Contact:     Prof. L.J. Bonassar lb244@cornell.edu

Phone:        255-9381

Office:         218 Upson Hall

 

Tissue Engineering using CAD and Injection Molding

The generation of new biological tissues by the growth of cells on polymer scaffolds is known as Tissue Engineering.  This project involves the application of engineering methods like CAD and injection molding to the hydrogel implants used for repair of defects in the tympanic membrane.  This will likely include interactions with surgeons and researchers at Case Western Reserve University and Gyrus, Inc. of Memphis, TN.

 

We have previously developed a method known as tissue injection molding, in which cells are encapsulated in an aqueous polymer solution that is subsequently crosslinked and injected into a mold.  The focus of this project will be fabrication of implants in specified geometries, development of techniques to quantify the mechanical performance of implants, and the generation of SOP for implant production and testing.

 

An ideal background for this project would include familiarity with standard CAD software and basic understanding of polymer science.  Tasks for the project include mold design and fabrication, generation of shaped implants, mechanical evaluation of implants.