Student Projects

ETH Zurich uses SiROP to publish and search scientific projects. For more information visit sirop.org.

Automated kinematic estimation of the knee joint using deep learning

Knee kinematics is critical for diagnosing pathologies such as osteoarthritis and providing guidance for implant design. Estimating knee kinematics requires aligning a model with a target X-ray image. This estimation process, often implemented by human labor, can be very time-consuming. This research aims to use a deep learning network to estimate the pose (kinematics) from X-ray images, partially replacing manual labor. Such a network should predict a pose from a current fluoroscopic image. By the end of this project, a robust pipeline should be completed, achieving baseline performance to provide convincing pose estimation for images from different modalities (single-plane system & dual-plane system; natural bone model & implant model).

Keywords

X-ray; Computational method; Medical image; Image registration; Rendering.

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Semester Project , Internship , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)

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Published since: 2024-03-24 , Earliest start: 2024-03-31

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Organization Taylor Group / Dual-Plane Fluoroscope

Hosts Wang Jinhao

Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology

Investigating infrared thermography for diagnosing spinal deformities

Spinal deformities are omnipresent and difficult to assess and monitor accurately. One of the most prevalent spinal deformities in children and adolescents is scoliosis, a three-dimensional deformation of the spine. To date, the standard approach for assessing and monitoring scoliosis is biplanar radiography using ionizing radiation. Thermal imaging has been investigated as a non-invasive adjunctive assessment method, as the scoliotic back shows a typical thermal asymmetry between contralateral sides. In this project, the usefulness and accuracy of thermal imaging in the context of spine assessment will be investigated and evaluated.

Keywords

Thermal imaging, thermography, Python, 3D scanning, X-ray, scoliosis, spine deformity, sensor fusion

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Internship , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)

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Published since: 2024-03-20 , Earliest start: 2024-04-01 , Latest end: 2024-12-20

Organization Functional Spinal Biomechanics

Hosts Bertsch Martin

Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology

Machine Learning with little data: PCE on agent-based model of osteoporosis and its treatments

Combine two exploding fields in computer science: machine learning and agent-based modelling. Based on preclinical and in vitro studies of cell behaviour and cytokine reaction-diffusion and mechanical tests we have generated an in-house biofidelic agent-based model of the human skeleton and its response to diseases and their treatments. This model reproduces the effects of several widely used osteoporosis treatments on key parameters used to quantify fracture risk. This rule-based approach involves studying bone mechanobiology at the cell scale and extrapolating this to millions of cells at the tissue scale to understand the pharmacokinetics of treatments and identify possible new therapies and approaches to patient-specific treatment. An alternative approach to in silico prediction of response to treatment is a supervised learning approach where we simply input baseline and follow-up bone scans to a CNN with twelve layers constructed using keras. We then attempt to dive into the black box and quantify what characteristics of the input govern the response of our model. The issue is the clinical data is not big enough to do this well so we use the agent-based model as input to the ML approach to construct a proxy model! This also helps us understand, validate and quantify the uncertainty in the agent-based model. To decide which runs of the agent-based model to use as input to the ML approach to construct the proxy model we use polynomial chaos expansion.

Keywords

machine learning, artificial intelligence, uncertainty quantification, polynomial chaos expansion, agent-based modelling, bone mechanobiology, osteoporosis, patient-specific treatment, personalized medicine, innovation, therapy, medical research, fragility, fractures

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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis

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Published since: 2024-03-19 , Earliest start: 2024-04-01 , Latest end: 2025-01-01

Applications limited to ETH Zurich , EPFL - Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne , Empa , Eawag , Paul Scherrer Institute , University of Zurich , Wyss Translational Center Zurich , Zurich University of Applied Sciences , Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics , Swiss National Science Foundation , Balgrist Campus , Berner Fachhochschule , CERN , Corporates Switzerland , CSEM - Centre Suisse d'Electronique et Microtechnique , Department of Quantitative Biomedicine , Hochschulmedizin Zürich , IBM Research Zurich Lab , Institute for Research in Biomedicine , Sirm Institute for Regenerative Medicine , Università della Svizzera italiana , Université de Neuchâtel , University of Basel , University of Berne , University of Fribourg , University of Geneva , University of Lausanne , University of Lucerne , University of St. Gallen , RWTH Aachen University , Ludwig Maximilians Universiy Munich , University of Cambridge , University of Oxford , UCL - University College London , Imperial College London , Delft University of Technology , Maastricht Science Programme , IDEA League

Organization Müller Group / Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics

Hosts Ledoux Charles

Topics Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Biology

A Personalized Bone Organoid Diagnostic Framework for Predicting Drug Response in Children with Rare Bone Diseases

Rare genetic disorders are defined by a prevalence of fewer than 1/2000 people, are chronic and affect patients throughout their lifespan. Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heterogeneous group of rare genetic bone disorders. OI is a debilitating condition that involves impaired mobility, high fracture incidence and subsequent limb deformities. No treatment exists today that targets the underlying abnormal collagen structure and organization. The mainstay in pediatric care of OI remains antiresorptive therapy with bisphosphonates, despite concerns of long-term effects on depressed bone turnover. While antiresorptive monoclonal antibody treatments are currently undergoing clinical trials in children and young adults, anabolic treatments that directly increase bone formation are currently approved for adults only and decrease in efficacy over a relatively short time span. The experience with these drugs in OI therapy is limited, as clinical studies are still ongoing.

Keywords

bone organoid, diagnostics, bone diseases, 3D bioprinting, personalized medicine

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Semester Project , Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)

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Published since: 2024-03-15 , Earliest start: 2023-11-01 , Latest end: 2024-07-31

Organization Müller Group / Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics

Hosts Schädli Gian Nutal

Topics Engineering and Technology

Unraveling Calcium Dynamics and Immune Interactions in Bone Graft Substitute Environments through Advanced Ratiometric Imaging

This project endeavors to explore the dynamic interplay among calcium ions, bone graft substitutes, and resident immune cells in both orthotopic and ectopic environments, employing advanced ratiometric imaging techniques.

Keywords

Bone Graft Substitute, Calcium, Ratiometric Imaging, Immune Cells, in vitro, in vivo, Intravital Microscopy

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Semester Project , Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis

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Published since: 2024-03-12 , Earliest start: 2024-04-01 , Latest end: 2024-12-31

Organization Müller Group / Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics

Hosts Wissmann Stefanie

Topics Engineering and Technology , Biology

Advancing Spinal Fusion Surgery Predictions

Join us in this exciting project that seeks to contribute to the improvement of spinal fusion surgery. This project offers the chance to develop and validate an advanced pipeline based on finite element modeling, other mechanical modeling approaches and computer vision. By leveraging a comprehensive dataset of pre- and postoperative CT scans, you'll have the opportunity to closely collaborate with clinicians and research engineers, ensuring the real-world applicability of your work.

Keywords

Biomechanical modeling, finite element modeling, orthopedics, medical imaging, biomedical engineering, personalized medicine

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Semester Project , Internship , Master Thesis

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Published since: 2024-03-11 , Earliest start: 2024-03-18 , Latest end: 2024-11-30

Organization Snedeker Group / Laboratory for Orthopaedic Biomechanics

Hosts Götschi Tobias

Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology

Development of a Heterocellular Human Bone Organoid for Precision Medicine and Treatment

Our goal is to establish a heterocellular 3D printed bone organoid model comprising all major bone cell types (osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteoclasts) to recapitulate bone remodeling units in an in vitro system. The organoids will be produced with the human cells, as they could represent human pathophysiology better than animal models, and eventually could replace them. These in vitro models could be used in the advancement of next-generation personalised treatment strategies. Our tools are different kinds of 3D bioprinting platforms, bio-ink formulations, hydrogels, mol-bioassays, and time-lapsed image processing of micro-CT scans.

Keywords

3D printing, bone organoids, co-culture, bioreactor, hydrogels, drug testing

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Semester Project , Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)

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Published since: 2024-03-08 , Earliest start: 2022-08-01 , Latest end: 2024-08-31

Organization Müller Group / Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics

Hosts Steffi Chris

Topics Engineering and Technology , Biology

Investigation of gait performance and brain activity during walking in Parkinson’s patients

Parkinson's disease is a prevalent neurodegenerative condition in individuals over 60 years old. It results from impaired dopaminergic cells in the basal ganglia, leading to gait disturbances and reduced independence. While treatment options like dopamine replacement therapies and Deep-Brain Stimulation (DBS) exist, not all patients benefit from DBS. The lack of reliable biomarkers hampers understanding of surgical outcomes. A new DBS device enables wireless recording of subcortical brain activity, offering novel insights into Parkinson's subcortical activity. To explore personalized therapies, this study will measure the gait performance, neuro-activities like deep brain activity as well as electroencephalography (EEG) during walking in Parkinson's patients. Combining cortical (EEG) and subcortical (DBS) recordings aim to investigate comprehensive brain activity during pathological gait.

Keywords

Parkinson's disease, Gait, EEG, EMG

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Semester Project , Collaboration , Internship , Lab Practice , Master Thesis

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Published since: 2024-03-07 , Earliest start: 2023-09-01

Organization Neuromuscular Biomechanics

Hosts Mei Zhongke

Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Information, Computing and Communication Sciences

Unravelling the spatial and biomechanical dynamic of fracture healing in mice

Fracture healing is a complex process that involves inflammation, angiogenesis, and bone remodeling. The remodelling process helps maintain bone density, repair micro-damage that occurs due to everyday activities, and adapt bones to the specific needs of an individual's body. Mechanical loading is a crucial factor in the regulation of fracture healing. The forces and strains experienced by the bone during everyday activities influence the cellular responses, callus formation, bone deposition, remodelling, and, ultimately, the successful recovery of the fractured bone. The mechanisms underlying spatial cell reorganization during loading, which contributes to fracture healing, remain unclear. The project aims to investigate and explore the fracture healing process of mice using spatial transcriptome changes in response to mechanical loading. By shedding light on this aspect, the project aims to contribute to the broader understanding of fracture healing and potentially pave the way for more effective treatment strategies in the future.

Keywords

Spatial transcriptomics, Dimensionality reduction, Spatial expression pattern, Spatial interaction, Cell Segmentation and Visualization, Fracture healing, Bone

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IDEA League Student Grant (IDL) , Semester Project , Course Project , Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , ETH for Development (ETH4D) (ETHZ) , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)

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Published since: 2024-03-07 , Earliest start: 2024-03-07 , Latest end: 2024-08-01

Organization Müller Group / Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics

Hosts Singh Amit

Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Mathematical Sciences , Information, Computing and Communication Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Biology , Physics

Exploring the 3D Mineralization Behavior in Material-Induced Osteoinduction Through a Multiscale Micro-CT Imaging Approach

The project aims at investigating material-induced osteoinduction using the available mouse model of orthotopic or ectopic bone graft substitute application. Through the 3D-3D registration of ex vivo and in vivo multiscale micro-CT images, crucial 3D mineralization of the BGS can be investigated.

Keywords

Femur, Bone Graft Substitute, Critical Size Defect, Osteoinduction, in vivo, micro-CT, 3D-3D Image Registration, Image Analysis, Image Processing, Python, Computational

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Semester Project , Bachelor Thesis

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Published since: 2024-03-06 , Earliest start: 2024-04-01 , Latest end: 2024-12-31

Organization Müller Group / Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics

Hosts Lindenmann Sara

Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology

Computational design of the articulating surfaces of a motion preserving spinal implant

Following trauma or due to degeneration it can be necessary to replace one or more intervertebral discs with an implant, a so-called Total Disc Replacement (TDR). Such devices enable motion though surfaces articulating against each other. While this treatment is clinically successful, it is connected to considerable complication and reoperation rates. Therefore, we are optimizing the design of such an implant to address these issues. While many different designs and design types have been proposed and are used in clinical practice, there is no consensus on what design or design type is the most beneficial. However, it is hypothesized, that replicating the situation that is present in healthy (asymptomatic) subjects as closely as possible, is optimal. Since the motions of the cervical spine are coupled (coupling of rotation and translation as well as multiple rotations) the optimal design of the articulating surfaces is not obvious. Therefore, this master’s thesis project aims at designing the implants articulating surfaces using parametric design optimization in LS-OPT based on finite element simulations.

Keywords

Computational, FEM, finite element method, simulation, mechanics, biomechanics, design, optimization

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Master Thesis

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Published since: 2024-03-05 , Earliest start: 2024-04-01 , Latest end: 2024-09-30

Organization Bone Pathologies and Treatment

Hosts Kölle Lucia

Topics Engineering and Technology

Quantification of Dynamic Sitting Behavior Using Pressure Distribution and IMU Sensors

Everyone sits. We spend more time seated than sleeping or walking, and today's human behavior shows this trend is growing. Moovtech technology aims to help recover from sedentary back pain as well as strengthen core and spinal muscles to prevent future health issues. The Moovlab technology (Moovtech) and the revolutionary PVOT dynamic motion chair show high potential for improving people's lives and health, as well as potentially stimulating brain activity and work productivity. Additionally, sitting on a PVOT chair during work hours (home office or corporate setting) has the potential to prevent chronic pains in the long term. The motion initiated by Moovtech simulates pelvic movement when walking. The aim of this internship is to equip this innovative office chair with sensor technology to analyze the sitting behavior and usage of this novel chair. This work will serve as the foundation for planning a larger study and understanding the expected data outcomes.

Keywords

sitting behavior, IMU, pressure distribution, low back pain, dynamic sitting

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Published since: 2024-02-29 , Earliest start: 2024-02-29 , Latest end: 2024-09-30

Organization Sports Biomechanics Group

Hosts Zemp Roland, Dr.

Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology

Investigating compromised bone fracture healing in mouse models using time-lapsed in vivo CT imaging and histological analysis.

Delayed bone healing or failed non-unions account for 5 – 10% of all bone fractures and present a challenging problem in regenerative medicine. The impact of delayed unions or non-unions can be devastating with prolonged rehabilitation, decreased quality of life and significant health care costs. Our lab has conducted fracture healing studies in young and prematurely-aged mouse models with different defect sizes. The aim of this project is to analyse data from mice which exhibit delayed unions and non-unions.

Keywords

Bone, Fracture Healing, Image Processing, Histology

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Semester Project , Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis

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Published since: 2024-02-23 , Earliest start: 2024-02-01 , Latest end: 2025-02-01

Organization Müller Group / Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics

Hosts Mathavan Neashan

Topics Engineering and Technology

Agent-based modelling of bone regeneration in ageing populations

Are you a motivated Bachelor's or Master's student willing to learn and develop a micro-Mulitphysics Agent-Based (micro-MPA) model to predict adaptation and regeneration of aged bone? This project offers an opportunity to gain valuable work experience in computational modelling within a highly interdisciplinary Lab.

Keywords

agent-based, machine learning, artificial intelligence, modelling, bone mechanobiology, ageing, personalized medicine, medical research, biomechanics

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Semester Project , Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)

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Published since: 2024-02-21 , Earliest start: 2024-02-19 , Latest end: 2024-09-30

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Organization Müller Group / Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics

Hosts Kendall Jack

Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Biology

Establishing Volumetrically Bioprinted Human In Vitro Bone Organoid Models

Laboratory-grown miniature bones (organoids) can facilitate the investigation of the biology in healthy and diseased human bone, thereby replacing animal experiments and providing a mechanistic understanding of bone remodeling. The goal of this research is to establish an in vitro technique for volumetric 3D bioprinting of structurally complex human bone organoids. This bone organoid has the potential to enable studying human bone remodeling in the laboratory without the need for animal models.

Keywords

volumetric bioprinting, hydrogels, bone tissue engineering, bone remodeling

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Semester Project , Internship , Master Thesis

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Published since: 2024-02-12 , Earliest start: 2024-01-03 , Latest end: 2024-12-23

Organization Müller Group / Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics

Hosts de Bregje

Topics Engineering and Technology , Biology

Screening Microenvironmental Cues for In Vitro Human Bone Models

3D in vitro models provide a valuable way to study human biology without using animals. However, these models are primarily based on poorly defined animal-derived hydrogels, such as Matrigel or collagen. This limits our detailed understanding of cell-material interactions in bone development, maintenance, and repair. Importantly, these mechanisms are often disrupted in various bone diseases, highlighting the needs for more advanced in vitro models.

Keywords

biomaterials, hydrogels, in vitro models, tissue engineering

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Published since: 2024-02-12 , Earliest start: 2023-10-01 , Latest end: 2024-02-29

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Organization Müller Group / Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics

Hosts Qin Xiao-Hua, Prof. Dr. , Horrer Marion

Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Chemistry , Biology

Using musical cues to assess risk of fall of older adults in outdoor environments

Currently, individuals at risk of falling are identified through clinic- and lab-based assessment of gait and movement function. These tests evaluate changes in motor skills in a steady environment free of disturbances, while most falls occur during real life environments with disturbances such as obstacles and uneven walking surfaces, thus they are not precise enough for the quantification of fall risk. A sensitive marker for fall risk can therefore be identified through assessing walking behavior in real-life.

Keywords

fall risk, biomechanics, sensors, wearables, music

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Semester Project , Internship , Master Thesis , ETH Zurich (ETHZ)

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Published since: 2024-02-08 , Earliest start: 2024-02-01 , Latest end: 2024-12-31

Organization Neuromuscular Biomechanics

Hosts Ravi Deepak

Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology

Towards mitigating fall risk in older adults using auditory noise stimulation

Current approaches available to mitigate fall risk in older adults have prejudiced emphasis on a) protective equipment such as walking aids, footwear etc., b) environmental modification b) physical therapy and exercise programs. Despite the efforts, the world’s population is ageing and falling in older adults are on the rise. As such, development of more effective interventions for reducing fall risk is a global research priority. Our team is working on a new approach based on auditory noise stimulation for inducing improvement in balance during walking and ultimately to reduce fall-risk in older adults.

Keywords

fall risk, balance, auditory noise stimulation, muscle activity

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Semester Project , Internship , Master Thesis

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Published since: 2024-02-08 , Earliest start: 2024-02-01 , Latest end: 2024-12-31

Organization Neuromuscular Biomechanics

Hosts Ravi Deepak

Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology

Using predictive musculoskeletal modelling to understand the impact of foot kinematics on the knee joint loading during walking.

We will use predictive musculoskeletal modelling tools to understand the impact of foot kinematics (ankle plantar/dorsi flexion) on the knee joint loading during gait.

Keywords

Knee, biomechanics, musculoskeletal modelling, predictive

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Master Thesis

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Published since: 2024-01-29 , Earliest start: 2024-02-01 , Latest end: 2025-01-31

Organization Computational Biomechanics

Hosts Hosseini Seyyed

Topics Engineering and Technology

Advanced Scaffold Fabrication for Articular Cartilage Regeneration: Combining Aligned Electrospinning and Melt-Electrowriting Techniques

This study focuses on osteoarthritis (OA), a prevalent musculoskeletal condition affecting millions of adults globally. OA, characterized as degenerative joint disease, arises from stress and abnormalities within various synovial joint tissues, leading to cartilage and bone breakdown, resulting in pain, stiffness, and functional impairment. Biomedical applications seek solutions, where solution electrospinning (SES) is employed to create nanofibrous scaffolds with tunable 3D structures. The project's goal is to achieve aligned electrospun fibers mimicking the parallel arrangement of collagen types II and IV in articular cartilage. Contrary to traditional methods, fiber alignment is pursued using isolation gaps on a flat collector rather than high rotational speeds. Optimal alignment sets the stage for melt-electrowriting (MEW), a captivating technique to deposit multiscale fibrous scaffolds atop the electrospun matrix, replicating the layered architecture of cartilage. MEW involves extruding a viscous polymer melt via a syringe under an electric field onto a mobile collector, enabling the construction of intricate micro-sized structures. This innovative approach holds promise for fabricating biomimetic materials for OA therapy and beyond.

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Semester Project , Internship , Master Thesis

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Published since: 2024-01-19 , Earliest start: 2023-09-18

Organization Tissue Mechanobiology

Hosts Bissacco Elisa

Topics Engineering and Technology

Enhancing Cell Compatibility of Melt-Electrowritten and Electrospun PCL Scaffolds for Articular Cartilage Regeneration: Investigating the Influence of NaOH Treatment

Osteoarthritis (OA), a prevalent musculoskeletal condition affecting over 32.5 million US adults, is characterized by the degeneration of synovial joints. This slow-progressing disorder results in pain, stiffness, and functional disability due to the breakdown of joint tissues. Electrospinning (SES) and Melt-Electrowriting (MEW) are established methods for crafting nanofibrous Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) constructs for articular cartilage regeneration. However, the hydrophobic nature of PCL hinders favorable cell interaction. This study explores the wet chemical method's potential to enhance PCL surface wettability through partial hydrolysis. By adjusting NaOH concentration and treatment time, we aim to investigate the impact on PCL scaffold morphology, hydrophilicity, and cell viability. The findings may contribute to improving the efficacy of electrospun and melt-electrowritten scaffolds for articular cartilage regeneration.

Keywords

Electrospinning Melt-Electrowriting PCL Articular Cartilage Tissue Engineering Cell culture

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Published since: 2024-01-19

Organization Tissue Mechanobiology

Hosts Bissacco Elisa

Topics Engineering and Technology

Human Organoid-on-Chip to Study Rare Bone Disease

To date, there is still very limited progress in developing organoid models for human musculoskeletal tissues such as bone. A major challenge is reconstructing the native bone microenvironment which is structurally and functionally complex. In this project, we leverage interdisciplinary advances in tissue engineering and microtechnologies to generate a microengineered bone-organoid-on-chip platform for both fundamental and translational research in medicine.

Keywords

microfluidics, 3D cell culture, bone, disease modeling, hydrogels

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Published since: 2024-01-17 , Earliest start: 2024-02-01 , Latest end: 2025-03-31

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Organization Müller Group / Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics

Hosts Zauchner Doris , Qin Xiao-Hua, Prof. Dr.

Topics Engineering and Technology , Chemistry , Biology

Evaluation of different saddle seats / office chairs by assessing the pressure distribution and comfort

A leading office furniture manufacturer is in the process of innovating a new saddle stool, designed to enhance ergonomic seating. The Laboratory for Movement Biomechanics at ETH Zurich is closely supporting this new development and is designing a user study with 30 participants. This study focuses on examining the pressure distribution and comfort levels provided by this new seating solution compared to other models of saddle stools currently on the market. Alongside this practical assessment, a literature review will be conducted to explore the pros and cons of saddle stools. The insights generated from this review will be integrated with the outcomes of the empirical study. The aim is to offer a comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness and potential applications of these ergonomic seating solutions in workplace environments.

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Semester Project , Internship , Bachelor Thesis , Master Thesis

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Published since: 2024-01-04 , Earliest start: 2024-01-07 , Latest end: 2024-12-31

Organization Taylor Group / Laboratory for Movement Biomechanics

Hosts Zemp Roland, Dr.

Topics Medical and Health Sciences

Developing Phototunable Hydrogel Systems

Photochemical reactions are playing an increasing role in tissue engineering and biofabrication fields. Phototunable hydrogel with programmed properties that allow controlling cell behaviors spatiotemporally. This project aims to develop a series of photosensitive hydrogel precursors and study their structure-property relationship systematically.

Keywords

Photosensitive hydrogels, photochemistry, synthesis, biomaterials, tissue engineering

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Semester Project , Master Thesis

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Published since: 2023-11-07 , Earliest start: 2023-11-01 , Latest end: 2024-06-01

Organization Müller Group / Laboratory for Bone Biomechanics

Hosts Qiu Wanwan

Topics Medical and Health Sciences , Engineering and Technology , Chemistry

Internship at Schulthess Klinik // Acoustic emissions of the knee

The current gold-standard for the assessment of knee OA is the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grading system based on plain radiography. It is WHO standard since 1961 but it does not evaluate cartilage, only the whole joint aspect. A potential biomarker of early OA is acoustic emissions (AE), particularly for the knee joint where poorly lubricated moving joint surfaces generate abnormal sounds. Our preliminary data suggests that a combined approach of motion and AE analysis may enable a non-invasive early diagnosis of OA. We are now running a large cohort study to further explore the potential of AE analysis to diagnose OA at earlier stages. We will develop a reference database in a subpopulation at risk of developing OA which will include AE/motion recordings with InModi and gold standard modalities such as radiographic (MRI / x-rays) and patient-reported outcomes for reference. Furthermore, in patients who undergo total knee replacements, the tibia plateaus will be collected and microCT scanned to further characterize the possible anatomic features at the origin of acoustic emissions. We have opportunities for internship and Master projects starting December 2023 until July 2024.

Keywords

Osteoarthritis, acoustic emissions, motion, clinical research, data analysis, microCT

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Published since: 2023-10-30 , Earliest start: 2023-12-01 , Latest end: 2024-07-31

Organization Bone Pathologies and Treatment

Hosts Stadelmann Vincent

Topics Medical and Health Sciences

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