Functional properties of engineered skeletal tissues
The focus of the majority of tissue engineering programmes is on cell sources, culture conditions and characterisation of the final constructs. Surprisingly, the functional properties of this construct are often neglected. This is most likely due the complexity of the challenge, requiring collaboration between biologists, materials scientists, and engineers with expertise in biomechanics. Through collaboration with researchers in Trinity College Dublin and the University of Leeds, staff at Sheffield have undertaken pioneering work into the functional properties of tissue engineered cartilage including studies of resistance to compression and frictional behaviour.
Wear and tribology of tissue engineered cartilage
To be able to perform a useful role within the patient's body, engineered tissues must have the appropriate mechanical properties. For example, articular cartilage is a load bearing material that must simultaneously permit free articulation of the joint.
The frictional and mechanical properties of tissue-engineered cartilage substitutes are still largely unknown, but our in vitro tissue studies now allow us to evaluate these vital properties under controlled engineering environments. These studies are helping us to understand the process of articular friction, and consequently to develop effective engineered tissues for use in the human body.
Above: Dynamic friction testing of tissue engineered and native cartilage.
Sheffield researchers engaged in this work are Dr Aileen Crawford, Prof. Paul Hatton, Marie Plainfosse and Dr Gwen Reilly (Engineering Materials)