CAREER: Interfacing and Integrating Life-Sciences and Solid-Mechanics

生命科学和固体力学的结合和整合密苏里大学罗拉分校机械工程的温启德博士将固体力学纳入生命科学，以补充传统的生物化学方法，并为工程研究开辟新的领域。研究人工眼、猪眼、人眼和人工晶状体的微观力学和微观结构，将增进对眼调节机制、老花眼、白内障人工晶体、糖尿病视网膜脱离等方面的基础认识和生物技术发展。对单细胞和薄生物膜的力学表征将提高对细胞如何变形和粘连形成多细胞聚集体，最终形成三维组织的理解。这项工作深入研究了干细胞软骨发生、形态发生和发育生物学的力学方面。将在各医学院和医院进行理论建模和实验。这个跨学科和跨机构的项目促进了机械界和生物医学界之间的合作。一项教育计划在工程和医学院推广以生命科学为基础的固体力学。

Interfacing and Integrating Life-Sciences and Solid-Mechanics Dr. Kai-tak Wan, Mechanical Engineering, University of Missouri-RollaSolid-mechanics is incorporated into life-sciences to complement the conventional biochemical approach and to open new grounds for engineering research. Investigations in micro-mechanics and micro-structure of artificial, porcine and human eyes and ocular lenses will enhance fundamental understanding and bio-technology development in ophthalmic accommodation mechanics, presbyopia, prosthetic lenses for cataract eyes, retina detachment due to diabetes etc. Mechanical characterization of single cells and thin biomembranes will improve understanding in how cells deform and adhere to form multi-cell aggregate and ultimately 3-dimensional tissues. The work delves into the mechanical aspects of stem cell chondrogenesis, morphogenesis and developmental biology. Theoretical modeling and experimentation will be carried out at various medical schools and hospitals. The trans-disciplinary and inter-institutional project forges collaboration between mechanics and biomedical communities. An education program promotes Life-Science based Solid-Mechanics in engineering and medical schools.