Bioengineering

The mechanical properties of many biological tissues depend critically on electrostatic forces between the highly charged macromolecules that form the tissue's dense extracellular matrix. Cartilage and other connective tissues, for example, contain a highly charged matrix which helps to transmit and absorb mechanical loads in the musculoskeletal system. Research in LEES has focused on understanding electromechanical interactions at the tissue, cellular, and molecular levels that affect tissue function in health and disease. In diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA), the loss of the electromechanical properties in cartilage motivates our studies of diagnostics and therapeutics for OA, and the synthesis of cartilage-like replacement tissues. Fundamental research studies also focus on the mechanisms by which electromechanical and physicochemical stimuli affect cellular and matrix metabolism in tissues.

Recent LEES' accomplishments in bioelectromechanics include the findings that physiologic levels of static and dynamic compression, as well as chemical changes (e.g., tissue pH levels) can significantly affect the synthesis, assembly, and degradation of matrix in organ culture explants of cartilage. Detection of cartilage degradation in vitro using NMR spectroscopy and surface electromechanical spectroscopy techniques have motivated subsequent in vivo studies. We have identified conditions in which cartilage cells in gel culture can synthesize a mechanically functional extracellular matrix. Based on many of these results, we are undertaking studies to explore and test certain therapeutic approaches to connective tissue diseases. Students who work in bioengineering at LEES come from a broad, interdisciplinary background and include mechanical, chemical, as well as electrical engineers. Undergraduate preparation for such research typically includes courses in fields (e.g., Electromagnetics, Fluid Dynamics, or Mass Transport, depending on the department) and bioengineering subjects (e.g., Quantitative Physiology). Recommended graduate subjects include Fields, Forces and Flows--Background for Physiology, and Continuum Electromechanics. While a background in biology and/or chemistry may be helpful in certain projects, it is not a prerequisite.

Current Projects:

None available

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