Creating new devices to test the mechanical properties of soft tissues in living organisms
Development of remotely actuated deformable membranes for in situ mechanical testing of soft tissue
This study is testing a new device that can safely measure how soft tissues in the body respond to pressure while still inside a living person, which could help doctors better understand and treat conditions like thick scars and liver problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10708754 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel device that can measure the mechanical properties of soft tissues in real-time within living organisms. By using a remotely actuated deformable membrane, the researchers aim to apply controlled stress to tissues and observe their responses using advanced imaging techniques like high-frequency ultrasound. This approach seeks to overcome the limitations of traditional ex vivo testing methods, allowing for a better understanding of how soft tissues behave in health and disease. Ultimately, the goal is to improve diagnostics and treatment options for conditions such as hypertrophic scars and liver fibrosis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from conditions like hypertrophic scars or liver fibrosis.
Not a fit: Patients with stable soft tissue conditions or those not experiencing any mechanical dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for patients with soft tissue disorders.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using remotely actuated membranes for in vivo testing is innovative, similar methodologies in biomechanics have shown promise in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
West Lafayette, United States
- Purdue University — West Lafayette, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Buganza Tepole, Adrian — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Buganza Tepole, Adrian
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.