Our Research

Bone Biology

Our Goal is to develop more sensitive in vitro and in vivo biological tests. The laboratory is currently developing a new animal model to evaluate osteolyitc potential of UHMWPE particles.

Wearable Technologies

Wearable device diagram. Photo of xray being sent to a doctor on an ipad. Then a person on a phone receiving the results.

Joint and Spine Monitoring Devices

Based on AE (ultrasound) Technology

Smart Cast

Based on continuous pressure and O2 perfusion monitoring
Fracture healing stimulation based on ultrasound

External stimulation pads that use ultrasound or micro-currents to prevent infection.

Anti-infection Enhancing Devices

Based on external stimulation via ultrasound or micro-currents
Smart Nanocoating Activation
Drug Delivery Modulation

A diagram of rays coming from a device and radiating back up.

Gait Analysis

Based on wireless IMU and EMG sensors

Biomaterials & Biomechanics

A hand-drawn illustration of the musculoskeletal system of the human leg.

Biomaterials, Biomechanics and Tribology

Scope
The goal of research in the Tribology, Biomechanics and Biomaterials Laboratory is to develop more durable bearing surfaces to extend their useful lifespan in patients and develop new materials and surface treatments for orthopaedic implants. The laboratory is also fully equipped to test and evaluate new third parties implants and materials.

Research
Studies based in the Tribology Laboratory include:

Evaluation of existing or prototype materials/devices for orthopaedic implants.
Development of new, improved materials & devices.
Evaluation of novel and explanted implants.

Nanoparticles

Accurate Nanoparticle Characterization

In the past accurate analysis of wear particles has been limited by problems associated with particle isolation, distribution, and display. For example, an inefficient and/or incomplete digestion of the proteinaceous content can lead to agglomeration or loss of particles. Furthermore, separation of particles from digested solution through filtration or embedding into resins can be an additional source of agglomeration and loss.

A microscopic close-up of a nanoparticle.

Moreover particles of small dimension (few nanometers) can easily bind to proteins, stick to the wall of tubes or flushed away through the pores of filters. Agglomeration, loss, unwanted residues affect the quality and clarity of particle imaging with obvious repercussions on the reliability and reproducibility of the morphological analysis.

Failure Analysis

Failure Analysis of Implants and Components

Photo of how implants and components are tested for failure.

We study and determine the mode of failure of explanted implants using a range of specifically designed tests. The large database of information from previously analyzed implant revisions allow us for a more rapid and precise identification of the reasons for any subsequent revisions.

What we offer

Macro and microscopic analysis of implant surfaces;
Image analysis of in/ongrowth surfaces (LM, SEM);
Fractography of structural failures (SEM);
X-Ray investigative techniques (XPS, EDS);
Wear assessment of bearing interfaces (CMM, Profilometer combined with a 3-D image software, Wear Scar Mapping);
Corrosion Assessment (SEM, EDS, XPS).

Core Facilities

Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy: Zeiss Supra 40 VP (Peltier Stage, SE, BSD, In-Lens, and STEM detectors; EDS, Alicona MeX 3D metrology software)
Ion Beam Sputter Coater: IBSE (Ir, C, Pt-Pd, Au)
Optical Microscopy: Zeiss, Leica
Microtomes