Force-Controlled Cartilage Bioreactor
Problem statement
The Henak Lab investigates the relationship between cartilage redox balance (metabolism) and disease state. Research conducted by the Henak Lab has demonstrated that cartilage redox balance can influence cartilage disease state. Because cartilage redox balance and properties are rate-dependent, the Henak Lab requires a bioreactor to apply a controlled cyclic uniaxial compressive force to articular cartilage samples over long time scales to accurately mimic the in vivo environment. There are no commercially available force-controlled bioreactors that exactly meet the criteria set by Dr. Henak. There exist force-controlled bioreactors in literature, but none meet the specific specifications set by Dr. Henak as required for her research. The team is tasked with designing and fabricating a force-controlled 12-well cartilage bioreactor to apply the physiologically relevant mechanical stimuli articular cartilage experiences in vivo. This will ensure that Dr. Henak and the Henak Lab are able to perform the most impactful and comprehensive research possible.
Team members
Griffin Radtke – leader (ME)
Sydney Therien – leader (BME)
Emilio Lim – communicator
Jeffery Guo – accountant & admin
Chanul Kim – BSAC (BME)
Client
Dr. Corinne Henak
UW-Madison Department of Mechanical Engineering