Research Members:
T. Murakami, Y. Murakami, S. Hirokawa, A. Takahara, Y. Sawae, Y. Nakanishi,
K. Nakashima, H. Miura, K. Koyano, Y. Matsushita

Aims
(1) Elucidation of the various important facts such as the relation between mechanical properties and structure,
and the role of mechanical stimuli on the remodeling of biological tissues.
(2) Evaluation of actual performance of biomaterials and medical devices such as joint prostheses and dental implants
(3) Optimum design of medical devices and implants
(4) Construction of mutual information network

Research subjects
(1) Measurement of mechanical properties and elucidation of remodeling process in biological tissues
(a) Analyses of microstructure of trabecular bones by means of X-ray micro-CT
Ultra-micro-indentation test of cortical and mandibular bones
(b) Analyses of three-dimensional deformation and stress distribution in a computationa model of human ligaments
Evaluation of mechanical properties of ligaments in two-directional tensile tests
(c) Measurement of surface topography by means of AFM (atomic force microscopy)
Deformation of articular cartilage and chondrocyte in compression
(d) Changes in bone remodeling by loading condition
Influence of mechanical stimuli on resorptive activity of osteoclast

(2) Evaluation of performance and biocompatibility of biomaterials and implants in simulated biological environments
(a) Evaluation of adsorption of proteins, lipids and cells on biomaterials
(b) Evaluation of artificial joint materials and joint prostheses in multi-directional sliding testers and simulators
Contact stress analyses of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene by finite element method
Application of polyvinylalcohol (PVA) hydrogel as artificial cartilage
Clinical evaluation of joint prostheses
(c) Evaluation of mechanical performance of dental implants
Evaluation of the loosening of screw for dental implants in masticatory simulator.