Evonik's initial target applications include luer connectors, spikes, Y-sites, check valves, and filter housings. After consulting its customers, the company tested the new compounds to a Japanese standard, the JIS Z 2801 protocol. Under this test method, parts made from the resin are placed in a petri dish with live bacteria for either 24- or 96-hour durations. The bacteria tested were staphylococcus aureus, klebsiella pneumoniae, pseudomonas aeruginosa, and staphylococcus epidermis, giving results against two gram-positive and two gram-negative bacteria.

Against all four bacteria and in the 24-hour and 96-hour tests, the antimicrobial material achieved a kill rate of log 4, meaning that 99.99% of the bacteria within the petri dish was gone by the end of the test.

Cyrolite Protect comes as a precompounded pellet with silver as the active antimicrobial agent. In a final component, the resin is translucent with a slight green tint, a property that Evonik officials say will help distinguish components made from the resin.

Peter Colburn, director business development & innovation for molding compounds/performance polymers, told PlasticsToday that in a hospital setting, IV's have to be changed every four days, which fits within Cyrolite Protect's 96-hour antimicrobial test performance. The material is compounded by Evonik at its facility in Wallingford, CT and is currently patent pending.

Colburn and Lawrence Gabriel, business development manager molding compounds/performance polymers, said that with Cyrolite Protect the company makes a clear, tested statement about its antimicrobial activity compared to antimicrobial "claims" made by some competitors. —Tony Deligio