We currently make glasses and glass ceramics with complex compositions, using different techniques. These include melting and quenching, sol-gel, and coprecipitation.

Silicate and phosphate glasses are in widespread use as biomaterials. They are able to form chemical bonds with bone, making them bioactive.

Phosphate glasses are resorbable. The resorption rate can match bone formation by using specific glass compositions. These glasses are biocompatible and have a positive effect on cell adhesion and proliferation.

We explore the use of bioactive and/or resorbable glasses for fabricating porous structures that can mimic the natural bone.

We investigate techniques for producing the macroporous scaffold. These rely on the use of polymers that burn during specific heat treatments, leaving a porous structure instead.

The pore structure depends on the:

• particle size of the glass
• heating process (temperature, time)
• polymer type and structure

We use polyurethane foams as a sacrificial template to fabricate highly porous scaffolds. The scaffolds have a porosity >70vol% and good mechanical properties.

We use biocompatible magnetic materials to treat cancer by magnetic induction hyperthermia.

This technique implants magnetic biomaterials in the cancer tissue. These materials generate heat under an alternating magnetic field, and the heat kills the cancer cells.

The temperature depends on:

• the properties of the material
• magnetic field parameters (intensity, frequency)
• tissue characteristics, such as blood flow, tissue density and conductivity, type of tumoral cells

We can load cancer drugs on the top of biomaterials. We do this by using appropriate surface functionalisation techniques. The drugs are then released locally into the cancerous tissue, increasing the efficiency of the cancer treatment.

Biomechanical modelling simulates the movement of the musculoskeletal system.

We explore various techniques to measure movement. These techniques include inertial sensors, force plates, pressure mats and video-based photogrammetric methods. We measure the external features of movement. For example, we measure ground reaction force and marker-based body segment displacements. We then use these measurements to model internal aspects of motion, such as joint and muscle action.

Key gait parameters are sensitive to abnormalities in the musculoskeletal system. In clinical gait analysis, we compare these parameters between different individuals.

Biomechanical modelling in human movement analysis research is complex. In livestock animals, quantitative lameness research is at an early stage. We are defining how gait reflects abnormalities.

Research at Newcastle University has focused on video-based 3D motion capture of pigs. We are investigating the gait of normal pigs and those with musculoskeletal abnormalities.

Using quantitative indicators of gait would provide:

• early detection of abnormalities
• automated monitoring of locomotive health in farm animals

We are investigating how the joints of spiders and insects work. We are using methods such as motion capture, force analysis, and medical imaging.

We analyse how these creatures move, as well as the joint differences between different species. We use these findings to develop novel engineering designs. These designs will create solutions to problems these creatures have evolved to overcome.

Titanium binds to bone and living tissue, so it doesn't need adhesive to remain attached to the bone. It is light in weight. It is strong and can withstand repeated load stresses. Titanium alloys are usually even stronger.

We investigate the mechanics of bone formed on titanium alloys.

Nanoindentation is also called instrumented indentation testing. An indentation test involves pressing a hard tip into a sample. We know the mechanical properties of the tip, but not of the sample. We use small loads and tip sizes in nanoindentation. The indentation areas measure in square micrometres or even nanometres.

Our research is producing better implants for the millions of people who will need them in the future.

We work with industry and clinicians. Together, we design new types of joint replacement, such as the award-winning VAIOS® shoulder which was first implanted in 2010.

We carry out research on failed artificial joints so that we can learn how they failed. Thus, we can redesign the implants to eliminate or minimise such causes of failure.

We work in conjunction with the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle. We examine failed knee joints. We measure how worn they have become and changes in the roughness of their surfaces.

We also work with orthopaedic colleagues from the University Hospital of North Tees and from other hospitals across the UK. We measure the wear from failed metal-on-metal hips. The national and international media has covered this research.

We have also examined failed finger and toe implants. Again, we work closely with surgeons and material scientists in the UK and internationally.

Another important area of our research is the laboratory testing of artificial joints.

In an application as important as a human, we must carry out the most comprehensive testing of a medical implant before implantation.

We have recently developed a multi-station shoulder simulator. It can apply a full range of motion to artificial joints intended for the most mobile joint in the human body.

We use the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints in our fingers to grip. We are working with hand surgeons to test artificial finger joints.

We also try our new biomaterials to see if they offer low wear solutions for future designs of novel artificial joints.