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xDI: Force-controlled cartilage bioreactor

Fabricate a force-controlled bioreactor for use within an incubator

Project Overview

Cartilage behavior and long-term phenotypic stability, is dependent on mechanical loading. Thus, culture systems that maintain loading better mimic the in vivo environment. Because cartilage has rate-dependent (creep) behavior, long-term cyclic loading must be force-controlled to avoid sample lift-off. The team's project is to design a bioreactor that is capable of withstanding in vivo environments as well as perform its function well.

Problem Statement:
The Henak Lab investigates the relationship between cartilage redox balance (metabolism) and disease state. Research conducted by the Henak Lab has demonstrated that cartilage redox balance can influence cartilage disease state. Because cartilage redox balance and properties are rate-dependent, the Henak Lab requires a bioreactor to apply a controlled cyclic uniaxial compressive force to articular cartilage samples over long time scales to accurately mimic the in vivo environment. There are no commercially available force-controlled bioreactors that exactly meet the criteria set by Dr. Henak. There exist force-controlled bioreactors in literature, but none meet the specific specifications set by Dr. Henak as required for her research. The team is tasked with designing and fabricating a force-controlled 12-well cartilage bioreactor to apply the physiologically relevant mechanical stimuli articular cartilage experiences in vivo. This will ensure that Dr. Henak and the Henak Lab are able to perform the most impactful and comprehensive research possible.

Project Status

Continuing from where the team left off last semester, Emilio will continue to work on the triangle wave circuit, Jeffery will experiment with an H-bridge/current regulator/microcontroller circuit, Griffin will continue to modify the CAD and spearhead the housing fabrication effort, and Sydney will investigate flexures/bearings for the VCA to prevent horizontal movement.

Team Picture

Group Picture: From Left to Right: Griffin Radtke (ME Team Leader), Jeffery Guo (BPAG), Sydney Therien (BME Team Leader & Communicator), Emilio Lim (BSAC & BWIG) ,
Group Picture: From Left to Right: Griffin Radtke (ME Team Leader), Jeffery Guo (BPAG), Sydney Therien (BME Team Leader & Communicator), Emilio Lim (BSAC & BWIG) ,

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