Surface Integrity for Micro/Nano Processing of Polymers: A European Research Training Network for High-Performance Medical Devices

Increased demand for high-quality healthcare for our aging population means that medical device design must satisfy
multiple requirements for enhanced biocompatibility, anti-bacterial resistance, manipulation of proteins and improved
physical properties. The use of micro/nano structures integral to the surface of a device is a novel way to uniformly tune and
control these properties. Polymer materials are ubiquitous in medical devices: in Europe alone, this sector includes 27,000
companies employing 675,000 people with an annual turnover of €110 billion. Precision processing of polymers with micro/
nano structures is critical to developing high value-added medical devices. Our ETN focuses on surface integrity issues
when micro/nano processing polymers for high performance medical devices. We will develop micro/nano-scale precision
manufacturing processes, specifically moulding and forming, and additive and subtractive manufacturing, aimed at 6 classes
of medical devices that have particular industry-defined requirements. A strategy to design surface micro/nano structures
that provide required functionality for these devices will be established. The surface integrity of these materials and devices
will be studied at a fundamental level and correlated with functionality, allowing for optimising the efficacy and performance
of the medical devices. Our training will ensure that 12 outstanding ESRs become experts in design and the precision micro/
nano processing of polymers for medical devices, thereby improving their career prospects. Our ESRs will undertake
interdisciplinary and intersectoral research on polymer micro/nano processing for medical applications and obtain work
experience with international industry. They will receive specialised technical training and transferable skills structured
around state-of-the-art individual research projects that will provide them with pathways to engineering and manufacturing
careers in Europe’s world-leading industry.