Novel Nanocomposite Coatings for Bioresorbable Medical Implants
Lead Research Organisation:
Queen's University Belfast
Department Name: Sch Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Abstract
Bioresorbable implants offer significant advantages over permanent implants in applications such as cardiovascular stents and orthopaedics. They are designed to naturally degrade in the body once they have served their temporary structural support role, and offer the potential for restoration of normal tissue function. However, the degradation rate of some commonly used bioresorbable implants is too fast and new technologies are required to control this rate and therefore allow tissue healing prior to bioresorption.
Aim and objectives of this project:
1)To develop a novel nanocomposite coating consisting of a biocompatible polymer and nanosized graphene materials to control the degradation profile of the bioresorbable implants
2)To explore the multi-functionality of the composite coating, including drug delivery and on-demand photothermal therapy, which can help to enhance the treatment efficacy.
Methodology: Coating consisting of different polymer/nanographene ratio will be applied to the implant material via spin coating or dip coating method. The effects of nanographene concentration and the coating thickness on the resulting composite coating properties and functionality will be investigated. More specifically, scannining electron microscopy will be used to analyse the coating microstructure. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis will be carried out to investigate the coating material thermal properties. UV-Vis spectrometer will be used to determine the coating drug loading/release profile. Infrared camera will be used to measure the coating photothermal conversion efficiency. The degradation of the implant can be determined by weight measurements in combination with micro computed tomography. In the case where bioresorbable metal implants are used, electro-impedance spectroscopy will be used to determine the coating corrosion inhibition properties. Finally, the biocompatibility of the coating will be studied using cell tests.
This project is closely in line with the EPSRC healthcare technologies theme strategy and its associated grand challenges , namely " Frontiers of Physical Intervention", "Optimising Treatment" and "Transforming Community Health and Care". The success of the project will provide key knowledge and technology for the design and fabrication of novel, low-cost, multi-functional next generation biomedical devices with improved treatment efficiency and enhanced patient health outcome.
Aim and objectives of this project:
1)To develop a novel nanocomposite coating consisting of a biocompatible polymer and nanosized graphene materials to control the degradation profile of the bioresorbable implants
2)To explore the multi-functionality of the composite coating, including drug delivery and on-demand photothermal therapy, which can help to enhance the treatment efficacy.
Methodology: Coating consisting of different polymer/nanographene ratio will be applied to the implant material via spin coating or dip coating method. The effects of nanographene concentration and the coating thickness on the resulting composite coating properties and functionality will be investigated. More specifically, scannining electron microscopy will be used to analyse the coating microstructure. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis will be carried out to investigate the coating material thermal properties. UV-Vis spectrometer will be used to determine the coating drug loading/release profile. Infrared camera will be used to measure the coating photothermal conversion efficiency. The degradation of the implant can be determined by weight measurements in combination with micro computed tomography. In the case where bioresorbable metal implants are used, electro-impedance spectroscopy will be used to determine the coating corrosion inhibition properties. Finally, the biocompatibility of the coating will be studied using cell tests.
This project is closely in line with the EPSRC healthcare technologies theme strategy and its associated grand challenges , namely " Frontiers of Physical Intervention", "Optimising Treatment" and "Transforming Community Health and Care". The success of the project will provide key knowledge and technology for the design and fabrication of novel, low-cost, multi-functional next generation biomedical devices with improved treatment efficiency and enhanced patient health outcome.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Dan Sun (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Maloba Ketchen Tabi (Student) |
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP/R513118/1 | 01/10/2018 | 30/09/2023 | |||
| 2279863 | Studentship | EP/R513118/1 | 01/10/2019 | 30/09/2023 | Maloba Ketchen Tabi |