University of Pittsburgh researchers have developed 3D printable, remotely powered, artificial muscles with antibacterial properties.
Description
Antibacterial Liquid Crystal Elastomers (ALCE) have a variety of properties, such as elasticity, toughness, and nascent antibacterial properties, which render them biocompatible. By controlling their chemical structure and their molecular orientation, ALCE can generate mechanical work using stimuli in a physiologically relevant temperature range. Furthermore, the development of 3D printing methods optimized for ALCE allows for fabrication of these artificial muscles, which can transduce wirelessly transmitted power into a range of biomechanical activities within the human body. This is particularly relevant for implanted devices that can assist with critical physiological functions in cardiovascular, digestive, urinary, and respiratory systems.
Applications
• Urinary incontinence
• Fecal incontinence
• Gastroesophageal reflux
Advantages
3D printable ALCE technology allows for design of soft active devices, which can be wirelessly powered through inductive coupling of the muscle to external power sources. Actuation profiles that compare and exceed that of natural muscles become feasible. One instantiation of this concept is in artificial urinary sphincters, which address a pervasive healthcare challenge. 3D printed artificial urinary sphincters, which are 80% smaller than conventional devices become feasible, which can be customized to individual physiological characteristics.
Beyond this, these remotely powered artificial muscles find utility in esophageal sphincters and in the treatment of fecal incontinence.
Invention Readiness
Currently, this invention has a defined concept and prototype.
IP Status
Patent pending
