Purdue University researchers have developed several innovations in the biomedical engineering field. There are more than 120 in the category available to bring to market through licensing or other commercial agreements with the Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization.
Here are five:
Artificial Extracellular Membrane (ECM) to Direct Cell Adhesion and Growth, 2020-CLAR-68802
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a novel method for directing cell adhesion and growth.
The method uses ultrathin, striped molecular films on soft materials and improves on the scale limitations imposed by the current lithographic technology, while diversifying chemistries that can be patterned to direct cell growth. Potential applications of this technology include regenerative medicine and understanding progression of diseases.
Device for Ocular Drug Delivery, 2022-LEE-69581
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a minimally invasive and effective ocular drug delivery platform.
Ocular drug delivery is very challenging due to the complex and sensitive structure of the eye. The Purdue method enables long-term sustained release of therapeutic ocular drugs via a tear-soluble contact lens that leaves behind biodegradable silicon nanoneedles.
Electronic Decals for Wireless Monitoring of Sweat and Vaginal pH, 2020-MART-68931
Researchers at Purdue University have created waterproof electronic decals, which are flexible electronic devices capable of continuously monitoring pH levels of biofluids wirelessly.
The devices are fabricated on biocompatible materials and are lightweight, breathable, flexible and easy to apply. They can be worn on the skin to stimulate sweat and measure sweat pH or be attached to the surface of sanitary tampons to detect bacterial vaginosis by monitoring vaginal pH.
Microneedle Patch for Wound Oxygenation and Biofilm Eradication, 2021-RAHI-69535
Purdue University researchers have developed a flexible microneedle array that can puncture biofilms and provide oxygen and antibiotics to the wound site.
Biofilms are strong, bacterial films that form on open wounds, causing hypoxia and inflammation of the wound site. The microneedle array developed by Purdue researchers dissolves upon contact with the wound’s biological fluid, avoiding the pain associated with removing biofilms or using hypodermic needles. It is also effective for decontamination and increasing the healing process of wounds: it increased the wound’s oxygen content by 50 percent, killed all gram-positive bacteria within 24 hours and killed all gram-negative bacteria within 12 hours.
Pressure-Sensing Prosthetic Socket, 2022-NORT-69699
Students at Purdue University have proposed technology using sensors to detect pressure in transtibial prosthetic sockets.
Every year 34,500 individuals undergo a transtibial amputation, which is the most common type of amputation. Transtibial prosthetic sockets are uncomfortable and can cause skin irritation and infection of the residual limb. The Purdue technology helps prevent skin damage and infection by alerting the patient with a notification to their smartphone if a pressure value above the patient-specific level is detected.
Find 19 categories of innovations developed by Purdue University researchers, all available to further develop through licensing or other commercialization agreements with the Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization. Read about other innovations in the biomedical engineering category on the Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization website.