Age's Effect On Regenerative Capabilities Of Myocytes Through Satellite Cell Analysis,
2017
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Age's Effect On Regenerative Capabilities Of Myocytes Through Satellite Cell Analysis, Karam S. Sra
Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses
The objective of this study was to investigate potential effects aging had on muscle fiber area and satellite cell count in myocytes. This research could help elucidate the detrimental effect age has on regenerative capabilities whether in terms of satellite cell function or satellite cell number. Satellite cells are primarily responsible for generating new muscle tissue after being activated through mechanotransduction of injury. This study utilized immunofluorescence to examine the presence of the PAX7 gene expression, a unique marker of satellite cells, within a 12 month and 18 month old population of mice. The PAX7 marker was co-stained with DAPI …
Characterization Of The Response Of Trpv4 To Chemical Stimulation,
2017
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Characterization Of The Response Of Trpv4 To Chemical Stimulation, Jacob V. Schluns
Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a source of acute and chronic health issues for many patients. One of the components of the brain’s response to injury is astrogliosis, in which astrocytes that normally function to repair the brain instead form scar tissue that halts repair processes. Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type 4 (TRPV4) is a trans-membrane calcium channel involved in astrogliosis. Through Fura-2AM based calcium imaging, the base activity of this channel in mouse astrocyte cells was recorded. The cells were then subjected to TRPV4 agonist and antagonist stimulation and their subsequent activity levels were recorded. The data showed that …
Ultrasonically Responsive Tissue Engineering Scaffolds For The Temporal Control Over Osteo-Inductive Growth Factor Delivery,
2017
University of Rhode Island
Ultrasonically Responsive Tissue Engineering Scaffolds For The Temporal Control Over Osteo-Inductive Growth Factor Delivery, Catherine Linh
Senior Honors Projects
In 2012, approximately 6.8 million people in the United States were diagnosed with orthopedic injuries or diseases. Over 500,000 people in the United States underwent bone grafting procedures, which cost 2.5 billion dollars per year and can result in complications. Polymer-based grafting scaffolds can facilitate 3D bone tissue growth in a localized, sustained manner. However, bone regeneration requires the orchestration of a sequence of events. Current scaffolds based on degradation and diffusion cannot provide sequential deliveries. We aimed to design a polymer scaffold that can release one payload diffusively at early time points, followed by ultrasonically triggered release of a …
Role Of Trpv4 In Astrocyte Extracellular Matrix Production,
2017
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Role Of Trpv4 In Astrocyte Extracellular Matrix Production, Abby Terlouw
Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is an alteration of brain pathology following damage of the central nervous system (CNS) by an external force. In the CNS, glial scar formation often occurs following TBI, and astrocytes are widely believed to contribute to this scar formation. While the role of astrocytes in extracellular matrix (ECM) production is known, the exact mechanism(s) for this event remain unclear. One possible method is the activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4). TRPV4 is a channel protein found in the astrocyte membrane which has been shown to generate intracellular calcium ions following mechanical stimulation. Previous research …
3d Printing Of Biodegradable Scaffolds For Tissue Engineering Applications,
2017
Cedarville University
3d Printing Of Biodegradable Scaffolds For Tissue Engineering Applications, Joe Morin, Michael Pickett, Amy Abraham, Tiera Martinelli
The Research and Scholarship Symposium (2013-2019)
With the recent improvements in three dimensional (3D) printing technologies, the potential for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have significantly improved. One key idea in tissue engineering is to specifically design scaffolds to aid in the healing process by being incorporated into the body’s own tissue. The overall goal of this project is to investigate 3D printable scaffold design to access suitability for tissue replacement. This was accomplished by analyzing the effect of the material used to create the scaffolds, pore size, and pore shape on mechanical stiffness and cell culturability. Based on published literature, it was determined that, depending …
Chemical And Physical Priming Of Human Mesenchymal Stem
Cells To Alter Nonviral Gene Delivery Outcomes,
2017
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Chemical And Physical Priming Of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells To Alter Nonviral Gene Delivery Outcomes, Tyler Kozisek, Andrew Hamann, Amy Mantz, Mathias Schubert, Eva Schubert, Angela K. Pannier
Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research
Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are a multipotent cell, meaning they are able to differentiate into a more mature cell type, such as osteocytes, chondrocytes, and adipocytes, that are found in numerous tissues in the human body, such as bone marrow, fat, and muscle. Since hMSCs can be derived from adult human tissues, they do not have the same ethical concern associated with them as other stem cells, such as embryonic stem cells. Due to hMSCs multipotency and ease of obtaining, they have become one of the most widely researched stem cell types in areas such …
Chitosan Nanoparticle Modifications For Improved Gene Delivery In An Oral Dna Vaccine Application,
2017
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Chitosan Nanoparticle Modifications For Improved Gene Delivery In An Oral Dna Vaccine Application, Austin Helmink
Honors Theses
Vaccines represent one of the most significant medical innovations of the 20th century, resulting in the eradication or near eradication of a handful of deadly diseases. However, many infectious diseases remain resistant to effective vaccination, largely due to a lack full immune activation by traditional protein-based vaccines. A promising alternative vaccination strategy is the emerging development of DNA vaccines, which rely upon the delivery of exogenous genetic material to host cells encoding for a viral or bacterial antigen in order to induce a robust immune response by closely mimicking live infection. The delivery of genetic material requires a carrier …
Computing Spatiotemporal Heat Maps Of Lipid Electropore Formation: A Statistical Approach,
2017
Old Dominion University
Computing Spatiotemporal Heat Maps Of Lipid Electropore Formation: A Statistical Approach, Willy Wriggers, Frederica Castellani, Julio A. Kovacs, P. Thomas Vernier
Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications
We extend the multiscale spatiotemporal heat map strategies originally developed for interpreting molecular dynamics simulations of well-structured proteins to liquids such as lipid bilayers and solvents. Our analysis informs the experimental and theoretical investigation of electroporation, that is, the externally imposed breaching of the cell membrane under the influence of an electric field of sufficient magnitude. To understand the nanoscale architecture of electroporation, we transform time domain data of the coarse-grained interaction networks of lipids and solvents into spatial heat maps of the most relevant constituent molecules. The application takes advantage of our earlier graph-based activity functions by accounting for …
Quantitative Limits On Small Molecule Transport Via The Electropermeome - Measuring And Modeling Single Nanosecond Perturbations,
2017
Old Dominion University
Quantitative Limits On Small Molecule Transport Via The Electropermeome - Measuring And Modeling Single Nanosecond Perturbations, Esin B. Sözer, Zachary A. Levine, P. Thomas Vernier
Bioelectrics Publications
The detailed molecular mechanisms underlying the permeabilization of cell membranes by pulsed electric fields (electroporation) remain obscure despite decades of investigative effort. To advance beyond descriptive schematics to the development of robust, predictive models, empirical parameters in existing models must be replaced with physics- and biology-based terms anchored in experimental observations. We report here absolute values for the uptake of YO-PRO-1, a small-molecule fluorescent indicator of membrane integrity, into cells after a single electric pulse lasting only 6 ns. We correlate these measured values, based on fluorescence microphotometry of hundreds of individual cells, with a diffusion-based geometric analysis of pore-mediated …
The Effect Of Hyperthermia On Doxorubicin Therapy And Nanoparticle Penetration In Multicellular Ovarian Cancer Spheroids,
2017
Florida International University
The Effect Of Hyperthermia On Doxorubicin Therapy And Nanoparticle Penetration In Multicellular Ovarian Cancer Spheroids, Abhignyan Nagesetti
FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The efficient treatment of cancer with chemotherapy is challenged by the limited penetration of drugs into the tumor. Nanoparticles (10 – 100 nanometers) have emerged as a logical choice to specifically deliver chemotherapeutics to tumors, however, their transport into the tumor is also impeded owing to their bigger size compared to free drug moieties. Currently, monolayer cell cultures, as models for drug testing, cannot recapitulate the structural and functional complexity of in-vivo tumors. Furthermore, strategies to improve drug distribution in tumor tissues are also required. In this study, we hypothesized that hyperthermia (43°C) will improve the distribution of silica nanoparticles …
Differentiation Of Kidney Progenitors Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells And Conditioned Media Of Renal Cortical Tubular Epithelial Cells,
2017
Brigham Young University - Provo
Differentiation Of Kidney Progenitors Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells And Conditioned Media Of Renal Cortical Tubular Epithelial Cells, Matthew Nielsen 3644978, Steven Passey, Maxwell Beers, Alonzo Cook
Biomedical Engineering Western Regional Conference
No abstract provided.
Differentiation And Containment Of Derived Pancreatic Beta Cells,
2017
Brigham Young University - Provo
Differentiation And Containment Of Derived Pancreatic Beta Cells, Caden Duffy, Alonzo Cook Ph.D.
Biomedical Engineering Western Regional Conference
Currently, the only permanent cure for Type 1 Diabetes is a pancreatic or islet transplant. With the shortage of donors, we are progressing research towards alternative therapies by differentiating induced pluripotent stem cells into derived pancreatic β-cells that can be transplanted and used as treatment for Type 1 Diabetes. We are investigating methods to increase the yield of fully derived, insulin producing pancreatic β-cells and are additionally researching the use of hydrophilized expanded polytetrafluoroethylene for use in cell containment devices. These devices could offer a future alternative for islet transplantation in human patients.
Beating Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes On Porcine Extracellular Matrix,
2017
Brigham Young University - Provo
Beating Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes On Porcine Extracellular Matrix, Kaitlyn J. Mcentire, Alonzo Cook, Toph Knutson, Gevan Eldredge, Hunter Behrmann, Clayton Holding, Matthew Hodgson, Dillon Despain, Jacob Preslar, Joseph Rich, Matthew Stephens, Matthew Trone, Michael Neff, Sam Worrall, Joshua Mcclellan, Abbie Kondel, Donnie Pfeifer
Biomedical Engineering Western Regional Conference
Despite modern technology and developments in heart disease treatment and prevention, heart disease remains the number one cause of death in America. With an inability to meet an ever-increasing demand for heart transplants and the dangers of immunosuppressant drugs, any potential alternative to cardiac transplantation must be pursued. The end goal of this research is to engineer biocompatible tissues that are fully functional to repair or replace damaged portions of the heart following the loss of cardiac function. This research investigates the effect of porcine extracellular matrix as the scaffold for beating IPS-differentiated cardiomyocytes.
Nerve Growth Factor And Lysophosphatidylcholine In Peripheral Nerve Repair,
2017
Brigham Young University
Nerve Growth Factor And Lysophosphatidylcholine In Peripheral Nerve Repair, Keaton Karlinsey 8741888
Biomedical Engineering Western Regional Conference
NGF, Nerve Growth Factor, Lysophosphatidylcholine, Peripheral nerve regeneration, Sciatic nerve, Sciatic crush injury
Cancer Therapeutic Onconase And Lyophilized Cell-Free Protein Expression Systems,
2017
Brigham Young University
Cancer Therapeutic Onconase And Lyophilized Cell-Free Protein Expression Systems, Porter Hunt, Bradley C. Bundy, Amin Salehi, Mark Thomas Smith, Jacob Williams, William G. Pitt, Anthony Bennett
Biomedical Engineering Western Regional Conference
Recently reported high-yield synthesis of cytotoxic protein Onconase from lyophilized E. coli extract preparations demonstrates the utility of lyophilized cell-free protein expression and its potential for creating on-demand biotherapeutics, vaccines, biosensors, biocatalysts, and high throughput protein synthesis.
Analysis Of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Of Peripheral Nerve Regeneration,
2017
Brigham Young University - Provo
Analysis Of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Of Peripheral Nerve Regeneration, Jaron J. Lundwall, Alonzo Cook
Biomedical Engineering Western Regional Conference
Due to accident related neural damage, many people’s lives are impaired or limited in what they can do. Current medical practices are limited at helping distal and proximal nerve stubs regenerate. Many recent research studies have focused on trying to improve this problem by understanding how cut or crushed nerves heal. Our study hopes to help these efforts by improving non-invasive analysis techniques of nerve growth. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one possible solution to creating a reliable analysis technique that in the future could be used on humans. However, current methods of taking MRI scans involve toxic resolving fluid …
Developing A Renal Cell Carcinoma Kidney-Tumor-On-A-Chip To Mimic Tumor-Induced Angiogenesis,
2017
University of Washington - Seattle Campus
Developing A Renal Cell Carcinoma Kidney-Tumor-On-A-Chip To Mimic Tumor-Induced Angiogenesis, Connor Tsuchida, Chris Miller, Ying Zheng
Biomedical Engineering Western Regional Conference
Currently, models for testing developing cancer therapeutics are inaccurate. To address this issue, the Zheng Lab is developing a kidney-tumor-on-a-chip to mimic tumor-induced angiogenesis. Initial steps were taken toward this ultimate goal by creating an in vitro study between human kidney microvascular endothelial cells and renal cell carcinoma spheroids. The experiments showed an increase in endothelial sprouts in the presence of renal cell carcinoma spheroids vs. normal kidney cortex spheroids.
In Vitro Antioxidant Oxidative Stress Treatment Model In Microgravity,
2017
Utah State University
In Vitro Antioxidant Oxidative Stress Treatment Model In Microgravity, Matt Clegg, Charles P. Harding, Taylor Clegg, Jon Takemoto, Elizabeth Vargis
Biomedical Engineering Western Regional Conference
We propose that the use of individual or a combination of antioxidants (specifically DL-alpha tocopherol phosphate disodium salt, mesobiliverdin, and L-glutathione) with astronauts in microgravity will reduce the effects of oxidative stress caused by ionizing radiation and muscular atrophy.
Molecular Modeling Of Antibody-Antigen Binding Near Solid Surfaces,
2017
Brigham Young University
Molecular Modeling Of Antibody-Antigen Binding Near Solid Surfaces, Derek Bush, Thomas Knotts
Biomedical Engineering Western Regional Conference
Antibody microarrays are biosensors that have the potential to revolutionize molecular detection in medicine, scientific research, and national defense. However, current microarrays are not widely used due to problems including poor reproducibility and signal quality, unbalanced antibody performance, and cross-reactivity. Prior work in the area focused mainly on the stability of the antibody alone and not its affinity for its antigen. This presentation shows results of using molecular simulation to determine how different types of surfaces affect antigen binding to surface-tethered antibodies. The results offer an unprecedented, molecular-level view into these protein-protein-surface interactions and how to drive binding to occur.
Engineering A Fluorescent Protease Sensor For In Vivo Protein Detection,
2017
University of Connecticut
Engineering A Fluorescent Protease Sensor For In Vivo Protein Detection, Thomas C. Kinard
Honors Scholar Theses
This report details the results of an ongoing project to engineer a mutant form of Red Fluorescent Protein (RFP) variant mCherry that acts as a real-time in vivo protease sensor. The sought-after mutant only becomes fluorescent when exposed to Tobacco Etch Virus (TEV) Protease, this system’s model protease. This will be accomplished via the insertion of the TEV Protease Recognition Site (TEV-PRS) in such a position that, before cleavage, will prevent the protein from folding to fluorescent conformation, but upon cleavage, will allow for fluorescent conformation to occur. The cylindrical structure of the protein, composed of beta-pleated sheets, contains “loops” …
