PHOx: A Groundbreaking Safer Polymer for Implantable Medical Devices

A research team from the University of Liège has introduced a novel polymer named PHOx, which promises to enhance the safety and environmental sustainability of implantable medical devices. This innovative material is currently under international patent application and could revolutionize the production and application of biomedical devices.

Every year, millions of patients receive essential medical implants within the cardiovascular system, including arterial and venous catheters, pacemaker leads, artificial hearts, and vascular prostheses. Traditionally, many of these devices are made from polyurethane (PU), a material derived from toxic chemicals called isocyanates. While effective, PU can lead to complications such as blood clots and infections among patients.

To address these issues, scientists have developed PHOx, a thermoplastic elastomer that eliminates the need for isocyanates, making it less toxic during manufacturing and better tolerated by the human body. Thanks to its ability to melt and solidify repeatedly, PHOx can be shaped precisely through techniques like 3D printing, enabling the production of personalized medical devices. This process also utilizes greener raw materials, including those derived from carbon dioxide, thus reducing environmental impact.

Laboratory evaluations have shown that PHOx surpasses traditional polyurethane in multiple aspects. It demonstrates higher compatibility with blood, significantly reducing platelet adhesion and coagulation activation, which are key factors in clot formation. Moreover, PHOx exhibits properties that inhibit bacterial adhesion, notably of bacteria like staphylococcus aureus, which are common culprits of implant infections. Importantly, tests confirmed that PHOx is non-toxic to human cells and does not provoke excessive inflammation or rejection after implantation.

The versatility of PHOx extends to its application in manufacturing complex devices such as heart valves, which can be produced by hot-injection molding. Its mechanical strength and biological compatibility, combined with its environmentally friendly production methods, position PHOx as a promising candidate to replace polyurethane in various medical applications. This advancement signifies a substantial step forward in creating safer, more sustainable, and cost-effective implantable devices.

Furthermore, PHOx’s ease of 3D printing facilitates the customization of implants for individual patients, minimizing waste and reducing healthcare costs associated with complications. The material’s exceptional performance in critical medical contexts marks the first time a non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) has achieved such potential, heralding a new era in biomedical engineering.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-phox-safer-polymer-implantable-medical.html