Overview
Fluorinated polymers such as ePTFE, PVDF, and PFA belong to the broader group of PFAS—highly persistent substances of potential concern to human health that are widely used in the entire medical technology and live science field. In view of ongoing regulatory initiatives at the European level, including REACH-related restrictions, manufacturers, healthcare institutions, and research organizations face the challenge of systematically assessing these materials and, where necessary, identifying suitable alternatives.
The interdisciplinary project combines expertise in medical technology with materials science and microbiology, complemented by digital methods from computer science. In a first step, a modular methodological framework for the characterization and assessment of PFAS used in medical technology is being evaluated. The approach integrates established analytical techniques, AI-supported literature analysis, and cell-based biological test systems. Subsequent project phases are intended to further develop and validate this methodological framework in a targeted manner.
The resulting approach is intended to enable scientifically robust conclusions regarding material characteristics, stability, and regulatory relevance. The project thereby establishes the methodological basis for a subsequent externally funded research project aimed either at identifying suitable alternative materials or at providing scientific evidence for the essential use of specific fluorinated materials.
