Solutions and applications in the marketplace which are a clear example of the potential of frontier materials in the health industry
Crucial advances in the quality of human life
Frontier materials are designed and known for their additional properties and their improved functions in relation to conventional materials, for application in specific industries. Quantum materials, 2D materials such as graphene, nanomaterials and biomaterials are just some of the frontier materials and key tools for innovation in strategic sectors such as health, energy, mobility and construction.
In the field of health, the application of these new materials helps in crucial advances for the improvement of human life, as they form the basis of innovative solutions to optimise diagnoses, improve medical treatments, reduce pain, and even save lives.
Research into the potential and usability of this type of material in the health sector is on the rise, although there are already applications in the marketplace that are successfully revolutionising the health sector with solutions that were unimaginable only a few years ago.
Seven disruptive solutions in the marketplace
- MimetikOss biomimetic synthetic bone graft. This is a fourth-generation biomaterial for bone regeneration using physiological processes. It involves a mineral graft that replaces the diseased or injured bone to repair it and naturally regenerate the tissue. By naturally replicating the structure and composition of the mineral part of the bone, it enables the bone cells to recognise it as natural bone. This innovative solution has been developed by Mimetis Biomaterials, which specialises in the design, manufacture and marketing of products, technology and services in the field of biomaterials and biomedical applications.
- INBRAIN Neuroelectronics neuromodulation technology. The technology involves implantable graphene transistors based on artificial intelligence and big data. These devices record brain activity and electrically stimulate regions of the brain to optimise treatment in patients with epilepsy, Parkinson’s, and other brain disorders. They provide a better understanding of neurological diseases and enable the development of advanced neuroelectronic therapies that improve treatment through machine learning. INBRAIN Neuroelectronics is a company that is engaged in the development of graphene-based neural interfaces and intelligent neuromodulation systems.
- DELOS nanoformulation technology. The DELOS method allows for active ingredients to be reformulated to improve their quality and performance, and for new products to be innovated and developed or existing ones improved in areas such as pharmaceuticals or medical devices. DELOS protects and transports small molecules to proteins and biomolecules, integrating and stabilising them into solid particles or nanovesicles. This technology allows for more effective and precise development of nanomedicines and the reduction of side effects. DELOS has been developed by Nanomol Technologies, which specialises in the development of technologies for the creation of nanomedicines, reformulations, and improved drug administering systems.
- Regemat 3D tissue and organ 3D bioprinting system. This is a biomanufacturing technology that creates cell structures through natural and synthetic hydrogels or biodyes, and uses bioprinters to print personalised human tissue such as cartilage, skin, bone or muscle, adapted to each patient and condition. As well as regenerating damaged tissue, this technology also has uses in science, such as the creation of specific tissue models for the study of diseases and screening of drugs. Regemat 3D focuses on the design, development and marketing of innovative solutions in bioprinting and regenerative medicine.
- Hyridon nanodisinfectant. This is an antimicrobial spray that uses nanomaterials to prevent bacterial, viral and fungal infections over an extended period. The product disinfects when applied to different surfaces and remains active over an extended period, protecting the treated surface from future contaminations. Hybridon has been developed jointly by Adox, UNSAM and Conicet, in collaboration with UBA.
- SimpleSense nanotechnology-based remote health monitoring platform. This system uses a cloth-based nanosensor technology and an artificial intelligence and machine learning digital platform. SimpleSense includes a non-invasive portable undergarment that remotely monitors the vital signs of patients, such as heart rate and sounds, blood pressure, respiration rate, lung volume and physical activity. The device collects and shares this information with the SimpleSense web platform and generates real-time analysis based on artificial intelligence to help doctors make better decisions and intelligently and remotely attend to patients. SimpleSense has been developed by Nanowear, a remote diagnostics and intelligent clothing company.
- Atmo Gas Capsule: an ingestible capsule for intestinal monitoring. This is a polymer capsule with real-time gas detection sensors to control gut health and the microbiome function from inside the gut. The Atmo Gas Capsule offers a potential diagnostics tool for many intestinal disorders, from Irritable Bowel Syndrome to food intolerances. Once swallowed, it provides real-time information on important data of the human gastrointestinal system and uses these biomarkers for diagnosis. This results in targeted treatments, earlier relief of symptoms and a reduction in health costs. Developed by the digital health company AtmoBiosciences, the Atmo Gas Capsule is currently for use exclusively in clinical research and is not available for sale.
Promoting startups based on frontier materials
These solutions and applications are a clear example of the potential of frontier materials in the health industry, and will doubtlessly determine the advances in the sector. Major corporations, research and development centres, universities, pharma companies, startups and investors are therefore supporting the development of these new materials.
The Collider is bringing them all together in the PUZZLE X initiative, the first global deep tech hub focused on innovation using frontier materials to contribute towards meeting the SDGs. As part of the initiative, the PUZZLE X Ventures programme promotes the creation and incubation of scientific startups to take the new materials created in the labs to the marketplace in the form of innovative products and solutions, using the successful The Collider method.