Interview of Dr Jacob Schimelman, Phd Student in Nanoengineering at UC San Diego
Jacob Schimelman is a researcher at UCSD. His lab has developed innovative three-dimensional, multi-functional micro and nano-structures, with a gradient of material composition and topography, leading to applications for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Hydrogels perspective offer innovative solution. Hydrogel-based platforms can be designed to stimulate the mechanical properties of neural tissues and aid in understanding sensory-motor integration during gait.
Hydrogel-based gait analysis with rats involves the use of hydrogel flooring to study and analyse the walking patterns and locomotion of rats. Hydrogels, which are water-absorbing materials with properties similar to biological tissues, provide a suitable and controlled environment for studying locomotion.
The contribution of GaitLab to this study
GaitLab is gait analysis system for rodents, based on the Catwalk method . Our GaitLab analysis equipment is a valuable tool in neuroscience and preclinical research to understand motor function, to detect neurological disorders and to assess the efficacy of treatments.
Dr Schimelman used the GaitLab to assess the motor recovery and the sciatic nerve injury in mouse model. After a transection of the mouse limb nerve, they inserted a 3D printing conduit and they studied the repair overtime, thanks to the development of bio-materials.
The GaitLab can be used for the evaluation of the impact of locomotion defects arising due to various reasons, such as Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries, arthritis, ataxia, traumatic brain injuries and in this case, sciatic nerve injury.
