The Ong Lab is developing an implantable device to study the relationship between fluid flow and bone regeneration, aiming to apply it therapeutically. The device uses magnetohydrodynamics, leveraging Lorentz force to generate fluid flow. This force and the resulting fluid velocity depend on the electric field, fluid conductivity, and magnetic field. The device addresses current technological limitations, allowing us to directly study the relationship between fluid flow and bone regeneration in vivo. It will clarify the role of fluid flow in bone fractures and provide a platform that can support the development of new therapeutic devices to effectively treat long bone fractures and reduce healing time. Moreover, a device that provides bone regeneration without the need for mobility will be beneficial to the elderly and those with multiple injuries that are not able to start rehabilitation protocols soon after surgical procedures.

Related Publications:

Gebreyesus, E. A., Park, A., Guldberg, R. E., & Ong, K. G. (2023). In vitro magnetohydrodynamics system for modulating cell migration. Biomedical Physics & Engineering Express, 9(2), 025007.