Recent Advances in Medical Textiles

The development of polylactic acid and polyglycolic acid fibres as structures for cell growth.
Temporary bioresorbable textile supports for growing human organic tissue.
The development of smart fibres - based on naturally-occurring polymers and also on non-animal-based protein fibres and structures - for the treatment of wounds and ulcer.

Factors influencing in the Designing of Bio-Medical Textiles

The design of a biomedical textile is driven by its end function. The main factors include

Function

The textile needs to fulfil the purpose for which it was designed, for example swabs require an absorbent textile, sutures may require a biodegradable textile, while hospital bedding should be comfortable and durable.

Biocompatibility

This refers to the reaction of the textile with blood and tissue in the body. An implantable device has more potential for reaction than an external device and is, therefore, subject to tighter regulations. For example an artificial ligament is permanent and is able to react with blood cells and the surrounding tissue, compared to an external bandage that is temporary and only contacts the outer skin tissue.

Applications of Medical Textiles

Hollow polyester fiber, hollow viscose

Application: Artificial kidney
Function: Remove waste products from patient s blood

Hollow viscose

Application: Artificial liver
Function: Separate and dispose of patients' plasma and supply fresh plasma

Hollow polypropylene fiber, hollow silicone membrane

Application: Mechanical lung
Function: Remove carbon dioxide from patients' blood and supply fresh oxygen