Nov 25 2005
CPI is working closely with the University of Newcastle upon Tyne to develop novel production technologies for three-dimensional and non-planar structuring of material surfaces at the nano and micro scale. These technologies will greatly reduce the need for expensive and labour-intensive photolithography techniques. It is anticipated that this technology will have important applications in the healthcare sector for the fabrication of biocompatible scaffolding for new tissue and cells.
Development of a Prototype Electrochemical Production Tool for Micro and Nano Structuring
The strategic aim of this project is to develop a prototype electrochemical production tool capable of micro and nano structuring of a variety of materials without necessitating masking and photolithography of the substrate. The technology under development will be able to transfer micro patterns onto a variety of biocompatible materials such as steel, tantalum and titanium.
Project Objectives
It can also be applied to texture and activate the substrate surface as well as structuring non-planar surfaces such as cylindrical, spherical and complex surfaces. The specific objectives of the project include:
- The design, fabrication and optimisation of a unique electrochemical machining production tool capable of micro and nano scale structuring of bio-materials
- Demonstration and testing of the prototype for fabricating scaffolding biomaterials for tissue and cell cultures which satisfy medical standards
- Benchmarking the prototype against existing micro and nano fabrication tools
Expected Project Outcomes
The unique electrochemical platform technology developed in the North East of England is expected to yield a micro- nano production tool that costs considerably less than deploying existing practices for producing scaffolding for tissue engineering.
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This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by CPI.
For more information on this source, please visit CPI.