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Techniques have been developed such that cell adhesions can be reduced on surgical implants
About
About Patterning of surgical implants to prevent unwanted cell adhesions. A challenge to be overcome with biocompatible surgically implanted devices is to reduce unwanted cell adhesions to the introduced device, for example prostheses or grafts introduced into the vascular system. A possible route to do this has been worked upon at the University of Glasgow. Borrowing techniques employed in the semi-conductor industry it has been possible to pattern the surfaces of either hard or soft materials and render these surfaces less adhesive to cells. This is done by patterning the surface of the material with multiple tiny projections which inhibit the adhesion of cells. It has been found that either hard materials used for example in prosthetic limbs can be so patterned or soft materials used. Key Benefits Techniques have been developed such that cell adhesions can be reduced on surgical implants These techniques are appropriate for patterning hard material devices such as prosthetic These techniques are also appropriate for patterning soft materials Applications This technology could be used in the manufacture of prosthetic limbs by patterning areas of the prosthesis where it is desirable to minimise cellular attachment, for example the acetabular cup–femoral head interface in the hip joint. IP Status This technology is available as an Easy Access deal, available to companies and individuals to licence for FREE.