PhD defence Maria Kalogeropoulou

Keywords: Architected metamaterials, Musculoskeletal tissue engineering, Magnetic stimulation, Acoustic stimulation

"Forms to Forces: Architected Materials and Physical Stimuli for Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering"

Musculoskeletal problems, such as damage to bones or muscles, affect many people and can seriously impact daily life. Current treatments often do not fully restore how the body naturally works. This thesis looks for better solutions by studying how to help the body rebuild its own tissues.

The research focuses on creating special supportive structures, called scaffolds, that guide cells to grow into new, healthy tissue. These scaffolds are carefully designed in both shape and strength to influence how cells behave. The work also explores better ways to manufacture these structures using 3D printing.

In addition, the thesis studies how physical signals, such as movement, magnetic fields, and sound waves, can encourage cells to grow and organize in the right way.

By combining smart design with these physical cues, this research shows new ways to improve tissue repair, helping move towards more effective and personalized treatments in the future.

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