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Professor Conor Buckley

Professor in (Mechanical, Manuf & Biomedical Eng)
PARSONS BUILDING
      
Profile Photo

Professor Conor Buckley

Professor in (Mechanical, Manuf & Biomedical Eng)
PARSONS BUILDING

 Conor.Buckley@tcd.ie

 3531896 2061


Conor Buckley is Professor In Biomedical Engineering and Director of the Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering. Buckley is a principal investigator (PI) in both the Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) national centre for Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research (AMBER) Centre at Trinity College Dublin and Honorary Associate Professor in the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. His research focuses on novel biomaterials, biofabrication and cell-based strategies for tissue regeneration Buckley has published over 90 international peer reviewed journal articles and over 200 conference publications. Buckley is a reviewer for 29 leading journals in the fields of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering and serves on the International Advisory Review Board (ARB) for the Journal of Orthopaedic Research-Spine. Buckley is also a PI on several commercial projects developing biomaterials for peripheral nerve repair and bioprinting for next generation implantable devices and tissues for orthopaedic applications. He also has experience in the commercialisation of technology including the filing and licensing of patents in relation to porous biomaterials for nerve (PCT/EP2020/083811) and cartilage tissue regeneration (EP18215447.6). In 2022, he co-founded Altach, (https://altach.health/) a campus spin-out company pioneering off-the-shelf cartilage scaffolds to regenerate damaged knee joints. Prof. Buckley's laboratory has been recognised through notable honours and distinctions including the Irish Research Council (IRC) New Foundations Award, Engineers Ireland Biomedical Research Medal, European Society of Biomechanics S.M. Perren Award. He is a recipient of a Science Foundation Ireland Career Development Award (CDA, 2016), a European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator award to develop personalised medicine approaches to regenerate the intervertebral disc (2019) and an ERC Proof of Concept award for injectable biomimetic self-healing tissue adhesives (2024). Current research activities: Personalised medicine and injectable gene activated biomaterials for intervertebral disc repair; Biofabrication of electroconductive ECM nerve guidance conduits; Injectable biomimetic self-healing tissue adhesives; 3D printing of ECM derived orthopaedic models and implants; Predictive in silico metabolite modelling for cell-based therapies.
  Bioengineering   Biomaterials   BIOMECHANICS   Biomedical Engineering   Chemical Engineering   Computational Mechanics   Computer-Aided Engineering   Image Processing   Manufacturing Engineering   Medical Devices Engineering   Tissue Engineering   TISSUE GROWTH-FACTOR   TISSUE TYPE   TISSUE-CULTURE   TISSUE-CULTURE CELLS
Project Title
 Evaluation of Bioinks from Human-Origin Biomaterials for Enhanced Wound Regeneration (BIOHEAL)
From
To
Summary
Due to a growing active aging population and the increased incidence of global diseases wound repair remains a significant challenge in clinical settings, necessitating innovative approaches to develop advanced wound care products and enhance healing outcomes. This proposal seeks to investigate the potential of human origin biomaterials to biofabricate wound care products leveraging the intrinsic properties of platelet lysates such as cytokine factors to promote healing and the antimicrobial activity of keratin-derived biomaterials for infection control.
Funding Agency
AMBER and Science Foundation Ireland
Person Months
12
Project Title
 The Oestrogen-Adipokine Axis and Its Influence on Vertebral Cartilaginous End-Plate Calcification and Porosity Formation in Pre-Menopausal Females
From
2022
To
2026
Summary
The global spread of obesity has been labelled a pandemic and has tripled in incidence since 1975. A major concern is the effect obesity has on low back pain (LBP), which already exceeds healthcare costs of €240 billion per year in Europe. If not addressed appropriately, with concerted efforts into appropriate treatments, the obesity pandemic and ever-growing incidence of LBP could cripple the healthcare system. The classical model or theory is that obesity influences LBP via altered distribution of forces in the spine, due to the increasing amount of abdominal fat with age. This theory is flawed for several reasons. Firstly, a notable proportion of patients presenting with LBP are young patients, reported as high as 30% of presentations. Secondly, young females store more of their fat in their thigh region. Thus, previous theories do not apply to young females and the significant proportion of LBP patients they represent. It is the premise of this proposal that the true causation of LBP in young females stems from the presence of fat tissue cells, known as adipokines, influenced by levels of oestrogen. Younger females have been shown to have higher levels of these cells than both males and elderly females. It is believed this is due to the differences in levels of oestrogen. Thus, the objective of this proposal is to ascertain the link between oestrogen, adipokines, and ultimately LBP. If successful, this work will provide new information and insights regarding the development of disc-disease and explore novel avenues for LBP treatment strategies in young females.
Funding Agency
Irish Research Council (IRC)
Programme
Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship
Person Months
48
Project Title
 Development of Biomimetic Vessels for Surgical Training
From
To
Summary
Surgical training plays a crucial role in preparing surgeons for complex procedures using medical devices. Traditional surgical training methods often rely on cadavers and animal models with associated ethical challenges. The development of biomimetic vessels, which accurately mimic human structure and function, has the potential to enhance surgical training by providing a more realistic and ethical alternative.
Funding Agency
AMBER, Science Foundation Ireland and Johnson and Johnson
Person Months
24
Project Title
 Consolidating the Expertise of Necmettin Erbakan University Towards the Development of Biofibers for Wound Healing and Tissue Regeneration (REGENEU)
From
2022
To
2024
Summary
The proposal REGENEU aims to meet the requirements of the HORIZON-WIDERA-2021-ACCESS-03-01: Twinning Call. The main focus of this project is to increase the scientific capabilities and excellence of NEU in the field of biofiber research and development for translational application. This target is supported by European partners TLC-RT (Germany), TERM (Germany) and AMBER of the University of Dublin, Trinity College Dublin (Ireland).
Funding Agency
HORIZON-CSA
Programme
HORIZON-WIDERA-2021-ACCESS-03
Person Months
36
Project Title
 CEMACUBE EIT Master's programme in Biomedical Engineering (2021)
From
2021
To
2021
Summary
Common European Masters in Biomedical Engineering (CEMACUBE) received the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) label, which was successfully awarded in 2019. The EIT is a European innovation body inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs and innovators in Europe. This initiative links with the TCD MSc in Bioengineering with specialisation in Tissue Engineering.
Funding Agency
EIT Health
Programme
EIT Label
Project Type
Education
Person Months
12

Page 1 of 5
Details Date
International Advisory Review Board (ARB)- Journal of Orthopaedic Research-Spine. 2020-Present
External Examiner- MSc Tissue Engineering for Regenerative Medicine programme, University of Manchester 2018-Present
Advisory Board Member- Master's degree programme Biomedical Engineering University of Groningen, Netherlands. 2018-2021
CEMACUBE/KIC-EIT Board Member: University representation on the board of the Common European Masters in Biomedical Engineering (CEMACUBE). Buckley was a co-applicant for CEMACUBE to receive the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) label, which was successfully awarded in 2019. The EIT is a European innovation body inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs and innovators in Europe. 2013-2022
Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) panel expert. QQI is the national agency responsible for the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). 2017
Language Skill Reading Skill Writing Skill Speaking
English Fluent Fluent Fluent
Details Date From Date To
Educating Students in Engineering and Medicine (ESEM), Co- Founding member and Treasurer 2015 2020
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS) 2009 Present
European Society of Biomechanics (ESB) 2009 Present
Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS) 2009 Present
Salinas-Fernandez, S. and Garcia, O. and Kelly, D.J. and Buckley, C.T., The influence of pH and salt concentration on the microstructure and mechanical properties of meniscus extracellular matrix-derived implants, Journal of Biomedical Materials Research - Part A, 112, (3), 2024, p359-372 , Notes: [cited By 0], Journal Article, PUBLISHED  TARA - Full Text  DOI
Gansau, J. and McDonnell, E.E. and Buckley, C.T., Development and characterization of antacid microcapsules to buffer the acidic intervertebral disc microenvironment, Journal of Biomedical Materials Research - Part A, 2024, Notes: [cited By 0], Journal Article, PUBLISHED  TARA - Full Text  DOI
Barcellona, M.N. and Ní­ Néill, T. and O'Brien, F.J. and Dixon, J.E. and Curtin, C.M. and Buckley, C.T., Modulation of Inflammation and Regeneration in the Intervertebral Disc Using Enhanced Cell-Penetrating Peptides for MicroRNA Delivery, Advanced NanoBiomed Research, 2024, Notes: [cited By 0], Journal Article, PUBLISHED  TARA - Full Text  DOI
McDonnell E.E., Ni Neill T., Wilson N., Darwish S.L., Butler J.S., Buckley C.T., In silico modeling the potential clinical effect of growth factor treatment on the metabolism of human nucleus pulposus cells, JOR Spine, 7, (3), 2024, Journal Article, PUBLISHED  DOI
McDonnell E.E., Wilson N., Barcellona M.N., Ni Neill T., Bagnall J., Brama P.A.J., Cunniffe G.M., Darwish S.L., Butler J.S., Buckley C.T., Preclinical to clinical translation for intervertebral disc repair: Effects of species-specific scale, metabolism, and matrix synthesis rates on cell-based regeneration, JOR Spine, 2023, Journal Article, PUBLISHED  TARA - Full Text  DOI
Basatvat S., Bach F.C., Barcellona M.N., Binch A.L., Buckley C.T., Bueno B., Chahine N.O., Chee A., Creemers L.B., Dudli S., Fearing B., Ferguson S.J., Gansau J., Gantenbein B., Gawri R., Glaeser J.D., Grad S., Guerrero J., Haglund L., Hernandez P.A., Hoyland J.A., Huang C., Iatridis J.C., Illien-Junger S., Jing L., Kraus P., Laagland L.T., Lang G., Leung V., Li Z., Lufkin T., van Maanen J.C., McDonnell E.E., Panebianco C.J., Presciutti S.M., Rao S., Richardson S.M., Romereim S., Schmitz T.C., Schol J., Setton L., Sheyn D., Snuggs J.W., Sun Y., Tan X., Tryfonidou M.A., Vo N., Wang D., Williams B., Williams R., Yoon S.T., Le Maitre C.L., Harmonization and standardization of nucleus pulposus cell extraction and culture methods, JOR Spine, 6, (1), 2023, Journal Article, PUBLISHED  TARA - Full Text  DOI
Browe, D.C. and Díaz-Payno, P.J. and Freeman, F.E. and Schipani, R. and Burdis, R. and Ahern, D.P. and Nulty, J.M. and Guler, S. and Randall, L.D. and Buckley, C.T. and Brama, P.A.J. and Kelly, D.J., Bilayered extracellular matrix derived scaffolds with anisotropic pore architecture guide tissue organization during osteochondral defect repair, Acta Biomaterialia, 143, 2022, p266-281 , Notes: [cited By 0], Journal Article, PUBLISHED  TARA - Full Text  DOI
McDonnell, E.E. and Buckley, C.T., Consolidating and re-evaluating the human disc nutrient microenvironment, JOR Spine, 5, (1), 2022, Notes: [cited By 0], Journal Article, PUBLISHED  TARA - Full Text  DOI
Hibbitts, A.J. and KoÄ Ã­, Z. and Kneafsey, S. and Matsiko, A. and ÅœiliÄ , L. and Dervan, A. and Hinton, P. and Chen, G. and Cavanagh, B. and Dowling, J.K. and McCoy, C.E. and Buckley, C.T. and Archibald, S.J. and O'Brien, F.J., Multi-factorial nerve guidance conduit engineering improves outcomes in inflammation, angiogenesis and large defect nerve repair, Matrix Biology, 106, 2022, p34-57 , Notes: [cited By 0], Journal Article, PUBLISHED  DOI
Samuel, S. and McDonnell, E.E. and Buckley, C.T., Effects of Growth Factor Combinations TGFβ3, GDF5 and GDF6 on the Matrix Synthesis of Nucleus Pulposus and Nasoseptal Chondrocyte Self-Assembled Microtissues, Applied Sciences (Switzerland), 12, (3), 2022, Notes: [cited By 0], Journal Article, PUBLISHED  TARA - Full Text  DOI
  

Page 1 of 20
Gansau J., McDonnell E. and Buckley, C.T. , Enhancing the local acidic microenvironment found in degenerated intervertebral discs using pH neutralizing microcapsules, Proceedings of the 26th Annual Conference of the Section of Bioengineering of the Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland, Mount Wolseley Hotel, Spa & Golf Resort, Co Carlow, Ireland , 2020, Oral Presentation, PRESENTED
Ryan T. and Buckley, C.T. , Ambient temperature transportation of chondrocytes for cell therapies, 24th Annual Conference of the Section of Bioengineering of the Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland, Johnstown Estate Hotel & Spa, Enfield, Co. Meath , 2018, Poster, PRESENTED
Tornifoglio B., Kerskens C.M. and Buckley C.T., Non-invasive characterisation of the intervertebral disc microenvionment through finite element modelling and magnetic resonance imaging, 24th Annual Conference of the Section of Bioengineering of the Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland, Johnstown Estate Hotel & Spa, Enfield, Co. Meath , 2018, Poster, PRESENTED
Irwin, P.P. and Buckley, C.T. , Glucose mapping of bovine intervertebral disc organ culture models. An experimental and numerical analysis. , Proceedings of the 23rd Annual Conference of the Section of Bioengineering of the Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland, 2017, Poster, PRESENTED
Mandal, P. and Buckley, C.T., Comparison of bone marrow stem cells and nasal chondrocytes for nucleus pulposus regeneration, Proceedings of the 23rd Annual Conference of the Section of Bioengineering of the Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland, 2017, Poster, PRESENTED
Buckley C.T. , Regenerating the Intervertebral Disc- Biomaterial Strategies, Stem Cells and Microenvironmental Effects, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA, Nov , 2014, Invited Talk, PRESENTED
Buckley C.T. , SCIENCE & SPORTS INJURIES- How tissue engineering will reduce the need for complex surgery?, A World of Science in Sport, Public Lecture, Global Room, Trinity College Dublin, Jul , 2014, Invited Talk, PRESENTED
Buckley C.T. , Regenerative Medicine & Tissue Engineering, Trinity Centre for Bioengineering Winter Symposium, Trinity College Dublin, Dec , 2010, Invited Talk, PRESENTED
Buckley C.T. , Mesenchymal Stem Cell Based Therapies for Articular Cartilage Repair, Mesenchymal Stem Cell Group Seminar Series, University of Leeds, July , 2010, Invited Talk, PRESENTED
Buckley C.T. , Articular Cartilage Repair- Biophysical and Biochemical Environments for Mesenchymal Stem Cell Based Therapies, Seminar Series, University of Sheffield, UK, May , 2010, Invited Talk, PRESENTED

  


Page 1 of 2
Award Date
Top Cited Article, Journal of Orthopaedic Research-Spine (2022-2023). Consolidating and re-evaluating the human disc nutrient microenvironment. JOR Spine, 5(1):e1192, 2022. Contribution- Senior Author 2023
Top Cited Article, Journal of Orthopaedic Research-Spine (2022-2023). Rat tail models for assessment of injectable nucleus pulposus regeneration strategies. JOR Spine, 5(3): e1216, 2022 Contribution- Senior Author 2023
Top Downloaded Article, Journal of Orthopaedic Research-Spine (2022-2023). Rat tail models for assessment of injectable nucleus pulposus regeneration strategies. JOR Spine, 5(3): e1216, 2022 Contribution- Senior Author 2023
Top Cited Article, Journal of Orthopaedic Research-Spine (2021-2022). Investigating the physiological relevance of ex vivo disc organ culture nutrient microenvironments using in-silico modelling and experimental validation. JOR Spine 4(2):e1141, 2021. Contribution- Senior Author 2022
Trinity College Dublin Innovation Awards 2022- In recognition of achieving Campus Company Status (Altach Biomedical). Contribution- Co-Founder 2022
Fellow of Trinity College Dublin (FTCD) 2020
European Research Council Consolidator Grant- Principal Investigator 2020
Top 10% Downloaded Articles, Journal of Orthopaedic Research-Spine (2018-2019). Advancing cell therapies for intervertebral disc regeneration from the lab to the clinic: Recommendations of the ORS spine section. Contribution- Senior Author 2020
Top 10% Downloaded Articles, Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A (2018-2019). Glyoxal cross-linking of solubilized extracellular matrix to produce highly porous, elastic, and chondro-permissive scaffolds for orthopedic tissue engineering. Contribution- Co-Author 2020
Top 20 Downloaded Articles, Journal of Orthopaedic Research-Spine (2017-2018). Critical aspects and challenges for intervertebral disc repair and regeneration-Harnessing advances in tissue engineering. Contribution- First Author 2019
Top 20 Downloaded Articles, Journal of Orthopaedic Research-Spine (2017-2018). Advancing cell therapies for intervertebral disc regeneration from the lab to the clinic: Recommendations of the ORS spine section. Contribution- Senior Author 2018
Honorary Associate Professor, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland & Trinity College Dublin 2018
Science Foundation Ireland, Career Development Award- Principal Investigator 2016
Irish Research Council (IRC) New foundations Award- Principal Investigator 2014
Global Medical Discovery Series. Contribution- Principal Investigator 2014
Engineers Ireland Biomedical Research Medal- Co-Investigator 2014
Best overall MSc Thesis in Bioengineering. Principal Investigator 2012-2016
Engineers Ireland Biomedical Research Medal. Co-Investigator 2012
European Society of Biomechanics S.M. Perren Award. Co-Investigator 2012
Science Foundation Ireland Travel Fellowship- Investigator 2009