One less surgery – researchers design biodegradable medical devices
Posted by Velvet Hasner
Dr. Chang-Soo Kim and his research team at Missouri S&T patented resorbable medical implants that are used for diagnosis and treatment. Amber and yellow lighting is used in the lab to prevent degradation of photosensitive chemicals during device fabrication. Photo by Michael Pierce/ Missouri S&T
Dr. Chang-Soo Kim, professor and graduate coordinator of electrical engineering, has received a U.S. patent for medical devices made of bioactive glasses and metals that dissolve in the body at the end of their operational lifespan, eliminating the need for invasive surgical removal.
Co-inventors are Dr. Richard Brow, Curators’ Distinguished Professor of ceramic engineering and interim deputy provost for academic excellence; and Dr. Delbert Day, Curators’ Distinguished Professor emeritus of ceramic engineering and inventor of bioactive glasses for cancer treatment, bone tissue regeneration and wound healing.
The resorbable implants benefit patients, Kim says, because they eliminate the need for additional surgery to remove a sensor or other functional device after it is no longer needed. He says that is especially important because biodegradable devices are designed to be implanted in the brain or other organs deep inside the body. Kim says the implants can also be used for drug delivery or tissue healing.
This patent is the latest among more than 100 patents held by Missouri S&T faculty, according to S&T’s Technology Transfer and Economic Development office.
Posted by Velvet Hasner
