This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
Med-Tech Innovation University News


NEWS FROM THE UNIVERSITIES The power of graphene rubber bands


Research from the University of Surrey and Trinity College Dublin has identifi ed a new type of sensor that can monitor body movements and could revolutionise healthcare.


The researchers have treated common elastic bands with graphene to create a


fl exible sensor that is sensitive enough for medical use and can be made cheaply. Once treated, the rubber bands remain highly pliable. By fusing the rubber bands with graphene, which imparts an electromechanical response on movement, the team discovered that the resulting material can be used as a sensor to measure a patient’s breathing, heart rate or movement, alerting doctors to any irregularities. “Until now, no such sensor has been produced that meets needs and that can be easily made. It sounds like a simple concept, but our graphene-infused rubber bands could really help to revolutionise remote healthcare,” said Dr Alan Dalton of the University of Surrey. Co-author, Professor Jonathan Coleman from Trinity College, Dublin, commented, “This stretchy material senses motion such as breathing, pulse and joint movement and could be used to create lightweight sensor suits for vulnerable patients such as premature babies, making it possible to remotely monitor their subtle movements and alert a doctor to any worrying behaviours. “These sensors are extraordinarily cheap compared to existing technologies. Each device would probably cost pennies instead of pounds, making it ideal technology for use in developing countries where there are not enough medically trained staff to effectively monitor and treat patients quickly.” www.surrey.ac.uk


TCP-based coatings for license from Edinburgh


New biocompatible coatings developed at the University of Edinburgh can prevent complement activation and could enhance the performance of devices such as joint implants, stents and dialysis tubing. Factor H is a natural regulator of the complement system that acts selectively on tissue surfaces to protect them from complement system-mediated damage. Researchers at the University have invented a method for mimicking this process via their identifi cation of a polypeptide, TCP, which can bind Factor H tightly in a biologically hyperactive form. They have shown that immobilised TCP pulls Factor H very cleanly out of blood and holds Factor H in a conformation that has enhanced regulatory activity. A TCP-decorated polymer is thus an ideal coating for devices that are exposed to blood; it will capture the patient’s own Factor H and prevent any amplifi cation of the complement cascade. In stents, TCP-based coatings will reduce the risk of restenosis during angioplasty, and they will improve tubing materials used in extracorporeal circulation procedures such as plasmapheresis or haemodialysis. The University is seeking industry partners to license this technology. www.ed.ac.uk


04 ¦ September/October 2014 Partnering to fi nd a smarter way


Anglia Ruskin University’s MedTech Campus is working with technology companies, health commissioners and service providers to break down the barriers that have prevented new technology from being implemented in health and social care systems.


The Smart Living Accelerator initiative will take advantage of the University’s Postgraduate Medical Institute to conduct research on how technology can help elderly people manage their health conditions and live independently for as long as possible. Evaluation laboratories will enable users and providers to come together to shape and develop new products. One of its pilot projects is Sensor to Decision, which is targeted at those suffering from long term conditions such as coronary heart failure and Type 2 diabetes. The challenge is to integrate the right sensors, RF transducers and data analytics to increase independence and make it easier for patients to manage their condition without repeat hospital visits or the need for residential care. Anita Thornberry, MedTech Campus Director, commented, “The


current way we organise and run health and social care hinders the adoption of Smart Living solutions. Budgets and benefi ciaries are misaligned and a ‘short-termist’ approach focuses on quick investment returns. We lack small-scale data analytics to trigger interventions, manage GP involvement and reduce demand on A&E. There are also few interfaces compatible with declining senses like sight, touch and hearing. “The Smart Living Accelerator will bring together the right people and resources to de-risk and validate technological innovation in care,” she said. www.anglia.ac.uk


www.med-techinnovation.com


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48