Cartilage injuries and the ensuing joint tissue wear and deterioration impact millions of patients. Stabilization of the remaining damaged cartilage, and prevention of further deterioration, could provide immense clinical utility and prolong joint function. We are developing and testing a biomaterial system designed to infiltrate and bind to degenerated cartilage, fortifying and stabilizing the tissue. We are investigating the impact of this system on multi-scale biphasic mechanics, as well as the mechanotransduction of endogenous chondrocytes.

Marrow stimulation is a one of the most common repair augmentation procedures, and fills the tissue defect with a clot rich in stem cells . This treatment often results in inferior fibrocartilage that is not sustained long-term. We are studying the early behavior of recruited marrow cells and their commitment towards the formation of fibrous tissue. Furthermore, an in-depth look at the mechano-transduction within this clot environment will help recognize what drives the formation of fibrous tissue, and inform biomaterial strategies to regenerate functional cartilage tissue.

Tissue engineers have often recreated the biology of load-bearing tissues such as the meniscus; in order to obtain adequate mechanical properties, engineers and scientists have turned to composite scaffolds and suture repair techniques. These microenvironments utilize reinforcing polymeric fibers within a secondary softer biologic substrate. The early response of cells encapsulated in these scaffolds are not well-studied and may govern long-term results.

(Collaboration with Dr. Jason Bariteau)

In cases of severe ankle osteoarthritis (OA), surgeons will often fuse the ankle fusion, merging the bones together, improving pain in patients. One of the most common complications following this procedure is non-union of the ankle joint. Thus, our goal is to utilize osteogenic small molecules to improves fusion outcomes and prevent non-union.