Presenting on “Bioengineering strategies for regenerative rehabilitation of skeletal muscle following trauma”.

Koyal Garg, PhD, associate professor of biomedical engineering at Saint Louis University, will speak on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 10:00 am central time in Whitaker 218.

Abstract: Traumatic extremity injuries frequently involve volumetric muscle loss (VML), debilitating and irrecoverable muscle injury resulting in loss of limb function. Current therapies do not restore functional muscle tissue, leaving the injured patients with lifelong disabilities.

Dr. Koyal Garg’s Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering Lab in the Biomedical Engineering department at Saint Louis University is developing novel regenerative and rehabilitative strategies for the restoration of functional muscle tissue following VML with or without adjacent bone fracture or nerve crush.

The regenerative approach being pursued involves using multifunctional biomaterials to enhance muscle regeneration and function. These biomaterials are composed of extracellular matrix proteins that are chemically cross-linked and processed in the form of biosponges, hydrogels, micro- or nanoparticles for various applications. Not only do these biomaterials provide mechanical support, but they also deliver growth factors, pharmaceuticals, stem cells, and exosomes to targeted areas, suppress immune responses, and act as a substrate for host cell infiltration and proliferation.

The rehabilitative strategy involves neuromuscular electrical stimulation-mediated strength training to improve muscle mass, size, and torque. Ongoing research investigates the synergistic effect of combining regenerative and rehabilitative strategies to optimize their efficacy. This research has excellent potential for clinical translation and is likely to benefit patients suffering from musculoskeletal trauma.

In-person attendance is preferred. Registration to attend virtually is required.