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

由于金属植入物无法将载荷最佳地转移到宿主骨上，因此对定制的、坚固的、持久的骨折固定植入物的需求仍然是研究人员和外科医生面临的主要挑战。尽管种植体的设计和治疗选择在现代取得了进步，但与金属种植体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植入物。具体而言，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，该平台结合了6DOF机械臂，3D挤出机和UVC-LED设备，以系统地3D打印骨折固定植入物，并改善其性能。2)开发一种抗菌涂层技术，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)利用新平台制备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用性。为了实现这些目标，我们将设计并将一种创新的UVC-LED设备集成到3D打印平台中，以便在制造混合纤维时对其进行消毒。我们将改造一个多用途机器人平台，以纳入一个3D挤出机，以便3D打印天然和合成纤维。我们将通过使用低成本、不浸出和环保的防腐剂来改善纤维的性能。我们将使用先进的破坏性和非破坏性测试技术对3d打印混合复合材料进行多尺度测试，以研究其机械行为。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伤和疲劳行为。从经济和环境的角度来看，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性能、加工和性能的影响的理解，推动最先进的纤维增强复合材料的制造。它还将指导开发新的、高性能的、轻量级的和具有成本效益的生物复合材料结构。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。加拿大也将受益于高技能的HQP，他们将通过该研究项目得到培训和支持。共有12名hqp，其中女性和男性各占50%，将在与自然科学和工程（NSE）领域相关的各个领域的高度协作、公平、多样化和包容的环境中接受培训。

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.