Liquid crystals

2000/02/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Medikuntza

Severe bone fractures are resolved with metal additives: the metal tube is inserted into the bones and fastened well by a screw to form the bone.

This system, however, presents a number of deficiencies: the second operation of elimination of the tubes allows patients to suffer sounds and other discomfort if not operated; in addition, the metal tubes are excessively hard and can cause internal damage to the bones.

A team of British researchers, aiming to solve the problem, has put hope in biodegradable polymers and found material that can be useful: liquid crystal. The molecules of the liquid crystals are ordered in the same direction and when passing through the extruder hard fibers are obtained. The researchers have developed a biodegradable polyester with the properties of liquid crystals: the material has the necessary hardness, a elasticity similar to that of the bones and a half-life of six months.

A priori can be a suitable substitute material for metal additives, although there are still medical tests.