Types of Biomaterials and Their Applications: Next-Generation Textile

Biomedical Engineers at the University of New South Wales have successfully created the prototype for a new functional textile based on the interwoven complexity of periosteum tissue architecture. It's an interesting new type of biomaterial application. Periosteum is the naturally “smart” tissue serving as a communication link between bone and muscle, giving the bones more strength under impact. This tissue's collagen and elastin complex composite architecture imparts direction and flow-rate dependent permeability to increase bone strength and maintain structural alignment of tissues during applied stress and strain.

Bio-Inspired Weave

Previously, researchers have struggled to replicate the microscopic structure of biological proteins for functional textile laminate applications. This newly conceived imaging process opens the door to a new world of possibilities for biomedical weaves inspired by nature's inherent intelligence. In their study published on January 11, 2017, the team of UNSW researchers, including Paul Trainor, Chair of Biomedical Engineering, and Professor Melissa Knothe Tate, showed that a smart bio-inspired weave could be achieved using a bottom-up approach. 

Mapping a Complex Composite

The sample tissue was imaged using second harmonic imaging microscopy (SHIM) for the collagen and two photon excitation microscopy (TPEM) for the elastin, producing accurate mapping of the periosteum's complex composite structure. These images were then stacked and sequenced for 3D computer rendering and for subsequent production of a scaled-up 3D model of the tissue sample. This scaled-up periosteum model was the template from which the team developed the weaving algorithm that successfully produced a complex, multilayered, periosteum-inspired textile laminate.

Silk & Elastic Smart Architecture

Using silk for the collagen and elastic for elastin, the research team utilized a custom-configured, computer controlled Jacquard loom to weave the textile laminate prototypes. When the swatches were tested for functionality, the twill pattern weave mirrored the stress-strain characteristics of the biological tissue, exhibiting similar tension resistance and strain distribution properties. Further silk, elastane, and nylon fiber configurations confirmed the accuracy of the algorithm in reproducing the periosteum's smart architecture.

Applications for Intelligent Textiles

Potential applications of this next-generation textile have yet to be fully explored, but currently include protective wear for those involved in occupations with a high risk of physical impact, as well as intelligent compression bandages for deep vein thrombosis. Additionally, there is interest from the safety and transport industry in the weave's mechanical functionality, and the tire industry sees potential in the inherently intelligent textile for the development of a smart radial. Researchers anticipate being able to use this type of biomaterial for regenerative medicine applications like bioresorbable scaffolds or other types of biomaterial implants.

"Our longer-term goal is to weave biological tissues - essentially human body parts - in the lab to replace and repair our failing joints that reflect the biology, architecture and mechanical properties of the periosteum."

JOANNA NG
PhD Candidate

The successful reproduction of periosteum's smart biological architecture increases the potential for bottom-up modeling of other proteins for rapid textile prototyping. The implication of this functional textile and its development process's usefulness in the medical sector has inspired further research by Trainor, Tate, and their team. Several commercial patents are already pending, and Cleveland Clinic and University of Sydney Professor, Tony Weiss, are currently involved in developing a commercialized textile prototype for bone implants based on the periosteum structure, with pre-clinical application to begin within the next three years. 

“Ongoing studies are implementing these approaches at the microscale using engineered collagen and elastin and other biological structural proteins, for rapid implementation in the medical sector.” 

MELISSA KNOTHE TATE

Conclusion

In developing a reliable high-fidelity imaging and 3D modeling process for the creation of weaving algorithms, the University of New South Wales researchers have scaled microscopically complex protein structures up to a level that can be utilized. From implants to wearables, we might see this technology ripple throughout the next generation of biomedical weaves, and textile laminate materials, with vast improvements in the structural integrity, longevity, and responsiveness of the materials.