Undergraduate Research Journal

Computationally Evaluating Effects of
Osteoconductive Bulking Agents on Stress
Distribution in Reconstructed Mandible
H Bhakta 1 , R Kozaka 1 , P Vandrangi 1 , J Yalung 2 ,
JM Caruso 2 , and VGJ Rodgers 1
1
Department of Bioengineering
University of California, Riverside
2
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Loma Linda University
ABSTRACT
Previous studies of monkey mandibles were used to evaluate different forms of an osteoconductive
bulking agent (compression-resistant matrix (CRM)) in a critical-sized mandibular defect.[1] Our
research focuses on a finite element model which examines the mechanical efficiency of the CRM
complex. We computationally modeled these matrix complexes using Comsol Multiphysics®
to capture the von Mises stress as well as the deformation along the maxillary jaw. Subdomain
conditions such as the density, Young’s Modulus, and the Poisson’s ratio were physiologically set. A
separate subdomain within the jaw was modeled to represent the regenerative CRM complex defined
with its physical properties. Two cases of mastication were considered: the closing stroke and the
power stroke. Our aim is to ensure that the regenerated bone in the jaw can withstand the relevant
mastication forces.
MentorS
Faculty Mentor: Victor G.J. Rodgers (right)
Research Mentors: Prashanthi Vandrangi,
Dr. J. Yalung, Dr. J.M. Caruso
Department of Bioengineering
Typically our laboratory offers the opportunity for undergraduates to experience
research in biotransport phenomena at an advanced level so that they can see
the opportunities research has for them. However, with Ryan and Heran, their
interaction with the B2K Group (Biotransport and Bioreaction Kinetics Group) has helped forge new
collaborations with Loma Linda University. Their high energy and drive, together with Prashanthi’s
determination, helped to bring to fruition our effort to support modeling analysis of biomaterials for
practical applications, such as are described here.
Pictured above from left to right: Heran Bhakta, Ryan Kozaka
A copy of this paper in its entirety can be found online at
www.ugr.ucr.edu in Volume VI.
A U T H O R S
Heran Bhakta
Ryan Kozaka
Bioengineering
Heran Bhakta and Ryan Kozaka are
graduating seniors in Bioengineering.
Both presented their research at
the Southern California Conference
for Undergraduate Research, the
UCR Symposium for Undergraduate
Research, Scholarship, and Creative
Activity, and the UC Systemwide
Bioengineering Conference at UC
Berkeley. Heran transferred from
American River College in 2010, and
immediately joined the B2Kgroup.
His main research interests involve
the study of the importance of mass
transfer on the triggering of signaling
pathways at the endothelium, and
received the campus’ Undergraduate
Research Grant to further his research.
Heran served as Vice President and
Treasurer in the Biomedical Engineers
Society. He plans to pursue a PhD
in Bioengineering. Ryan joined Dr.
Rodgers and the B2K group in the
Spring of 2011, and worked on various
projects ranging from cell experiments
to computational modeling. He is
the senior liaison of the Biomedical
Engineers Society and enjoys playing
recreational softball. Ryan plans to
return to UCR to earn his Master's
Degree in Bioengineering. They both
give special acknowledgement and
thanks to Prashanthi Vandrangi, Dr.
Yalung, Dr. Caruso, and Dr. Rodgers
for their extraordinary efforts in this
project and their enduring support.
U C R U n d e r g r a d u a t e R e s e a r c h J o u r n a l 5 9