Using Stimuli-Responsive Material for the Design and Fabrication of Artificial Muscles
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Date
2024-05
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Abstract
Stimuli-responsive materials that change shape (i.e., elongate, contract, and/or twist) when exposed to an appropriate stimulus are promising candidates to replace traditional machines in biomedical devices. This dissertation explores the innovative use of stimuli-responsive materials in addressing the challenges of treating stress urinary incontinence (SUI), a condition that affects nearly 50% of women during their lifetime. Current treatments for SUI are associated with complications leading to undesirable outcomes such as postoperative voiding dysfunction. The research, divided into four key chapters, focuses on the development and application of artificial muscle devices based on two distinct stimuli-responsive materials – Liquid Crystal Elastomers (LCEs) and Magnetoactive Elastomers (MAEs) for the potential treatment of SUI.
In Chapter I, the dissertation commences with a comprehensive introduction to stimuli-responsive materials, elucidating their pivotal role in the design and fabrication of artificial muscles. Emphasizing the versatility of two materials (LCEs and MAEs), the chapter provides a foundation for their application in the subsequent chapters. Chapter II delves into the pathophysiology of SUI, providing a thorough overview of the condition, including its causes, prevalence, and impact. This section establishes the contextual framework for the subsequent exploration of the subsequent development of LCE and MAE-based devices for urethral support. We also provide relevant information that must be considered when designing in vitro models of the urinary tract and selecting appropriate animal models to evaluate devices. Chapter III focuses on the design, fabrication, and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of a dynamic urethral support device based on LCEs. In Chapter IV, I extend the exploration to MAEs and investigate their integration into a dynamic urethral support device. MAE-based devices were fabricated, characterized, and then evaluated using a simple in vitro urinary system simulating the effects of stress or cough.
Collectively, this dissertation contributes to the interdisciplinary field of biomedical engineering by integrating stimuli-responsive materials with innovative solutions for SUI. Investigating the potential of LCEs and MAEs in providing adaptive and customizable support, this dissertation presents a novel approach to addressing SUI through advanced materials. The findings presented herein pave the way for further advancements in the design and fabrication of artificial muscles, offering hope for improved therapeutic interventions for complex healthcare challenges.
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Engineering, Biomedical, Engineering, Materials Science