Projects
Antiseptic induced oral microbial massacres: a fast-food feast for oral pathogens? KU Leuven
Each day, most of us brush their teeth and/or rinse their mouth with oral hygiene products that contain substances that kill bacteria (antiseptics). Unfortunately, often manual plaque removal by means of a toothbrush or interdental cleaning devices is not perfect. Consequently, dental plaque, a poly-microbial biofilm is left behind. It is well known that the used antiseptics will only kill the bacteria in the upper layers of these biofilms. ...
Evaluation of the influence of ligamentous properties after total knee arthroplasty on patient reported outcomes. Ghent University
Knee joint degeneration (osteoarthritis) presents with pain, caused by bony wear. In order to
relieve the patients’ complaints and when non-surgical methods do not suffice, a surgical
approach can be considered: a total knee prosthesis (TKP). However, the surgery can modify the
tension in the multiple ligaments around the knee joint. Correct TKP alignment is achieved with operative devices. Ligament tension, however, is ...
Unraveling early lineage segregation during human embryonic development using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing Ghent University
In this research proposal we want to evaluate the efficiency and
usability of CRISPR-Cas9 for gene editing of mouse and human
embryos (i.e. silencing of NANOG and CDX2). We will analyze the
effect on early lineage segregation, and extend the culture period by
using a recently established peri-implantation model and by the
derivation of embryonic stem cells. The present project proposal will
improve our ...
The Value of Time: A neurocomputational model of action sequences Ghent University
Human brain systems have their own functional expertise. As they interact, these systems allow
for efficient goal-directed behavior. Yet, the interaction between systems is poorly understood.
The “action” system represents the sequence of actions needed to perform some task; for
instance, the sequential actions a drummer performs to hit the drums. The “when” system
represents the time at which actions need to be ...
Tumor engineering a clinical relevant in vivo model for peritoneal metastasis Ghent University
With this project we aim to ‘tissue engineer’ a clinical relevant tumor models for tumors that have
spread through the abdominal cavity. these tumors consist out of cancer cells, tumor supporting
cells/tissue, immune cells, blood vessels and high tissue pressure. Fast growing cancer cells, bad
quality blood vessels and contraction of tissue by the tumor supporting cells are creating the high
pressure. High pressure ...
Multi-modal signal processing algorithms for extraction of coupled sources in combined audio and EEG recordings. KU Leuven
One in five experiences hearing loss. The World Health Organization estimates that this number will increase to one in four in 2050. Luckily, effective hearing devices such as hearing aids and cochlear implants exist with advanced noise suppression and speaker enhancement algorithms that can significantly improve the quality of life of people suffering from hearing loss. State-of-the-art hearing devices, however, underperform in a so-called ...
Bone tissue engineering: Properties of periosteal cells vary according to their origin KU Leuven
Bone grafts are commonly used in orthopedics, traumatology, and oral and maxillofacial surgery for treating bone defects caused by trauma, oncologic resection, congenital malformations, and prosthetic treatments. There are still limitations and complications associated with the current standard of using autologous bone tissue as grafts. These include donor site morbidity, inadequate quantities of available donor tissue, ultimate poor tissue ...
Improving outcome after the Ross procedure KU Leuven
The Ross procedure is performed for aortic valve stenosis in both pediatric and adult patients and entails replacement of the aortic valve by the patient’s own pulmonary valve (autograft) while a pulmonary allograft is implanted in pulmonary position.
In growing children, the pulmonary autograft is able to grow and adapt to aortic hemodynamics while the risk of endocarditis is low. Furthermore, contrary to biological valves, there is ...
High performance spectrophotometry for in situ and combinatorial measurements Ghent University
Spectrophotometry, a combination of optical transmission and reflection measurements in the (energy) range from ultraviolet to infrared, is a highly versatile tool for studying a wide range of materials. It can be used to investigate energy efficient windows, solar cell devices, telescope mirrors, pigments, the color of plant leaves, tooth implants and paints, the quality of antireflection coatings, the transparency of liquids and ...