When someone gets a deep cut, many people may immediately think, “This will need stitches.”
Yet in clinical practice, there is often another option: using adhesive wound closure tapes instead of sutures.
This article introduces medical wound closure tapes, which are still not commonly known outside healthcare settings, focusing on two products: FASNAHT by Nichiban and Steri-Strip by 3M.
Their structure and features are explained based on related patent documents.
Note: This article is based on the author’s personal views and independent research.
It does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information.
Product purchases or use should always be at your own judgment and responsibility.
Some product links in this article may be affiliate links (PR).
What Are Wound Closure Tapes?
Wound closure tapes are used to approximate the edges of surgical or trauma-related skin wounds without using sutures.
These tapes are applied to bring the skin together and hold the wound closed.
They are useful when sutures are unnecessary, when a suture loosens, or for supporting the wound after suture removal.
One overseas study involving 3M’s tapes suggested that, in that specific context, tape-based closure was associated with fewer wound infections compared to sutures.
Although they may be associated with doctors, nurses frequently apply these tapes in practice.
In my experience, wound closure tapes are stocked not only in hospitals but also in long-term care facilities, where they are often used for managing skin tears.
If a flap of skin remains intact, repositioning and securing it with tape may help the wound heal more favorably, depending on the situation.”
Types of Wound Closure Tapes
Various types of tapes are used depending on the location and nature of the wound.
Among the most common are FASNAHT by Nichiban and Steri-Strip by 3M.
（This link leads to a Japan-based affiliate website.）
| Product Name | Manufacturer | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Steri-Strip Standard | 3M | White, general-purpose tape widely used in clinical settings |
| Steri-Strip Skin Tone | 3M | Skin-colored, suitable for visible areas such as the face or neck |
| Steri-Strip Elastic | 3M | Stretchable for joints or moving parts of the body |
| Steri-Strip with Adhesive | 3M | Enhanced fixation using a supplemental liquid adhesive (not confirmed as commercially available) |
| FASNAHT | Nichiban | Commonly used alternative to 3M products |
3M also provides a bonding enhancer called Compound Benzoin Tincture.
（This link leads to a Japan-based affiliate website.）
Applied before taping, it improves adhesion and is used in cases requiring strong fixation.
The patents discussed here describe different approaches to wound closure using built-in design features or combined adhesives.
As of 2025, commercial availability of the patented adhesive-supported type has not been confirmed.
Though adhesive application might seem like extra work, the design concepts caught my attention.
I also wanted to review common field-based impressions — such as FASNAHT being perceived as gentler on the skin and Steri-Strip being considered to adhere more firmly — by checking them against technical documentation.
Patents on Wound Closure Tapes
We will now look at patents for Nichiban’s FASNAHT and 3M’s adhesive-supported tape.
Both are designed to pull skin edges together and keep wounds closed reliably.
Nichiban Patent (WO2017/018315)
- The base is made of nonwoven polyester, with vertical resin stripes applied.
Source: Based on WO2017/018315, partly redrawn and annotated by the author.
- The resin is composed of an ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer. EVA blends the crystalline nature of ethylene with the amorphous structure of vinyl acetate, providing both elasticity and flexibility.
- Vertical stripes minimize stretching along the length of the tape, while allowing lateral flexibility to accommodate skin movement.
- The tape is applied perpendicular to the wound so that it resists opening caused by movement.
- Because full resin coverage reduces breathability, stripe width and spacing are adjusted to allow airflow and prevent skin maceration.
- Polyester is normally dense and lacks breathability, but when processed into nonwoven fabric, fiber gaps improve air and moisture flow.
3M Patent (JP-T-2005-526571)
- This design involves applying a liquid adhesive near the wound to enhance the tape’s fixation.
- The tape’s center, which bridges the wound, is shaped differently. Applying the tape in an overlapping pattern minimizes gaps and improves closure.
Source: Based on JP-T-2005-526571, partly redrawn and annotated by the author.
- The adhesive contains siloxane-based polymers with Si–O–Si bonds. These are chemically stable, low in irritation, water-resistant, and flexible due to their amorphous structure.
- Adhesive is applied only to the skin adjacent to the wound, not on the wound itself. Even if it seeps toward the wound bridge area, porous material allows evaporation and reduces contact with healing tissue.
- The backing is an elastic nonwoven material such as polyurethane, ensuring flexibility and breathability.
- The patent also describes the general Steri-Strip structure: reinforcing filaments embedded in the base resist peeling. Fine raised stripes similar to FASNAHT’s resin lines can be seen in actual products.
Differences in Characteristics
Fixation Mechanism
- FASNAHT (Nichiban): Resin stripes prevent vertical stretching, helping maintain closure.
- Steri-Strip (3M): Embedded reinforcing filaments ensure tension-based fixation.
- 3M Adhesive Type: Liquid adhesive strengthens fixation when applied around the wound.
Skin-Friendliness
All products use medical-grade materials, but details vary:
- FASNAHT: Partial resin stripes and lateral elasticity improve breathability and comfort.
- Steri-Strip: Acrylic adhesive and nonwoven structure provide breathability and softness.
- 3M Adhesive Type: Siloxane polymers are described in the patent as having properties such as low irritation, breathability, and flexibility. In the design, the adhesive is applied so as to avoid direct contact with the wound.
Ease of Use and Resistance to Peeling
- FASNAHT: Rounded corners reduce peeling. The tape holds its shape and is easy to apply.
- Steri-Strip: The tape is firm and resists curling, allowing smooth application.
- 3M Adhesive Type: Though it requires more steps, strong fixation reduces risk of peeling.
Field Impressions
- FASNAHT: Often used in clinical practice. Chosen as a non-3M option.
- Steri-Strip: Widely used and recognized as “Steri-Tape.” Its ease of use is valued.
- 3M Adhesive Type: Not confirmed in practice. May be intended for hospital procedures requiring strong fixation.
Price Comparison (Approximate)
| Item | FASNAHT (Nichiban) | Steri-Strip (3M) | 3M Adhesive Type (Patent-Based) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixation Mechanism | Resin stripes minimize vertical stretch and secure wound | Filaments reinforce tape longitudinally for stable closure | Adhesive applied to surrounding skin boosts fixation and prevents reopening |
| Skin-Friendliness | Breathable design with partial resin and lateral stretch | Breathable, soft structure with acrylic adhesive | Low-irritant siloxane polymer. Breathable, flexible. Designed to avoid wound contact |
| Application/Peeling | Rounded corners resist peeling. Stiff enough to prevent curling | Tape is firm and easy to apply without curling | Application is more complex, but holds firmly and resists peeling |
| Field Use | Commonly used; selected as a non-3M alternative | Widely adopted and trusted as “Steri-Tape” | Not observed in practice; possibly suited for hospital procedures |
| Price (Estimate) | ~¥56/tape (¥5,000 for 30 packs of 3) | ~¥66–87/tape (¥10,000–13,000 for 50 packs of 3) | No commercial product confirmed; expected to be more expensive due to adhesive use |
※As of May 2025
（This link leads to a Japan-based affiliate website.）
Closing Thoughts
By comparing the structure and patent background of FASNAHT and Steri-Strip, I gained a clearer understanding of why they feel different in use.
In many workplaces, the choice of medical tape is predetermined. But knowing the available options and their mechanisms helps provide better care.
Nurses, as the primary users of these tapes, can contribute meaningfully to product selection by understanding their function and design.
In addition to writing articles like this, I am also preparing to support product distribution and market entry activities, both in Japan and internationally, by leveraging my clinical experience and understanding of medical patents.
If you’re interested in collaboration or learning more, please feel free to contact me through the Contact Form.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not guarantee accuracy.
Product purchases or use should be made at your own judgment and responsibility.
References
WO2017/018315 – “Wound-closure tape” (Nichiban Corporation)
JP-T-2005-526571 – “Wound Closure System and Method” (3M Innovative Properties Company)“Wound Closure System and Method” (3M Innovative Properties Company)
Steri-Strip Skin Closure Brochure (3M) https://multimedia.3m.com/mws/media/1678125O/steristrip-brochure-web.pdf
Ascablic Series Catalog (Nichiban) https://www.nichiban.co.jp/medical/postoperative_care/pdf/ascablic_catalog.pdf
Plastics-Japan.com https://plastics-japan.com/
Seikatu to Kagaku https://sekatsu-kagaku.sub.jp/
John McMurry, Organic Chemistry, 8th Edition, Tokyo Kagaku Dojin
