Technische Universität München
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is one of Europe’s top universities and combines 15 academic departments from science (physics, chemistry, and life sciences), medicine and engineering (mechanical, electrical and construction engineering). Its aim is to create lasting value for society and it is committed to excellence in research and teaching, interdisciplinary education and the active promotion of promising young scientists. Furthermore, the university forges strong links with companies and scientific institutions across the world and thinks and acts with an entrepreneurial spirit. TUM is the only technical university in Germany to have held the title "University of Excellence" consecutively since 2006. Moreover, TUM regularly ranks among the best European universities in international rankings and is placed among the 25 best universities worldwide in the areas of engineering and the natural sciences.
Prof. Lieleg’s lab is located at the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Munich School of Bioengineering of TUM and focuses on biomechanics, biopolymers and biointerfaces. The group’s aims are to discover new, to date unknown properties of biopolymers, to identify the microscopic principles that govern the material properties (e.g., mechanics, permeability, and lubricity) of biological hydrogels, to apply those principles to synthetic polymers, to create biomimetic materials, and to find technical/medical applications for purified biopolymers. Prof. Lieleg’s lab will contribute to the proposed project by providing expertise in the field of biopolymers, biotribology, rheology, surface coating and surface imaging/wear analysis. In detail, his lab will be responsible for identifying an optimal lubrication strategy for the internal surface of the PU cushion. Moreover, the TUM group will also contribute to exploring different fixation strategies for connecting the outside of the PU cushion to cartilage and/or bone tissue and will perform shear and friction tests with the final implant.