With its excellent biocompatibility, chemical stability and physical properties, silicone has shown broad application prospects in the medical field.
Core applications:
Medical devices and implants: used for long-term implant devices such as pacemakers and vascular stents, the surface coating can reduce thrombosis, improve corrosion resistance and tissue compatibility; in orthotics and prostheses, the elasticity and durability of silicone significantly improve patient comfort.
Drug delivery and sensors: as a nano drug carrier to achieve targeted delivery and improve the efficacy of anticancer drugs; biosensors use the low background current characteristics of silicone to improve detection accuracy.
Wound care and regenerative medicine: silicone gel dressings create a moist healing environment and reduce scar formation; tissue engineering scaffolds simulate human tissues and promote bone and cartilage regeneration.
Development prospects:
Market size: The global medical silicone rubber market is expected to reach US$5.439 billion in 2030, with China leading the growth rate (CAGR of about 9%).
Technological innovation: Develop towards smart materials (such as self-healing, antibacterial functions) and 3D printing customization.
Policy support: China promotes industrial upgrading through fiscal subsidies and tax incentives, and the formulation of industry standards accelerates technology transformation.
Challenges and opportunities: Need to cope with fierce competition and strict supervision, but globalization and increased investment in medical infrastructure bring market expansion opportunities.
In the future, silicone will become a key material for high-end medical equipment and regenerative medicine, and continue to promote technological innovation in the medical field.