Dynamic Mechanical Environment Tendon Tissue Culture System

Overview

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that protect the shoulder joint by keeping the head of the humerus (the upper arm bone) in the shoulder socket. The most commonly injured tendon is the supraspinatus and severe tears require a biomaterial graft embedded with stem cells to bridge the gap between the tendon and humeral head. The team’s sponsor, Dr. Daniel Hayes, is interested in investigating changes in gene expression due to mechanical stimuli of grafts, which impacts the healing and repair success of the tissue.

Objectives

To develop an automated bioreactor that mechanically stimulates rat supraspinatus tendon samples repaired with a graft under physiological conditions in a tissue culture incubator.

Approach

– Research existing bioreactor setups and methods for similar devices

– Understand the physiology of the rotator cuff, specifically the supraspinatus tendon

– Develop needs and specifications for the device

– Brainstorm improvements for existing setups and adjustments for sponsor needs

– Develop visual aids to assist in programming and circuit design

– Create SolidWorks parts for the device and assemble them

– Perform FEA analysis of new parts to ensure they won’t fail during testing

– Provide thorough manufacturing plan for assembly of physical device

Outcomes

– A SolidWorks model and detailed manufacturing plan for the bioreactor were developed

– Computational testing was performed on individual parts to ensure the device won’t fail during testing

– Given the manufacturing plan and SolidWorks model, once health guidelines allow the device can be manufactured and used for testing