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Structure / Function Bioengineering Core The purpose of the Structure/Function Bioengineering Core facility is to provide five unique services to investigators in the Core Research Center:
The majority of the Core is maintained within the Orthopaedic Research Laboratories housed in the 400 North Ingalls Building of the Medical School. The Raman Spectroscopy unit is located in the laboratory of Dr. Michael Morris in the W.H. Dow Chemical Sciences building. Many services of the Structure/Function Core are somewhat unique. While the methods/services provided appear to be easily described, they are by definition, customized for each project and investigator. For example, the hierarchical approach to quantifying the biomechanical and morphologic phenotype of transgenic and knock-out animals was pioneered by the laboratory. This capability forms the backbone of the service that is available to Center members. The Raman imaging capabilities are similarly unique. The specific protocols for microspectroscopy and imaging are developed for each investigator/user as a function of their specific aims and the method of specimen preparation. This analysis has never before been available to our bone research community. Details for the use of the Raman system are described separately, below. Services and Use of Core: The Core will operate by meeting with each investigator/user and designing analysis systems to support their research aims. Whether the questions relate to biomechanical tests of whole vertebra, cortical or trabecular tissue from the long bones, microarchitectural organization or microspectroscopic distribution, the Core will use existing systems or fabricate fixtures or transducers to support the studies. The Core will also provide bioengineering design, fabrication and testing of other materials, including cell and organ cultures. For more information: Structure Function Core contact: Dr. Steve Goldstein |
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