Acoustic and mechanical metamaterials for biomedical and energy harvesting applications

Informazioni relative al progetto

MetacMed

ID dell’accordo di sovvenzione: 101119738

DOI

10.3030/101119738

Data della firma CE 6 Luglio 2023

Data di avvio 1 Marzo 2024

Data di completamento 29 Febbraio 2028

Finanziato da

• Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)

Costo totale

Nessun dato

Contributo UE

€ 2 023 236,00

Coordinato da

UNIVERSITA DELLA CALABRIA
Italy

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - MetacMed (Acoustic and mechanical metamaterials for biomedical and energy harvesting applications)

Periodo di rendicontazione: 2024-03-01 al 2026-02-28

Sintesi del contesto e degli obiettivi generali del progetto

MetacMed addresses a major gap in Europe’s innovation ecosystem: the translation of advanced acoustic and mechanical metamaterials (MMs) from laboratory research into practical solutions for healthcare, energy harvesting and noise reduction. The project combines metamaterial design, numerical modelling, artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing and biomedical engineering to develop new technologies for ultrasonic imaging, implant monitoring, rehabilitation, smart orthopaedics and sustainable energy harvesting. On top of that, AI is used to accelerate the discovery of new metamaterial designs and functionalities.

Clinically, current technologies such as X-rays and MRI face issues of radiation exposure and imaging limitations, while conventional implants do not replicate the complex mechanics of biological tissues. The need for real-time monitoring of bone healing is critical, given that osteoporosis causes ~3.4 million fractures annually in Europe, costing over €30 billion. The project also explores sustainable energy harvesting from daily activities (e.g. walking) to power medical devices.
A core component is the training of 12 Doctoral Candidates with interdisciplinary expertise in physics, engineering, AI and entrepreneurship.

The impact pathway relies on a network of eight academic institutions, three research centres and three SMEs, ensuring alignment between science and industry. The project supports Horizon Europe priorities in Health and Digital/Industry clusters. Expected impacts include improved ultrasonic imaging and biomimetic materials (scientific), MM-based devices approaching patent stage (economic), and improved diagnosis and recovery (societal).
Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) integration is ensured via ethics, gender equality and transferable skills, led by Skills4Science, supported by training in e.g. well-being and project management.

Lavoro eseguito dall’inizio del progetto fino alla fine del periodo coperto dalla relazione e principali risultati finora ottenuti

During the reporting period, the project established a solid theoretical and computational foundation. The 12 DCs conducted systematic literature reviews and reproduced key models using FEM tools such as COMSOL, validating fundamental mechanisms like local resonance and Bragg scattering.
Significant progress was achieved in broadband acoustic MM lenses exploting compact and MRI-compatible designs. Theoretical models enabled phase-based implementations and ultrasonic needle beam generation with extended focus and reduced sidelobes. The project developed metamaterial-based filters that can block unwanted ultrasound components by about 40 dB while preserving diagnostically useful signals.
Furthermore, developments include 2D/3D wave propagation models for bone healing and implant monitoring. A parametric framework for artificial lumbar discs was created, reproducing anisotropic and nonlinear behaviour. Auxetic structures fabricated via Multi-Jet Printing demonstrated effective integration of embedded FBG sensors.
Architected metamaterials are being designed for low-frequency vibration mitigation (20–120 Hz). Studies on chiral phononic crystals and topological metamaterials showed energy localization via protected states. Auxetic insoles are also being simulated to redistribute pressure and harvest energy from gait.
Advanced AI models, especially Transformers, outperformed classical approaches in bandgap prediction. A proposed architecture achieved ~71,000× speed-up over FEM. A bidirectional surrogate optimization system enabled efficient identification of target MMs geometries.

Progressi oltre lo stato dell’arte e potenziale impatto previsto (incluso l’impatto socioeconomico e le implicazioni sociali più ampie del progetto fino ad ora)

Ultrasonic Imaging: The project validated pulse-echo MM lenses for sub-diffraction/broadband imaging. A Bi2O₃–silicone soft Meta-Lens (SML) was developed, ensuring MRI/CT compatibility with stable focusing. Needle beam generation with enhanced depth of focus and reduced sidelobes was demonstrated.

Health Monitoring: Auxetic MMs targeting approximately 60% of the hyperelastic response of natural intervertebral discs are being simulated. In parallel, FBG sensors have been successfully integrated within additively manufactured orthotic structures. Wave propagation models now support quantitative monitoring of osseointegrated implants.

Energy Harvesting: While initially focused on resonant modes, research revealed that walking frequencies (<5 Hz) require non-resonant approaches. A shift toward electroactive polymers improved theoretical efficiency up to 10×, addressing variable gait loads.

AI Optimization: The project exceeded its goal of 1000× speed-up by adopting Transformer-based models and hybrid architectures (CAH-TED), achieving high accuracy in predicting bandgaps while reducing computational cost and CO2 footprint compared with conventional FEM prediction.

Impact and Market: The exploitation strategy evolved into formal IP screening with SMEs. Selected results are being assessed for potential intellectual property protection.