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Improving Bonding Properties of Surgical Glues for Cartilage Repair Using Liquid Crystal Matrices This technology offers an improved approach to repairing damaged articular cartilage using traditional bonding adhesives or surgical glues. The technique removes... Read More This technology offers an improved approach to repairing damaged articular cartilage using traditional bonding adhesives or surgical glues. The technique removes synovial fluid, which inhibits the bonding of surgical glues, from the cartilage surface. A poly(hydroxy substituted amino acid) composite is mixed with the synovial fluid, forming a liquid crystalline matrix on the cartilage surface. This matrix can be easily removed, taking the synovial fluid with it and leaving behind a clean surface so that surgical glue can bond properly. By allowing surgical glues to bond properly to cartilage surfaces, this technology greatly improves the techniques used to repair articular cartilage damaged due to trauma or congenital abnormalities. Effective cartilage repair can relieve joint pain, restore joint function, and postpone or even eliminate the development of osteoarthritis. This technology is a new method for enhancing the performance of surgical glue/adhesive during repair of articular cartilage. Found in joints throughout the human body, articular cartilage is essential for proper joint function. Once damaged (through trauma or congenital abnormalities), articular cartilage has a limited capacity to repair itself. Proper repair usually requires reconstructive orthopedic surgery. Surgical methods can include transplantation or allografts, implantation of artificial prosthetic devices, and neocartilage formation utilizing isolated chondrocytes in an organic support matrix or scaffold. However, these surgical methods have a key limitation: the adhesive or glue used in bonding and stabilizing the transplant, implant, or scaffold on the cartilage surface is negatively affected by the synovial fluid that provides lubrication and nutrition to joint tissues. This technology creates a liquid crystalline matrix that can be easily removed, taking the synovial fluid with it and leaving behind a clean (i.e., fluid free) cartilage surface. Thus, the efficacy of the surgical adhesives/glues is enhanced rather than inhibited. A solid or aqueous composition of poly(hydroxy substituted amino acid) is mixed with synovial fluid in the joint. This mixture forms a liquid crystalline (or mesomorphic) matrix on the surface of the cartilage. For example, when aqueous polythreonine comes in contact with the synovial fluid in the joint, a gelatinous matrix forms that is birefringent (i.e., a liquid crystalline matrix). Other suitable polymers include polyserine, polytyrosine, poly(hydroxyproline), and poly-5-hydroxy lysine. Polymers of L-amino acids are preferred. The polymer-synovial matrix can be easily removed from the cartilage surface, taking the synovial fluid with it and leaving behind a clean cartilage surface so that the surgical glue/adhesive can bond properly. Although developed specifically for cartilage surfaces, it is expected that the technology also could be used to modify the surfaces of other joint-associated tissues, including bones, ligaments, and tendons. Applications Repair of articular cartilage in diarthrodial joints (e.g., knee, hip, shoulder, ankle, wrist, finger) Modification of the surfaces of other joint-associated tissues (e.g., bones, ligaments, tendons) Benefits Using standard polymeric composites, this technology enables surgical glues/adhesives to bond properly during cartilage repair procedures Enhances surgical glue performance: This technology removes synovial fluid from the cartilage surface, allowing surgical glues/adhesives to bond properly Improves cartilage repair: By enhancing glue performance, this technology provides an overall improvement to the articular cartilage repair process Simple: This technology is easy to implement during standard reconstructive orthopedic surgery Low cost: The poly(hydroxy substituted amino acid) needed to create the liquid crystalline matrix on the cartilage surface is inexpensive
A Method to Produce Janus Particles in Large Quantity This innovation provides a simple and generalizeable method to synthesize Janus colloidal particles in large quantity. Janus particles offer unique opportunities in... Read More This innovation provides a simple and generalizeable method to synthesize Janus colloidal particles in large quantity. Janus particles offer unique opportunities in particle engineering for building particular structures; offering insight into the movement of particles and serving as a basis for new materials and sensors. Earlier methods to produce Janus particles of colloidal size (=1m in dimension) have been severely limited in the amount of product, but this method has overcome limitations on yield. At the liquid-liquid interface of emulsified molten wax and water, untreated particles adsorb and are frozen in place when the wax solidifies. The exposed surfaces of the immobilized particles are modified chemically. The wax is then dissolved and the inner surfaces are modified chemically. Janus particles, which have different chemical properties at different locations, could be used as potential building blocks for new 3D self-assembled structures. However, this purpose in particular requires a method to produce large quantities of material. This invention offers tremendous control over the Janus Balance, the ratio of the two treated areas on each particle. The invention includes a number of ways to control this Janus Balance, giving the developer one more parameter to use in optimizing the end product. Applications Drug delivery: within the context of functional, biologically active molecules with polar moieties Coatings: improved stability, color development, and viscosity control by choosing the right particle treatments and "Janus Balance" of the treatments Nanoencapsulation: a wider range of functions in which the behavior of the particles can be determined by the surface composition Stabilization of emulsions and foams Cosmetic formulations Benefits High yield: The process is solution-based with an approximate 50% yield, allowing hundreds of grams of particles to be made per batch. This is several orders of magnitude larger than with traditional methods Manufacturability: The process uses mature, readily available technologies to synthesize the particles Low cost: Mechanical mixing and large quantities make the process inexpensive Versatility: The process and particles can be applied to a wide variety of applications To learn more about an application for this method, click here.
Janus Particle Application A printable product including a substrate including fibers. The substrate has a first side and a second side. At least one of the first side and the second side of the... Read More A printable product including a substrate including fibers. The substrate has a first side and a second side. At least one of the first side and the second side of the substrate includes a surface layer that does not substantially contain inorganic particles and forms an outermost surface layer of the substrate, which surface layer includes hemicellulose. A method for manufacturing a printable product and to a surface treating agent for treating a substrate including fibers. This is a potential application for the method to synthesize Janus particles. To learn more about this method, click here.
Self-Assessing Mechanochromic Materials Polymer materials are ubiquitous in everyday life and are used in various applications (medical, automobile, electronics, structural, etc.). These materials... Read More Polymer materials are ubiquitous in everyday life and are used in various applications (medical, automobile, electronics, structural, etc.). These materials experience stress through normal use, which can lead to damage and failure of the product. Having the ability to detect damage and locate areas under high stress in situ is essential to eliminating failure of the material. Our invention incorporates a chemical into the polymer backbone that signals an area under stress by causing a visible color change in the material. This invention will allow for damage detection via a color change of the material and thus early repair before failure, ultimately extending the lifetime of the product. For this invention, the chemical incorporated into the polymer backbone is a stress-responsive spiropyran mechanophore. One spiropyran molecule is placed in the center of the polymer backbone and undergoes a structural change in response to stress. This change causes a visible color change of the polymer material. There are several advantages to this method of stress/damage detection. The damage sensing mechanophore is chemically incorporated into the polymer backbone and hence is distributed evenly throughout the material. Since the spiropyran is chemically incorporated, no extra processing steps are required post-polymerization and the mechanophore cannot be eliminated by everyday wear. Finally, damage can be detected visually without removing parts or using expensive detection equipment such as UV of x-ray monitors.
Visual Indication of Mechanical Damage Using Microcapsule Systems A self-indicating material system may include a solid polymer matrix having a first color, a first plurality of capsules in the matrix, and a plurality of... Read More A self-indicating material system may include a solid polymer matrix having a first color, a first plurality of capsules in the matrix, and a plurality of particles in the matrix. The first plurality of capsules includes a first reactant, and the plurality of particles includes a second reactant, which forms a product when in contact with the first reactant. When a crack forms in the polymer matrix, at least a portion of the first plurality of capsules is ruptured, the first and second reactants form the product in the matrix, and the portion of the polymer matrix containing the product has a second color different from the first color. A self-indicating material system may include a solid polymer matrix, a plurality of capsules in the matrix, and an activator in the matrix, where the polymer matrix includes a first polymer and has a first color, the plurality of capsules includes a polymerizer, and the activator is an activator for the polymerizer. When a crack forms in the polymer matrix, at least a portion of the plurality of capsules is ruptured, the polymerizer and the activator form a second polymer in the crack, and the second polymer has a second color different from the first color.
Multiple-use Corn zein-based Biodegradable Resins, Sheets, and Films are an attractive alternative to plastic This technology is a process for preparing biodegradable resins comprised of corn zein and fatty acids and forming the resins into sheets, thin films, and similar... Read More This technology is a process for preparing biodegradable resins comprised of corn zein and fatty acids and forming the resins into sheets, thin films, and similar products useful in a broad range of food packaging and agricultural applications. Corn zein-based Biodegradable Resins present an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic. Zein resins are new products derived from corn zein. Zein, a family of proteins found in corn, is solvent extracted, mixed with long chain fatty acids, chilled, washed and kneaded to form a moldable biodegradable plastic which can be extruded immediately to form products or pellitized for later use. Pellets can be stored or shipped to plastic mills to be formed into highly useable, edible, biodegradable, environmentally friendly products. Applications Consumer Replacement for plastic packaging materials such as trash and grocery bags; shrink films used to protect palletized products; food wraps used to prevent spoilage; or disposable food service ware such as plates, bowls, and cups. Agricultural Weed Control: Rolled films produced from zein resin can be applied to planting beds or placed between row crops to prevent weeds. Since the product is fully biodegradable, there's no need to remove the preventative layer at the end of the growing season; saving time and money. Cover for Round Hay Bales: Zein-based resin films can be used to protect hay bales from spoiling. Zein-based resins are completely edible; therefore, films do not need to be removed prior to their use. Horticulture Containers manufactured from zein-based resins go directly from the green-house to a consumer's garden or planting bed, saving disposal of traditional plastic pots. Benefits Multiple End-Use Products: Products manufactured from zein-based resins can be extruded, blown, or injection molded into a wide variety of forms. Examples include trays, bowls, clamshells, films which can be used for wraps and/or laminated, and edible hay bale wrappers. Desirable Production Characteristics: Zein bioplastics are flexible, tough, heat sealable, able to accept color pigmentation, and producible in varying degrees of oxygen and carbon dioxide permeability. Fully Biodegradable: Unlike commodity plastics that do not degrade, products manufactured from zein-based resins are completely biodegradable by native soil microflora; leaving no residual materials to dispose of or fear of ingestion by wildlife or production animals. Abundance of Raw Material: Zein resins are derived from corn. Zein-based resins are categorized by the FDA as "Generally Recognized as Safe" (GRAS): Products manufactured from zein-based resins can be used to package and/or protect food stuffs.
Transpiration Cooling for Structural Polymer Materials Researchers from the Beckman institute at the University of Illinois are developing a system for cooling structural materials inspired on nature's transpiration.... Read More Researchers from the Beckman institute at the University of Illinois are developing a system for cooling structural materials inspired on nature's transpiration. Using porous materials and leveraging capillary forces, Scott White's lab created a transpiration system to cool down a surface. The system is autonomous, self powered, and inexpensive. In addition, the principle of transpiration make this cooling solution self regulated requiring minimum user input after the system is installed. The new system will enable the use of polymer materials for applications where high temperatures would degrade non-cooled polymers.
One-Part Liquid Composite Molding Technique This technique for liquid composite molding uses a solid catalyst recrystallized onto preplaced fiber reinforcements to produce high-strength polymer matrix... Read More This technique for liquid composite molding uses a solid catalyst recrystallized onto preplaced fiber reinforcements to produce high-strength polymer matrix composites. The polymerization is initiated by the preform itself, eliminating the need to mix multiple resins and catalysts before filling the mold. Having polymerization triggered by the preform simplifies the process, saves time, and eliminates mixing equipment. Liquid composite molding processes have been popular since the 1940s. In the last 10 to 15 years, significant improvements have been made in developing low-viscosity thermosetting resin systems necessary to obtain high fiber volume parts. Also, automatic methods like weaving, braiding, and knitting have greatly reduced the cost of producing fiber preforms. All liquid composite molding processes require that the resin injected into the mold is a reactive liquid. Some resins such as epoxy and urethane are highly reactive and must be kept separate until just before they are injected into the mold. Other resins are activated by a catalyst in the holding tank. These multipart resin systems require complex mixing, metering, and use of injection equipment with accurate ratio control. The multipart resin systems also may require heating tanks, hoses, pipes, and pumps; motionless mixing; efficient circulation to help prevent cure or degradation of the resin in a holding tank; and easy and safe cleaning/purging. This new liquid composite molding technique uses a one-part monomer and a solid catalyst crystallized onto the fiber reinforcement. The polymerization is initiated by the preform itself, eliminating the need to mix or add multiple resins and catalysts before filling the mold. Since it uses a single resin, the process also eliminates the need for the mixing equipment and reduces the heating and cleaning requirements of the injection equipment. The best material system for use with this technology is one that uses polydicyclopentadiene (pDCPD). This polymer forms very rapidly at room temperature by a ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of its low-viscosity monomer. The first step in this process requires recrystallizing the catalyst onto the fiber preform. The reactive fiber preform is then placed into the mold, the mold is closed, and the monomer is injected into it. Once the monomer has had time to react with the catalyst on the fiber preform and polymerize, the completed part is removed from the mold. Applications This technique can be used in liquid composite molding, such as resin transfer molding (RTM), vacuum-assisted RTM (VARTM), and structural reaction injection molding (SRIM), for parts with end-use applications in: Aerospace Sports Recreation Marine and Automotive Equipment Ballistics Electronics Benefits Because multiple resins and catalysts do not need to be added or mixed before being pumped into the mold, this process: Simplifies production: This technique provides a simpler process that requires fewer steps for producing polymer matrix composites Reduces equipment costs: This technique eliminates the need for complex metering and mixing equipment Reduces maintenance costs: The technique reduces the heating and cleaning requirements of the injection equipment
Microvascular Networks and Composite Materials Using Sacrificial Fibers This technology is a biologically inspired 3D microvascular networks within composite materials provide damage management and active temperature regulation. ... Read More This technology is a biologically inspired 3D microvascular networks within composite materials provide damage management and active temperature regulation. Details A novel fabrication of microvascular structural material. Imagine a responsive material that has the ability to react to physical changes by delivering a functional fluid to vital, often inaccessible areas. In nature, this is accomplished through complex vasculature that transports vital fluids to tissues throughout an organism in order to regulate temperature, deliver nutrients, or begin the healing process. Scientists at the University of Illinois have taken their cue from such biological systems in fabricating a 3-dimensional vascular network within a polymer or polymer composite material that can be filled with virtually any fluid. The process is rapid, scalable and easily integrated into existing manufacturing processes with commercially available precursors. In the materials world, this system has the potential to help create longer lasting, safer and fault tolerant products. Through chemical decomposition of the sacrificial fiber relative to the matrix, the original fiber is removed from the matrix leaving behind a pervasive 3D interconnected network of microchannels that can be filled with a fluid either by using capillary action or by pumping. The choice of fluid can impart functionality to the matrix material such as self-healing, temperature regulation, or imparting visibility to areas where damage occurred through the use of a conspicuous dye. These microvascular composite materials can distribute these active fluids for reactions within the matrix in areas that are normally problematic to reach within components. The sacrificial fibers can be handled simultaneously with reinforcing fibers and decompose upon exposure to an external trigger such as processing temperature. This novel material system has the potential to restore structural integrity and extend the safety, reliability and operating life of countless components that are used everyday in numerous industry applications. For example, composite materials play an integral role in everything from aerospace and automotive applications to building materials and must maintain their integrity after repeated thermo-mechanical loading. Under such conditions, micro-cracks can develop over time within the structure significantly weakening its strength. Incorporation of a self-healing capability within the composite can instantly and permanently repair the damage, allowing the composite to retain its structural and mechanical integrity and prolonging its operational life. Figure 1: Creation of 3-D microvascular network. (A) 3-D woven preform, (B) integration of sacrifical fibers, (C) Resin infusion, (D) 3D woven composite and (E) formation of 3-D microvascular network. Applications This novel material system has the potential to restore structural integrity and extend the safety, reliability and operating life of countless components that are used everyday in numerous industry applications. Composite materials play an integral role in everything from aerospace and automotive applications to building materials and must maintain their integrity after repeated thermo-mechanical loading. Under such conditions, micro-cracks can develop over time within the structure significantly weakening its strength. Incorporation of a self-healing capability within the composite can instantly and permanently repair the damage, allowing the composite to retain its structural and mechanical integrity and prolonging its operational life. Rubber and latex industries could use this material to make improvements to existing products making them safer and longer-lasting. A self-healing tire would significantly increase safety on the road as well as reduce replacement costs. A self healing hose in air brakes for trains and trucks would significantly diminish the catastrophic risk of a failure to the brake system. Latex gloves are the primary barrier between a caregiver and possible infectious agents and tears and puncture can happen without the wearers knowledge. Using this microvascular material filled with a conspicuous dye would alert the wearer of a tear sooner. Alternatively, an anti-infective agent could be used and in the event of a tear or puncture, this agent would be released and help prevent infection. Although lithium ion batteries are gaining attention for use in automotive applications, their performance suffers at high temperatures, which are associated with quicker discharge and safety hazards. They must come with sophisticated battery management systems to maintain the proper temperatures in cars. Battery pack housing would benefit from the incorporation of a 3D microvascular material containing a temperature regulating fluid within the capillaries dissipating heat from hot spots and helping to maintain the proper thermal conditions for optimal battery life. Similarly, as computer technology moves to high-density storage and ultra-fast processing, thermal management becomes an issue. By integrating a microvascular material with a liquid capable of absorbing heat, one could create an effective and compact thermal management system for high density computational applications. Benefits Provides 3-D microvascular network for self-healing or active temperature regulation Process is scalable and can be woven into large mats All components of process are commercially available
Advanced Technique for Processing Sacrificial Fibers Researchers from the University of Illinois have developed a new method for making sacrificial fibers. This method can be used to produce larger and more complex... Read More Researchers from the University of Illinois have developed a new method for making sacrificial fibers. This method can be used to produce larger and more complex microvascular networks in polymers and fiber-reinforced composites. The better mixing method means that the networks left will be more uniform. These microvascular networks are useful for cooling, self-healing applications, or for weight saving designs.

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