Development of Curable Materials for Medical Applications
Ben Cheesman
In colaboration with Dr. Mark Denbow of St. Michael's Hospital, University Hospitals Bristol, we are looking to develop novel curable materials to cover in-vivo lesions in locations of extremely limited access. The aim is to develop liquid materials which can be introduced via syringe to the intended dressing location and change properties in-situ to form a desirable membrane. An ideal cured membrane will be non-hazardous, biocompatible, cohesive, extendable and change properties easily and quickly. It may also need to be adhesive, elastic, impermeable and resistant to biological degradation depending on the application. In this way protection may be afforded to lesions whilst minimising the severity and impact of the surgical procedure on the patient. Any material developed may find uses as treatment for a wide variety of medical conditions including ulcers, burns and spina bifida fetal growth defects.
Current work on the project includes identifying suitable curing technologies that may be used to change the properties of liquids, synthesis of functionalised liquid polymers and development of testing methods for analysing cured materials' characteristics.
Thanks to GWR and Revolymer Ltd for funding.
Contact: Ben.Cheesman@bristol.ac.uk
