Mechanobiological adaptation in the craniofacial complex

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Engineers often turn to nature for design inspiration. My research program investigates novel properties in the soft tissues surrounding bones that contribute to sensing mechanical deformation, damping physiological loads, as well as deformation- and direction-dependent permeability. Here, my investigations will focus on i) the periosteum - a fibrous sheath surrounding bones - and ii) the dentoalveolar joint - where the soft periodontal ligament (PDL) connects the tooth to the jaw bone. The long-term goals of this research program are to improve our fundamental knowledge surrounding the mechanobiology of mineralized tissues and to inspire the design of engineering materials with novel properties. As a first step towards these long-term goals, my research program will address the following three aims: Objective 1: Investigate the structure and mechanical behavior of the periosteum in relation to its role in bone adaptation and permeability characteristics. My hypothesis is that the periosteum will have a different structure (organization, morphology) and mechanical behavior at surfaces of active bone formation vs surfaces of inactive bone formation. Longer-term goal: Develop soft, transparent surface layers for engineering materials mimicking the sensing ability and permeability of the periosteum. Objective 2: Examine the multi-scale structure and mechanical behavior of the dentoalveolar joint in teeth with different functions. My hypothesis is that the multi-scale structure (morphology, microarchitecture, and material properties) of the dentoalveolar joint varies based on different functional patterns. Longer-term goal: Develop soft engineering joints with multi-scale design inspired by the dentoalveolar joint. Objective 3: Develop imaging protocols and analysis routines to quantify the complex morphology and microarchitecture of the craniofacial musculoskeletal system. My long-term hypothesis here is that functional loading patterns impact bone morphology and microarchitecture. Longer-term goal: Develop and validate computational models of the craniofacial musculoskeletal system.