Microstructure evolution of biomaterials during degradation in a robotic bioreactor

Biodegradable biomaterials are widely applied in soft tissue repair & regenerative medicine. Their long-term performance depends not only on their overall degradation rate, but also on how microstructural features (e.g. crystallinity, crystal size, crystal orientation) change over time. However, traditional degradation assays fail to capture the interplay of biological and mechanical cues that govern these changes in vivo. Robotic bioreactors that can reproduce these physiological stresses therefore offer a unique opportunity to study biomaterial degradation under conditions that closely mimic the native environment.

This project aims to investigate the microstructure evolution of biomaterials during degradation in a robotic bioreactor that mimics both biological and mechanical conditions. Comparative controls will include static and uniaxial cultures, with and without cells. The expected outcomes are to generate new insights into how biomaterials degrade under physiologically relevant conditions, leading to more predictive in vitro models and guiding the design of improved scaffolds for tissue repair.

Supervisors will include Prof Pierre-Alexis Mouthuy, Prof Hazel Assender, and Prof Laurence Brassart.

This project is suitable for either a DPhil or MSc(Res) student

Image: Humanoid robotic arm hosting a soft bioreactor chamber at the shoulder joint for tendon biomaterial testing.