This week is the 8th World Biomaterials Congress in Amsterdam. Although I won't be there, I'll try to report everyday on the announcements from companies in attendance. First up: Polymer Technology Group will present a talk “Thermoplastic Polycarbonate-Urethane with Surface-Active Alkylammonium Chloride End Groups: Antimicrobial Activity, Bulk and Surface Properties.” Bob Ward discusses the characterization of a polymeric biomaterial with permanently-bonded antimicrobial surface properties. The material is designed to reduce medical device-centered infection. "The device industry has been challenged to produce polymeric biomaterials with built-in antimicrobial surface properties for reducing device-centered infection. But most approaches to date have used drug-eluting compounds or coatings that are eventually consumed. It is much more desirable to have easily processed biomaterials with good wet-strength and long-term efficacy without leachable additives, drugs or biocides," said Ward in a press release. In related news, PTG was also recently acquired by global life sciences and materials company, Royal DSM N.V. The acquisition is expected to close in quarter 2 of 2008. The price was not released and consists of payment at closing and earn-out. Ward will continue to act as President and CEO after the transaction.