Our researchers

Canada Research Chair in Cartilage Tissue Engineering

Michael D. Buschmann is a leading scientist in the field of cartilage biomechanics. He has pioneered a method for delivering cartilage cells to an affected joint, using a gel that allows them to adhere to the damaged area. research aims at cartilage biomechanics and tissue engineering.  These cells create mechanical connections to rebuild the tissue, opening up the possibility that cells could one day be transplanted and help the body regenerate and repair itself.

Repairing the Ties that Bind !

Anyone who has ever experienced the agony produced by torn cartilage in a damaged knee can attest to the loss of mobility and productivity caused by cartilage ailments. The problem is so pervasive that joint problems are the most common cause for missed days of work.

For most patients, the solution is to live with the pain, mitigated by drugs or physiotherapy, or to seek costly and invasive procedures like surgery and joint replacements.

But what if cartilage could be taught to repair itself without invasive procedures? The prospect for improving the quality of life of increasing numbers of Canadians would dramatically improve. Thanks to Michael Buschmann and his colleagues at the École Polytechnique of Montréal, that prospect may become a reality.

Buschmann has also developed a new device to measure and characterize the physical behaviour of cartilage under load—a technology now being brought to market by Biosyntech Ltd., a biomedical technology company Buschmann co-founded. This diagnostic instrument is used to assess cartilage and to pinpoint arthritis, and can be applied during knee arthroscopy—a common procedure used to examine a joint by inserting a small instrument through an incision in the knee.

Using this instrument, researchers will be better able to assess the load a joint can carry and predict how it will perform under pressure—a vital tool for doctors and therapists performing surgery and joint replacements.

Awarding Buschmann this chair will enable the École Polytechnique to bring together high-quality research in complementary disciplines, including engineering, cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, analytical chemistry and other diverse specialities. Together, that expertise will allow Buschmann and his colleagues to apply their cross-disciplinary approach to solving the problems of joint disorders and cartilage injury and deterioration, and to test the body’s potential to repair itself through cell therapies.

Michael D. Buschmann, Full professor
Chemical Engineering department
(514) 340-4711 ext. 4931
michael.buschmann@polymtl.ca