<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><ns2:project xmlns:ns1="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api" xmlns:ns2="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project" xmlns:ns3="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/fund" xmlns:ns4="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/person" xmlns:ns5="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/project/outcome" xmlns:ns6="http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk/gtr/api/organisation" ns1:created="2026-06-03T15:52:43Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/projects/F418520A-331B-4E47-8073-E44F61F58219" ns1:id="F418520A-331B-4E47-8073-E44F61F58219"><ns1:links><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/persons/7D2EDFC3-8E1B-4A8F-9EF2-307DF73AB628" ns1:rel="PM_PER"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/1A5E5115-3C3F-4CFA-8B77-097933F4B850" ns1:rel="LEAD_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/organisations/1A5E5115-3C3F-4CFA-8B77-097933F4B850" ns1:rel="PARTICIPANT_ORG"/><ns1:link ns1:end="2026-04-29T23:00:00Z" ns1:href="http://gtr.ukri.org/gtr/api/funds/375D1151-14EC-4CBE-AB7C-59A282E4FFB2" ns1:rel="FUND" ns1:start="2025-11-01T00:00:00Z"/></ns1:links><ns2:identifiers><ns2:identifier ns2:type="RCUK">10172056</ns2:identifier></ns2:identifiers><ns2:title>Faster to Market, Safer for Patients: AI-Enhanced Accelerated Ageing for Medical Devices</ns2:title><ns2:status>Closed</ns2:status><ns2:grantCategory>Fast Start Response</ns2:grantCategory><ns2:leadFunder>Innovate UK</ns2:leadFunder><ns2:abstractText>Millions of medical and biopharmaceutical devices are made from plastic materials that naturally degrade over time under the influence of temperature, load, and environmental exposure. To ensure these products remain safe and effective throughout their intended lifespan, manufacturers conduct accelerated aging tests (AATs). These tests simulate long-term use by subjecting devices to elevated temperatures, aiming to predict how the materials will behave over years of service.

However, current industry practices rely on outdated models and default assumptions. Most manufacturers use a generic &amp;quot;Q10&amp;quot; factor---an approximation that assumes ageing doubles every 10&amp;deg;C increase in temperature---despite clear scientific evidence that polymers age in more complex, material-specific ways. These conservative assumptions can result in the unnecessary disposal of perfectly usable products or delays in bringing new, life-saving technologies to market.

This project introduces **A2P2-AI**, an artificial intelligence-enhanced platform that will transform the way manufacturers design accelerated aging tests and validate the shelf life of polymeric products. Developed by Gulsine Ltd and supported by AI expert Steven Abbott (TNCF Ltd), the platform builds on a patented scientific method to predict long-term material behaviour rapidly and accurately. While traditional tests may take months or years, A2P2-AI aims to deliver precise ageing predictions within hours.

The platform will use AI to analyse polymer data, including intrinsic material properties (such as molecular structure, crosslinking mechanisms, and processing history) and environmental conditions (such as temperature and humidity). The result will be a predictive tool capable of defining or extending the validated shelf life of critical plastic-based devices with greater speed and accuracy than currently possible.

By enabling faster and more reliable product validation, A2P2-AI supports both public health and environmental sustainability. Products can be brought to market sooner, giving patients quicker access to innovative treatments. Simultaneously, the extension of shelf life can significantly reduce plastic waste and carbon emissions, supporting a more circular and resilient supply chain for the healthcare sector.

The approach aligns with global efforts to modernise medical device regulations and improve resource efficiency. The project's outcomes will be shared through technical publications and knowledge transfer, helping to raise awareness of advanced polymer aging science and foster wider industry adoption.

Gulsine Ltd is proud to lead this initiative, bringing together scientific rigour and AI innovation to accelerate progress in healthcare and sustainability.</ns2:abstractText></ns2:project>