PhD student Abel Aguilar Chávez represented the SMARTSHAPE project at the Annual Conference of the European Society for Biomaterials. Held in Turin, the conference focussed on new biomaterials on the horizon, inspired by the fast development of new materials and groundbreaking technologies. “I’m fascinated by the work presented in the conference, from 3D printing trabecular structure for bone proliferation to the impact of microgravity on cells,” Abel commented. He joined the conference to share the latest developments of the SMARTSHAPE sensor.

Combining the SMARTSHAPE sensor with smart biomaterials will give the sensor its flexible characteristics. Using mathematical models, we can predict how a sensor will behave when it uses different insulating materials (called dielectrics) between the plates of the sensor. A crucial aspect of the sensor design is also the optimisation of choosing the right parameters for our models. “For that, I presented a mathematical model that I propose in order to better estimate the capacitive value of a sensor given its dielectric materials, in particular when you have more than one dielectric material in between the capacitor plates,” Abel explained.

The SMARTSHAPE sensor

Calibrating the sensor

This is important because knowing the starting conditions of the sensor helps calibrating the sensor properly, improving wireless transmission and overall sensor performance. Thereby, Abel’s work ties into the SMARTSHAPE project by improving the reliability and efficiency of the sensors that are developed. “I was happy to see that people approach me after the presentation to let me know they find what I presented interesting and wanted to learn more of the project I’m working on,” Abel commented.

Smart and multifunctional biomaterials towards the Horizon

Abel’s presentation took place during the dedicated symposium “Smart and multifunctional biomaterials towards the Horizon”, together with fellow Horizon Europe projects working on multifunctional biomaterials tackling major clinical challenges. Abel mentioned: “It is inspiring to see how far into their project’s life they are. It is interesting to hear from the other projects their progress. Seeing that we are going through the similar regulatory pathway questions or exploitation strategy questions make it feel that the Horizon project are truly sisters. I’m looking forward to hearing from their progress in another conference, newsletter, or reaching out to them, as it feels like we are striving towards the same goal.”

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