Abstract
This paper describes an independent study performed in the Spencer Lake lab in Musculoskeletal Soft Tissue Mechanics from August-December of the 2018-2019 academic year. The project was determining mechanical properties of mice ACL with different genetic makeups. Knowing mechanical properties is a major step to repairing torn ligaments in humans bringing them back to full strength and functionality using tissue engineering. Continuing research from over the Summer, a finalized dissection method and protocol for isolating a mouse ACL and performing mechanical testing was created. Outlined by month, this paper describes progress made overcoming challenges from exploring methods to determine ACL cross sectional area, keeping the ACL hydrated during testing, mounting ACL bone-ligament-bone bundle onto mechanical testing machine without damaging ACL, and making the mechanical testing process repeatable for other researchers to use.
Document Type
Final Report
Class Name
Mechanical Engineering and Material Sciences Independent Study
Date of Submission
12-19-2018
Recommended Citation
Bram, Zachary and Lake, Spencer, "Research timeline for exploring methods determining mechanical properties of the mouse anterior cruciate ligament" (2018). Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science Independent Study. 79.
https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/mems500/79