Inflammation-Reducing Materials Inspired by Viruses

Inflammation-Reducing Materials Inspired by Viruses We all know how discouraging it can be to fall ill. Viruses and bacteria can attack our bodies by avoiding detection from our immune systems (which is supposed to fight them off for us).

The challenge

This innovation addresses a key sustainability or performance challenge.

Full case study

Inflammation-Reducing Materials Inspired by Viruses We all know how discouraging it can be to fall ill. Viruses and bacteria can attack our bodies by avoiding detection from our immune systems (which is supposed to fight them off for us). So, what if we could use their strategies for good? A common challenge in people getting medical devices implanted, is that their immune systems recognize these objects as foreign, and try to “fight them off”, causing inflammation and even leading to rejection of the implant. But now, researchers are developing materials that can “hide” from the immune system, as well as reduce the signals for inflammation, inspired by the way viruses work. For more on this research, read this paper by the