The present thesis focuses on the development of new approaches towards functional barrier coatings for medical gloves. The barrier coatings fulfill two different functions. On the one hand the migration of pathogenic microorganisms should be prevented and on the other hand the migration of allergenic process chemicals should be reduced. In the first part of the thesis, the qualitative and quantitative characterization of the extractable chemical residues of emulsion polymerized latex materials (e.g. carboxylated types) was performed. The latex films were extracted by a Soxhlet procedure and the extracts were characterized by means of FTIR spectroscopy, HPLC-MS and elemental analysis. Based on these results, new polymeric blends were developed, which comprise a flexible polymer as matrix and a rigid barrier polymer. The latex films were coated with the optimized polymeric blends and then the extractable chemical content was quantitatively determined in dependence on selected parameters, such as extraction time and film thickness of the barrier coating. In addition, the barrier properties were evaluated after repeated elongations (200 - 300%) and the blend morphology was characterized by employing optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. From the results it can be obtained, that the reduction of the extraction yield is in the range of 30% when using an optimized blend composition, involving the flexible matrix polymer and the barrier polymer. The barrier properties of optimized flexible polymeric blends are not compromised by repeated elongation. Moreover, excellent adhesion to the latex film is observed and the mechanical properties are not significantly influenced as the polymeric layer is dipped in thin films. Thus, the developed functional polymeric blends provide a promising route for the manufacture of hypoallergenic medical gloves.