Fibre Extrusion Technology Ltd (FET) - Proof of Concept - Novel Process for Suture Manufacture

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International customers using FET equipment tell us that they are seeking improvements inproduct and process for synthetic absorbable sutures. FET is working separately on improvedproduct properties and now sees an opportunity to address process improvements topotentially deliver mutual benefits to both FET and its customers.The traditional textile braiding and dip coating processes used to produce sutures are slow,labour and energy intensive and have other disadvantages which are compounded when thesuture is made from absorbable polymers, which are notoriously expensive and difficult tohandle.We have ideas for a novel method of manufacture of a new synthetic absorbable suture madefrom multifilament precursor yarns involving a new construction which replaces conventionalbraiding and dip coating processes. The proposed method is designed to simplify themanufacturing process, reducing costs and the risks of in-process degradation.We wish to test the concept of such a new manufacturing method in a Proof of ConceptProject at a cost of £167,163 and have in-house, or can obtain, access to the necessaryexpertise to succeed in such a project, but need financial assistance to avoid cash flowlimitations and complete the work within an 18 month time frame.A proven concept will allow us to further develop and show customers the potential for amore efficient method of manufacture, with an improved carbon footprint.A successful project outcome will deliver IP, which, pursued by further development work tocommercialise for suture applications, could realise some £4m income to FET in the period2019/21 in the form of customised equipment sales, process licensing or know how. There arepotential benefits from spin off uses for the technology in non - medical areas and as anexperimental tool for small scale evaluation of difficult-to process / expensive raw materials.