This investment will give DSM access to Micromuscle's electro-active polymer (EAP) technology, which is used in medical devices and life science product applications.
Electro-active polymers are an emerging class of materials with conducting properties - in other words, they are plastics capable of conducting electricity.
EAPs respond to the stimulus of an electric field, enabling them to act as actuators or micromuscles, said the company. According to DMS, they could be used for controlled drug release or anchoring a device.
Micromuscle focuses on vascular applications where EAP has potential and enables new functionality for medical devices.
The Swedish company and DSM said they would explore opportunities for joint development products, especially in the area of drug delivery and cardiovascular systems.
These are fields DSM is already focusing on through its biopharma arm, DSM Biomedical, which is currently investing in research in polymer implants, medical coatings, and polymeric systems for the controlled release of medicines in the body.
"Micromuscle has succeeded in carving out an interesting position in electro-active polymers for biomedical materials," said Steve Hartig, vice president of DSM Biomedical.
"Their expertise in combination with our broad competences in polymers and growing expertise in medical therapies should lead to valuable new applications."
The EAPs used by Micromuscle are characterised by their ability to swell and contract when a small voltage is applied.
The mechanism behind this is based on electrochemistry. Swelling is caused by ions and water entering the polymer.
When the voltage is removed or reversed, the polymer contracts and resumes its original shape.
Formed in 2000, Micromuscle is a spin-out company from Linköping University