Exploring colour change properties in 3D print photochromic PLA: Towards designing central cyanosis actuator in a baby manikin

Abstract

A high fidelity baby manikin with a colour changing mechanism is required for medical training, especially for cyanosis skin colouration assessment in a newborn baby. However, commercially available baby manikin simulators do not have the real colour-change of cyanosis skin. The efforts in increasing the fidelity of the manikin might improve the accuracy of cyanosis evaluation among the novices, thus enhances the quality of the medical training. This study contributes towards designing a colour change actuator for central cyanosis simulation in a baby manikin for medical training. The actuation method of the 3D print photochromic PLA using a low-voltage UV LED and the evaluation of its colour properties using a colour measurement device are described. The colorimetric properties of the photochromic PLA were evaluated in CIE υ′ν′ colour space. Results are presented, showing a strong relationship between the colour intensity of the UV LED and the colour of the photochromic PLA. We reflect on the potential of the photochromic PLA as an actuator in imitating the cyanosis in a baby manikin. The specific PLA we used still cannot simulate the cyanosis well. However, the idea of using PLA photochromic is still considered promising.