University of California-Irvine · Biomedical EngineeringTMJ Tissue Engineering and Immunoengineering Lab
Kyriacos A Athanasiou · Irvine, California
Research Focus
Dr. Kyriacos A. Athanasiou's lab at UC Irvine focuses on developing innovative treatments for injuries related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). They are exploring the use of engineered tissue implants, specifically neodisc constructs, that incorporate immune cells to enhance healing and reduce rejection by the body. This multidisciplinary approach aims to solve a pressing medical issue affecting millions and could lead to advancements in tissue engineering beyond TMJ applications.
tissue engineeringTMJimmune responsemacrophageschondrocytesbiomechanicsneodisc constructsimmunoengineeringallografting
Research Aims
3AIM 01Identify the best macrophage origin and conditions for enhancing TMJ neodisc constructs.
AIM 02Tune the mechanical environment to improve constructs through coculture with M2 macrophages.
AIM 03Test the healing effectiveness of the engineered neodisc in a minipig model for large TMJ disc defects.
Skills the Lab Values
cell culturemacrophage coculture techniquesmechanical testingbiochemical assaysscRNA-seqanimal modelsgrowth factor analysistissue engineeringdata analysis using Python
Output against the department
Publications518top 15% of dept.89th of 595
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations32ktop 8% of dept.49th of 595
this lab
most citedleast cited
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