Applications of PHAs
Discover what you can build better with Phast.
In Vivo and In Vitro Medical Devices
In vivo (inside the body) and in vitro (outside the body) medical devices typically use fossil-based plastics. An in vivo device will typically have to be removed from the body when it is no longer of use, and many in vitro devices are used once, then disposed of.
By building these devices from PHA-based plastic, these products can simply biodegrade within the human body after a set time with no harm to the patient.
Current and potential medical device applications include:
- Stents
- Catheters
- Tissue Engineering Scaffolds
- Suture Materials
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Cancer Detection Tools
Long-Term Implants and Durable Devices
Not all in vivo devices only remain in the body temporarily and not all in vitro devices are limited-use. Since PHAs can be tuned for varying degrees of biodegradability, you can create products that will last for a much longer service lifecycle, including the lifespan of a patient.
Since some PHAs are well-suited for 3D printing, they have great potential in implants that are highly customized to their individual patient.
- Artificial Tooth Implants
- Joint Replacements
- Bone Implants
Personal Care and Consumer Products
Applications of PHAs are not exclusive to the healthcare and biomedical realm. Fossil-based plastics are commonly used in personal care products, and not just in the packaging.
For example, many cosmetics use plastics and plastic-derived ingredients to improve texture and performance. These ingredients can leave microplastics behind in the human body and the environment.
PHAs can match the performance and function of these ingredients without leaving behind microplastics.
- Lotions and Conditioners
- Exfoliating Products
- Sustainable Product Packaging
Polyhydroxyalkanoates are closely related to the polyhydroxy acids commonly used as exfoliants in skincare products.
Packaging
The right blend of PHA can perform as well as the traditional petroleum-based plastics used in packaging. For example, PHA-based packaging can match traditional plastics for strength and leak resistance.
PHA-based plastics can stand up to water and oxygen exposure through their intended product lifecycle while also degrading in an environmentally friendly way at the end of their service life.
- Industrial Packaging
- Medical Packaging
- Consumer Goods Packaging
Agricultural Applications
Conventional plastics used for mulch typically end up causing soil pollution, since they end up in landfills after use. PHAs can be used both as mulch bags and as mulch.
Due to their biodegradability and environmental friendliness, PHAs can also be used in growth bags for trees and other plants to reduce environmental toxicity, improve root formation, and encourage healthy growth.
Find out how you can make PHAs part of your solutions.
Partner with us to bring biodegradable, high-performance polymers to your products. Let’s build a sustainable future togther.