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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/L67066/01
Title: CHARACTERISATION OF THE MATERIAL PROPERTIES OF BONE IN HEALTH AND DISEASE
Principal Investigator: Aspden, Professor R
Other Investigators:
Hukins, Professor D Imrie, Professor C
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: School of Medical Sciences
Organisation: University of Aberdeen
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 01 October 1997 Ends: 30 September 2000 Value (£): 112,560
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Biomaterials
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
No relevance to Underpinning Sectors
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
Bone derives its mechanical strength from the combination of a fibrous matrix, largely composed of the protein collagen, impregnated with a calcium phosphate mineral phase. In this system, small changes in the composition and structure, and altered interactions between the components may result in marked changes in strength. Our previous studies have found significant changes in the density and composition of bone from patients with osteoarthritis but not from osteoporosis. This project will investigate these changes further by measuring the physical properties of bone from femoral heads of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) or osteoporosis (OP) and comparing them with the normal. The stiffness, yield strength and energy absorbed to yield will be measured in cores of trabecular bone removed from defined sites. The gross composition will be measured by successively removing fat, water and organic components. Samples will be characterized using X-ray diffraction, simultaneous thermal analysis and mass spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infra-red spectroscopy, and back-scattered electron microscopy and electron probe microanalysis. The results will show how the gross changes previously observed are a consequence of structural changes in the bone material during the proliferation of bone in OA and the loss of bone in OP.
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Organisation Website: http://www.abdn.ac.uk