Bioengineering covers the application of engineering methods and methodologies to the human body and to the bioenvironmental problems. We have significant expertise in applying novel computational and experimental techniques for bioengineering applications. Human Factors covers research into the affects of vibration, movement and technology on the human body.
Bioengineering research spans diverse areas of engineering ranging from the design of biomedical devices, and the testing and clinical evaluation of implants and technology; to understanding the basic and applied science of tissue engineering and function, and applying engineering to the management of large scale biological phenomena in the environment such as global food security and marine and atmospheric bioacoustics.
We have interests in biological and engineered materials and mechanics at the sub-cellular, cellular, tissue and organ levels. 3D approaches for quantitative bioimaging and physical and computational modelling enable us to characterize and predict the behaviour of hard and soft tissues as well as implanted constructs. This helps us in our efforts for improved diagnosis and better understanding of human diseases and in the development of tissue engineering approaches to enhance the regeneration of biological tissues in vitro. This work is complemented by microfluidic/lab on a chip research on processing, analysis and biosensing.
We are helping to improve the quality of life for the partially and profoundly deaf through research activities related to hearing, auditory implants, bioacoustics, audiology and bio-signal processing.
Research in biotribology and microbial tribology is carried out by the National Centre for Advanced Tribology at Southampton (nCATS). Research in this area includes: marine antifouling, modelling of octopus skin to improve camouflage materials, characterising the interactions of skin and wet shaving products, investigating the wear and lubrication of surgical implants such as hip replacements.
We also carry out research in orthopaedic biomechanics, biofluidics and modelling of porous media flows.
Our research relating to human factors assesses the impact of vibration, vehicle movement and new technology on the human body. This includes research into hand-arm vibration which has been used to educate policymakers and develop tools to diagnose the syndrome.
We work closely with colleagues in Medicine, Health Sciences and Biological Sciences here at the University as well as working with industrial partners.
Research in bionengineering and human factors is funded by industry, charities and UK research councils.
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Bioengineering Science Research Group
Our researchers have access to a wide range of specialist facilities including the Bioengineering Laboratory which consists of three main suites for tissue testing, cell culture and microscopy. As well as our Human Factors Research Unit laboratories which have a unique range of human-rated test facilities for experimental studies of human responses to whole-body vibration, hand-transmitted vibration and low frequency oscillation. We also have the Hearing and Balance Centre clinic and the University of Southampton Auditory Implant Centre .
Our Equipment includes: six-axis motion simulator; 12m, 6m & 1m Horizontal shakers; 1m vertical shaker; various dynamic actuators and acquisition systems; Cell Culture and Tissue Lab (Cat2 bio containment rooms); atomic force microscope (located in nano-metrology); 50kN servo hydraulic test machine; incubators; range of optical microscopes; -80 freezer;-20 walk in freezer.
If you are interested in joining us either to study or to become part of our research team please select the relevant link below for further information.