Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering Commons^™

Plasma Activated Air Mediates Gene Transfer, Chelsea M. Edelblute

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Cold plasma is produced when strong applied electric fields accelerate free electrons, which dissociate, excite, or ionize gaseous molecules [1]. The deposition of ions from the plasma source is dependent on power generation, input gas composition, and gas flow rate. In the presence of reactive species, the membrane of eukaryotic cells is compromised allowing for otherwise impermeant molecules, such as DNA, to enter the inner-cell milieu [2].

The efficacy of a novel cold plasma reactor based on shielded sliding discharge for the delivery of plasmid DNA was assessed. The device is entirely non-contact, wherein the plasma never directly touches the …

Dispersion Of Cytotoxic Properties Of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Suspended In Biological Solutions With Tween 80: Their Role In Enhancing Killing Effects Of Nanosecond Pulse Electric Fields On Tumor Cell Lines, Bhargava S. Kalluri

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

The objective of this study was to determine whether multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) suspended in the surfactant Tween 80 give an additive killing effect on tumor cells when exposed to nsPEFs. In this study, MWCNTs were suspended in DMEM and RPMI with or without T80 (surfactant). The size distribution of MWCNTs suspended in these solutions was evaluated with a Delsa™ Nano Zeta potential and sub micro particle Size Analyzer and confirmed with microscopy. The cytotoxicity of MWCNTs dispersed in different concentrations of T80 was evaluated in PANC1 (Human pancreatic cancer cell line) and Jurkat cell lines (Human T-cell lymphoblast cell …

Human Osteoblast Proliferation In Culture Following A Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Field (Nspef), Leonard Joseph Carinci Jr.

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Osteoblasts are mononucleate bone forming cells responsible for the deposition of new bone. Application of mechanical stress on bone reveals its ability to produce and release electric potentials across the cell membrane called piezoelectricity. The electric potentials produced in response to mechanical stress may have a direct correlation on osseous cells and the signaling pathways that regulate proliferation. Nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) are high intensity, ultrashort pulses which have the ability to maintain the integrity of the cell membrane by avoiding traditional electroporation. We delivered 8 nsPEFs (0.5 Hz) of a 25 kV/cm or 35 kV/cm electric field strength …

Retention Of Cellular Viability And Growth Potential In Cryopreserved Bovine Arterial Tissue: Implications For Clinical Use Of Cryopreserved Vascular Allografts, Kip G. Gardner

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Segments of bovine calf aortas and pulmonary arteries were cryopreserved at -196° C for two weeks to 18 months and subsequently thawed. Cellular morphology, viability, and growth potential in these segments were then compared with the same attributes in segments from fresh (control) arteries. Scanning electron microscopy revealed no disruption of intimal surfaces attributable to cryopreservation. Endothelial cells were successfully cultured from all cryopreserved arterial segments. Endothelial monolayers grown from cryopreserved arteries had a cobblestone appearance and expressed Factor VIII antigen but not smooth muscle alpha-actin. Plating efficiency in primary cultures of endothelial cells was lower for cryopreserved arteries than …