Alastair Campbell Ritchie

Dr Alastair Campbell Ritchie is part of the Bioengineering Research Group.

Bioreactors for Tissue Engineering

I have developed a number of experimental bioreactors to test the response of mammalian cells to environmental factors, particularly to applied mechanical forces. These bioreactors incorporate high precision actuators to allow maximum control over the magnitude and frequency of stimulation.

These bioreactors have been used to demonstrate the effect of mechanical force on smooth muscle cells of oesophageal origin, as well as on epithelial cells from the oesophagus. My research has demonstrated the link between over-stimulation and a stress avoidance response, and the induction of differentiation in cells by mechanical stimulation.

Physiological and Biomechanical Modelling

I am also active in research into the effects of technique on athletic performance, particularly in the sport of rowing, and am active in a collaboration with the Republic of Singapore Air Force researching into the causes and prevention of G-induced loss of consciousness.

Expertise Summary

Bioreactors for Tissue Engineering

I have developed a number of experimental bioreactors to test the response of mammalian cells to environmental factors, particularly to applied mechanical forces. These bioreactors incorporate high precision actuators to allow maximum control over the magnitude and frequency of stimulation.

These bioreactors have been used to demonstrate the effect of mechanical force on smooth muscle cells of oesophageal origin, as well as on epithelial cells from the oesophagus. My research has demonstrated the link between over-stimulation and a stress avoidance response, and the induction of differentiation in cells by mechanical stimulation. The bioreactors developed can use tubular or flat sheet geometry, discussions are under way with the department of orthopaedic surgery to modify the design to allow compressive rather than tensile stimulation.

I have interests in the development of larger scale bioreactors for the production of sustainable energy and fuels for transportation.

Physiological and Biomechanical Modelling

I am also active in research into the effects of technique on athletic performance, particularly in the sport of rowing, and am active in a collaboration with the Republic of Singapore Air Force researching into the causes and prevention of G-induced loss of consciousness.

Service as a Technical Expert

I have served on the International Standards Organisation's Technical Committee on Implants for Surgery and on National Level Technical Committees in Singapore addressing international standardisation.

Teaching Summary

• Medical Device Design and Regulation
• Control of Electromechanical systems
• Group Design and Manufacture

Research Summary

Current Research

My current research focuses on the effect of mechanical environment on cells and cell-biomaterial constructs. We have recently developed a new bioreactor which is able to exert compressive stimulation on cells grown on softer substrates, in addition to existing research on bioreactors providing tensile and torsional stimulation.

In addition to the bioreactors themselves, we have also developed flexible substrates, allowing the effect of mechanical strain, and the response of cells to substrate flexibility/anisotropy to be studied.

Future Research

A major hurdle to adoption of tissue engineered technologies is the cost of specialist biomaterials, growth factors, and cell expansion from biopsies. My current research aims to develop new biodegradable materials which can be produced repeatably with a sustainable regulatory route to market.

I welcome enquiries from potential PhD candidates from Home, EU and international countries who are interested in the following research areas: Mechanical environment on cells and cell-biomaterial constructs, new bioreactor to allow electrical stimulation as well as mechanical stimulation.

Recent Publications

• MARINESCU A., SHARPLES S., CAMPBELL RITCHIE A., SANCHEZ-LOPEZ T., MCDOWELL M. and MORVAN H., 2017. Physiological Parameter Response to Variations in Mental Workload. Human Factors: The Journal of Personalization Research. (In Press.)
• YANG Y., CAMPBELL RITCHIE A. and EVERITT N., 2017. Comparison of glutaraldehyde and procyanidin cross-linked scaffolds for soft tissue engineering Materials Science and Engineering C. 80(1), 263-270
• ENCERRADO FLORES A., SCOTCHFORD C. and CAMPBELL RITCHIE A., 2017. Fabrication of Pro-anthocyanidin Cross-Linked Chitosan-Gelatin Hydrogel Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering International Journal of Artificial Organs. 40(8), 421-422
• WANG A., WILLIAMS R.L., JAMBU N., PAXTON J.Z., DAVIS E.T., SNOW M.A., CAMPBELL RITCHIE A., JOHANSSON C.B., DAVIS E.T., SAMMONS R.L. and GROVER L.M., 2016. Development of Tissue Engineered Ligaments with Titanium Spring Reinforcement RSC Advances: An international journal to further the chemical sciences. 2016:6, 98536-98544