Geneva, 7th April 2006 --- The Grand Prix of the 34th International Exhibition of Inventions, New Techniques and Products was awarded unanimously by the International Jury to Mrs. Chantara Thevy RATNAM and Mr. Khairul ZAMAN from the Malaysian Institute for Nuclear Technology, for their manufacturing process for organic medical material which does not damage or become discoloured and produces no toxic gases during sterilisation. Palm oil is added to PVC and is then extruded in order to produce medical instruments, especially tubes for transfusions or drainage. The process uses no toxic or carcinogenic substances and, if necessary, the material can be sterilised again.
The system developed by the Malaysian Institute for Nuclear Technology uses local, native material, palm oil, as a plastifying and co-stabilising agent. PVC is still the most widely used polymer in disposable pre-sterilised medical applications. Ethylene oxide, an ETO gas, is usually used for sterilising medical material. But toxic emissions from this contaminate the environment and the end product. Adding a paste based on palm oil, a product with elastic properties, eliminates deterioration during radiation. All medical material manufactured with this compound can be sterilised using radiation, which is non toxic, efficient and economic.
The International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva rewarded 46 other especially deserving inventions. It was open at Geneva Palexpo until Sunday, 9th April.
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Text and photos available on : www.inventions-geneva.ch
With the compliments of Gérard Sermier, Press officer.
FULL LIST OF AWARDS IN FRENCH ARE ATTACHED. (The organisers will provide the list in English next week)
