Tissue-like Biomaterial

A team from Sweden’s Chalmers Institute of Technology has invented a tissue-like biomaterial that is non-toxic and anti-microbial, and can be used in medical applications. Amferia, a startup founded by the researchers, is working to commercialize the technology.

Current medical materials used in the human body, such as Botox, are highly toxic and raise the risk of infections. There is a need to develop naturalistic materials that are adaptable and can suit the human body.

The biomaterial was invented unexpectedly when the researchers were developing a material for bone replacement. The material they developed was soft, flexible, elastic and had anti-microbial properties.

The material has the same fundamental components as plexiglass. It is developed by putting the foundation material through nano structuring process, which gives is unique properties. The researchers say that the material has high elasticity and is easy to process.

The material can be treated with peptides, which are part of the human immune system. This makes the material suitable for medical uses and would reduce the need for antibiotics.

The material can be 3D printed and inserted into the body via keyhole surgery. It can also be injected as a viscous fluid to form elastic structures inside the body. Such injections can be for diseases caused by friction between bones and where cartilage repair is necessary.

The material has three-dimensional nanopores. It can be loaded with medicine and used in localized treatment. The material can also be used in plastic surgery, according to the researchers.

Amferia, which holds the patent to the technology, is aiming to first use the material in urinary catheters. It is reaching out to industries to commercialize the technology.