A new polymer material that can repeatedly heal itself at room temperature when exposed to ultraviolet light could potentially mean the development of self-mending medical implants, according a QMed report.
The polymer, developed by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Penn., and Kyushu University in Japan, heals itself when a crack is pressed together and exposed to UV light. With further refinement, experts believe the material could mend itself many more times than its current record — around five times when cut and reassembled.
The polymer contains carbon-sulfur bonds that promote the self-healing process. While the repair process takes hours now, researchers say future developments could eventually mean the development of self-mending medical implants and other useful applications.
Read the QMed report on self-mending medical implants.
Read more on medical supplies:
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The polymer, developed by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Penn., and Kyushu University in Japan, heals itself when a crack is pressed together and exposed to UV light. With further refinement, experts believe the material could mend itself many more times than its current record — around five times when cut and reassembled.
The polymer contains carbon-sulfur bonds that promote the self-healing process. While the repair process takes hours now, researchers say future developments could eventually mean the development of self-mending medical implants and other useful applications.
Read the QMed report on self-mending medical implants.
Read more on medical supplies:
-6 Predictions on Device Market Growth in the Next Five Years
-New Jersey Nurse Gets Two Years in Prison for Stealing $30K in Surgical Equipment