By: Chris Frew
June 16, 2023
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Dr. Qianhong Wu, a distinguished Mechanical Engineering Professor and Director of the Cellular Biomechanics and Sports Science Laboratory at Villanova University, has achieved another milestone with the granting of his second patent. This groundbreaking patent recognizes Dr. Wu’s remarkable biomimetic model of the brain and skull, aptly dubbed the ‘smart brain.’ Dr. Wu’s innovative creation mimics the complexities of the human head, allowing researchers to comprehensively assess the motion and deformation of brain matter during impact-induced brain trauma. This cutting-edge technology not only enhances our understanding of brain injuries, including concussions, but also provides valuable guidance in preventing such injuries.
The smart brain model, a first of its kind, incorporates a transparent skull, simulant brain matter, a supportive structure, and cerebrospinal fluid—a watery substance enveloping and separating the brain from the skull. Equipped with a comprehensive array of instruments such as high-speed cameras, pressure sensors, accelerometers, and displacement sensors, this revolutionary model can accurately track and capture the flow and pressurization of cerebrospinal fluid when the brain experiences sudden external impacts. Concrete, the ground, metal, a bat, a vehicle, or even another person’s head can serve as examples of the stimuli applied during simulations. This aspect of the research is crucial in comprehending the nature of concussions. By utilizing anatomical data gathered from specific individuals, the model can be customized accordingly, enabling the measurement of simulated head injuries and showcasing the effects of both single and repeated trauma.
Dr. Wu’s pioneering focus on the movement of brain matter within the skull and its implications on brain injuries distinguishes his research from previous endeavors. His first patent, granted in 2019, introduced the concept of the smart brain, while this latest patent recognizes the complete construction of the model and the technology employed to measure cerebrospinal fluid motion. The multi-disciplinary project, developed in collaboration with PhD student Ji Lang, amalgamates computational, theoretical, and experimental approaches, seamlessly integrating the fields of fluid mechanics, materials science, and manufacturing.
“Traumatic brain injuries impose significant health burdens and place considerable economic strain on society,” remarks Dr. Wu, reflecting on the importance of his research. “Our smart brain offers invaluable insights into the intricate mechanisms underlying head injuries. It addresses a critical knowledge gap in the study of traumatic brain injuries and holds the potential to facilitate the development of improved head protection, thereby reducing the incidence of concussions and saving lives.”
The impact of concussions and sub-concussive head trauma can manifest in various ways, including headaches, nausea, dizziness, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, slurred speech, ringing in the ears, loss of consciousness, confusion, memory loss, mood changes, altered behavior, and motor skill impairments. Whether resulting from sports-related injuries, military events, construction or industrial accidents, or falls among the elderly, these injuries significantly impact individuals’ well-being. Dr. Wu’s smart brain technology promises to revolutionize not only the field of brain biomechanics but also the design of the next generation of helmets, catering to athletes, soldiers, construction workers, and others at risk during their daily activities.
Amanda Grannas, PhD, Vice Provost, Chief Research Officer, and professor of Chemistry at Villanova University, praises Dr. Wu’s relentless dedication to perfecting the smart brain. “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to him on this remarkable achievement and eagerly anticipate witnessing how the smart brain positively impacts the lives of many.”
