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Project # 73
Engineering an Integrated Multi-Chamber Applicator for Precision Regenerative Adhesive Delivery in Arthroscopic Surgery

Team Lead: Feabie Mendiaz
Other Team Members: Tejas Alankar
Faculty Advisor(s): Dr. Liping Tang
Department: BE
Project Type: REU
Title: Engineering an Integrated Multi-Chamber Applicator for Precision Regenerative Adhesive Delivery in Arthroscopic Surgery
Abstract: Click-chemistry based bioadhesives represent a new frontier in regenerative medicine, yet clinical translation is hindered by the rapid cross-linking kinetics required for surgical stability, which frequently results in needle occlusion. Furthermore, in fluid-filled joint environments, synovial wash-out often displaces precursors before polymerization occurs. To overcome these delivery challenges, we engineered a novel multi-chamber arthroscopic applicator to isolate reactive components until the precise point of tissue contact. This study evaluated the clinical application of our applicator system in a pre-clinical animal model of Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears (PT-RCTs). PT-RCTs are a primary cause of shoulder disability, and current mechanical debridement does not promote tissue regeneration, typically resulting in disease progression. By utilizing our applicator to deliver a PDGF-loaded bioadhesive directly to the tendon defect, we achieved significantly improved healing outcomes, overcoming major clinical limitations of conventional methods. The successful integration of this multi-chamber device ensures controlled and continuous polymerization in fluid-filled environments, providing a potential versatile platform for delivering loaded hydrogels across various anatomical regions. This work establishes a viable pathway for the clinical translation of injectable regenerative therapies in sports medicine.
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