Additive Micro/Nano-manufacturing of Structured Piezoelectric Active Materials for Intelligent Stent Monitoring
Lead Research Organisation:
Northumbria University
Department Name: Fac of Engineering and Environment
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases, associated with stroke, heart failure, and end-stage renal disease, caused more than 30% of deaths worldwide. As of 2020, 19 million estimated deaths globally are attributed to cardiovascular diseases, which is an increase of 18.7% to that of 2010. Atherosclerosis is the common pathology that leads to this considerable amount of deaths. To treat atherosclerosis, the most common treatment is stenting, where its clinical efficacy resulted into millions of it implanted every year. A problem in this treatment however is the occurrence of restenosis, or the re-narrowing of the blood vessel due to adverse reaction of the body to the stent material. Methods to diagnose this condition however are invasive, have limited clinical outcomes and are done only when the patient is already feeling the symptoms. In addition, some of the implantable devices that diagnose this condition have limited battery-life and require even more surgeries for replacements. By integrating sensors with the stents (smart stents) early symptoms of restenosis can be detected by monitoring the blood fluid dynamics in the implanted area. Our study aims to create a smart stent making use of a new type of stretchable piezoelectric active sensor and radio frequency identification (RFID) technology in combination with artificial intelligence (AI)-based data processing and analytics.
Organisations
- Northumbria University (Lead Research Organisation)
- University of Tampere (Collaboration)
- Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Collaboration)
- Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (Collaboration)
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON (Collaboration)
- Tampere University (TAU) (Project Partner)
- Vietnam Academy of Science & Technology (Project Partner)
- STUST (Project Partner)
- University of Southampton (Project Partner)
- YMECO (Project Partner)
Publications

Meethale Palakkool N
(2025)
Recent Advances in Surface Functionalized 3D Electrocatalyst for Water Splitting
in Advanced Energy and Sustainability Research

Prasad MK
(2024)
Hexagonal Boron Nitride Based Photonic Quantum Technologies.
in Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
Title | With whiskers 100 times thinner than a human hair, is this the world's smallest dragon? |
Description | In collaboration with Dr Jonathan Mar from Newcastle University, we are celebrating the Year of the Dragon by creating whiskers 100 times thinner than a human hair. This might be the world's smallest dragon, crafted using one of the UK's exclusive nanoscale 3D printers, now available to the public! Follow our journey on X (Twitter), LinkedIn, Facebook, Threads, and Instagram. |
Type Of Art | Artwork |
Year Produced | 2024 |
Impact | To commemorate the Year of the Dragon, we are utilising one of the UK's exclusive nanoscale 3D printers. This advanced technology allows us to create intricate and precise designs at an incredibly small scale, celebrating the cultural significance of the Year of the Dragon with cutting-edge innovation. The nanoscale 3D printer's capabilities enable us to push the boundaries of design and manufacturing, showcasing the fusion of tradition and modern technology in a unique and impactful way. |
URL | https://x.com/uniofnewcastle/status/1757087966915100744?s=46 |
Description | STUST - Dr Yu-Sheng Lin |
Organisation | Southern Taiwan University of Science and Technology |
Country | Taiwan, Province of China |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We are creating tiny 2D and 3D structures with piezoelectric materials to make designs smaller and ready for real-world use, which supports the goals of The Smart Medical Device & System (SMDS) Laboratory. |
Collaborator Contribution | They specialise in medical device technologies aimed at design minimisation. Their support encompasses operating the Instron Tensile Tester, designing cardiovascular flow simulations, and using 3D printers for prototyping. |
Impact | An invited paper titled 'Enhancing Cardiovascular Disease Research: The Role of Mock Circulation Loops in Precision Medicine for the Aging Population' is currently being written and will be submitted on 1 April 2025. |
Start Year | 2024 |
Description | TUNI - Dr Hao Zeng |
Organisation | University of Tampere |
Country | Finland |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We are creating an excellent opportunity to elevate functional material research at Tampere University through this collaborative network. |
Collaborator Contribution | They provide laboratory training, encompassing the utilisation of optical equipment, characterisation instruments, and 3D micro-fabrication facilities. Furthermore, they furnish essential materials, such as shape-memory polymers. |
Impact | An invited paper titled 'Enhancing Cardiovascular Disease Research: The Role of Mock Circulation Loops in Precision Medicine for the Aging Population' is currently being written and will be submitted on 1 April 2025. |
Start Year | 2024 |
Description | UoS - Dr. Kevin Chung-Che Huang |
Organisation | University of Southampton |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We are developing innovative smart stent sensors that integrate novel piezoelectric and nanomaterials with intelligent stents, which are closely aligned with the strategic objectives of the Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) at the University of Southampton. |
Collaborator Contribution | They are contributing from their existing programme on the synthesis and deposition of novel piezoelectric materials including CVD-grown thin films on various substrates, optimised for the devices. |
Impact | We have two publications: DOI 10.1002/aesr.202400258 and DOI 10.3390/ma17164122. Additionally, an invited paper titled 'Enhancing Cardiovascular Disease Research: The Role of Mock Circulation Loops in Precision Medicine for the Aging Population' is currently being written and will be submitted on 1 April 2025. |
Start Year | 2024 |
Description | VAST - Dr Quang Minh Ngo |
Organisation | Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology |
Country | Viet Nam |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | We are developing develop smart sensing components and explore stent applications with AI-based data processing, aligning with the strategic goals of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology. |
Collaborator Contribution | Their expertise in microfluidics, cardiovascular stent technology, and machine learning has been invaluable in the development of our data management platform. They organise a 5-day workshop in Vietnam, providing essential training and grant access to advanced laboratory facilities and equipment. Furthermore, their dedicated research personnel will contribute to the project, offering their expertise in device design, data processing, and the application of machine learning algorithms. |
Impact | An invited paper titled 'Enhancing Cardiovascular Disease Research: The Role of Mock Circulation Loops in Precision Medicine for the Aging Population' is currently being written and will be submitted on 1 April 2025. |
Start Year | 2024 |
Description | Interview for the Engineer Magazine - Smart Stent to warn of restenosis. |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
Results and Impact | Y.-L. D. Ho, News: Smart Stent to warn of restenosis, The Engineer Magazine (March 2024). |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2024 |
URL | https://www.theengineer.co.uk/content/news/smart-stent-to-warn-of-restenosis |