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About Intelligent
Materials To Revolutionise Surgical Implants
A brand new process that could
revolutionise the reliability and durability of surgical implants,
such as hip and knee replacements, has received recognition for
its medical and commercial potential by achieving one of the
world's most sought after accolades. A team of researchers, led by
the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), has received
a Medical Futures Innovation Award for its high technology process
designed to coat surgical implants with fibres that, for the first
time, will encourage the implant to 'bond' with living bone and to
last the lifetime of the patient.
This advanced nanotechnology
technique builds on an existing technique known as electrospinning,
and will utilise a vastly superior electrospinning source to
create bespoke fibrous materials. Electrospinning is a process
that uses an electrical charge to turn polymers into extremely
thin fibres that are 'spun' to form a mat of fine fibres. It is
seen as a platform technology for the medical sector with a wide
range of applications including tissue regeneration and drug
delivery.
AS per Mansel Williams, Chief
Executive of The Electrospinning Company: "Ten percent of patients
receiving surgical implants go on to develop infection and
loosening of their implants, costing the UK at least £14 million
every year, £224 million globally. We want to eliminate this by
creating the ideal implant surface matched to the individual
patient, benefitting both the patient and the economy.”
(Ref :
http://www.daresburysic.co.uk)
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