Research Focus
The BOBL is a translational research group dedicated to solving complex orthopedic challenges by integrating fundamental Bone Tissue Science with Evidence-Based Clinical Practice. Our work is organized around three interconnected pillars that guide discovery from the micro-scale to clinical application.
1. Quantitative Tissue Biomechanics
This pillar focuses on identifying the mechanical and structural origins of musculoskeletal diseases. We utilize advanced engineering and quantitative analysis to understand how bone and cartilage tissues fail, serving as the essential foundation for diagnostic and prognostic tool development.
Core Focus: Investigating bone's structural integrity, mineralization patterns, and tissue composition as early-stage pathology biomarkers for osteoarthritis (OA) and fracture risk.
Key Techniques: Advanced Imaging (microCT, SEM), Spectroscopy (Raman, NMR), Mechanical Testing (Nanoindentation, Micro-tension), and Computational Modeling (Finite Element Analysis, Mathematical Modeling).
Representative Projects:
Characterizing the ratio of collagen cross-links and mineral maturity to predict the mechanical behavior of pediatric cortical bone (relevant to greenstick fractures).
Investigating subchondral bone alterations in novel mouse models of post-traumatic OA.
Developing theoretical models to predict osteoblast genetic regulatory networks controlling bone mineralization and tissue adaptation under mechanical loading.
2. Orthopedic Translation & Clinical Evidence
Leveraging Dr. Berteau's clinical background in Physical Therapy, this pillar translates biomechanical findings into practical, evidence-based tools for clinicians. Our goal is to ensure that rehabilitation strategies are optimized and supported by the highest standard of scientific rigor.
Core Focus: Developing and evaluating effective, non-invasive rehabilitation strategies for pain management and functional improvement in patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions.
Key Techniques: Clinical trials, Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis, Clinical Outcomes Modeling, and Therapeutic Device Parameter Optimization.
Representative Projects:
Clinical trials, and systematic narrative reviews assessing the efficacy of various physical therapy modalities (e.g., electrical stimulation, exercise, tele-rehabilitation) for OA pain management.
Evaluation of the effectiveness and delivery of tele-rehabilitation compared to office-based care.
Optimizing electrical stimulation and bracing parameters using computational models to maximize therapeutic benefit in conditions like scoliosis and knee OA.
3. Comparative Mechanobiology & Biomaterials
This research area uses highly adapted non-mammalian models to uncover fundamental principles of tissue mechanics and bio-architecture that can be applied to human health and engineering.
Core Focus: Studying the unique mechanical properties of teleost fish intermuscular bones to understand how nature achieves high ductility and resilience. These insights inform the design of next-generation orthopedic biomaterials.
Key Techniques: Synchrotron analysis, Comparative Biomechanics, Advanced Chemical Characterization (NMR), and Analysis of Bone Adaptation.
Representative Projects:
Investigating the role of long-chain fatty acids and mineralization patterns in fish bone to explain its remarkable deformability.
Identifying potential biomimetic blueprints for designing novel, tougher bone substitute materials or orthopedic implants.
Studying bone remodeling and adaptation under simulated microgravity and loading interventions in juvenile mouse models.
