Creating the Next Generation of Antimicrobial Hybrid Composites for Biomedical Applications: Manufacturing, Multiscale Modeling, and Mechanical Characterization

创建用于生物医学应用的下一代抗菌混合复合材料：制造、多尺度建模和机械表征

• 批准号: RGPIN-2019-05615
• 负责人: Bougherara, Habiba
• 金额: $ 4.66万
• 依托单位: Ryerson University
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Discovery Grants Program - Individual
• 财政年份: 2022
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2022-01-01 至 2023-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=759631
• 关键词: Creating; Next; Generation; Antimicrobial; Hybrid

The need for custom-fit, strong, and long-lasting implants for bone fracture fixation still poses major challenges to researchers and surgeons, as metallic implants fail to optimally transfer the load to the host bone. Despite modern advances in implants' designs and treatment options, complications associated with metal implants remain unresolved. The long term objective of my proposed research program is to develop an innovative manufacturing platform to fabricate the next generation of hybrid composite implants with antimicrobial capabilities and advanced performance. Specifically, my research program aims to achieve the following short term objectives: 1) Create a new, integrated platform that combines a 6DOF robotic arm, a 3D extruder, and a UVC-LED device to systematically 3D print fracture fixation implants with improved properties. 2) Develop an antimicrobial coating technology to improve the natural fibres' wettability and also protect them from mold, bacteria, and other microbial contaminants. 3) Fabricate the hybrid composite implants using the new platform and perform multiscale experimental characterization. 4) Develop a new multiscale, physics-based model to predict the mechanical behaviour and the long term durability of these antimicrobial, 3D-printed composite implants. To achieve these goals, we will design and integrate an innovative UVC-LED device into a 3D printing platform so that the hybrid fibres can be sterilized while they are being fabricated. We will transform a multipurpose robot platform to incorporate a 3D extruder in order to 3D print both natural and synthetic fibres. We will improve the properties of the fibres by using a low cost, non-leaching, and environmentally friendly preservative. We will perform multiscale testing of the 3D-printed hybrid composites to investigate their mechanical behaviour using advanced destructive and non-destructive testing techniques. We will also develop, and validate a new multiscale model to predict their damage and fatigue behaviour.  From an economic and environmental perspective, the proposed research program is vital for Canada's manufacturing industry. It will advance the state-of-the-art manufacturing of fibre-reinforced composites by improving our understanding of the effects of UV-LED sterilization and hybridization on their technical properties, processing, and performance. It will also guide the development of new, high performance, lightweight, and cost effective biocomposite structures. Custom-fit healthcare implants, reduced environmental impact, and cost savings are among the immediate benefits of the proposed technology. Canada will also benefit from the highly skilled HQP who will be trained and supported by this research program. A total of 12 HQPs, including 50% women and 50% men, will be trained in a highly collaborative, equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment in various areas relevant to the natural sciences and engineering (NSE) field.

用于骨折固定的定制、坚固且持久的植入物的需求仍然给研究人员和外科医生带来了重大挑战，因为金属植入物无法将负载最佳地转移到宿主骨上。尽管现代植入物的设计和治疗方案取得了进步，但与金属植入物相关的并发症仍未得到解决。 我提出的研究计划的长期目标是开发一个创新的制造平台，以制造具有抗菌能力和先进性能的下一代混合复合材料植入物。具体来说，我的研究计划旨在实现以下短期目标：1）创建一个新的集成平台，结合 6DOF 机械臂、3D 挤出机和 UVC-LED 设备，系统地 3D 打印具有改进性能的骨折固定植入物。 2) 开发抗菌涂层技术，以提高天然纤维的润湿性，并保护它们免受霉菌、细菌和其他微生物污染物的侵害。 3）使用新平台制造混合复合材料植入物并进行多尺度实验表征。 4) 开发一种新的多尺度、基于物理的模型来预测这些抗菌 3D 打印复合植入物的机械行为和长期耐久性。为了实现这些目标，我们将设计一种创新的 UVC-LED 设备并将其集成到 3D 打印平台中，以便可以在制造混合纤维时对其进行消毒。我们将改造多功能机器人平台，加入 3D 挤出机，以便 3D 打印天然纤维和合成纤维。我们将通过使用低成本、非浸出、环保的防腐剂来改善纤维的性能。我们将对 3D 打印混合复合材料进行多尺度测试，利用先进的破坏性和非破坏性测试技术研究其机械行为。我们还将开发并验证一个新的多尺度模型来预测它们的损坏和疲劳行为。  从经济和环境角度来看，拟议的研究计划对加拿大制造业至关重要。它将通过提高我们对 UV-LED 灭菌和杂交对其技术特性、加工和性能影响的了解，推动纤维增强复合材料的最先进制造。它还将指导新型、高性能、轻质且具有成本效益的生物复合材料结构的开发。 定制医疗植入物、减少环境影响和节省成本是该技术的直接好处。加拿大还将受益于高技能的总部人员，他们将接受该研究计划的培训和支持。总共 12 名 HQP，其中 50% 为女性，50% 为男性，将在与自然科学与工程 (NSE) 领域相关的各个领域的高度协作、公平、多元化和包容性的环境中接受培训。