Micro and nano-scale analysis is critical across a wide range of medical technologies. Optical and stylus methods are routinely used to characterise the roundness, roughness, form and wear of implants as well as the porous structure of novel tissue and bone grafting materials. Mechanical testing can be used for accelerated lifetime testing. Characterising the properties of nanoporous, nanocrystalline and nano-reinforced materials employed within implant devices (stents, bone and hip replacement materials etc.) is critical to optimising their performance.

The performance of surface coatings is determined not just by their surface finish but additionally by coating thickness, chemical composition and biocompatibility. Techniques such as Fourier Transofrom Infra-red (FTIR) and Raman microscopy can chemically map surfaces and identify contaminants. 

Biosensors and biodetection utilise an array of micro and nanotechnology. We can use dimensional metrology to characterise the properties of microfluidic devices and chemical characterisation techniques to determine their biocompatibility. Today's wound care products employ silver nanoparticles, and biodegradeable polymer nanofibres whose properties can be studied using Atomic Force, Electron Microscopy and particle sizing techniques.

Confocal Laser Scanning image of porous ceramic implant material