Molecular, Cellular, and Tissue Engineering Commons^™

Optimal Tissue Clearing Of Gastric Cancerous Organoids Imaged Via High Resolution Light Sheet Microscopy, Lauren D. Lieu

2025 Fall Honors Capstones Projects - Archive

While the rate of surviving a myocardial infarction has increased in the past 60 years from 60% to 90%, the rate of Americans developing chronic heart disease such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and hypertensive heart disease has risen. This has led to the development of imaging technology such as Light Sheet Microscopy (LSM) and Light Field Microscopy (LFM) to study heart contractility and congenital heart disease via models such as cancerous organoids or Zebrafish. However, LSM and LFM results are highly dependent on the quality of the staining and cleared samples. This study looks to add to the growing field …

Signal Analysis Of Calcium Dynamics In Pancreatic Cells, Abhidha Kunwar

2025 Fall Honors Capstones Projects - Archive

Calcium (Ca²⁺) signaling plays a critical role in insulin secretion from pancreatic βcells. Photo-biomodulation (PBM) of red or near-infrared wavelengths is applied to enhance cellular metabolism and Ca²⁺ activity in pancreatic cells. This study aims to rigorously analyze how PBM influences calcium dynamics in pancreatic cells by applying the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), converting Ca²⁺ spiking patterns to the frequency domain to determine dominant oscillatory behaviors. Using a calcium-binding fluorophore, Ca²⁺ activity was acquired before and after PBM at 810 nm, processed with a machine learning algorithm, and further analyzed in MATLAB using FFT to assess changes in calcium signal …

Characterization Of Nanoplastic-Induced Exacerbation Of Asthmatic Pathophysiology In A Murine In Vivo Model, Keith Li

Theses and Dissertations

As global plastic production increases, so does the environmental and biological presence of nanoplastics (NPs), raising growing concerns about their potential impact on human health. These particles have been detected in various organs, including the lungs, yet their role in respiratory inflammation remains largely unexplored. Emerging evidence suggests that NP exposure may influence immune responses in the lungs, particularly in individuals with preexisting conditions such as asthma. However, the specific ways in which these particles interact with allergen driven inflammation are still unclear.

In this study, a murine model of allergic airway inflammation was used to investigate how surface modified …

Intercellular Mitochondrial Transfer Contributes To Microenvironmental Redirection Of Cancer Cell Fate, Julie Sofie Bjerring, Yara Khodour, Emilee Anne Peterson, Patrick Christian Sachs, Robert David Bruno

School of Medical Diagnostics & Translational Sciences Publications

The mammary microenvironment has been shown to suppress tumor progression by redirecting cancer cells to adopt a normal mammary epithelial progenitor fate in vivo. However, the mechanism(s) by which this alteration occurs has yet to be defined. Here, we test the hypothesis that mitochondrial transfer from normal mammary epithelial cells to breast cancer cells plays a role in this redirection process. We evaluate mitochondrial transfer in 2D and 3D organoids using our unique 3D bioprinting system to produce chimeric organoids containing normal and cancer cells. We demonstrate that breast cancer tumoroid growth is hindered following interaction with mammary epithelial cells …

Fabricating Silver-Ceria Polymer Nanocomposite Scaffolds For Biomedical Therapeutic Applications, Shreya S. Pawar

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Improper healing of bone fractures and limited regeneration of bone following bone tumor resection remain a prevalent complication worldwide. Long-term effects of this include joint instability, limited movement, and arthritis. Bone infections (osteomyelitis), reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation via excessive inflammation, and underlying conditions such as osteoporosis can contribute to suboptimal bone tissue regeneration. ROS accumulation stimulates osteoblast apoptosis, while promoting osteoclast differentiation. These processes inhibit mineralization and osteogenesis. Conventional therapeutics involve the utilization of drugs and bone grafts. However, these approaches pose limitations and can result in subsequent complications. Microbial infections, ROS accumulation, and excessive inflammations are factors that …

Generation And Characterization Of Human Blood-Brain Barrier Models For Investigating Neuropsychiatric Disorders And Tumor Metastasis, Yunfei Li

Dissertations and Theses

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is important in the normal function of the central nervous system (CNS). An altered BBB has been described in various neuropsychiatric disorders. The brain-specific microvascular endothelial cell (BMEC) is an essential structural component of the BBB. To test if integrity of the BBB formed by BMECs is compromised in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (also called DiGeorge syndrome), which is one of the validated genetic risk factors for schizophrenia, a 2D iBBB (induced BBB) on a Transwell filter was generated from human microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) derived from the induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) out of patients with …

In Vitro Microfluidics System For Mechanobiologic Investigations, Michael A. Daanen

Honors Theses

Mechanobiology is an emerging field that aims to study the relationships between mechanical forces and cellular behavior. Such mechanobiological relationships are especially critical in the cardiovascular system, where endothelial cells lining the vasculature align in response to fluid shear stresses from blood flow (Sinha, 2016). Implanted flow devices, diabetes, chronic hypertension, and various other diseases and pathophysiologies alter vessel geometries and flow dynamics. Such alterations impact fluid shear stress and endothelial cell behavior, leading to microcirculatory dysfunction, vessel leakage, and organ failure (Poredos, 2021; Papadaki, 1999; Leitschuh, 1987). To simulate dysfunctional endothelial cell behavior in vitro and evaluate novel therapeutic …

Molecular Imprinting And Nanomaterial Synergy For Lactate Detection, Christopher Animashaun, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

Molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP)-based electrochemical sensors have emerged as promising non-enzymatic platforms for the selective and stable detection of clinically and environmentally relevant biomarkers. This review provides a critical, comprehensive analysis of recent advances in MIP-based lactate sensing, with particular emphasis on hybrid systems that integrate conductive nanomaterials including gold and silver nanoparticles, laser-induced graphene, and reduced graphene oxide. These synergistic combinations leverage enhanced surface area, electrical conductivity, and molecular recognition to improve sensor sensitivity, selectivity, and long-term operational stability. Key fabrication strategies, such as electropolymerization, green nanomaterial synthesis, and surface imprinting, are critically examined for their roles in optimizing …

The Bacteriostatic, Regenerative, And Immunomodulatory Properties Of Extracellular Matrix Particles For Lung Injury, Keera P. Rhoads

Theses and Dissertations

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a prevalent, life-threatening lung condition, affecting nearly 200,000 Americans annually, with a 40% international mortality rate. There is no cure for ARDS, and current pharmacological treatments have limited effectiveness. Symptoms can be mitigated with mechanical ventilation, though this often leads to ventilator-induced lung injuries (VILI) and puts critically ill patients at risk of infections, including ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). A promising therapeutic is the extracellular matrix (ECM), a complex network of structural proteins and bioactive molecules that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and prevent fibrosis. We aim to utilize the regenerative and immunomodulatory …

Modeling Synergistic Effects Of Integrin And Tgf-Β Signaling In Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition, Prerak Thakkar

Theses and Dissertations

The induction of Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) is initiated by a

number of protiens and growth factors, one of which is the profibrotic cytokine Trans-

forming Growth Factor β (TGF-β). Within the extracellular matrix (ECM), TGF-β

is found in a latent, inactive form bound to proteins such as fibronectin (FN). For

TGF-β to contribute to EMT induction, it has to be extracted from the latent com-

plexes into a soluble form. This soluble, activated TGF-β can then bind to receptors

on the cell membrane, which causes the transduction of signals that begin EMT. Re-

search has shown that the release …

3d Bioprinting Technology Innovation In Female Reproductive System, Siyao Chen, Tongxin Wang, Jiaqi Chen, Mingxing Sui, Luyao Wang, Xueyu Zhao, Jianqiao Sun, Yingli Lu

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Faculty Publications

Several diseases affect the female reproductive system, and both disease factors and treatments impact its integrity and function. Consequently, understanding the mechanisms of disease occurrence and exploring treatment methods are key research focuses in obstetrics and gynecology. However, constructing accurate disease models requires a microenvironment closely resembling the human body, and current animal models and 2D in vitro cell models fall short in this regard. Thus, innovative in vitro female reproductive system models are urgently needed. Additionally, female reproductive system diseases often cause tissue loss, yet effective tissue repair and regeneration have long been a bottleneck in the medical field. …

Molecular Characterization Of Leptin Gene In Sheep (Ovis Aries), Shahenda M. Hegazy, Mohamed Fouda, Ahmed Ateya, Huda A. El Emam

Mansoura Veterinary Medical Journal

INTRODUCTION: Advances in molecular genetic techniques have simplified the process of identifying individual differences at the DNA level. Genetic polymorphisms at candidate genes controlling economic features have recently drawn a lot of scholarly attention due to their potential as a tool for genetic selection and the identification of evolutionary linkages in livestock. OBJECTIVE: This work aimed to detect nucleotide sequence variants in Lep gene as genetic markers for growth and heat tolerance traits in Barki and Abudeleik sheep using PCR-DNA sequencing approach in search of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). METHODS: 30 female ewes, 15 of each breed (Barki and Aboudeleik) …

Incorporating Insulin Into Alginate-Chitosan 3d-Printed Scaffolds: A Comprehensive Study On Structure, Mechanics, And Biocompatibility For Cartilage Tissue Engineering, Afsaneh Jahani, Mohammad Sagdegh Nourbakhsh, Ali Moradi, Marzieh Mohammadi, Lobat Tayebi

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability worldwide, challenging current treatments to limited cartilage self-healing capacity. Cartilage tissue engineering (CTE) integrates cells, scaffolds, and signaling molecules, with Insulin being utilized as a differentiation biomolecule due to cost-effectiveness, dose-dependent influence on chondrogenesis, suitable biological activity, and ability to activate relevant receptors. Yet, administering differentiation biomolecules through conventional scaffolds poses a persistent challenge. Alginate (Alg) is commonly employed in CTE for its biocompatibility, though it lacks sufficient mechanical properties. Chitosan (Cs), while enhancing scaffold mechanical properties, but does not independently provide optimal support for chondrogenesis. While Alg-Cs scaffolds have garnered attention, challenges …

Effect Of Bioactive Glass On Pxdda / Pxdda-Co-Pla Nanocomposite For Hard Tissue Reconstruction: Synthesis And Characterization, Ehsan Vafa, Lobat Tayebi, Fatemeh Azizli, Somayeh Parham, Katayoon Rezaeeparto, Sedigheh Azadi, Ali Mohammad Amani, Mohammad Javad Azizli, Hesam Kamyab, Shreeshivadasan Chelliapan, Saravanan Rajendran

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Newer bone graft materials face various challenges in achieving optimal mechanical strength, bioactivity, and antibacterial action simultaneously, which can result in suboptimal regeneration outcomes and increased infection risks In the present study, we developed a novel nanocomposite of poly (xylitol-co-dodecanedioic acid) (PXDDA) and poly (lactic acid) (PLA) with 1-10 wt% incorporation of bioactive glass (BG), utilizing a a PXDDAco-PLA compatibilizer for maintaining homogeneity. Extensive characterization techniques including, Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauere Emmette Teller (BET), Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (¹H NMR) and contact angle measurements, revealed that the addition …

Advances In Bacterial Cellulose-Based Scaffolds For Tissue Engineering: Review, Rewati Raman Ujjwal, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

Bacterial cellulose (BC) has emerged as a highly versatile and promising biomaterial in tissue engineering, with potential applications across skin, bone, cartilage, and vascular regeneration. Its exceptional properties like high mechanical strength, superior biocompatibility, excellent moisture retention, and inherent ability to support cell adhesion and proliferation, make BC particularly effective for wound healing and skin regeneration. These attributes accelerate tissue repair and foster new tissue formation, highlighting its value in skin-related applications. Additionally, BC's capacity to support osteogenic differentiation, combined with its mechanical robustness, positions it as a strong candidate for bone tissue engineering, facilitating regeneration and repair. Recent advancements …

Targeting Myeloid Cell Iron Metabolism In Salmonella-Induced Colitis, Mariella Arcos Padilla

Biomedical Engineering ETDs

Salmonellosis is a severe infection caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, leading to significant global morbidity and mortality.

Previous studies have shown that mice lacking the iron storage protein ferritin heavy chain (FTH1) in myeloid cells exhibit worsened Salmonella infection. Nuclear receptor co-activator 4 (NCOA4) directs FTH1 autophagic degradation to release iron from storage during conditions of low iron. However, the role of myeloid NCOA4 in regulating bacterial infections remains unclear.

Here, we found that myeloid NCOA4 deficiency augments spleen iron levels and increases cellular iron accumulation, oxidative stress, and ferroptosis in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) cells. This deficiency also …

Multifunctional Peptides To Improve Nucleic Acid Delivery For Ovarian Cancer Treatment, Kharimat Lora Alatise

All Dissertations

RNA interference (RNAi) therapies, such as small interfering RNA (siRNA), offer a high-precision approach to reducing the expression of disease-promoting genes with minimal off-target effects. For aggressive diseases like ovarian cancer, RNAi therapy can serve as a robust treatment modality if delivered successfully. Over 70% of ovarian cancer patients are diagnosed in stages three and four, where the disease becomes more difficult to treat. High relapse rates and drug resistance in these stages demonstrate the need for novel strategies to sensitize tumors to chemotherapy, making siRNA a promising avenue for targeting resistance-associated oncogenes.

However, the delivery of siRNA remains a …

Demonstrating Feasibility Of Ultrasound-Sensitive Microbubbles Delivery To Treat Disruptions In The Blood Brain Barrier Endothelium, Rubens Jourdain

Theses and Dissertations

Vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) is one of the main causes of dementia. VCID is caused by age and other genetic factors that lead to disruptions in the blood brain barrier (BBB) and allow blood components to enter the brain. The currently available treatments of VCID include opening the BBB with high-frequency-ultrasound to deliver drugs to the brain. However, this only treats the already developed disease. Consequently, we developed a new drug delivery system whose goal is to restore the brain capillary endothelial cells (BCEC) lining the blood vessel. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility …

Advancing Biofabrication Methodologies To Develop Biomimetic Tissue Scaffolds For Musculoskeletal Applications, Nashaita Yezdi Patrawalla

Theses and Dissertations

Musculoskeletal injuries impose a significant global burden, affecting millions and generating an economic toll exceeding $14 billion. Tissue engineering has gained traction as a promising strategy offering potential for functional restoration of damaged musculoskeletal tissues. This research aims to advance biofabrication techniques for generation of biomimetic tissue scaffolds, by optimizing scaffold design and modulating fabrication process parameters to generate scaffolds for musculoskeletal regeneration with application-specific tailored properties. In this realm, collagen-based biomaterials have been extensively investigated for tendon and ligamentous applications, and in combination with bioceramics incorporated into the collagen framework to produce composite scaffolds that better recapitulate the native …

Sdf-1Α Mediates Primary Tumor Escape In Glioblastoma Through Activation Of Mesenchymal Transitions, Charles T. Froman-Glover

The Cardinal Edge

Glioblastoma (GBM), a highly aggressive primary brain tumor originating in glial cells, poses a significant challenge due to its rapid growth and invasive nature within healthy brain tissue.

Current treatments involve surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiation. These treatments alone are not enough to cure this disease, and a better understanding of the mechanics of the tumor's micro-environment is imperative to furthering the field of cancer research. This research focuses on understanding the tumor microenvironment's impact, specifically investigating the role of stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) mechanics on GBM aggressiveness. SDF-1 is known to facilitate disease progression by facilitating chemotaxis toward …