Bacteria Biomechanics and Mechanobiology

The Hernandez Research Group has developed micro- and nanofluidic systems for studying the mechanical properties of bacteria and the bacterial cell envelope. The same devices make it possible to determine the bacterial response to mechanical stimuli.

The Hernandez Research Group is a leader in the study of the role of the gut microbiome on musculoskeletal tissues and orthopaedic surgery. Our studies of bone and cartilage in mice are among the first to show an effect of the gut microbiome on osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Additionally, we performed the first study demonstrating that the gut microbiome can influence the success of orthopaedic surgery.

Engineered Living Materials

Engineered Living Materials are a new class of materials that are synthesized by or functionalized by the presence of living organisms. We are focusing on developing rigid engineered living materials using bone as an inspiration

We are experts in characterizing the mechanical performance of musculoskeletal tissues, especially bone.