Join us for the 3rd Re-Engineering the Future online symposium to learn about the latest advancements in Biomedical Engineering and Biomaterials from industry and research experts.
We will be joined by speakers from Forceteck, The Electrospinning Company and the Faculty of Engineering and Science, University of Greenwich. Full details of the talks are below.
Tuan Nguyen, University of Greenwich - Capturing the unseen in medical applications using Hyperspectral imaging
This presentation explores how hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology reveals vital information invisible to conventional medical imaging methods. By capturing hundreds of narrow spectral bands, HSI provides distinctive biochemical signatures that facilitate earlier detection, more precise treatment, and enhanced monitoring of various medical conditions. The talk showcases HSI's key benefits: identifying early disease markers before visible symptoms emerge, visualising surgical boundaries with remarkable precision, and broadening access to advanced imaging capabilities through AI-driven approaches. Two case studies illustrate these capabilities in practice: temporal monitoring of biochemical changes in skin surrogate models and accurate classification of brain tumour boundaries during surgery. Despite challenges in standardisation and clinical integration, HSI represents a notable advancement in our ability to visualise and analyse the unseen aspects of human tissue, with promising applications across numerous medical specialties from dermatology to neurosurgery.
Dario Cazzola, Forceteck - Physics-based machine learning for performance optimisation in professional sport
Elite athletic performance hinges on the ability to measure, understand, and optimise biomechanical function outside of the laboratory. Traditional motion analysis methods, while accurate, are constrained by cost, infrastructure, and ecological validity. At Forceteck, we are redefining how biomechanical insights are captured and applied in professional sport through a novel integration of computer vision, physics-based modelling, and machine learning.
Our approach enables the extraction of detailed biomechanical data—such as joint-level forces, ground reaction forces, and collision loads—directly from standard video footage, eliminating the need for wearable sensors or force plates. This is achieved using a hybrid physics-AI framework that combines interpretable biomechanical models with data-driven learning. The result is a scalable, lab-free solution that delivers transparent, accurate, and actionable performance metrics across training and match environments. We demonstrate the practical application of this technology in professional rugby and football settings, where coaches and medical teams require rapid, objective feedback to inform load management, return-to-play decisions, and performance enhancement strategies. Beyond athlete monitoring, our generative AI capabilities allow for simulation and prediction of biomechanical scenarios, unlocking new frontiers in injury prevention and movement optimisation. By embedding engineering principles within AI-driven sports analytics, Forceteck aims to bridge the gap between academic biomechanics and real-world sport performance. This presentation will explore our methodology, validation studies, and implications for the future of human performance monitoring.
Choi-Hong Lai, University of Greenwich - Some experiences at the cellular level of cardio contractility and nutrient absorption
This talk discusses the experiences of the author in two bio-medical topics, cardio myocytes contractility and absorption of nutrients & fatty acids in the epithelial cells. The first part relates to the use of inverse problems for the retrieval of a contractility model for cardio myocytes. Its extension to curvilinear coordinates suitable for modelling the heart is discussed. The second part relates to the absorption of fatty acids and nutrients at the cellular level with the retrieval of transmission diffusivity. In both cases, the intension is to make sure suitable physiology is being included into the modelling as much as possible. In the cases of unclear physiology due to complexity, suitable simplification is made and suitable data based regulatory terms are discussed. The author wishes to end the talk with ideas and discussions on machine learning algorithms for the above two problems together with the idea of in-silico virtual laboratory benefiting gymnasium and spots industries.
Osama Maklad, University of Greenwich - Corneal Biomechanics: Past, Present, and Future
Corneal biomechanics has emerged as a critical domain in ophthalmology, influencing diagnosis, treatment planning, and risk mitigation in diseases such as keratoconus, glaucoma, and post-refractive surgery ectasia. Historically reliant on empirical estimations and indirect measurements, the field has seen a transformative evolution with the advent of high-resolution imaging techniques and non-invasive diagnostic platforms like the Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA) and Corvis ST. These tools provide rich biomechanical datasets that capture corneal viscoelasticity, deformation response, and dynamic behaviour under pressure. In parallel, machine learning (ML) has begun to reshape the landscape by enabling the extraction of clinically meaningful patterns from complex biomechanical data. ML algorithms have demonstrated superior performance in detecting subclinical keratoconus, predicting post-LASIK ectasia risk, and classifying ocular disease phenotypes based on deformation waveforms and tomography features. Moreover, the integration of ML with multimodal imaging holds promise for personalised corneal risk profiling and decision-making.
Giulia Creed, The Electrospinning company - Electrospun medical devices: from concept to clinic
This talk will introduce electrospinning technology and its versatility in the development of biomaterials. It will discuss how the product development cycle works at the The Electrospinning Company and how electrospinning technology is leveraged to develop innovative products. Case studies in bringing product to market will be presented.
Ghofran Salah, University of Greenwich - Sustainable Biomaterials and Circular Innovation in Biomedical Engineering
As sustainability becomes a critical priority across all sectors, the biomedical field faces unique challenges and opportunities. From disposable devices to complex implant materials, the environmental impact of biomedical products is drawing increasing scrutiny from regulators, healthcare providers, and society. This session will explore how circular economy principles and sustainable design are being integrated into the development of biomaterials and medical technologies. Academic and industry speakers will showcase innovations in renewable and biodegradable materials—such as chitosan, PLA, and silk—and discuss how eco-design strategies can reduce clinical waste while maintaining safety and performance. The session will also address the practical and regulatory barriers that companies face in adopting greener materials and propose end-of-life strategies for biomedical products. By fostering dialogue between researchers and industry, this session aims to accelerate the transition toward sustainable biomedical engineering.
Joshua Boateng, University of Greenwich - Nano-in-nanofibre Advanced Dressing for Spatio-temporal Delivery of Growth Factors (GFs) in Chronic Wound Healing
The delivery of GFs to a wound site has the potential to shorten the healing time for chronic wounds and eliminate or significantly reduce scar formation after healing. The overall objective of this work is to prepare a multifunctional dressing for the correct spatiotemporal delivery of GFs to treat diabetic foot ulcer patients. Polymeric nanofibres with a core-shell structure and an average diameter ≈ 300 nm were obtained with coaxial electrospinning using poly (vinyl alcohol), polyvinylpyrrolidone, and hyaluronic acid. PLGA-based nanoparticles were prepared by a modified solvent diffusion technique, encapsulating the model protein. Homogeneous dispersion of nanoparticles was confirmed by TEM and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The nano-in-nano wound dressing was tested for mechanical strength, porous microstructure, stability, hydration, and polymorphic/amorphous transitions. Preliminary release experiments using a model protein in simulated wound fluid showed sustained release over 7 days, which is suitable for potential skin regeneration.
