Press/Media: Newspaper Article
| Title | A Major Step in 3D Laser Printed Materials for Medical Devices |
|---|---|
| Degree of recognition | International |
| Media name/outlet | Knowledia News |
| Media type | Web |
| Country/Territory | South Africa |
| Date | 14/03/23 |
| Description | Scientists have taken a big leap towards 3D laser-printed materials that can be employed in surgical procedures to repair or implant medical devices. A research team at Lancaster University developed an approach to 3D print flexible electronics with the conducting polymer polypyrrole. They disclosed that printing such electrical structures directly on or in living organisms (roundworms) is now possible. Despite being at a proof of concept stage, scientists consider this kind of process, when completely developed, can print patient-specific implants for a wide range of applications, which include medical interventions and real-time health monitoring, like treating epilepsy or pain. This approach potentially transforms the manufacture of complex 3D electronics for technical and medical applications—including structures for communication, displays, and sensors, for example. Such approaches could revolutionize the way we implant but also repair medical devices. Dr. John Hardy, Study Lead Author and Senior Lecturer, Materials Chemistry, Lancaster University Dr. Hardy continues, "For example, one day technologies like this could be used to fix broken implanted electronics through a process similar to laser dental/eye surgery. Once fully mature, such technology could transform a currently major operation into a much simpler, faster, safer, and cheaper procedure." |
| Persons | John Hardy |