New Self-Healing Materials Detect When They're Damaged and Fix Themselves

Arizona State researchers have currently developed working prototypes of what is known as a self-diagnosing, self-healing material that can respond to damage and regenerate itself. Known as a "autonomous adaptive structure", this material employs "shape-memory" polymers that return to a pre-defined shape when heated to a certain temperature. With an embedded fiber-optic network that senses damage and a heat delivery relay system, the material's on-board infrared laser transmits light through the fiber-optic network to deliver thermal energy to the part of the material undergoing unnatural stress or damage. This delivery of thermal energy triggers shape-memory polymers that can toughen up to 11 times. This shape-memory is capable of closing up a crack or tear to regain up to 96% of normal functionality. Additionally, the material can even self-heal while in any mode of operation.

This article is of interest to me, since I am interested in pursuing the Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering track of Biomedical Engineering. With artificial materials such as these coated in a suitable material that the body can accept, regneration of implanted devices would eliminate the need to constantly fix, repair, or even re-implant the devices themselves preventing wear and tear from accumulating and damaging the implant. Essentially, this could make the lifespan of any implanted device much longer than our current technology affords, making life much easier for patients receiving implants at any age, particularly the elderly where a re-implantation procedure would not be a feasible option.