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Real time biological and micromechanical characterisation of live spinal disk tissue for spinal disc repair and tissue engineering.
Real time micromechanical and microstructural characterisation of outer layers of intervertebral disc (annulus fibrosus) through 3D light imaging techniques for enhanced understanding of spinal disk biomechanics.
The project is placed in the scope of a larger study on inter-vertebral disc regeneration. To develop appropriate strategies for repair a better understanding of mechano-biological properties is required.
In this project the student will look at the microstructural changes of outer layers of intervertebral disc known as annulus fibrosus (AF) scaffolds using multiphoton (MP) imaging technique in conjunction with controlled deformation of the sample. The capabilities of MP imaging will allow to create 3D micrographs of the supporting elements of the tissue as well as cellular content at different strain levels. The data will then be analyzed using image analysis software to determine the relationship between macromechanical data and micromechanical deformation observations.
The project will entail working on several advanced pieces of light imaging equipment as well as live tissue preparation, staining and handling.
The project is placed in the scope of a larger study on inter-vertebral disc regeneration. To develop appropriate strategies for repair a better understanding of mechano-biological properties is required. In this project the student will look at the microstructural changes of outer layers of intervertebral disc known as annulus fibrosus (AF) scaffolds using multiphoton (MP) imaging technique in conjunction with controlled deformation of the sample. The capabilities of MP imaging will allow to create 3D micrographs of the supporting elements of the tissue as well as cellular content at different strain levels. The data will then be analyzed using image analysis software to determine the relationship between macromechanical data and micromechanical deformation observations. The project will entail working on several advanced pieces of light imaging equipment as well as live tissue preparation, staining and handling.
Prepare representative samples of annulus fibrosus tissue. Stain the tissue with appropriate markers. Observe the tissue using MP imaging technique during deformation. Relate the observations to mechanical behavior.
Prepare representative samples of annulus fibrosus tissue. Stain the tissue with appropriate markers. Observe the tissue using MP imaging technique during deformation. Relate the observations to mechanical behavior.