BIOMODICS is back after a successful feasibility study within SINE2020
In the framework of the ‘industry consultancy’ of the SINE2020 European project, an innovative Danish company used small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) at the Institute Laue Langevin (ILL) in France, to see how it could help them improve their patented new material that combines silicon and hydrogel. The resulting interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) decreases the risk of infection by preventing biofilm formation in medical devices. This kind of material may also be suitable for drug-delivery when inserted in a catheter. To understand the material’s capabilities for drug delivery, it is important to know the structure of the IPN network in order to optimise it.

BIOMODICS conducted measurements on D11 instrument with collaborators at the University of Copenhagen. These initial measurements confirm that the hydrogel in the IPN samples absorb water, and that the current commercial material do not take up water, as evidenced by the fact that the scattering increases significantly when the IPN samples are loaded with heavy water (D2O).

These measurements enabled BIOMODICS to decide on purchasing beam time for a detailed study.

This study was performed at the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (Germany) because the ILL was in a shutdown period when the company needed the measurements. This shows that neutron centres are able to work together in order to offer a continuous operation for the industrial users.

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