When it comes to 3D printing, the sky is the limit. As 3D printing technology continues to advance, applications can be as far reaching as airplane and automobile parts to medical devices and even anatomically correct, biocompatible models. Although 3D printing technology is developing at a rapid pace, the technology itself is not new. It emerged in the 1980s as a means of creating rapid prototypes. In recent years the applications for 3D printed models have evolved with the available hardware, software, and printable materials. Evolving technology, paired with the creative and innovative minds of scientists, engineers, and physicians, has been the launching pad for developments within 3D printing technology specific to healthcare. One way 3D printing technology is poised to create better patient outcomes is in creating an anatomically and patient-specific models to aid in surgery and medical procedures. With the capability to 3D print patient-specific models, more acc
We’ve all been there before – that gut-wrenching moment when you tear your favorite shirt or pair of pants. So, what do you do? Unless it’s a tear in the seam, it can be difficult to fix – you may just accept your loss and toss the item. However did you know that Americans throw out 82 pounds of textiles every year? And usually, these items end up in landfills. Penn State University researchers are attempting to combat this issue – all while letting you keep your beloved clothing — with the help of a polyelectrolyte liquidthat may allow torn clothes to self-repair.
The research team is led by Melik Demirel, a professor of engineering science and mechanics at Penn State. The liquid is biodegradable and made from bacteria and yeast. The process is simple: apply a small amount of the liquid to the tear, apply warm water, and press the edges together. Wa-lah –Just like that your pesky tear is fixed! The liquid creates a polyelectrolyte coating, which is made up of positively and negatively charged polymers.
Manufacturers can also pre-coat textiles in the liquid – allowing the self-repair ability to be built into the material. The liquid (which still hasn’t been named) has properties similar to protein in human hair, nails and squid tentacles. “Squid is a limited resource. So we needed to replicate this unique property found in squid protein using biotechnology and other substances,” Demirel said in a statement.
The team has tested the liquid on common fabrics like cotton, wool and polyester. Fabrics treated with the liquid withstood time in washing machines and fabric quality was not altered.
And while this new liquid may be extremely appealing to people who can’t sew or are rough on clothing, its capabilities span far beyond typical everyday uses. Researchers hope the liquid can be utilized to protect individuals working with pesticides and other hazardous chemicals. According to CNN ‘“It could help improve protective clothing worn by soldiers, medical staff, even farmers,” [Demirel] said.
Researchers are still learning more about the product, and are interested if the liquid can withstand detergent, among other things. As exciting as this advancement is, don’t jump in your car and rush to the nearest store in hopes of finding this product, as it isn’t commercially available yet. It looks like you may have to hold onto your needle and thread just a little bit longer!
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