Impact on society
Professor Dias has been involved with the following innovative research projects.
Electrically heated gloves
Technology was developed in collaboration with EXO2 Ltd, to produce a heated glove liner based solely on textile yarns. The EXO2 gloves are now marketed as ski and motorcycle gloves.
Cut Resistant Glove
Developed by BM Polyco Ltd, a fully flexible cut resistant glove was produced by knitting stainless steel yarns. The glove, Metallica™ has now been commercialised.
Textile transducers for stroke rehabilitation
Collaborating with the University of Salford, Professor Dias has developed a sensor stocking for use in stroke rehabilitation. In addition, control gloves with contact electrodes have been produced for stroke rehabilitation and control of a PC.
Textile Electrodes for ECG measurement
The core technology for producing seamlessly knitted garments integrated with 3-leads ECG electrodes has been developed. A key research outcome was the production of the first dry electrode system for ECG measurement. The work also involved the creation of hardware to transmit the sensor signals to a base unit via a blue tooth connection as well as signal processing software to visualise the ECG and respiratory signals on a computer screen. The research resulted in the creation of a UK based spin out (SmartLifeInc Ltd).
Compression garments
A collaboration with the Vascular Studies Unit at South Manchester University Hospital (SMUH) resulted in a novel technology platform (Scan-to-Knit) to manufacture engineered, seamless compression stockings to revolutionise the prevention and treatment of venous ulcers, leg swelling and deep vein thrombosis. The key finding was the development of technology to deliver prescribed pressures at different levels along the length of the stocking.
The technology has also been used to manufacture compression sleeves for the treatment of lymphoedema. This was developed in partnership with the Department of Surgical Oncology at SMUH. All IP related to the technology has been protected and a spin-out company (ATM Ltd) has been formed for commercialisation. ATM has already been successful in registering MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) approval for the manufacture and supply of the products.
Automotive textiles
Professor Dias has previously supervised a student who researched advanced textile structures for automotive applications. This work included a study of textile materials for the reduction in automobile interiors. He has also worked with Guilford Performance Textiles to develop fabric switches.
Spacer fabrics
Having previously undertaken work in the production of spacer fabrics for applications from building materials to medical textiles, Professor Dias is currently collaborating with a UK company to optimise the physical characteristics of spacer fabrics for use in hip protectors.
