Biomechanics and mechanobiology of the bone-cartilage interface

(ref. BAP-2022-434)

Laatst aangepast : 27/06/2022

The Biomechanics Section (BMe) is a multi-disciplinary institute situated in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. We aim to generate new knowledge of the mechanical behaviour, function and organization of cells and tissues and develop innovative solutions to prevent, diagnose, monitor, treat and cure diseases and health problems that have a mechanical origin or component at the cell or tissue level. Our division is having a strong expertise in both experimental and numerical analyses of human structure and function. Research topics cover the broad spectrum of length scales present in the human body: from cells to tissues and from organs to the entire body and its interaction with the environment. Research is clustered around four main topics: tissue and implant mechanics, mechanobiology and tissue engineering, surgical systems technology, and rehabilitation and prevention biomechanics. Many projects run in collaboration with clinical partners. The research activities are reflected in the teaching activities of the division, ranging from basic engineering mechanics to dedicated courses in the field of biomedical engineering.

Project

In the knee, as in all joints, cartilage covers the bone. How does nature solve the challenging problem of connecting two tissues as diverse as cartilage and bone? What are the structural and mechanical characteristics of this interface and how does it change in osteoarthritis (OA)? Does it play a role in the onset and development of OA? In a large collaborative project between KU Leuven, U.Liege, U.Sheffield, and U.Melbourne we will address these issues. We will investigate fundamental biomechanical and mechanobiological aspects of subchondral bone, mineralized cartilage and hyaline cartilage, with a particular emphasis on the bone-cartilage interface. We aim to quantify material characteristics and mechanical properties of the interface region, and clarify load-induced modifications in this region, which is one of the least understood and least investigated locations in the musculoskeletal system and yet fundamental to joint health.

We are seeking to expand the team at KU Leuven with three PhD students to contribute to this project and help answering urgent questions on the roles of subchondral bone and the osteochondral junction on cartilage degeneration in post-traumatic OA. One project (with an exchange to U.Melbourne) will quantify microstructural changes in the bone-cartilage interface that occur in posttraumatic OA in murine knees. The second project (with exchange to U.Sheffield) will focus on load transfer across the interface. The objective of the third project (with an exchange to U.Melbourne) is to develop a computational framework that can explain and predict the microstructural and mechanical changes occurring in the joint after traumatic injury. All projects will combine experimental measurements (in vivo, ex vivo) with computational modelling. 

Profile

The applicants should have a recent MSc (or be close to graduating) in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or other relevant discipline. Knowledge and experience in bone and cartilage mechanics, finite element analyses, programming and experimental testing are advantageous. Good skills in spoken and written English are mandatory.

Offer

We offer three interdisciplinary research projects at the Biomechanics Section at KU Leuven, with close interaction and collaboration with the partners in Liege, Melbourne, and Sheffield. The candidates will be supported by the Arenberg Doctoral School offering a versatile training program that addresses both academic expertise and personal skills. Salaries are highly competitive and in accordance with KU Leuven regulations.

A project start in October 2022 is envisioned. Applications will be reviewed immediately until the positions are filled. 

Interested?

For more information please contact Prof. dr. ir. Harry van Lenthe, tel.: +32 16 32 25 95, mail: [email protected].

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