FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS OF BIOLOGICAL ORIGIN FOR PROSTHETIC LINERS

Abstract

This work is dedicated to substantiating the structural features and properties of modern materials used for prosthetic liners and investigating the quality of natural leathers as materials of biogenic prosthetic origin for liner fabrication. It is demonstrated that the innovative approach to creating materials for prosthetic liners involves either the formation of composite materials based on multi-functional components or the development of materials exhibiting a necessary complex of functional properties. It is established that liner materials must be characterized by a suitable structure capable of withstanding mechanical and dynamic loads across varying temperatures and humidity, ensuring an optimal strength-to-mass ratio, easily conforming to the shape of the limb, and preventing chafing. In composite materials, these characteristics are achieved through the deliberate selection of the structural matrix and the polymer material. It is proven that by modifying the matrix, the volume fraction of fibrous materials, and the polymeric composite component, it is possible to adjust the stiffness, strength, and anisotropic properties of the functional liner material, thereby ensuring anatomical fit and optimal prosthetic performance. In comparison with composite materials, it is shown that natural leathers possess a unique hierarchical collagen structure, a voluminous and capillary-porous matrix, which collectively provide the necessary functional properties for fixing prosthetic liners and their ability to conform to the residual limb contours while preserving overall comfort. The chemical composition, physical, physico-mechanical, and hygienic properties of semi-finished prosthetic leathers (both split/flesh-side and grain-side samples) were evaluated according to regulatory requirements. It is determined that natural leathers comprehensively provide the requisite functional properties as biogenic materials for liners, a capability rooted in the unique capillary-porous structure of the dermis and its transformation resulting from chemical interactions and the action of technological processing materials.