Breast reconstruction and breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures. With the recent FDA approval of the silicone breast implants, many are concerned about the side effects of silicone and many women have to go in for additional surgery to rectify the problems. Keeping this in mind, Judit Puskas, professor of polymer science at the University of Akron, is striving to develop a new implant made from biorubber polyisobutylene. Backed by Summa Health System, the Cleveland Clinic, Tulane University, the Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences and Nano Copoeia Inc. of St. Paul, Minn., Puskas is trying to get the National Science Foundation to give him a grant of $10 million for 11 years. Further research depends on the grant money, which Puskas is confident of receiving.

Rubber Implants
a. The new implant is made of biorubber polyisobutylene.
b. It will be lighter in weight.
c. Risk of side effects like scar tissues, ruptures and deformity is almost nil.
d. This implant can release drugs in small quantities to minimize the formation of scars.
e. It offers a better alternative to silicon implants
f. The FDA has approved the use of biorubber for artificial pancreas.

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