Bone healing and remodelling relies upon vasculature as a vital source of oxygen, nutrients, and even cells. During fracture healing, a close spatiotemporal correlation can be observed between osteogenesis, the formation of bone, and angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels. Whereas the impairment of angiogenesis observed in diabetic patients has been attributed to cause a decrease in bone formation and imbalanced remodelling. Understanding the mechanisms that link vasculature with bone would help guide future research.
_In silico_ modelling can be leveraged as a powerful tool to test hypotheses regarding biological systems. A micro-Multiphysics Agent-based (micro-MPA) model has been developed that considers various biological and biochemical interactions among different types of cells in the skeletal, vascular, and immune system, in response mechanical loading and their local environment.
This project and goals thereof may be adapted to best match the student's interest and expectations. An example set of tasks for a student with some programming experience and interest in biomechanics would include: the implementation of vascular growth, remodelling of the network via pruning, and image analysis / computer vision to generate necessary validation data.
Bone healing and remodelling relies upon vasculature as a vital source of oxygen, nutrients, and even cells. During fracture healing, a close spatiotemporal correlation can be observed between osteogenesis, the formation of bone, and angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels. Whereas the impairment of angiogenesis observed in diabetic patients has been attributed to cause a decrease in bone formation and imbalanced remodelling. Understanding the mechanisms that link vasculature with bone would help guide future research.
_In silico_ modelling can be leveraged as a powerful tool to test hypotheses regarding biological systems. A micro-Multiphysics Agent-based (micro-MPA) model has been developed that considers various biological and biochemical interactions among different types of cells in the skeletal, vascular, and immune system, in response mechanical loading and their local environment.
This project and goals thereof may be adapted to best match the student's interest and expectations. An example set of tasks for a student with some programming experience and interest in biomechanics would include: the implementation of vascular growth, remodelling of the network via pruning, and image analysis / computer vision to generate necessary validation data.
Project:
- Expand upon and develop algorithms for the growth and optimisation of (micro-)vascular networks during bone healing and homeostasis
- Validate results with existing experimental data
Student may develop and further their understanding of:
- Research and project-based work experience
- Vascular and bone (mechano)biology
- Object-orientated software development (Python or C++)
- Image analysis
- Agent-based and multiphysics modelling
- Graph theory and optimisation
Project:
- Expand upon and develop algorithms for the growth and optimisation of (micro-)vascular networks during bone healing and homeostasis - Validate results with existing experimental data
Student may develop and further their understanding of:
- Research and project-based work experience - Vascular and bone (mechano)biology - Object-orientated software development (Python or C++) - Image analysis - Agent-based and multiphysics modelling - Graph theory and optimisation
Feel free to contact me via email (jack.kendall@hest.ethz.ch) to discuss and tailor a project that suits your interests and expectations.
Projects can be conducted remotely. You will be provided with the necessary resources, tools, and support throughout your project.
Feel free to contact me via email (jack.kendall@hest.ethz.ch) to discuss and tailor a project that suits your interests and expectations.
Projects can be conducted remotely. You will be provided with the necessary resources, tools, and support throughout your project.