EAGER: Soft-Actuated Bionic Regenerative Engineering

该项目将开发一个用于治疗关节疾病的软机器人假肢模型系统。通过使用骨关节炎进展模型以及机械负荷如何影响疾病的发生、进展和消退，结合连续、顺应和可配置的假肢模型，研究团队将开发一种软体机器人假肢，该假肢能够基于植入的传感器实时响应关节在运动时不断变化的压力，从而实现最佳脱位以促进愈合。该研究将两种截然不同的概念和方法结合在一起：(1)机械力的操纵可以带来膝关节软骨的再生并治愈骨关节炎；(2)通过机器人系统的新使用，可以精确地确定力和精确地操纵膝关节环境，从而为膝关节的修复和再生提供证据。研究小组将评估膝关节骨性关节炎作为他们的测试平台，但该项目可能对其他肌肉骨骼疾病有深远的影响，如髋关节相关的骨关节炎，步态依赖性背部疼痛，以及其他从动态输入而不是静态控制中受益的疾病。工程生物活性软体机器人支架的开发将对肌肉骨骼再生领域产生革命性的影响，因为它不同于以往治疗骨关节炎的任何尝试。该方法是非侵入性的，对施加在关节上的物理负荷做出动态反应，根据关节疾病进展的实际程度进行通知，并且具有很高的成本效益。该项目是高风险的，但可能创造一个新的工程范式的治疗世界之一？最流行的疾病。该项目的成果将通过同行评议的出版物、会议记录、讲台演讲和海报展示，以及作为与所述工作相关的任何受邀章节或评论的内容，在更大的研究社区中共享。该奖项反映了美国国家科学基金会的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

This project will develop a model system of a soft-robotic prosthetic designed to treat joint disease. Through the use of models of osteoarthritis progression and how mechanical loading impacts disease onset, progression, and regression, combined with models of continuous, compliant and configurable prosthetics, the research team will develop a soft-robotic prosthetic that is capable of responding in real time, based on implanted sensors, to the changing pressures of the joint while moving, such that the optimal dislocation will be achieved to promote healing. The research brings together two radically different concepts and approaches: (1) that the manipulation of mechanical forces can bring about regeneration of the knee cartilage and be curative for osteoarthritis, and (2) through the novel use of a robotic system, precise determination of forces and precise manipulation of the knee joint environment can occur to provide evidence of repair and regeneration of the knee joint. The research team will evaluate knee osteoarthritis as their testbed, but the program could have far reaching capabilities for other musculoskeletal disorders like hip-related osteoarthritis, gait-dependent back pain, and other disorders that would benefit from dynamic input rather than static control. Development of an engineered bioactive soft-robotic brace would be transformative to the field of musculoskeletal regeneration, as it is unlike any previous attempt to treat osteoarthritis. The approach is non-invasive, responds dynamically to the physical loads imposed upon the joint, is informed by the actual extent of disease progression of the joint, and is highly cost-effective. The project is high-risk, but may create a new engineered paradigm for the treatment of one of the world?s most prevalent diseases. The results of this project will be shared amongst the greater research community through peer-reviewed publications, conference proceedings, podium presentations, and poster presentations, and as content of any invited chapters or reviews on topics germane to the work described.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.