MP62-16 LIQUID CRYSTAL ELASTOMERS AS DYNAMIC MATERIALS FOR THE TREATMENT OF INCONTINENCE (2019)

You have accessJournal of UrologyUrodynamics/Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction/Female Pelvic Medicine: Basic Research & Pathophysiology (MP62)1 Apr 2019MP62-16 LIQUID CRYSTAL ELASTOMERS AS DYNAMIC MATERIALS FOR THE TREATMENT OF INCONTINENCE Julia Henricks*, Cedric Ambulo, Mario Romero-0rtega, Philippe Zimmern, and Taylor H. Ware Julia Henricks*Julia Henricks* More articles by this author , Cedric AmbuloCedric Ambulo More articles by this author , Mario Romero-0rtegaMario Romero-0rtega More articles by this author , Philippe ZimmernPhilippe Zimmern More articles by this author , and Taylor H. WareTaylor H. Ware More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/01.JU.0000556839.11254.8eAboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Current sling materials placed around the urethra are permanently fixed and do not adapt to the patient's continence needs. We report on the design of a novel, shape-changing, material that could support and compress the urethra to achieve continence but can be triggered by the patient to permit effortless voiding. METHODS: To fabricate this dynamic sling, a recently reported (patent pending) class of shape-changing materials, liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs), that can be 3D printed [1] for various shapes and sizes, and respond to changes in temperature was used. A tolerable temperature change, between 37 to 45°C, can be delivered transcutaneously using infrared (IR) light. We tested this class of materials for cytotoxicity (ISO Protocol 10993-5: Biological evaluation of medical devices) to determine its biocompatibility using human fibroblasts. [2] RESULTS: Mechanical characterization of the LCE material showed actuation occurring over the temperature range 20 to 45°C (Figure 1a), displaying the feasibility of creating dynamic shape change within the body without causing thermal injury to the surrounding cells. Using an LCE-carbon black composite that creates a stronger photothermal effect, a 3D-printed semicircle, 8mm in diameter and 1 mm in thickness, actuates in response to IR light (Figure 1b). The viability of cells on this class of materials, after 24 hours of exposure to 50% or 100% extracts, exhibited survival percentages of 99.7 ± 0.6 and 87.6 ± 4.9%, greater than the 70% threshold for viability. [2] CONCLUSIONS: This new technology allows for the design of a sling that can be dynamically adjusted and 3D printed according to the needs of the patient and her urethral configuration. The material is powered using IR light which can be delivered transcutaneously in a physiological range. The material is shown to be non-cytotoxic. Future work will involve sling testing in an in-vivo model. Source of Funding: The project is funded in part by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Award #175286 RIchardson, TX; Dallas, TX; RIchardson, TX© 2019 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 201Issue Supplement 4April 2019Page: e893-e893 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2019 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Julia Henricks* More articles by this author Cedric Ambulo More articles by this author Mario Romero-0rtega More articles by this author Philippe Zimmern More articles by this author Taylor H. Ware More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...