Characterizing the mechanical properties and biological impact of implantable cartilage replacement gels

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Oligo Medic of Laval Quebec endeavors to provide biomaterial implants as cartilage replacements as**minimally invasive solutions to human clinical challenges. During aging and injury, these tissues can be**degraded, causing a loss in mobility and/or significant pain. These implants may replace more invasive**approaches such as joint replacements, and will potentially treat these changes to improve quality of life for**patients.**Theses mechanics of soft-tissues can be quite complex, and it has become well-established that**microenvironment mechanics can influence cell activity as much as temperature or pH. The biocompatibility**of these materials with cells hinges on quantifying these mechanics, characterizing cell biology in these implant**materials, and tuning the mechanics to achieve desired biological outcomes. Resolving the mechanics of these**materials and impact on cell activity is essential in developing effective impant treatment for orthopedic**patients, from sports medicine to geriatric therapy.**In this proposal, Professor Allen Ehrlicher and Dr Khavari from McGill are working together with Oligo Medic**to characterize the mechanics of these implant gels, the cell activity in them, and innovate new approaches to**modify their mechanics. Drs Ehrlicher & Khavari are experts in the material properties of cells and tissues,**while Oligo Medic has an established track record in novel implant material synthesis. This team expects that**their collaboration will provide insight into the biocompatibility of these implants, and how to optimize them**for human use. This will provide measurements as to how failing joints may be repaired, aiding medical**doctors in treating patients with joint disorders or trauma.