FIBEr, a reference center for MDR-compliant mechanical characterization of biological tissue and biomaterials

The human body is continuously exposed to mechanical
forces, both in and on the body. Understanding the
mechanical behavior of tissues in the body and their
interaction with medical devices is of critical importance
because it helps understanding diseases and injuries,
developing novel treatment strategies and medical devices,
and ensuring patient safety.
FIBEr, KU Leuven's core facility for Biomechanical
Experimentation, has the expertise and infrastructure to
play a leading role in biomechanical characterization of
biological tissues and medical devices. The facility has been
supporting a large number of researchers and biomedical
companies in ex vivo biomechanical testing for years.
FIBEr seeks to further reinforce and internationalize its
forefront position by promoting, developing and
performing more biofidelic and accurate biomechanical
tests and ensuring the integration of the associated
scientific insights in the new EU Medical Devices Regulation.
Therefore, FIBEr aims to acquire 1) a multi-axial testing
device for soft biological tissues to improve the biofidelity
of loading conditions, 2) a high payload tensioncompression
device to cover applications that require
higher payloads such as bones, 3) a joint simulator that allows robotic joint motion simulation for a wide range of
motions, 4) a dynamic tension/compression device for small
tissues and bones, and 5) add-ons to improve biofidelity
and accuracy of the existing equipment.