Bone Tissue Engineering
Creating
superior biomaterials for replacement of defective bone and
other tissues requires strong research in biomechanical signaling
and synthesis of biopolymers. One goal of Institute researchers
is to find ways to transplant the tissue-engineered grafts
and use biomechanical signaling for effective transformation
of the graft into a functional tissue. This research is exploring
the role of biomechanical signaling in initiating rapid repair
and reconstruction of bone/cartilage - specifically, the mechanical
strain-mediated intracellular pathways that are involved in
bone/cartilage repair and regeneration.
In addition to other efforts, researchers are currently exploring
ways to manufacture biodegradable polyurethane networks for
tissue engineering purposes.