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Press Release MicroFab Technologies receives Phase II SBIR award from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NIH) Plano, Texas (June, 2003) MicroFab Technologies announced today the award of a NIH Phase II SBIR grant titled “Ink-Jet Printed Nerve Conduits.” The aim of this project is precision fabrication of nerve guidance conduits for peripheral nerve repair. Paralysis and loss of nerve function through trauma highlight the need for implantable devices capable of restoring nerve function, without increasing tissue damage by requiring autologous nerve grafts. This study focuses on enhancing nerve regeneration in two ways. First, by maintaining high levels of control over the fabrication process through ink-jet technology, polymer nerve conduits of uniform porosity, controlled biodegradation rate and adequate mechanical properties will be fabricated. Secondly, by incorporating digitally controlled nerve growth factors gradients within the conduits, their nerve guidance properties will be enhanced. To achieve these goals, MicroFab Technologies, under the supervision of the principal investigator, Dr. Donald Hayes, will closely work with two other leading laboratories headed by Dr. Christine Schmidt (University of Texas at Austin) and Dr. Gregory Evans (University of California at Irvine) that will test the in vitro and in vivo properties of the nerve guiding channels, respectively. “We are very exited to receive this NIH SBIR award”, said Dr. Donald Hayes, President of MicroFab. We believe that the availability of ink-jet microdispensing technology applied to fabricating nerve guidance conduits will allow researchers to manipulate fabrication variables disallowed by today’s manufacturing techniques. Combining principles of peripheral nerve repair through bioabsorbable nerve conduits with a high level of fabrication control can result in increasing the translation rate of laboratory research to clinical use.”
About the Company Based in Plano, Texas, MicroFab Technologies has pioneered digital microdispensing technologies for the past 18 years. MicroFab’s mission is to be the leading global supplier of printing platforms, devices, and services that enable high-payoff applications for microdispensing and precision printing in a wide range of industries. Commercial applications of the technology include microdispensing of electrical and optical polymers, bioactive materials (Proteins, DNA, Reagents), solder, adhesives, and nanoparticle laden fluids. MicroFab Technologies is at www.microfab.com. Contact Dr. David B. Wallace, Vice-President, Technology Development, at info@microfab.com or by phone at 972-578-8076 (ext. 12).
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