Biomechanical Studies of Novel Hernia Meshes with Enhanced Surface Behaviour

Research on hernia implants, especially less-invasive implantation techniques, is an important focus of study around the world. Practitioners require that these elaborate structures, which are primarily designed using textile technology, possess biomimetic behaviour to significantly reduce post-implantation complications. Novel textile hernia implants are designed with surface modifications that prevent prosthesis migration after implantation. The specialised structural design and enhanced prosthesis surface with stitched loops enables increased surface contact with the fascia, which improves the integration of connective tissue with the prosthesis without overgrowth (thick scar formation). The main intra-operative clinical benefit of the novel implant is its potential utility in suture-less techniques. The aim of this study was to compare novel hernia implant designs to clinically proven, commercially available knitted hernia meshes in vitro. TEMA MOTION 3.5 software was used to analyse motion and estimate the tendency of the non-fixed implants to remain in a stable position at the sublay in a simulated hydrodynamic model of the abdominal wall hernia system.The mechanical resistance of the implant against simulated maximal intra-abdominal pressure, the height of the simulated abdominal wall in the reconstruction region and the curvature of the reconstructions were determined and compared with results obtained with commercial hernia meshes of low surface mass that differ in structure, stiffness and thickness

Accelerated Ageing of Implantable, Ultra-Light, Knitted Medical Devices Modified by Low-Temperature Plasma Treatment - Part 2. Effect on chemical Purity

The impact of simulated storage conditions (accelerated ageing) for the chemical purity of innovative ultra-light textile implants (knitted) designed for use in urogynaecology and general surgery (procedures in the treatment of female incontinence, in hernia treatment and vagina plastic surgery) was estimated. The chemical purity of the knitted implants designed: untreated and with low-temperature plasma surface treatment in the presence of the fluoroorganic compounds was estimated. The acceptability of the risk related to the impact of storage conditions on the chemical purity of the implant products was simulated. The examination was based on Standard PN-EN ISO 10993-18:2008: “Biological evaluation of medical devices - Part 18: Chemical characterisation of materials” and was assessed in accordance with Polish and European standards

Knitted Medical Devices Modified by Low-Temperature Plasma Treatment -Part 2

Abstract The impact of simulated storage conditions (accelerated ageing) developed surface, which promotes the growing through of connective tissue and provides better fastening of the implant, particularly in suture-less surgery. Moreover in the scope of the investigation, low-temperature plasma treatment of the surface of knitted implants was applied, which was expected to reduce the risk of complications related to the adhesion of the implant to internal organs, particularly in low-invasive surgery. The main quality demands that are set before the implant materials are as follows: a fast growing-through of the tissue, quick healing, biocompatibility, and lack of irritation of human tissue. The reaction of the human organism to a foreign body is distinctly reduced whenever ultra-light, non-resorbable polypropylene monofilament meshes (trade name OPTOMESH TM , Optilene ® Mesh LP) are used in hernia repair. The monofilament structure minimises the risk of bacterial infection. The present investigation is aimed at a possible reduction of the irritating action of the polymeric material introduced to the organism by applying ultra-light polypropylene monofilament knitwear of possibly low surface density and very fine spatial structure, which has the effect of introducing a minimised amount of synthetic material to the patient's organism. Chemical purity and its stability in medical devices is a key issue concerning biocompatibility. It is assumed that materials tissue defects in the abdominal and inguinal surgery. It enables a tissue tensionfree operation, thus largely reducing pain and shortening hospitalisation. Knitted fabrics find ever wider application in medicine by improving patients' health, thanks to features like high tenacity, low density, lack of water imbibition and good healing properties. Research made so far in the designing of the medical devices from innovative, polypropylene, ultra-light knitted fabrics for use in urogynaecology (procedures in the treatment of female incontinence and vagina plastic surgery) and general surgery (hernia treatment) has met the expectations of medicine and patients themselves [4 -12]. Non-resorbable meshes made of polypropylene multi -or monofilaments (class IIB) are designed for hernia surgery. They have been available world-wide for many years, for example in Poland under the trade name, OPTOMESH ® PP, DALLOP. Urology polypropylene bands have long since been used in the surgery for female incontinence (market product DALLOP ® NM, class IIB). One of the main disadvantages of the implants is a high surface density reflected in the high mass of the synthetic material implanted, which may be the reason for a local chronic reaction. Therefore lighter implants with a sufficient tenacity are strived for. Another aspect of textile implant structures is the one-side n Introduction Impressive progress can be seen in modern implant surgery. Yet more discriminating quality requirements are set before materials to be used in implants, fostered by the increasing demand. The lowering age of implant users is another factor calling for high quality, which results in novelty materials being sought, made according to the most advanced technologies to provide as high as possible connection between the implant and substituted part of the body and its function. This is why modern medical devices are the most expensive man-made materials There is a wide range of medical applications for resins thanks to their different properties when compared to metallic and ceramic materials. Good forming ability, easy sterilisation, bio-inertness, non-allergenic and non-toxic action, and adequate physical-chemical properties are amongst the beneficial qualities and behaviour of polymers Polypropylene (PP) is an implantable material which has recently found wide use mainly in non-resorbable surgery meshes for the reconstruction of soft tissue defects in hernia repair. The use of polypropylene meshes was a real breakthrough in the treatment of connective 134 which under simulated conditions deliver chemical substances may, though not necessarily, cause a local reaction of the tissue into which they are implanted. Lack of the implant's biocompatibility causes a complex, difficult-to-define reactions which, in the extreme, may lead to the rejection of the implant. This, together with the synergy and complexity of the phenomena proceeding in the course of the migration of substances from the implant, is an obstacle in defining parameters that would quality-and quantity-wise limit the chemical substances. Characteristics of the chemical substance leached from the implant is solely a support in defining the quality base for modified and commercial medical devices, including a stability assessment of the quality and quantity level (assessment in accelerated ageing examination and real ageing). Knowledge of the chemical composition and, what is more important, of the qualitative and quantitative composition of the substance which migrates in the course of simulated clinical use does not permit, particularly in the case of newly developed or much modified medical devices, to relate to biocompatibility. The latter is to be tested in the course of in vivo and in vitro examination as defined in ISO 10993-1. Ultra-light textile implants that come into contact with tissue and body fluids must satisfy specific demands set for biomaterials like material biocompatibility. The last is manifested by the fact that the material is chemically and immunologically neutral and does not reveal any toxic or destructive action in the given environment of the organism. When designing implant materials, complying with demands like mechanical-, useful-and physical-chemical properties is a precondition but does not guarantee success. Really crucial is the response of the cells that approach the implant's surface. Ultra-light textile implants are 3D medical structures with a three-direction orientation of the polypropylene fibers (medical-grade monofilament -class VI according to American Pharmacopoeia). Medical grade PP features the lowest density amongst commercial polymers; it is classified as a neutral polymer, meaning that it contains only a minimal amount of auxiliary substances which are neither delivered to nor degrade in a biological environment. PP is an inert polymer without covalent bonds in the chain, which is why the surface of PP implants requires functionalisation. It was in the prototypes of the medical devices designed that this was accomplished by low-temperature plasma surface modification in the presence of a low-molecular fluoroorganic compound (the fluorocarbon polymer layer deposited). That kind of modification, by the depositing of a thin layer (25 -50 Å), affects the quality of cell response, biocompatibility and hydrophilic properties; moreover it accelerates the adhesion process and proliferation [13 -15]. The active surface layer of the implant not only enables the tailoring of surface properties such as wettability and surface energy but also provides the chance of controlling the material degradation process A very important aspect is the adapting of chemical properties including the quantitative and qualitative profile of leachable substances, and the physical properties of the implant material surface. This results in biocompatibility and the possibility to stimulate tissue regeneration, which increases the chances of the better acceptance of the implant in vivo One unavoidable part of the research is the assessment of the clinical risk of using polymeric materials as implants by analysing the mechanisms of degradation and assessing quantity-wise the degradation products that may be delivered in the course of chemical reactions, migration and depolymerisation. It was also important in the investigation to learn the influence of storage conditions of the final product designed upon the quantitative and qualitative profile of leachable substances determined in the testing of chemical purity. Therefore the method of accelerated ageing is being used more and more for designed medical devices to anticipate risk defined as a profile of potential leachable substances in conditions of simulated storage and clinical handling In this work, as a part of the chemical purity assessment of the implantable medical devices designed, the profile of leachable substances under simulated conditions of use (specific processing conditions, storage, nature and contact time of the product) was estimated on the basis of EN and ISO standards harmonised with European Directives concerning medical devices [19 -23]. The aims of the work were as follows: n determination of the impact of simulated storage conditions on the chemical purity of the prototype knitted implants designed: (a) surface-modified by low-temperature plasma in the presence of a low-molecular fluoroorganic compound and (b) unmodified ones; n the assessment of risk acceptability concerning the impact of storage conditions on the chemical purity of the medical devices designed. Selected prototypes of the medical devices designed were subjected to accelerated ageing according to a research programme based on guidelines of Standard ASTM 1980F:2002. The programme was an extension of research published earlier [6 -9] concerning biomechanical and chemical properties. n Materials Raw-materials Knitted medical devices for hernioplasty and vaginoplasty were designed using polypropylene monofilament fibres with a diameter of 0.08 mm (linear density of 46 dtex) with properties as described in Design of implantable medical devices Estimation of the turbidity of the aqueous extracts A method for turbidity measurements in aqueous extracts was prepared on the basis of a visual method described in Polish Pharmacopoeia, the VII edition. A suspension of formazin was used as a basic turbidity reference equal to 4000 NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units), which is a blend of hydrazine sulfate and hexa(methylenetetramine) (urotropin). The visual method was applied in instrumental turbiditymetric measurements with the use of a spectrophotometer -Unicam 5625 UV/VIS, USA. A calibration curve of the basic turbidity pattern was determined from five comparative suspensions: I, II, III, IV & V, representing the turbidity degrees of 3, 6, 18, 30 and 45 NTU. An analytical wave length of λ = 400 nm of the light was adopted. The turbidity degree of the comparative suspensions was estimated by measuring the scattered light compared to purified water as reference. A rectilinear plot was able to be drawn of the turbidity degree determined for the comparative suspensions. A maximal turbidance of 0.171 was seen for comparative suspension No. V. The aqueous extract is considered translucent if its translucence matches that of water measured at the same conditions or if its opalescence does not exceed that of comparative suspension No II, equal to 6 NTU. Determination of heavy metal ions in the aqueous extracts The content of heavy elements: cadmium, chromium (sum of all oxidation states), lead, zinc, and mercury in the aqueous extracts was determined by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy using a SCAN-1 spectrometer made by Thermo Jawell ASH. Cadmium, chromium, lead and zinc were determined directly in the aqueous extracts by the flame method ASA (FAAS*) at the following parameters: n Cd: wave length λ = 228.8 nm, flame acetylene-air, limit of determination -0.02 mg/dm 3 n Cr: wave length λ = 357.9 nm, flame acetylene-N 2 O, limit of determination -0.2 mg/dm 3 and unmodified (code KO) implants were tested. Exhaustive extraction and three-step extraction The content of leachable substances (profile of leachable substances) was estimated by the methods of exhaustive and three-step extraction. The first was accomplished on Soxhlet apparatus with petroleum ether according to the procedure specified in Standard PN/P-0607:1983. Estimation of chemical purity The three-step extraction was made in accordance with directives given in Standard EN ISO 10993-12:2009, where the following solvents were used in turn: n purified water (water for injection by Baxter Co); n 2-propanol according to the method given in Standard PN/P-04781/06; n petroleum ether. Preparation of aqueous extracts for estimation of chemical purity (analysis of the profile of leachable substances) The aqueous extract was prepared with the following module: 10g of fine cut pieces of the material about 1 cm long on 100 cm 3 of water for injection (Baxter pH estimation in the aqueous extracts The pH reaction of the aqueous extracts was measured in accordance with Standard PN-EN ISO 3071:2007 by a LAB 860 SET pH-meter (Scott, Germany) equipped with a BluLine 14 pH electrode perature plasma (code KO), were finished the same way. Prototypes of the knitted implants (both unmodified and modified by low temperature plasma treatment) were packed in a double medical grade packaging system adaptable for steam sterilisation (OPM/ Poland) as described in Altogether 130 pieces of KO and PF implants were prepared as a prototype batch for testing of accelerated ageing. Samples for testing were taken statistically from the whole knitwear batch, prepared on a semi-industrial scale and resembling typical industrial production. n Methods Accelerated ageing The testing of accelerated ageing was designed on the basis of Standard ASTM F1980:2002: Standard Guide for Accelerated Ageing of Sterile Barrier Systems for Medical Devices. This document specifies guidelines for the accelerated ageing testing of medical packaging. However, it can be easily adapted to the accelerated ageing of medical devices (considering similar potential hazards) to assess the influence of storage conditions upon functional properties and the safety of newly designed medical devices. The medical devices designed placed in typical packaging (direct packaging satisfying quality requirements of Standards PN-EN ISO 11607-1:2011 and PN-EN 868-5:2009) were tested after steam sterilisation in validated industrial conditions. The accelerated ageing was performed in a KBF 240 chamber (Binder GmbH/ Germany), where the elevated temperature was the factor simulating accelerated ageing. The temperature of the chamber was 60 ± 2 ºC and the RH 20 ± 5%, under which conditions the medical devices were kept for 28 days (simulation of 1 year of ageing) and 56 days (simulation of 2 year's ageing). The residence time of the medical devices in the chamber was calculated using the Arrhenius equation (ASTM F 1980(ASTM F :2002, adopting the value of 3.7 as the ageing factor. The testing was performed at the accredited Laboratory of Metrology of the Institute of Security Technologies "MORATEX", Lodz, Poland. Both plasma-modified (code PF) 136 n Pb: wave length λ = 217.0 nm, flame acetylene-air, limit of determination -0.2 mg/dm 3 n Zn: wave length λ = 213.9 nm, flame acetylene-air, limit of determination -0.01 mg/dm 3 . Mercury was determined by the method of cold vapour generation ASA (CVAAS) using a device for the generation of cold vapours -Atomic Vapor Accessory 440, made by Thermo Jawell ASH, at the following parameters: wave length λ = 253.7 nm, reductive solution 5% SnCl 2 in 20% HCl, carrier gas -Ar, and limit of determination -0.01 mg/dm 3 . Determination of the permanganate value (oxidability) of the aqueous extracts The permanganate value was determined according to the directives of Standard PN-P-04896:1984. Water for injection (Baxter Co) served as reference: it was subjected to the same processing conditions as the sample tested. Determination of chloride ion content in the aqueous extracts The content of chloride ions in the aqueous extracts was determined by the visual method described in Standard PN-P-04895:1984. The method employs argentometry titration of the aqueous extracts prepared with a 0.01 mol/dm 3 AgNO 3 solution in the presence of chromium ions. The determination limit of the method is 0.003 mg of [Cl] -ions /1g of the material tested. A 3.0% hydrogen peroxide solution was added at the end of titration to enhance the hue intensity at the colour change point. [Cl] -free injection water (Baxter Co.) was used to prepare the reference and solutions needed for the determination of chloride ions i.e. solutions of potassium chromate, hydrogen peroxide and a standard volume solution of silver nitrate. n Results and discussion For the textile implants designed for use in urogynaecology and general surgery, results are presented of the examination of selected physical-chemical quality parameters which directly affect the operational safety, especially when it comes to biocompatibility. Results of the parameter testing are compared with reference standards (KO and PF) of prototypes taken directly from the manufacturing process, which permitted to estimate the changes in chemical purity of the products proceeding in the course of ageing. pH of the aqueous extracts The pH values estimated for the starting prototype implants designed for hernia and vagina repair, both modified with low-temperature plasma and unmodified, amount to 6.2 (KO) and 6.3 (PF). pH values of aqueous extracts of the prototype medical devices, both modified and unmodified, after 1 and 2 years of accelerated ageing do not differ much from the starting value (reference); the value of pH is close to a neutral reaction and to that of human skin, actually falling into the optimal range for that type of medical device. The results confirm the absence of substances that could affect the change in pH reaction by migration after long storage of the medical devices. It must be stressed that a pH below 4 and above 8 brings about the risk of irritation of the surrounding tissue, which in extreme cases could be the reason for implant rejection or cause the forming of a thick cartilage capsule, leading to a stiffening of the implant locality Turbidity of the aqueous extracts Figure 2 presents changes in the turbidity of aqueous extracts prepared from the test implants proceeding in the course of accelerated ageing

Kwalifikacja procesu indywidualizacji projektu odzieży ochronnej w oparciu o technikę skanowania 3D

The process of individualizing personal protective equipment (PPE) is aimed at achievingoptimal fit to the user’s body, thus maximizing comfort, especially when PPE is applied in critical conditions. The aim of the research was to confirm the possibility of implementing PPE in rea industrial conditions and to estimate the comfort of use in real conditions of use. In order to perform the last stage of the personalization procedure for firefighter suits, process qualification was carried out in an industrial environment, and the firefighter’s PPE fabricated was validated under real conditions of firefighters’ activities. The effect of implementation of the individualization procedure confirmed optimal fitting of the PPE to the individual user’s body and allowed for improvement of the comfort of use.Przedmiotem publikacji było przedstawienie etapu procesu walidacji (kwalifikacji procesowej) opracowanej procedury w zakresie niestandardowej odzieży produkowanej w warunkach przemysłowych. Dla zrealizowania tego procesu w warunkach przemysłowych wytworzono partię prototypową, 6 kompletów zindywidualizowanych trzyczęściowych ubrań specjalnych dla funkcjonariuszy Straży Pożarnej dla potrzeb kwalifikacji procesowej (zmieniając producenta i typ ubrania poddawanego indywidualizacji) i poddano je badaniom użytkowym w warunkach rzeczywistych. Pozytywny wynik walidacji (PQ) partii prototypowej ubrań w badaniach użytkowych przeprowadzonych w warunkach rzeczywistych, pozwolił na wdrożenie opracowanej procedury, poprzedzone przeprowadzeniem szkoleń w zakładach produkcyjnych, publiczne udostępnienie informacji na stronie internetowej instytutu ITB „MORATEX”, „Procedury indywidualizacji konstrukcji zaawansowanej odzieży ochronnej dla osób pracujących w środowisku o wysokim stopniu zagrożenia zdrowia i życia, posiadającej zapisy dotyczące ochrony danych osobowych i zapisy dotyczące procesu skanowania 3D z wykorzystaniem wyników tego procesu do wytwarzania zindywidualizowanych ubrań w procesie produkcji przemysłowej”

Thermal stability of the elastomeric anti-trauma pad

The elastomeric anti-trauma pad (EA-TP) based on shear thickening fluid (STF) has been developed. Dynamic oscillatory shear experiment was conducted at constant strain amplitude of 5%. STF composed of 25% of volume fraction of 7 nm Fumed Silica, dispersed in polypropylene glycol with molar mass 400 gmol−1 shows elastic properties in entire investigated range of the frequency. Ballistic tests of EA-TP with 7.62 mm × 39 mm PS bullets were performed according to the PN-V-87000:2011 standard. The studies revealed about 60% reduction of the average backface signature depth (BSD) for the EA-TP, when compared to the nowadays commonly used soft insert. The ATR-FTIR analysis confirmed slight impact of the elevated temperature and air (oxygen) on the chemical degradation of the EA-TP surface. The UV-VIS spectroscopy has allowed to notice colour deviation of the aged samples towards green and yellow, as well as lack of dye resistance to accelerated aging process. Thermographic analysis has shown no visible changes of the EA-TP surface and sub-surface during accelerated aging process. The aforementioned small changes on the surface of EA-TP did not affect the ballistic properties of composite armour. EA-TP insert maintains ballistic properties after accelerated aging process which was simulating the period of 6 years according to ASTM F1980 – 07:2002 standard

Formowanie włókien chityny metodą rozdmuchu przy zastosowaniu cieczy jonowej jako rozpuszczalnika

Chitin is the second most abundant polysaccharide on the Earth after cellulose, therefore there is a tangible need for finding new environmentally-friendly solvents for the manufacture of useful forms of that polymer. Ionic liquids have been recently proposed as a possible type of solvent for chitin and cellulose. The possibility of the dissolution of chitin of various origin in six selected ionic liquids was investigated. Chitin samples were characterised by the main characteristic properties: degree of N-acetylation (by FTIR spectroscopy), degree of crystallinity (by WAXS), average molecular weight (by the viscometric method) and physical form. The studies performed allowed to find the optimum chitin-ionic liquid system based on 1-btyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate for the manufacture of chitin fibres by the solution blow spinning method. Final products were characterized by the same set of parameters as the initial materials.Chityna jest drugim po celulozie polisacharydem na Ziemi, dlatego istnieje namacalna potrzeba znalezienia nowych i przyjaznych dla środowiska rozpuszczalników do produkcji użytecznych form tego polimeru. Niedawno ciecze jonowe zostały zaproponowane jako możliwe do zastosowania „zielone” rozpuszczalniki chityny i celulozy. W artykule oceniono możliwość rozpuszczania różnego pochodzenia chityny w sześciu wybranych cieczach jonowych. Próbki chityny zostały scharakteryzowane poprzez następujące właściwości: stopień N-acetylacji (spektroskopia FT IR), stopień krystaliczności (WAXS), średnia masa cząsteczkowa (metoda wiskometryczna). Przeprowadzone badania pozwoliły na znalezienie optymalnego systemu cieczy jonowej do wytworzenia włókien chitynowych metodą rozdmuchu. Produkty końcowe zostały scharakteryzowane poprzez ten sam zestaw parametrów, co początkowe polimery

Badanie i ocena poziomu bezpieczeństwa ubrań specjalnych przeznaczonych dla strażaków

In the designing of advanced personal protection equipment, the problem related to the continuous loss of properties associated with functionality and safety over the course of its use, storage and cleaning cycles is rarely noticed. Products and their technical characteristics are applied for the conformity assessment process, which does not take into account the risk of the reduction of safety parameters. As part of the research conducted, we established the influence of factors arising from use and cleaning cycles on the reduction of physico-mechanical parameters describing critical requirements associated with the safety and functionality of special clothing for firefighters. The scope of the research covered evaluation of the influence of atmospheric factors over the course of a period including three seasons (spring, summer and autumn) and of cleaning cycles (20 cycles of washing in water at 60°C, according to PN-EN ISO 6330:2012, distributed proportionally over three seasons of the year, with the use of commercial, commonly used washing powder) on the change in the level of parameters characterising special clothing for firefighters.W ramach prowadzonych prac badawczych określono wpływ czynników wynikających z użytkowania oraz procesów konserwacji na obniżenie parametrów fizykomechanicznych opisujących krytyczne wymagania związane z bezpieczeństwem oraz funkcjonalnością ubrań specjalnych dla funkcjonariuszy straży pożarnej różniących się składem surowcowym tkaniny wierzchniej oraz konstrukcją. Zakres badań obejmował ocenę wpływu czynników atmosferycznych w okresie obejmującym trzy pory roku (wiosna, lato, jesień) oraz procesu konserwacji (20 cykli prania wodnego wg PN-EN ISO 6330:2012 w temperaturze 60°C, rozłożonego proporcjonalnie na trzy pory roku, z wykorzystaniem komercyjnego, powszechnie używanego, proszku do prania) na zmianę poziomów parametrów charakteryzujących ubrania specjalne dla funkcjonariuszy straży pożarnej

Kwalifikacja operacyjna indywidualizacji konstrukcji odzieży ochronnej w oparciu o technikę skanowania 3D

The object of the publication is to present the validation process stage (operational qualification) of developed assumptions for customised clothing manufactured in industrial conditions. 12 special clothes were made and adjusted to the individual dimensions of firefighters’ silhouettes obtained in the 3D scanning process as well as 12 special clothes adjusted to selected size subgroups after the 3D scanning process from the same identified group of 12 firefighters. Two batches of clothes having undergone the installation qualification were submitted for testing in real conditions (operational qualification). Then, on the basis of data collected from the ongoing functional tests, a batch of six sets of individualised special clothing for the Fire Service was produced in industrial conditions (changing the manufacturer and model of the clothing). A positive result of validation (operational qualification) of this batch of clothing in functional tests conducted in real conditions will allow its introduction to industry through training in production plants and procedures of individualisation of advanced protective clothing design for people working in environments with a high degree of risk to health and life. The individualisation of protective clothing design, through a better fit of the size of the clothing to the body of the user, will significantly affect the comfort of use, ergonomics of the clothing, and the safety of the user.Przedmiotem publikacji było przedstawienie etapu procesu walidacji (kwalifikacji operacyjnej) opracowanych założeń w zakresie niestandardowej odzieży produkowanej w warunkach przemysłowych. Wykonano 12 specjalnych ubrań dostosowanych do indywidualnych wymiarów sylwetek strażaków uzyskanych w procesie skanowania 3D, a także 12 specjalnych ubrań dostosowanych do podgrup o wybranych rozmiarach po procesie skanowania 3D od tej samej zidentyfikowanej grupy 12 strażaków. Dwie partie ubrań wykonane w kwalifikacjach instalacyjnych zostały poddane testom w rzeczywistych warunkach (kwalifikacja operacyjna). Następnie, na podstawie danych zebranych z trwających testów funkcjonalnych, wyprodukowano partię sześciu zestawów zindywidualizowanej odzieży specjalnej dla Straży Pożarnej w warunkach przemysłowych (zmieniając producenta i model odzieży). Pozytywny wynik walidacji (kwalifikacji operacyjnej) tej partii odzieży w testach funkcjonalnych przeprowadzonych w rzeczywistych warunkach pozwoli wprowadzić ją do przemysłu poprzez szkolenie w zakładach produkcyjnych i procedury indywidualizacji zaawansowanego projektowania odzieży ochronnej dla osób pracujących w środowiskach o wysoki stopień zagrożenia zdrowia i życia. Indywidualizacja projektu odzieży ochronnej, poprzez lepsze dopasowanie rozmiaru odzieży do ciała użytkownika, znacząco wpłynie na komfort użytkowania, ergonomię odzieży i bezpieczeństwo użytkownika

Multi-Criterial Analysis Tool to Design a Hybrid Ballistic Plate

The presented research focuses on the concept of an advanced ballistic personal protection design, taking into account safety as well as performance requirements. The application of the multi-criterial analysis (MCA) allows for a comprehensive comparison of all the properties of materials and to select the optimal personal ballistic protection system, considering their mechanical and ballistic properties. The newly developed hybrid ballistic composites, consisting of two or three various components (variations of ballistic and/or non-ballistic textiles; hybrid ballistic plates—HBP), were evaluated via a multi-criterial analysis that considered a wide range of properties, describing behavior and safety usage, as well as the economical aspect of their fabrication

Studies on the usable properties of innovative wound dressings

The new implemented wound dressings should meet several requirements connected with the clinical safety and performance. The series of PN-EN 13726 Standards describes the tests methods for the verification the most important parameters related to mentioned performance and safety of a new designed wound dressing being the base for the risk analysis (according to PN-EN ISO 14971:2009 Standard). The aim of the research was to evaluate the behavior of several types of new designed prototypes of innovative wound dressings made of various form of chitosan (such as: foams, films, etc.). The behavior of studied chitosan wound dressings was evaluated before and after of accelerated aging according to ASTM F 1980-07:2002 to establish the effect of the wound dressings storing conditions. The presented study is a continuation of earlier research