Innovative Silicone Prosthetic Liner for Amputees Enhancing Mobility and Redefining Accessibility in Africa

In a trailblazing development for African healthcare, an innovative silicone prosthetic liner designed for amputees promises to revolutionise prosthetic comfort and affordability across the continent. 

Developed by an engineer, amputee and founder of Prosthetic Engineering Technologies, Luvuyo Sume who deeply understands the challenges faced by others with limb loss, this liner is designed to improve the interface between an amputee’s residual limb and their prosthetic device. It absorbs shocks during movement and maintains hygiene within the prosthetic socket, allowing users to participate in rigorous physical activities and improve their quality of life.

Prosthetic Engineering Technologies is a first on the African continent to set up production facilities for the manufacturing of prosthetic liners and is also developing other prosthetic components such as prosthetic feet, knees and eventually will produce every prosthetic component that is used in prosthetic legs.

The silicone liner has won the award for the Most Deserving Project to Receive Further Support for Marketing Strategy Development, IP Advice, and Funding during the SME Intellectual Property Commercialisation Workshop. This honour underscores the liner's societal impact, filling a gap in the African market by introducing a locally made product. The liner’s production in Africa seeks to create jobs and provide a lower-cost option for amputees without access to high-cost imported liners.

Recognising a need based on his personal experience, Luvuyo received support from the Propella Business Incubator, Nelson Mandela University (NMU), South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), among others.

Reflecting on his journey, Luvuyo encourages others to pursue business ideas that address genuine societal needs. “The most successful businesses are born from solving real-world problems,” he advises.

Prosthetic Engineering Technologies founded in 2020 with a clinical prosthetist, Riaan Knight, is also embarking on the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) registration as well as ISO 13485 certification.