Polymer Mat Can Filter Water or Fight Infection

Nov-29-12 A new polymer system is not only extremely versatile—able to fight infection, filter water or stop bleeding—it could soon be made simply from a pre-packaged mix.

Developed by a team from the University of Akron, the polymer’s structure is made up an “electrospun polyfiber mat” that almost any bioactive molecule can be attached to. The mat can altered to attract different molecules, such as adding surface proteins to create a vascular graft or attaching antibodies to create a water filter or infection-fighting bandage.

The new technology is valuable in that many different implant products can be produced with sites for attaching different bioactive substances as needed. According to Professor Darrell Reneker, a member of the development team: "Imagine an emergency combat medic carrying around a box of bulky bandages to provide exactly the needed function from a larger number of possible needs. This system provides choice without bulk."

More Info about this Invention:

[MEDGADGET.COM]
[UNIVERSITY OF AKRON]

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