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MRI-Compatiable Bioreactor for Cartilage Loading

Project Overview

The objective of this project is to develop a bioreactor to secure engineered cartilage tissue during magnetic resonance (MR) scanning and provide mechanical loading during this scanning. Cartilage tissue cultures are currently grown in vitro for subsequent implantation into the body where the cartilage has been damaged by osteoarthritis or injury. Our bioreactor will be used to determine if the tissue is fully developed and mechanically stable. Unlike current testing, this bioreactor will be non-destructive to the tissue which will enable researchers to track the full development of a each cartilage sample.

Team Picture

Our team from left to right: Luisa Meyer, Sarah Springborn, BK Huh, and Sarah Czaplewski
Our team from left to right: Luisa Meyer, Sarah Springborn, BK Huh, and Sarah Czaplewski

Images

Above is the 4.7T animal scanner used to image cartilage tissue cultures.
Above is the 4.7T animal scanner used to image cartilage tissue cultures.
This is the coil of the 4.7T scanner. It is 3 inches in diameter and 6 inches long. Our bioreactor must fit inside of it.
This is the coil of the 4.7T scanner. It is 3 inches in diameter and 6 inches long. Our bioreactor must fit inside of it.
Temperature decay testing with fiber optic probe at WIMR
Temperature decay testing with fiber optic probe at WIMR
Above is the final prototype.
Above is the final prototype.

Files

Contact Information

Team Members

  • Sarah Springborn - Team Leader
  • Luisa Meyer - Communicator
  • Beomkang Huh - BSAC
  • Sarah Czaplewski - BWIG

Advisor and Client

  • Prof. Walter Block - Advisor
  • Prof. Wan-Ju Li - Client
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