Ferromagnetic fibre networks have the potential for actuation in vivo, since they can exhibit controlled reversible shape changes. This effect is being explored for magnetically active layers on the surface of prosthetic implants, which deform elastically on application of a magnetic field, to deliver local strain in in-growing bone tissue.
The design draws on the concepts of strain-regulated bone remodeling and modeling. The project is carried out in collaboration with Prof. Andrew McCaskie and Dr Mark Birch (Division of Trauma & Orthopaedic Surgery, Addenbrooke's Hospital). The work has received funding from the EPSRC, the European Research Council (ERC) and the Blavatnik Foundation.
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