Researchers from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) developed new materials, smart sensors, and bioprinting technologies to improve finger and hand prostheses by integrating previously separate research functions to create prostheses that are highly sensitive, flexible, and made with biocompatible materials that can be 3D printed.
The work was done by four faculty researchers from RIT’s campuses in the United States and Dubai with each researcher contributing an area of specialization—hybrid materials, electromechanical system development, prosthetic mechanical properties, and 3D-bioprinting techniques. The collaboration allowed development of a more complete prosthetic system than any one discipline could achieve independently, said Ahasan Habib, PhD, assistant professor of mechanical and mechatronics engineering technology.
“One of the greatest needs in prosthetics is the ability to produce patient-specific devices that closely match an individual’s anatomy, mechanical properties, and functional requirements,” said Habib. “Traditional manufacturing methods often have limitations in producing complex, customized structures. Our approach has the potential to improve comfort, performance, accessibility, and ultimately the quality of life for prosthetic users.”
Hybrid materials such as biodegradable thermoplastic and heat-resistant silicone were optimized for flexibility, strength, and biocompatibility for the prosthetic structure; advanced 3D-printing methodologies incorporated the hybrid materials and improved extrusion and printing performance as well as provided options for customizable products; and “smart” sensors were created using the new materials to create a better sense of touch using piezoelectric principles—the ability of some materials to generate electrical properties—allowing the device to recognize tactile stimulation; and mechanical properties were integrated in the prosthetic toward more natural usage.
The researchers detailed a comprehensive development process from material selection to 3D-print functions to ensure that materials retained tactile abilities and strength.
“As we talk about the future of prosthetics, there are two components that need to be involved. The first was to bring together multimaterial printing, so it’s not like the whole prosthetic should be printed with one material,” said Salman Pervaiz, PhD, RIT Dubai engineering professor and director of materials and advanced manufacturing research. “The second was to make it smart, so it can be used not only for gripping but other functions. Capability-wise, we are there.”
Editor’s note: This story was adapted from materials provided by RIT.
The open-access study, “Foundations for future prosthetics: Combining rheology, 3D printing, and sensors,” was published in the Journal of Manufacturing and Materials Processing.
