Development of a implantable medical device with the self-curable NC-hydrogel.

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Recently, the demand of wet soft materials for bio-related applications has been increasing. Thus far, we have developed a novel nanocomposite hydrogel (NC gel) with extraordinary mechanical, optical, and swelling/deswelling properties by extending the concept of organic/inorganic NCs to soft hydrogels. In this study, we aimed to develop novel NC gel materials and devices for biomedical applications, such as an implantable material with long-term durability, by improving the functions of the NC gel (e.g. extensibility, absorption of plasma, biological safety, nonconcrescence, and asepsis) and fabricating it in various forms. We succeeded in improving its mechanical, surface, and swelling/deswelling properties by modifying its network.(2) With regard to the development of new devices, we used NC gel-medical materials. We concluded that NC gels comfortably were able to use as the durable implanted material while simultaneously preventing the formation of intractable granulomatous tissues. Further, we carried out an in vivo investigation of the interaction of living tissue with the NC gel by implantation in goats. We found that neither inflammation nor concrescence occurred around the NC gels.(3) With regard to the safety and product design of medical devices, we carried out biological testing of medical devices, which involved a sensitization test, irritation test, intracutaneous test, and in vitro cytotoxicity test. We confirmed the safety of the NC gel in all these tests.