| EPSRC Reference: |
EP/P008054/1 |
| Title: |
3D printed biopolymers with shape memory behaviour |
| Principal Investigator: |
Melchels, Dr FPW |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
Sch of Engineering and Physical Science |
| Organisation: |
Heriot-Watt University |
| Scheme: |
First Grant - Revised 2009 |
| Starts: |
01 January 2017 |
Ends: |
31 December 2018 |
Value (£): |
79,921
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Biomaterials |
Materials Characterisation |
| Materials Synthesis & Growth |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
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| Related Grants: |
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| Panel History: |
| Panel Date | Panel Name | Outcome |
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21 Jul 2016
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EPSRC Physical Sciences Materials - July 2016
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Announced
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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In our aging population, the need for smart solutions to repair or regenerate diseased and injured tissues is ever-increasing. As each individual is unique, mass-produced implants and generic treatments do not suffice. 3D printing provides a tool to create personalised solutions, taking into account the patient's specific anatomy. In recent years, surgeons have started to use this technology to print models for pre-operative planning, personalised saw and drill guides to enhance surgical precision, and even implant prosthetics tailored to the patient such as hips, knees and skullcaps. The range of materials that is suitable for both 3D printing and use inside the body is quite limited, and needs to be expanded to fully pick the fruits of this fascinating technology. This project aims at developing 3D printable biomaterials with a specific added functionality, which is shape memory behaviour. Shape memory materials can spontaneously change shape over time, in a controlled manner. They show great potential for medical applications, for example as self-tightening sutures, stents that unfold inside the body, or paediatric implants that grow with the growing patient. In this project, we will combine the strengths of shape memory and 3D printing, by developing novel shape memory plastics that can be 3D printed into virtually any shape. A thorough study will reveal how the newly developed materials will change shape over time, and how we can influence this behaviour by changing both the material itself and the 3D printed shape. This understanding will then facilitate the generation of personalised biomedical devices with unprecedented functionalities.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.hw.ac.uk |