Abstract
Auxetic metamaterials are characterized by a negative Poisson ratio (NPR) and display an unexpected property of lateral expansion when stretched and densification when compressed. Auxetic properties can be achieved by designing special microstructures, hence their classification as metamaterials, and can be manufactured with varied raw materials and methods. Since work in this field began, auxetics have been considered for different biomedical applications, as some biological tissues have auxetic-like behaviour due to their lightweight structure and morphing properties, which makes auxetics ideal for interacting with the human body. This research study is developed with the aim of presenting an updated overview of auxetic metamaterials for biomedical devices. It stands out for providing a comprehensive view of medical applications for auxetics, including a focus on prosthetics, orthotics, ergonomic appliances, performance enhancement devices, in vitro medical devices for interacting with cells, and advanced medicinal clinical products, especially tissue engineering scaffolds with living cells. Innovative design and simulation approaches for the engineering of auxetic-based products are covered, and the relevant manufacturing technologies for prototyping and producing auxetics are analysed, taking into consideration those capable of processing biomaterials and enabling multi-scale and multi-material auxetics. An engineering design rational for auxetics-based medical devices is presented with integrative purposes. Finally, key research, development and expected technological breakthroughs are discussed.
Highlights
Auxetic mechanical metamaterials are characterized by a negative Poisson ratio (NPR)and display an unexpected property of lateral expansion when stretched, and equal and opposing densification when compressed
To the authors’ best knowledge, this study provides the most complete overviews of biomedical applications for auxetic metamaterials
The reviewed solutions demonstrate the relevance of auxetics for innovation in the medical field and reinventing several existing medical devices, and help to put forward a design rationale for choosing auxetic geometries for biodevices, together with a development workflow, in which key questions, control points and decisions are mapped
Summary
Auxetic mechanical metamaterials are characterized by a negative Poisson ratio (NPR)and display an unexpected property of lateral expansion when stretched, and equal and opposing densification when compressed. Pioneering studies in the field described the feasibility of materials with negative Poisson ratio, presented examples of auxetic foams and polymers, described varied geometrical design principles, illustrated different design and manufacturing routes for creating auxetics, and proposed potential industrial applications in fields such as robotics, health, scape and transport, to cite a few [1,2,3,4] Since work in this field began, auxetics have been considered for different biomedical applications, as some biological tissues have auxetic-like behaviour, in addition to a lightweight structure and morphing properties, which makes auxetic geometry ideal for interacting with the human body
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