Research
Injury Biomechanics
The study of injury biomechanics involves the application of traditional engineering principles and techniques to analyze the response of biological systems to applied forces. We utilize a multi-level approach for studying traumatic brain injury and spinal injury, incorporating in vitro, in vivo, physical, and computer models to study the response of cells, tissues, or tissue surrogates to mechanical loading.
Repair and Regeneration
Tissue engineering involves the use of living cells, manipulated through their extracellular environment for the purpose of repairing, replacing, maintaining, or enhancing the function of a particular tissue or organ. The application our group is researching is to enhance the survival and integration of cell transplants in order to promote repair and regeneration of the traumatically injured brain and spinal cord, and ultimately to enhance functional recovery.
Neural Hybrid Microsystems
The goal of this project is to develop a 3-D Micro-fluidic / electronic Neural Interface System, "test-bed," which will support and functionally connect with a 3-D neural culture (BRP project). Problems being addressed are: improving biocompatibility of the micro-fabrication materials, optimizing 3-D cell culture in the 3-D microstructures, and developing 3-D polymeric scaffolding materials to mesh in the 3-D neural interface system. This "test-bed" will help in understanding the function of neural tissue under physiological and pathophysiological conditions.