes and Compounds Unit at Eurecat, Enric Fontdecaba, remarks, “In addition to developing new advanced bioplastic formulations, we’ll test their processing and validation in the healthcare field, as well as in other sectors where their use can be extended.”
Researcher Luis J. del Valle from the PSEP-UPC group explains, “The project poses a technological challenge involving the study of the application of these new biodegradable plastics as drug delivery systems. Hence, these bioactive agents will be encapsulated in PHA. An important milestone will be establishing the interactions between PHA and the bioactive agents, as dosage and release rely on them.”
The project, with a budget exceeding 800,000 euros, will span three years and is funded by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities and the European Union through the NextGenerationEU programme (competitive call for Proyectos de Colaboración Público-Privada).
