The UK Metamaterials Network was initially formed in 2020 with joint funding from EPSRC, DSTL and Innovate UK KTN. Its aim is to develop the pipeline from initial metamaterial research discovery through to the commercialisation and application of these technologies.
Stuart Pond
By undertaking extensive promotion of the benefits of metamaterial technology, facilitating access to metamaterial experts and facilities and nurturing closer interactions with end-users, we want to tap into the vast potential of metamaterials. We have continued to grow since our inception and, as of March 2023, now have over 670 members spread across academia, industry, government agencies and funding bodies.
In broad terms, metamaterials are 3D structures made of metals, plastics, and/or ceramics which have properties not possible with only their unstructured constituent materials. These properties occur in response to an external input such as exposure to light, mechanical forces, or sound waves. The topic is inherently interdisciplinary spanning advanced materials science, theoretical physics, quantum mechanics, chemistry, biology, engineering (mechanical and electrical), acoustics, computer science and robotics. Metamaterials and metamaterial devices vary in size from photonic devices at the nanoscale all the way up to larger systems interacting with metre wavelengths. This all combines to present a myriad of opportunities utilising different metamaterial regimes and aspects.
Some metamaterials have already begun to find their way into the healthcare technology market such as Metasonixx, whose acoustic metamaterials have been trialled in NHS hospitals to reduce noise whilst still allowing air to flow freely, and Pinpoint Medical, who use plasmonic biosensor metamaterial assays to allow detection of multiple pathogens in a single sample. The breadth of technology covered by metamaterials means that there is still a vast array of opportunities for metamaterials to make an impact in the medical and health technology sector (including the preventative stage such as in PPE) that are currently unexplored. For instance, 3D printed metamaterial implants could offer higher strength-to-weight ratios than conventional structures whilst still being porous enough for nutrient transport all thanks to their structuring. Alternatively, a metamaterial antenna could be used in optogenetics treatments for neurological disorders. These are just a few examples of the numerous ways that metamaterials can potentially revolutionise healthcare technology and with your help we can identify other new exciting possibilities.
Within the Network, we’ve recently established the ‘Metamaterials for Health’ Challenge to identify the key challenges of the sector and what current metamaterials research directions present the pathways to potential solutions. We are keen to make connections with the medical sector so we can direct the utility of metamaterials to the current and future challenges facing the sector. Upscaling emergent technologies for application in the medical sector often requires substantial investment and this remains one of the key obstacles. We believe that our metamaterials expertise and your knowledge of the sector can be combined to highlight the opportunities where the two overlap and encourage funding for research and development towards this goal.
To find out more about the UK Metamaterials Network, visit Med-Tech Innovation Expo on 7-8 June at the NEC, Birmingham on Stand C32J as part of the Start-Up Zone. Register for FREE at www.med-techexpo.com
