Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering Commons^™

Tumor Microenvironment Immunomodulation By Nanoformulated Tlr 7/8 Agonist And Pi3k Delta Inhibitor Enhances Therapeutic Benefits Of Radiotherapy, Mostafa Yazdimamaghani, Oleg V. Kolupaev, Chaemin Lim, Duhyeong Hwang, Sonia J. Laurie, Charles M. Perou, Alexander V. Kabanov, Jonathan S. Serody

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Infiltration of immunosuppressive cells into the breast tumor microenvironment (TME) is associated with suppressed effector T cell (Teff) responses, accelerated tumor growth, and poor clinical outcomes. Previous studies from our group and others identified infiltration of immunosuppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) as critical contributors to immune dysfunction in the orthotopic claudin-low tumor model, limiting the efficacy of adoptive cellular therapy. However, approaches to target these cells in the TME are currently lacking. To overcome this barrier, polymeric micellular nanoparticles (PMNPs) were used for the co-delivery of small molecule drugs activating Toll-like receptors 7 and 8 …

Investigating The Role Of Knee Damping In Reducing Joint Forces During Walking And Its Implications For Osteoarthritis Patients, Samantha Briggs

Wayne State University Theses

Arthritis is a leading cause of activity limitation and chronic pain worldwide. Particularly in cases of knee osteoarthritis, mobility impairments are largely due to pain at the arthritic joint. During normal gait, forces across the knee joint peak during the weight acceptance and early midstance phases. Hence, providing damping at the knee joint during this period of the gait cycle may be effective in decreasing the joint forces and pain experienced by osteoarthritis patients while walking. To examine the role of knee damping in reducing joint forces, an eddy current braking device was automated to provide targeted resistance at the …

Learning From Leads: A 1d Dilated Resnet For Ecg Chagas Disease Screening, Somesh Saini, Matheus Lima Diniz Araujo

Student Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Molecular Simulation Studies Of Protein Interactions Associated With Aging, Charlotte Jenna Thomas

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

Optimization Of Small-Scale Bioreactors For Increased Pdna Production And Yield, Laura M. Hills

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

The Design Of A Bioinspired Impact Mitigation System Towards The Prevention Of Brain Injuries, Bryce H. Reimer

Master’s Theses

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), remain a major concern across contact sports, military operations, and transportation. Despite advancements in protective equipment, current strategies often fall short in preventing the mechanical conditions that contribute to long-term neurological damage. This thesis presents the design and validation of a bioinspired impact mitigation system modeled after bighorn sheep horn structures, which have evolved to endure high-energy collisions without apparent brain injury.

Using biomimetic principles, the research integrates experimental and computational methods to evaluate how horn-like geometries reduce impact-induced accelerations. A custom drop tower was built to test dynamic …

Development And Clinical Validation Of The Sensor-E Exoskeleton For Objective Hand Function Assessment In Stroke Rehabilitation, Madison Bates

Theses and Dissertations--Biomedical Engineering

Hand function is often impaired following neurological trauma or in conditions such as stroke, limiting independence and the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs). Current clinical assessments rely heavily on subjective rating scales that lack the resolution to detect subtle changes in motor performance, which can limit access to rehabilitation. Recent advances in wearable technologies highlight the potential for hand-worn devices to provide objective, real-time measures of hand function. However, most systems focus solely on kinematics and rarely capture both movement and exerted force. Moreover, integration into rehabilitation frameworks and brain-computer interface (BCI) protocols remains limited. To address …

Effects Of Changes In Strouhal And Reynolds Numbers On Beetle Wing Aerodynamics, Keith L. Thiha

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Insect flight has long been a subject of interest across the scientific community, largely due to the exceptional aerodynamic performance insects demonstrate relative to their size. Insects tend to have very high aerodynamic performance characteristics like thrust and lift generation compared to their size. This has many potential applications in improving aircraft performance, however the flow phenomena concerning insect wing aerodynamics is still an area of ongoing research. This study aims to investigate how variations in key nondimensional flow parameters—specifically the Reynolds number and Strouhal number—affect the aerodynamic performance of beetle wings. Strouhal numbers ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 were …

Biomedical Applications Of Reactive Oxygen Species From Catechol Oxidation, Zhongtian Zhang

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Catechol, a key functional moiety found in mussel adhesive proteins, undergoes oxidation to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can be leveraged for biomedical and environmental applications. By modifying catechol-based polymers, ROS generation can be controlled and applied toward organic compound degradation, antimicrobial treatments, and polymer crosslinking. This dissertation focuses on the design and application of catechol-based materials that leverage ROS generation for biomedical and environmental applications.

Cost-Effective Hierarchical Cobalt Nanostructured Laser-Induced Graphene For Enhanced Uric Acid Detection, Anju Joshi, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

This study presents an innovative, cost-effective strategy to develop a flexible, enzyme-free biosensor for the sensitive detection of uric acid (UA). Utilizing electrochemically modified cobalt nanostructured on laser-induced graphene electrodes (CoNCs/LIG), this approach surpasses traditional noble metal-based electrocatalysts in sensitivity and affordability. The one-step electrochemical modification method is efficient and straightforward, enabling the uniform deposition of hierarchical flower-like cobalt nanostructures. These structures synergistically enhance the performance of the LIG, resulting in a broad detection range of 5 to 700 µM with a sensitivity of 6.75 µA µM^-¹ cm^-² and a low detection limit of 3.66 µM for UA. …

Electrochemical And Nanomaterial Based Strategies For Nonenzymatic Glucose Detection: A Review, Reagan Aviha, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

Electrochemical glucose sensing technologies have undergone significant evolution, with continual advancements aimed at improving sensitivity, selectivity, and user convenience. This review systematically explores the development of emerging nonenzymatic glucose sensor designs. Nonenzymatic sensors are critically evaluated for their ability to overcome enzymatic limitations, leveraging novel materials and catalytic mechanisms. Additionally, the emergence of smartphone-integrated glucose monitoring systems is highlighted as the fifth generation, representing a paradigm shift toward personalized, real-time healthcare management. Emphasis is placed on the strategies employed to reduce the working electrode potential and enhance analytical performance. Key analytical metrics and real-sample applicability are evaluated, and persistent challenges …

Characterization Of Cancer Cell Migration Through Brain Vascular Endothelium Model, Malak Taysser Al-Noubani

2025 Fall Honors Capstones Projects - Archive

One of the hallmarks of cancer is increased vessel growth to feed the tumor’s rapid expansion. The newly formed blood vessels are immature and often leaky due to structural and functional abnormalities. This leads to ineffective anti-cancer drug delivery and provides tumor cells with additional opportunities to metastasize. We propose to develop an in vitro vascular endothelium model and introduce aggressive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells to mimic the tumor environment, utilizing a Transwell migration assay. The impact of TNBC cells on vessel permeability will be assessed by staining for tight junction proteins, and the migratory capabilities of TNBC cells …

Synthesis Of Bio-Orthogonal Hydrogels For 3d Cell Culture Via Penicillamine Β-Thiolactone-Mediated Native Chemical Ligation, Kaelin E. Marshall, Matthew E. Currier, Nathan J. Oldenhuis

Honors Theses and Capstones

Many hydrogel systems designed to mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM) employ thiol-based chemistries with undesirable functional groups, including vinyl sulfones and methacrylates. In downstream applications, any unreacted functional groups are problematic and render hydrogels non-viable for human use. Here, we introduce modifications to the Native Chemical Ligation (NCL) mechanism, exploring the elimination of cytotoxic byproducts and increased reaction rate by using a β-thiolactone. The inclusion of the β-thiolactone results in retention of the thiol within the gel, as well as enhanced kinetics due to the thermodynamic favorability of the ring opening and amide formation. We achieved this by functionalizing 4-arm …

Sustainable Enzymatic Extraction Of High-Purity Chitin From Button Mushroom (Agaricus Bisporus) Off-Production Waste: Influence Of Alkaline Pre-Treatment On Physicochemical Properties, Buliyaminu A. Alimi, Shivani Pathania, Jude Wilson, Brendan Duffy, Jesus Maria Frias

Articles

This study investigated chitin extraction from the stalks and atypical mushrooms, the often-produced waste in the mushroom production process, using a simultaneous application of protease and glucanase with or without an alkaline pretreatment stage. A commercial chitin, chemically extracted from A. bisporus was used as the control. The purity of extracted chitin (98.92–99.36 %) was slightly lower than commercial chitin (99.80 %), but with comparable physicochemical properties (p < 0.05). All enzymatically extracted chitin in this study exhibited an agglomerated, microfibrillar and irregular structure, while the control showed standalone granules with weathering and cracks on the surfaces. The XRD and FTIR spectra indicated that the extracted chitin and the control belong to the α-allotrope group. The degree of acetylation was higher in the extracted chitin (76.97–78.22 %) than in the control (75.05 %). The highest molecular weight obtained for the extracted chitin was 4.53 × 102 KDa (W0548). The study demonstrated the possibility of producing pure, high molecular weight chitin from the waste produced during the commercial production of button mushrooms, using a potentially more sustainable approach than the traditional one. This enzymatic approach reduces chemical waste, as shown by the excellent results obtained for samples without the pre-treatment stage, and improves environmental safety compared to traditional methods.

Enhanced Cholesterol Efflux And Atherosclerosis Regression Via Ceh Gene Delivery Using Galactose-Functionalized Dendrimeric Nanoparticles, Huari Kou, Jing Wang, Paul J. Yannie, Da Huang, William J. Korzun, Genta Kakiyama, Siddhartha S. Ghosh, Hu Yang

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Cholesteryl ester hydrolase (CEH) is a critical enzyme in cholesterol ester hydrolysis, influencing cholesterol metabolism and efflux. This study demonstrates that CEH overexpression promotes free cholesterol efflux from macrophages, thereby reducing the lipid burden in existing atherosclerotic plaques. To enable targeted delivery, galactose-functionalized polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimeric nanoparticles were utilized as nanocarriers for hepatic delivery of the CEH expression vector. The therapeutic potential of CEH plasmid-loaded dendrimeric nanoparticles was evaluated in Ldlr-/- mice. Results showed a significant reduction in total lesion area (21%) and aortic arch lesion area (23%) compared to baseline. Lesion component analysis revealed marked decreases in total cholesterol …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Free Radical Scavenging Dendrimer Nanogels Via Cross-Linking Reaction-Enabled Flash Nanoprecipitation, Lin Qi, Da Huang, Huari Kou, Anna Chernatynskaya, Nuran Ercal, Hu Yang

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

This work reports the development and evaluation of dendrimer-based nanogels based on Poly amidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer generation 5, engineered to act as a carrier with reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenging capabilities. We developed a cross-linking reaction-enabled flash nanoprecipitation method in which the cross-linking reaction occurs during the flash nanoprecipitation process to form a cross-linked nanostructure. Using this approach, an N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS)-functionalized ROS-responsive thioketal cross-linker (TK-NHS) was synthesized and utilized to cross-link DAB-core PAMAM dendrimer G5, resulting in the formation of G5-TK nanogels. The resulting nanogels were characterized using dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy, and their cytocompatibility, irritancy, cellular …

Scalable Fabrication Of High-Payload Dendrimer-Based Nanoparticles For Targeted Atherosclerosis Therapy, Huari Kou, Lin Qi, Da Huang, Jiandong Wu, Honglan Shi, Hu Yang

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Nanoparticle-based therapeutics hold promise for the treatment of atherosclerosis, but challenges such as low drug-loading capacity and a lack of scalable, controllable production hinder their clinical translation. Flash nanoprecipitation, a continuous synthesis method, offers a potential solution for scalable and reproducible nanoparticle production. In this study, we employed a custom-designed multi-inlet vortex mixer to perform cross-linking reaction-enabled flash nanoprecipitation, facilitating controlled and scalable synthesis of cross-linked Poly amidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer nanoparticles. Notably, this approach allows simultaneous nanoparticle cross-linking and drug loading in a single step. The mannose moiety enabled specific targeting of macrophages via mannose receptors, enhancing the localization of …

Laser-Induced Graphene For Early Disease Detection: A Review, Sri Ramulu Torati, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

Electrochemical biosensors have been instrumental in early disease detection, facilitating effective monitoring and treatment. The emergence of graphene has significantly advanced sensor technology in various fields, including biomedicine, electronics, and energy. In this landscape, laser‐induced graphene (LIG) has emerged as a superior alternative to conventional graphene synthesis methods. Its straightforward fabrication process and compatibility with wearable devices boost its practicality and potential for real‐world applications. This review highlights the transformative potential of LIG in biosensing, showcasing its contributions to the development of next‐generation diagnostic tools for early disease detection. An overview of the LIG synthesis process and its applications in …

Laser-Induced Graphene Sensor For The Electrochemical Detection Of Acetaminophen, Abdellatif Ait Lahcen, Mazhar Sher, Sikander Ameer, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

Here we present a simple and efficient method for fabricating laser-induced graphene (LIG) electrodes for the electrochemical detection of acetaminophen (AAP), a crucial analgesic and antipyretic that can become toxic at elevated concentrations. Unlike conventional sensors that require intricate chemical modifications, the fabricated LIG-based sensor eliminates the need for functionalization, offering a streamlined sensing solution. The LIG electrodes were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, which confirmed the formation of a highly porous graphene network with excellent purity and conductivity. Cyclic voltammetry analysis with a ferricyanide redox probe revealed a large electroactive surface area of 1.21 …

The Effect Of Liquid Conductivity On A Helium Plasma Jet And The Hydrogen Peroxide Production, Edwin A. Oshin, M. Ziaur Rahman, Chunqi Jiang

Bioelectrics Publications

Understanding plasma-liquid interactions and the impact of the electrical conductivity (σ) of liquid on plasma is important for plasma applications in water treatment and medicine. Ultrapure water, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution, biological media, and sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions at various concentrations were used in this study to provide a broad range of conductivity values ranging from 0.055 μS cm⁻¹ to 222 mS cm⁻¹. A helium atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) impinging on liquid was generated in ambient air using a hollow-needle electrode that was powered by 200 ns, 7 kV pulses at a pulse repetition frequency of …