SOFNT Develops PFAS-Free Nanomembranes for Medical Filtration

South Korean materials company SOFNT develops PFAS-free nanomembranes for medical filtration and barrier applications. Its Viblotec technology uses electrospun thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanofibres. A filter based on this technology is already used in a commercially available medical device.

Customizable TPU Nanofibre Membranes for Medical Devices

Pore characteristics, thickness, basis weight and surface properties, including hydrophilic and hydrophobic characteristics, can be adjusted to suit the application. Selected support layers can be added to create two- or three-layer composite structures.

Membrane design considers flow rate, pressure drop, barrier performance and the target fluid alongside assembly and downstream processing requirements. Potential applications include respiratory, syringe and infusion filters, blood and plasma filtration, wound dressings and breathable barrier materials for medical devices.

Selected membrane specifications have demonstrated bacterial and viral filtration efficiencies (BFE/VFE) of 99.9% under specified test conditions. Performance depends on the membrane specification, test conditions and final device configuration. Each finished medical device requires separate validation.

Commercial Filter Application and Prototype-to-Volume Development

SOFNT currently supplies a nanomembrane filter for an O₂ Gauge (Sterile Prefilled Humidifier) produced by a Korean medical device manufacturer. The filter was engineered to meet oxygen-flow and moisture-retention requirements. The finished product is approved by South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as a Class II medical device.

Development samples and production materials are managed under the company’s ISO 13485, ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 management systems. SOFNT’s co-development process covers requirements definition, material selection, process optimization, prototyping and performance testing. It also includes lamination and downstream-processing evaluation, production transfer and volume supply.

SOFNT will exhibit at COMPAMED 2026 in Düsseldorf from November 16–19, Hall 8a, Booth G19.2.