294
With the increasing global attention to environmental protection and sustainable development, the application of sustainable materials in the medical field has gradually become a research and practice hotspot. These materials not only can reduce the impact on the environment, but also play an important role in medical technology, promoting the green transformation of the medical industry.
The main application fields of sustainable materials
1.Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine
Significant progress has been made in the application of sustainable materials in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. For example, biodegradable materials such as polylactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer (PLGA) and polylactic acid (PLA) are widely used in the manufacture of tissue engineering scaffolds. These materials can gradually degrade in the body, while supporting cell growth and tissue regeneration, reducing the need for secondary surgeries. In addition, the composite material (EViH) combining extracellular vesicles (EVs) and hydrogels also shows great potential in tissue repair.
2.Drug delivery system
The application of sustainable materials in drug delivery systems is equally remarkable. For example, DSPE-PEG-PLA is a multifunctional biomaterial combining phospholipids, polyethylene glycol and polylactic acid, which can be used to construct nanoparticles to achieve targeted delivery and sustained release of drugs. Furthermore, PLGA-PEG-LyP-1, by combining with tumor-targeted peptides, can precisely deliver drugs to the tumor site, improve the therapeutic effect and reduce side effects.
3.Wound healing and dressing
In the field of wound healing, the application of sustainable materials not only enhances the therapeutic effect but also reduces the environmental impact. For example, bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) has become a promising wound dressing material due to its high crystallinity, biocompatibility and biodegradability. In addition, PVA/CMC hydrogel offers a new solution for wound treatment through its multi-functionality of antibacterial, hemostatic and healing promotion.
4.Implants and medical devices
The application of sustainable materials in implants and medical devices is also constantly evolving. For instance, biodegradable magnesium alloys are used in orthopedic implants, which can promote bone regeneration and regulate immune responses. In addition, medical-grade thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is widely used in medical catheters and implants due to its excellent biocompatibility and mechanical properties.
5.Intelligent healthcare and multi-functional materials
With the advancement of technology, the application of sustainable materials in the field of smart healthcare is gradually emerging. For instance, a viscoelastic hydrogel based on the shell of mallow trees has been developed for electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring and wound dressings, demonstrating excellent biocompatibility and mechanical properties. In addition, the development of nanotechnology has promoted the application of multifunctional materials in drug delivery and imaging.
Main sustainable materials and applications
1.Biodegradable materials
Biodegradable materials are widely used in the medical field, especially in implants and drug delivery systems.
(1) Application fields
Implants: They are used to manufacture degradable bone nails, bone plates, sutures, etc. The materials are gradually absorbed by the human body after completing their functions, avoiding secondary surgeries.
- Drug delivery system: It is used to manufacture degradable drug carriers to achieve sustained release and targeted release of drugs.
(2) Commonly used materials
Polylactic acid (PLA) : Used in the manufacture of absorbable sutures and orthopedic implants.
Polycaprolactone (PCL) : Used in drug delivery systems and tissue engineering scaffolds.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) : Used in the manufacture of degradable medical devices and packaging materials.
2.Natural source materials
Sustainable materials from natural sources are widely used in the medical field due to their biocompatibility and degradability.
(1) Application fields
- Wound dressings: Used to make antibacterial dressings that promote wound healing.
- Tissue engineering: It is used to manufacture scaffold materials to support cell growth and tissue regeneration.
- Drug carrier: Used for manufacturing drug delivery systems of natural sources.
(2) Commonly used materials
Chitosan: Extracted from the shells of crustaceans, it is used as wound dressings and hemostatic materials.
Collagen: Used in tissue engineering and wound healing.
Alginate: Extracted from seaweed, it is used to make wound dressings and drug carriers.
3.Renewable materials
Renewable materials, derived from sustainable resources such as plants and microorganisms, can reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
(1) Application fields
- Medical packaging: Used for manufacturing degradable packaging materials for medical devices.
Disposable medical devices: Used for manufacturing degradable disposable syringes, catheters, etc.
3D printing materials: used for manufacturing customized medical devices and implants.
(2) Commonly used materials
Polylactic acid (PLA) : Derived from corn starch, it is used in 3D printing and medical packaging.
Cellulose: Derived from plants, it is used to make degradable dressings and packaging materials.
Starch-based materials: used for manufacturing disposable medical devices.
4.Recycle materials
Recycling materials reduce the generation of medical waste through recycling and reprocessing.
(1) Application fields
Medical equipment: New medical equipment is manufactured by recycling metals and plastics.
- Packaging materials: Medical packaging is made by recycling plastic.
(2) Commonly used materials
- Recycled plastics * : such as recycled polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), used in the manufacture of medical equipment and packaging.
- Recycled metals: such as titanium and stainless steel, used in the manufacture of orthopedic implants and surgical instruments.
5.Intelligent sustainable materials
Intelligent sustainable materials can respond to environmental stimuli (such as temperature and pH value) and have broad application potential in the medical field.
(1) Application fields
Intelligent drug delivery: Releases drugs based on changes in the internal environment.
- Smart Dressing * : Releases antibacterial agents or substances that promote healing based on the condition of the wound.
- Tissue engineering: Used for manufacturing responsive scaffold materials to support tissue regeneration.
(2) Commonly used materials
Thermosensitive hydrogel: Used for drug delivery and wound dressings.
Advantages of sustainable materials
Environmentally friendly: Reduce medical waste and pollution to the environment.
Biocompatibility: Reduces side effects and rejection reactions on the human body.
Resource conservation: Reduce reliance on non-renewable resources.
Innovative applications: Promoting the advancement of medical technologies, such as personalized medicine and intelligent medicine.
Challenges and future development directions
（1）Challenge
- Cost issue: The research and development and production costs of sustainable materials are relatively high.
- Performance optimization: The mechanical properties and stability of some sustainable materials still need improvement.
- Standardization and regulation: It is necessary to establish a unified standard and regulatory system.
(2) Future development direction
-Material innovation: Develop new sustainable materials, such as nanomaterials and composite materials.
-Green manufacturing: Optimizing production processes to reduce energy consumption and pollution.
-Circular economy: Promoting the recycling and reuse of medical materials.
Summarize
Sustainable materials have broad application prospects in the medical field and can provide innovative solutions for medical devices, drug delivery, tissue engineering, etc. In the future, with the advancement of materials science and manufacturing technology, sustainable materials will play a greater role in the medical field and at the same time promote the development of the medical industry towards a green and environmentally friendly direction.
Long Press to Scan QR Code
Scan QR Code
