title: Developing an Ear Prosthesis Fabricated in Polyvinylidene Fluoride by a 3D Printer with Sensory Intrinsic Properties of Pressure and Temperature.
abstract: An ear prosthesis was designed in 3D computer graphics software and fabricated using a 3D printing process of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) for use as a hearing aid. In addition, the prosthesis response to pressure and temperature was observed. Pyroelectric and piezoelectric properties of this ear prosthesis were investigated using an astable multivibrator circuit, as changes in PVDF permittivity were observed according to variations of pressure and temperature. The results show that this prosthesis is reliable for use under different conditions of pressure (0 Pa to 16,350 Pa) and temperature (2 °C to 90 °C). The experimental results show an almost linear and inversely proportional behavior between the stimuli of pressure and temperature with the frequency response. This 3D-printed ear prosthesis is a promising tool and has a great potentiality in the biomedical engineering field because of its ability to generate an electrical potential proportional to pressure and temperature, and it is the first time that such a device has been processed by the additive manufacturing process (3D printing). More work needs to be carried out to improve the performance, such as electrical stimulation of the nervous system, thereby extending the purpose of a prosthesis to the area of sensory perception.
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical Engineering, Section of Bioelectronics, Center for Research and Advanced Studies, CINVESTAV-IPN, Av. IPN 2508, Col. San Pedro Zacatenco, C.P. 07360, D.F., Mexico. esuaste@cinvestav.mx.
authors.forename: Ernesto
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Suaste-Gómez
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical Engineering, Section of Bioelectronics, Center for Research and Advanced Studies, CINVESTAV-IPN, Av. IPN 2508, Col. San Pedro Zacatenco, C.P. 07360, D.F., Mexico. grodriguezr@cinvestav.mx.
authors.forename: Grissel
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rodríguez-Roldán
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical Engineering, Section of Bioelectronics, Center for Research and Advanced Studies, CINVESTAV-IPN, Av. IPN 2508, Col. San Pedro Zacatenco, C.P. 07360, D.F., Mexico. van1321@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Héctor
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Reyes-Cruz
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical Engineering, Section of Bioelectronics, Center for Research and Advanced Studies, CINVESTAV-IPN, Av. IPN 2508, Col. San Pedro Zacatenco, C.P. 07360, D.F., Mexico. omartjmz@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Omar
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Terán-Jiménez
mesh_terms: D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D004423:Ear / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D011145:Polyvinyls / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011312:Pressure; D066330:Printing, Three-Dimensional; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D013696:Temperature; D005465:Fluorocarbon Polymers
chemical_list: D011145:Polyvinyls; C024865:polyvinylidene fluoride; D005465:Fluorocarbon Polymers
keywords: 3D printer; PVDF; pressure; prostheses; smart materials; temperature