Diabetic Ulceration: Tribology of the Plantar Aspect
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Leeds
Department Name: Mechanical Engineering
Abstract
The aim of this project is to better understand the interactions occurring on the sole of the foot which may lead to the formation of ulceration in diabetic feet. To investigate this, the project will focus on the development of a tribological test rig which can allow for interchangeable contacting surfaces to be analysed, such as insole or shoe footbed materials, alongside analysis of the contact with cadaveric skin and the tissue beneath it. Most analysis of ulceration focuses solely on the skin interaction or biological causes, so analysis of the underlying tissue, which is not in direct contact, will be used to offer a fresh perspective on ulcerative breakdown.
The interchangeable surfaces of the test rig will also be used to test for possible human skin equivalents, which show similar properties during breakdown, to enable reduction in the reliance on cadaveric skin for laboratory tests. Reducing the need for cadaveric skin, means increased trials can take place, which can be used to focus on research for improving diabetic ulceration treatment options and understanding.
To inform the design of the test rig, digital image correlation (DIC) will be used as a method of characterising general population strain rates on the sole of the foot. Strain of skin is usually determined from excised skin and not in-situ. DIC works by applying a speckle pattern to an object and photographically monitoring the changes in the pattern throughout a set movement. Large scale population analysis of the sole of the foot using DIC for strain mapping during walking is a novel area for study and will help inform how strain varies at different contact locations on the foot to allow inputs in the rig design to reflect this strain when testing skin interactions. Combining this research, the project hopes to achieve a greater understanding of the role of shear in ulceration formation, as most current treatment pathways are developed on the reduction of pressure alone. Other work occurring in the University of Leeds is currently focussing on development of shear insole sensors and this project will directly feed into that development. It is hoped that through this research and improved understanding of the pathways causing diabetic ulceration to the soles of the feet, that future treatment pathways may be able to be developed with this in mind and feed into risk assessment of the diabetic foot to reduce incidence of ulceration.
The interchangeable surfaces of the test rig will also be used to test for possible human skin equivalents, which show similar properties during breakdown, to enable reduction in the reliance on cadaveric skin for laboratory tests. Reducing the need for cadaveric skin, means increased trials can take place, which can be used to focus on research for improving diabetic ulceration treatment options and understanding.
To inform the design of the test rig, digital image correlation (DIC) will be used as a method of characterising general population strain rates on the sole of the foot. Strain of skin is usually determined from excised skin and not in-situ. DIC works by applying a speckle pattern to an object and photographically monitoring the changes in the pattern throughout a set movement. Large scale population analysis of the sole of the foot using DIC for strain mapping during walking is a novel area for study and will help inform how strain varies at different contact locations on the foot to allow inputs in the rig design to reflect this strain when testing skin interactions. Combining this research, the project hopes to achieve a greater understanding of the role of shear in ulceration formation, as most current treatment pathways are developed on the reduction of pressure alone. Other work occurring in the University of Leeds is currently focussing on development of shear insole sensors and this project will directly feed into that development. It is hoped that through this research and improved understanding of the pathways causing diabetic ulceration to the soles of the feet, that future treatment pathways may be able to be developed with this in mind and feed into risk assessment of the diabetic foot to reduce incidence of ulceration.
Planned Impact
The impact of the Centre will be manifest itself in four ways; by the number and quality of skilled PhD graduates it produces, by the reach and significance of the research that is generated during their studies, by the contribution to the research base in tribology, and through the broader societal impact of improved machine efficiency and energy utilisation.
The number and quality of PhD graduates. iT-CDT plans, in the steady state, to graduate 12 PhD students per year. We expect these students to enter industry as research leaders or academia as RAs then lecturers. UK and EU industries are desperately short of PhD graduates, and they are in demand. We expect to have impact on UK industry with a stream of PhD graduates who will enter for example, the automotive sector (e.g. designing more fuel efficient engines), the rail sector (e.g. increasing network capacity and reducing cost through improved track and vehicle components), the oil industry (e.g. developing new lubricants for increased fuel efficiency), aerospace sector (e.g. tribology needs in jet engines), the power industries (e.g.developing and maintaining more efficient transmissions). PhD students may also commercialise technology or consultancy in the form of a spin-out activity. We have a track record of past PhD students achieving all these things. The iT-CDT plans to extend and broaden that record, will facilitate synergy across the discipline.
The transformative PhD research. During their studies, PhD students will be conducting research on an industry led project. These projects will also have elements of generic application therefore have wide impact. The students will be closely involved with both the sponsoring organisation and other industrial partners. This means that there will be a direct route for technology transfer.
Contribution to the Research Base in Tribology. The iT-CDT is a grouping of the two leading universities in tribology in the UK. It will form the largest critical mass of academics, RAs, and PhD students in the EU. A team of industrial partners will steer the research so that it is relevant and has real routes to impact. This platform will lead to a growth in the research base in tribology for the UK and will impact both industry, with improved products and processes, and academia with the supply of new technology and analytical methods.
Societal Impact. The development of new tribological processes, and engineers skilled in their conception and implementation, will have broader societal impact with machines and process that run with lower friction, higher energy efficiency and have greater durability. In the shorter term, we also plan as part of the iT-CDT for public engagement events using PhD students as the agents of delivery.
The number and quality of PhD graduates. iT-CDT plans, in the steady state, to graduate 12 PhD students per year. We expect these students to enter industry as research leaders or academia as RAs then lecturers. UK and EU industries are desperately short of PhD graduates, and they are in demand. We expect to have impact on UK industry with a stream of PhD graduates who will enter for example, the automotive sector (e.g. designing more fuel efficient engines), the rail sector (e.g. increasing network capacity and reducing cost through improved track and vehicle components), the oil industry (e.g. developing new lubricants for increased fuel efficiency), aerospace sector (e.g. tribology needs in jet engines), the power industries (e.g.developing and maintaining more efficient transmissions). PhD students may also commercialise technology or consultancy in the form of a spin-out activity. We have a track record of past PhD students achieving all these things. The iT-CDT plans to extend and broaden that record, will facilitate synergy across the discipline.
The transformative PhD research. During their studies, PhD students will be conducting research on an industry led project. These projects will also have elements of generic application therefore have wide impact. The students will be closely involved with both the sponsoring organisation and other industrial partners. This means that there will be a direct route for technology transfer.
Contribution to the Research Base in Tribology. The iT-CDT is a grouping of the two leading universities in tribology in the UK. It will form the largest critical mass of academics, RAs, and PhD students in the EU. A team of industrial partners will steer the research so that it is relevant and has real routes to impact. This platform will lead to a growth in the research base in tribology for the UK and will impact both industry, with improved products and processes, and academia with the supply of new technology and analytical methods.
Societal Impact. The development of new tribological processes, and engineers skilled in their conception and implementation, will have broader societal impact with machines and process that run with lower friction, higher energy efficiency and have greater durability. In the shorter term, we also plan as part of the iT-CDT for public engagement events using PhD students as the agents of delivery.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Claire Brockett (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Sarah Crossland (Student) |