Biomechanics and Biomaterial Engineering in Neurological Disorders

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

There are many complexities and vague points in the pathophysiology, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of neurological disorders. Clarifying these complexities can be difficult for physicians as common neuroimages and clinical symptoms can be confusing to diagnose and treat. The complexities in the management of these disorders may be due to our lack of knowledge about the bioengineering mechanisms of these disorders. Biomechanical analysis and evaluation of changes in biomaterial behavior of head substructures can have a prominent role in solving these problems.

Computer simulations and mathematical modeling can be helpful in finding numerical indicators to evaluate the condition of these patients. Biofluid analysis of intracranial fluid showed the critical impact of the pulsatile interaction of cerebral blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and brain in the management of various neurological disorders. Micro- and nanoparticles also play the main role in the treatment of neurological disorders, specifically brain tumors and cancers, as well as cerebral blood flow disorders. Recent advancements in brain tissue engineering shed light on the fundamental mechanism of central nervous system disorders. The delivery of drugs to the brain via various routes is also an emerging option in the treatment of various central nervous system disorders.

This Topic aims to present the application of biomechanics and biomaterial engineering to clarify the complexities and uncertainties in the mechanism of neurological disorders. This collection will provide neurosurgeons, neurophysicians, and neuroengineers with valuable data to help the diagnosis and treatment development of a broad spectrum of central nervous system disorders.

This Topic invites high-quality original research, hypothesis, technical notes, and review articles in all aspects of the rapidly expanding area of applications of biomechanics and biomaterial engineering in the pathophysiology, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of neurological disorders.

Dr. Seifollah Gholampour
Dr. Mohammad Reza Safaei
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Biomechanics biomechanics	-	1.5	2021	20.4 Days	CHF 1000
Biomedicines biomedicines	3.9	5.2	2013	15.3 Days	CHF 2600
Brain Sciences brainsci	2.7	4.8	2011	12.9 Days	CHF 2200
Materials materials	3.1	5.8	2008	15.5 Days	CHF 2600
Nanomaterials nanomaterials	4.4	8.5	2010	13.8 Days	CHF 2900

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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All Biomechanics Biomedicines Brain Sciences Materials Nanomaterials

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17 pages, 11179 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Ionic Polymer–Metal Composites with Nanocomposite Electrodes for Restoring Eyelid Movement of Patients with Ptosis

by Sara Sadat Hosseini, Bakhtiar Yamini, Levan Ichkitidze, Majid Asadi, Julie Fernandez and Seifollah Gholampour

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(3), 473; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13030473 - 24 Jan 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1904

Abstract

The present study aims to use enhanced ionic polymer–metal composites (IPMC) as an artificial muscle (a soft-active actuator) to restore eyelid movement of patients with ptosis. The previous eyelid movement mechanisms contained drawbacks, specifically in the lower eyelid. We used finite element analysis [...] Read more.

The present study aims to use enhanced ionic polymer–metal composites (IPMC) as an artificial muscle (a soft-active actuator) to restore eyelid movement of patients with ptosis. The previous eyelid movement mechanisms contained drawbacks, specifically in the lower eyelid. We used finite element analysis (FEA) to find the optimal mechanism among two different models (A and B). In addition to common electrodes of IPMC (gold and platinum), the bovine serum albumin (BSA) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) polymers, with optimal weight percentages of carbon nanotube (CNT) nanofiller, were also utilized as non-metallic electrodes to improve the efficiency of the IPMC actuator. In both models, IPMC with nanocomposite electrodes had higher efficiency as compared to the metallic electrodes. In model A, which moved eyelids indirectly, IPMC with MCC-CNT electrode generated a higher force (25.4%) and less stress (5.9 times) as compared to IPMC with BSA-CNT electrode. However, the use of model A (even with IPMCs) with nanocomposite electrodes can have limitations such as possible malposition issues in the eyelids (especially lower). IPMC with MCC-CNT nanocomposite electrode under model B, which moved eyelids directly, was the most efficient option to restore eyelid movement. It led to higher displacements and lower mechanical stress damage as compared to the BSA-CNT. This finding may provide surgeons with valuable data to open a window in the treatment of patients with ptosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biomechanics and Biomaterial Engineering in Neurological Disorders)

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13 pages, 521 KiB  

Open AccessReview

Neurotrauma Prevention Review: Improving Helmet Design and Implementation

by Michael Goutnik, Joel Goeckeritz, Zackary Sabetta, Tala Curry, Matthew Willman, Jonathan Willman, Theresa Currier Thomas and Brandon Lucke-Wold

Biomechanics 2022, 2(4), 500-512; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomechanics2040039 - 23 Sep 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4309

Abstract

Neurotrauma continues to contribute to significant mortality and disability. The need for better protective equipment is apparent. This review focuses on improved helmet design and the necessity for continued research. We start by highlighting current innovations in helmet design for sport and subsequent [...] Read more.

Neurotrauma continues to contribute to significant mortality and disability. The need for better protective equipment is apparent. This review focuses on improved helmet design and the necessity for continued research. We start by highlighting current innovations in helmet design for sport and subsequent utilization in the lay community for construction. The current standards by sport and organization are summarized. We then address current standards within the military environment. The pathophysiology is discussed with emphasis on how helmets provide protection. As innovative designs emerge, protection against secondary injury becomes apparent. Much research is needed, but this focused paper is intended to serve as a catalyst for improvement in helmet design and implementation to provide more efficient and reliable neuroprotection across broad arenas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biomechanics and Biomaterial Engineering in Neurological Disorders)

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12 pages, 883 KiB  

Open AccessArticle

Kinetic Interjoint Coordination in Lower Limbs during Gait in Patients with Hemiparesis

by Yusuke Sekiguchi, Dai Owaki, Keita Honda and Shin-Ichi Izumi

Biomechanics 2022, 2(3), 466-477; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomechanics2030036 - 11 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2451

Abstract

The coordination of joint moments in the same limb—otherwise known as kinetic interjoint coordination—during gait in patients with hemiparesis remains unclear. This study clarifies the characteristics of kinetic interjoint coordination in the lower limbs using a principal component analysis (PCA). Using a three-dimensional [...] Read more.

The coordination of joint moments in the same limb—otherwise known as kinetic interjoint coordination—during gait in patients with hemiparesis remains unclear. This study clarifies the characteristics of kinetic interjoint coordination in the lower limbs using a principal component analysis (PCA). Using a three-dimensional motion analysis system and force plates, the kinematic and kinetic data from 29 patients with hemiparesis and 12 healthy controls were measured when they walked along a 7 m walkway. The spatiotemporal principal components (PCs) of the hip, knee, and ankle joint moments were calculated using a PCA and the motor modules during gait were identified. We adopted a case–control study design to clarify the kinetic interjoint coordination characteristics during gait in patients with hemiplegia. As the results of comparisons between the patients and controls showed, the peak timing of the first PC, which had high loadings of hip and ankle joint moments on the paretic side, was significantly earlier than that on the other sides. The loading of the knee joint moment for the first PC on the paretic side was significantly lower than that on the non-paretic side (p < 0.05), which was highly variable with negative and positive values. The results demonstrated that the first motor module comprising hip and ankle joint moments on the paretic side during gait in patients with hemiparesis may be merged with knee joint flexion or the extension moment, and may have an atypical temporal component. The index of kinetic interjoint coordination would be a useful tool for robotic-based systems for effective rehabilitation, which would significantly contribute to the acceleration of collaborative research in the fields of engineering and rehabilitation medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Biomechanics and Biomaterial Engineering in Neurological Disorders)

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