4D-POLYSENSE · 4D-POLYpropylene meshes as SENsitive motion SEnsors
Horizon 2020 — Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
- Duration
- 2018-04-01 → 2020-03-31
- EU contribution
- €158,122
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- MSCA-IF-EF-ST
Lines connect the coordinator with its partners.
Results in brief
4D-POLYpropylene meshes as SENsitive motion SEnsors
The 4D-POLYSENSE project aimed to create a new generation of surgical meshes, able to interact with the complex three-dimensional structure of biological tissues, as a new smart material working as self-evolving motion sensor. For it, the functionalization of the PP threads surface with plasma technique, followed by graft polymerization of a thermosensitive hydrogel, named poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm), was carried out. The presence of PNIPAAm on top of PP threads allowed the system to dynamically interact with the local environment, giving rise to the appearance of the fourth dimension (4D) response. The mesh presents a folding/unfolding behaviour under small temperature and humidity variations, without loss of dimensional stability or PNIPAAm coating detachment. Consequently, it is supposed to facilitate the mesh adaptation to the abdominal wall defect to be repaired, after the surgical implantation, and to reduce the inflammatory risks cause by problems of mesh shift inside body. The results demonstrated that our strategy can be easily extrapolated to more complex mesh architectures and, the most important, the whole system can be sterilized by conventional and non-conventional sterilization processes applied to PP biomedical devices. In conclusion, in this project we were able to transform a knitted mesh material into a dynamic device, thanks to the arrangement of a soft and biocompatible hydrogel around the PP threads. The project scopes can be seen in the following webs: https://upcommons.upc.edu/handle/2117/126082, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGRk2qey0PQ
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
4D-POLYSENSE project aims to contribute to the European Research Area (ERA) by developing a new generation of surgical meshes able to interact with the complex three-dimensional (3D) structure of biological tissues, as a smart material working as self-evolving motion sensor. Polypropylene (PP), one of the most widely employed polymers so far for surgical implants, will be modified by plasma technique to confer it temperature sensitivity upon deposition of a biocompatible hydrogel. Afterwards, it will be sterilized following a quite novel route with supercritical carbon dioxide (considered a ""green solvent""), a technique chosen in order to prevent damage of the thermoplastic substrate and the hydrogel structure. 4D-POLYSENSE proposes the use of 4D printing strategy to obtain meshes that will be able to dynamically interact with local environment, after a specific stimulus. Plasma and biological assays will be performed at the secondment host, B Braun Surgical S.A., which is the leading European company of healthcare products. The partner will be relevant for the experienced researcher (ER) training on medical field and on her international mobility to company headquarters. The project is intended to: (i) enhance the creative and innovative potential of the experienced researcher (ER) in a multidisciplinary project, involving a combination of well-developed chemistry, bioengineering, microbiology and additive manufacturing; (ii) create opportunities for the ER mobility and her knowledge transfer to the host groups, as well as forging her future collaborations in the aforementioned fields; and (iii) increase the competitiveness in Europe launching to the global market an innovative product, an abdominal hernia repair, demanded by the medical community. Moreover, an ambitious training program including a number of new scientific and soft skills to be transferred to the applicant is also envisaged.""
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- UNIVERSITAT POLITECNICA DE CATALUNYA · BARCELONACoordinatorSpain
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union