Biomimetic implants, cardiac exoskeletons, and virtual hospitals: these are just a few of the healthcare-related projects being worked on by researchers at the Microstructures and Materials Mechanics Laboratory (LEM3) at the Arts et Métiers campus Arts et Métiers Metz, who specialize in the experimental characterization and mechanical modeling of materials and structures.
Biomimetic implants using metal 3D printing
Implants that are too rigid can weaken or densify adjacent bones. In order to reduce the risk of fractures in areas that are already fragile, researchers at LEM3 have been working for several years on the design of low-modulus (i.e., more flexible) metal alloy implants using 3D printing. This technique allows for greater flexibility in the architecture of the parts.
After studying the material and rapid manufacturing process, current work, led in particular by Chrysoula Chatzigeorgiou, is focused on improving the structure of implants with the aim of making them behave similarly to the patient's bones (biomimicry). Using digital simulations, the PhD student studied different architectures and then manufactured and tested samples. This work was carried out in collaboration with the I2M laboratory in Bordeaux.
The results are encouraging and should lead to the start of clinical trials on implants within a few years.
Cardiac exoskeleton and patent application
In partnership with INSERM, an institute dedicated to biological research, the work of LEM3 researchers has led to the development of a beat assistance device that could make heart transplants unnecessary.
The teams worked on simulating biological tissues: digital models and tensile tests on pieces of pig heart; on designing and optimizing the device: pressure intensity and location; and also on its control, operation, and power supply.
These studies, conducted at the request of the Nancy School of Surgery, led to the filing of a patent, which notably includes Boris Piotrowski, a research engineer at LEM3. Development work on the device is still ongoing in other laboratories such as the Jean Lamour Institute.
Mechanics and virtual hospital
At the Nancy School of Surgery, students train using virtual reality. To launch this virtual hospital, the LEM3 teams spent three years working onfeeding the simulators with mechanical criteria: what resistance is felt when touching a particular organ. They also worked on creating real and virtual training components.
Resistance of a bioartificial pancreas
The latest example of the application of LEM3's expertise in the field of health is the mechanical characterization of the behavior of a bioartificial pancreas with a view to its implantation in humans.
Macroscopic and microscopic mechanical tests in situ, study before/after aging of the device in the body, creation of a digital model, correlation between model and experiment: the studies provided the project leaders with the essential information required prior to implantation in humans.
The Laboratory for the Study of Microstructures and Materials Mechanics (LEM3)
LEM3 is a center of expertise in experimental characterization and modeling of the mechanical behavior of materials. This expertise is based on studies at different scales: from microstructure to structural calculations and simulation of forming processes.Its expertise covers a wide range of materials (metals and alloys, smart materials, composites, geomaterials, etc.) and applications (automotive, aerospace, energy, civil engineering, healthcare, etc.).
The LEM3 is a multi-disciplinary laboratory University of Lorraine, National Center for Scientific Research and Arts et Métiers.
