Industry Research Center 

The Industry Research Center (IRC) partners with industry sponsors to conduct ground-breaking research in biomechanics, tissue engineering, and regenerative research. The IRC leverages the extensive experience (since 1979) of its Director (Jeffrey Lotz Ph.D.) in these areas and the resources and expertise of both the Orthopaedic Bioengineering Laboratory and the Laboratory for Orthopaedic Tissue Engineering and Regeneration. Besides Dr. Lotz’s expertise, he also understands the technology development process through his years of work in translational and comparative effectiveness research. With a dedicated Director of Operations, the IRC ensures quicker contracting, staff accessibility, and on-time project deliverables. 

Capabilities

Biomechanics - Uni- and multi-axial testing (MTS Bionix 858 & Bose Elf 3200), Moody Spine Simulator, material property characterization, failure analysis, internal stress analysis (Tekscan), three-dimensional motion tracking, tissue permeability (Permeameter), and in situ mechanical testing (BioDent 1000).

Cell Biology/Mechano-Biology - Cell and tissue culture (primary and established cell lines, 3D cultures and different scaffolds, compression or tension-loaded in vitro bioreactor), RNA and DNA extraction and isolation, gene array and sequencing, ELISA assays, protein extraction, protein detections (Western blot), PCR, and analysis of DNA, proteoglycan, and collagen content.

In Vivo Modeling - Rat tail disc degeneration model for device and drug testing; in-house small animal facilities (microsurgery room) and collaborations with large animal facilities UC Davis, ISIS, & LyChron.

Histology - Paraffin histology of soft tissue and decalcified bone, immunohistochemistry, glycomethlmethacrylate embedding, qualitative and quantitative histology analysis, and large-volume sectioning and staining.

Medical Imaging - DXA scanning, planar x-ray analysis, fluoroscopy (device insertion & during mechanical loading), quantitative computed tomography, and magnetic resonance images.

Surgical Samples - Access to and storage of surgical samples; gene array analysis, proteomics, matrix quantification, and metabolomics.