10 MOMENTUM • VIRGINIA TECH MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Mirzaiefar ’ s polymer could be deformed into a pill shape , but remain sealed and intact as it moved through the body . When the container reaches the area of the body that requires the drug , exposure to Shahab ’ s ultrasound waves cause it to return to a shape that open the container . In that way , drugs could be more strategically applied .
In addition to drug delivery , there is potential to apply the approach to stent treatment . If a polymer were 3D-printed into a cylinder but then compacted , it could be placed in an artery in its compressed form . When in place , administering the ultrasound waves to the object from outside the body would return it to its original shape , causing the shape to expand and open a clogged blood vessel . The list of possibilities grows from there .
By approaching the project from both their polymer and ultrasound research backgrounds , Mirzaeifar and Shahab have been able to more harmoniously engineer a holistic method that causes the two disciplines to function in a single , unified approach . Medshape ’ s continuing role is to ensure that the materials chosen for use are safe for medical use .
“ This approach with ultrasound and polymers has the potential to revolutionize minimally invasive surgical techniques and inform new designs for implants and soft electronics ,” said Shahab . “ Working with world ’ s leading manufacturer of biomedical devices using shape-changing metal and polymer technologies will guide this fundamental research to solve critical industry needs .”
Further findings were published in IOP Science in October 2020 .