Soft Tissue Biomechanics (STBio)

Members of the Soft Tissue Biomechanics (STBio) department are experts in biomechanical modeling and experimentation on soft biological tissues. Within the Joint Research Unit (UMR) SAINBIOSE (Inserm U1059, sainbiose-lab.fr), they develop digital twins for biology, medicine, and surgery in the cardiovascular and osteoarticular fields.

Head of Department
Stéphane Avril
Email: avril@mines-stetienne.fr
Phone: +33 4 77 42 01 88

Areas of Expertise

• Advanced numerical modeling
  Development of complex simulations to reproduce the behavior of soft tissues.
• Characterization of tissue/medical device interactions
  Study of the mechanical and biological effects of devices on biological tissues.
• Development of innovative biomaterials
  Design and optimization of materials meeting the specific needs of clinical applications.
• Mechanobiology of arteries
  • Prevention of aneurysm ruptures through the study of mechanical mechanisms.
  • Numerical simulation of endovascular surgery:
    • In silico prediction to optimize treatments.
    • Creation of 3D digital twins for personalized interventions.
    • Development of diagnostic support tools for clinicians.
• Biomechanical action of medical textiles
  Prevention of incisional hernias through adapted biomechanical solutions.

Themes of Excellence

Members of the STBio department contribute their expertise to the research projects of the Joint Research Unit (UMR) SAINBIOSE on the following themes:

• Cardiovascular pathologies
  Modeling of the aorta and heart valves to prevent risks of aneurysm or insufficiency.
• Tissue regeneration
  Analysis of mechanical stresses in healing processes.
• Tissue/device interfaces
  Optimization of implants for better biomechanical compatibility.
• Advanced imaging and modeling
  3D reconstruction techniques for predictive simulations.

Research unit

The scientific activities of the department staff are fully affiliated with the Joint Research Unit (UMR) 1059 – SAINBIOSE, and more specifically with the LBTO team (Osteoarticular Tissue Biology).

This integration ensures a unique synergy between:

• The School’s engineering
  Contribution of modeling and instrumentation skills.
• Inserm research
  Scientific framework, HCERES evaluation, and access to clinical challenges.
• Medical innovation
  Partnerships with the Saint-Étienne University Hospital (CHU) and the industrial sector.

This integration of biology, engineering, and health positions the department as a key player in biomedical research, linked to clinical and industrial challenges.

Contact and Practical Information