OREANDA-NEWS. November 09, 2009. The Tallinn University of Technology received last week a European patent for a method of the study of materials.

The invention makes it possible to judge the properties of a substance, structure or material by the response to an electrical excitation signal, professor Mart Min said.

"One structure that can be thus analyzed is man, starting with cells, cell cultures, tissues or organs. Under special attention are the heart and in case of restorative surgery both muscle tissue and bones that are being restored," the professor said.

If someone's hand or leg has sustained serious injuries in an accident it is necessary to evaluate the process of restoration after surgery, Min explained.

It will cost an estimated 10 million kroons (EUR 0.64 mln) to develop the device needed to adopt the method and make the first trial products, Min said, after which the device could be put into serial production.

If the money needed for development cannot be found in Estonia it will be necessary to engage in cooperation, which will still be better than for the invention to be left gathering dust, the professor said.