Project Details
Projekt
High-resolution µCT
Subject Area
Medicine
Term
since 2026
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 583909281
Musculoskeletal research at the Institute of Orthopaedic Research and Biomechanics (UFB) at Ulm University Medical Center has been investigating the causes of musculoskeletal disorders as well as the development and evaluation of new therapeutic approaches for more than 35 years. The overarching goal is to understand the underlying mechanisms of these diseases in order to optimize future treatments for injured and diseased patients. The focus of the applicant’s research group is on the investigation of bone diseases, particularly osteoporosis, as well as on studying the mechanisms of bone regeneration. The aim of this work is to decipher fundamental (patho-)physiological mechanisms of bone homeostasis and bone healing and, on this basis, to develop innovative therapeutic approaches. For this purpose, preclinical models of bone pathology and fracture healing such as mouse or large-animal models are used. A central methodological tool for investigating these research questions is high-resolution three-dimensional imaging of bone microstructure. The use of a micro-computed tomography system (μCT) is indispensable for visualizing and quantifying microarchitectural changes in bone with high precision. This method allows assessment of trabecular structure, cortical thickness, porosity, and mineralization in the intact skeleton. In fractured bone, it enables precise analysis of callus structure, mineralization, bony bridging, defect filling, and the integration or degradation of biomaterials. In addition to bone analyses, newly developed scaffolds for musculoskeletal research can also be structurally characterized. The μCT currently available at the institute is technically outdated after 16 years of operation; repairs are no longer possible, and spare parts are unavailable. To ensure continuity of ongoing research projects, to sustainably strengthen the applicant’s scientific work within her appointment to the W3oL Professorship for Experimental Orthopaedic Research at Ulm University, and to expand the research infrastructure, the acquisition of a new μCT is therefore requested within the framework of this application. The requested device enables all analyses previously possible with the existing system while providing substantial improvements. For example, its increased maximum output of 110 kV allows nearly artifact-free examination of the osseointegration of metallic implants. In addition, the significantly enhanced resolution allows detailed analysis of structural changes in the osteocyte network under mechanical load. Furthermore, high-resolution phase-contrast imaging opens up new perspectives for the analysis of soft tissue.
DFG Programme
Major Research Instrumentation
Major Instrumentation
Hochauflösender micro-Computertomograph
Instrumentation Group
4070 Spezielle Röntgengeräte für Materialanalyse, Strukturforschung und Werkstoff-Bestrahlung
Applicant Institution
Universität Ulm
