Bone & Biofilm Research Lab

Officially formed in 1987 (Bone & Joint Research Laboratory) as an inspiration of the University of Utah’s Department of Orthopaedics. Since that time, it has grown into a nationally and internationally recognized research program. The BBRL is part of the Veteran’s Administration and Department of Orthopaedics University of Utah School of Medicine Sponsored Program. Our research team develop and assess implant design, biomaterials and perform various types of histology for on implants, bone, and other retrieved tissues. Our team is also researching the impact of biofilm on medical implants, industrial applications, as well as wound and tissue infections.

Bio Bone Lab

Research & Innovation

Bone Lab Pouch
Bone Lab Setup
Bone Lab Image

Current Research

  • Antimicrobial Pouch
  • Heterotopic Ossification
  • Blue Light Therapy
  • Osseointegration
  • Chronic Wound Healing
  • Negative Wound Pressure

Research Opportunities

  • Laboratory Technicians
  • Volunteers/Summer Internship
  • Graduate Students
  • Postdoctoral Researcher

Laboratory Services

  • In Vitro & In Vivo Studies
  • Microbiology
  • PMMA Embedment
  • Scanning Electron Microscopy
  • Fluorochrome label Analysis
  • Light Microscopy
  • Implant Retrieval Analyses
  • Current Work

    The Bone & Biofilm Research Laboratory has decades of experience with in vitro and in vivo project design/management services. Our professional research team provides the highest quality of service, and the most verifiable data that can only come from years of refined protocols and expert technical aptitude.

    ​In Vitro & In Vivo Models
    In vitro and in vivo studies are crucial in the development of medical devices, surgical techniques/instruments, and novel drug therapies. They provide data that allows for proof-of-concept, validation, peer-reviewed manuscripts, FDA applications, and allow for clinical trials. Example studies include; Mock surgical placement (see bleow), bacterial growth/treatment on biomaterials, device development, bone/tissue response to various biomaterials, and therapies.

    Microbiology/Bacteriology 
    Zone of Inhibition ​(ZOI)
    Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC)
    Bacterial Quantification

    Biofilm vs. Planktonic? 
    CDC Reactor
    Drip Flow
    Flow Cell

    Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA)
    Specimen Fixation
    Ethanol Dehydration
    Hard Plastic Embedment
    Diamond Blade Saw
    Grinding & Polishing

    Backscattered Electron (BSE) Imaging
    Undecalcifed Bone
    Biomedical Devices