Empa’s smart fibres could serve important medical purposes
12/10/2018
They can be created using a number of processes, with the one employed dependent on the target use of the fibre. Empa has explained that delicate, light membranes with a large surface area are formed through electrospinning, while for more robust fibres, such as those used in protective clothing, it is best to use melted ingredients.
The properties of these new materials are currently being investigated, but the finished products could see antibiotics or painkillers integrated into the fibres. In order to ensure the correct dosage is delivered, Empa has taken advantage of the fact that some polymers are degradable in the body under certain conditions. This allows the dose to be controlled.
Empa researcher and project coordinator René Rossi has said: “In response to a stimulus from the body, the fibres should release their drugs into the environment at a calculated degradation rate.”
The fibres can also be designed to react to external stimuli, such as slight pressure or light. This could reduce the workload of health care staff, according to Empa.
In addition to being used in treatment, the fibres also have potential applications as sensors due to their ability to allow substances in. They could be used to measure the sugar level of the blood, for example.
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