Engineering Commons^™

Development And Validation Of A Smartphone-Based Near-Infrared Optical Imaging Device To Measure Physiological Changes In-Vivo, Kacie Kaile, Anuradha Godavarty

Department of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Smartphone-based technologies for medical imaging purposes are limited, especially when it involves the measurement of physiological information of the tissues. Herein, a smartphone-based near-infrared (NIR) imaging device was developed to measure physiological changes in tissues across a wide area and without contact. A custom attachment containing multiple multi-wavelength LED light sources (690, 800, and 840 nm; and <4 mW of optical power per LED), source driver, and optical filters and lenses was clipped onto a smartphone that served as the detector during data acquisition. The ability of the device to measure physiological changes was validated via occlusion studies on control subjects. Noise removal techniques using singular value decomposition algorithms effectively removed surface noise and distinctly differentiated the physiological changes in response to occlusion. In the long term, the developed smartphone-based NIR imaging device with capabilities to capture physiological changes will be a great low-cost alternative for clinicians and eventually for patients with chronic ulcers and bed sores, and/or in pre-screening for potential ulcers in diabetic subjects.

Optical Phantoms For Biomedical Polarimetry: A Review, Joseph Chue-Sang, Mariacarla Gonzalez, Angie Pierre, Megan Laughrey, Ilyas Saytashev, Tatiana Novikova, Jessica C. Ramella-Roman

Department of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Calibration, quantification, and standardization of the polarimetric instrumentation, as well as interpretation and understanding of the obtained data, require the development and use of well-calibrated phantoms and standards. We reviewed the status of tissue phantoms for a variety of applications in polarimetry; more than 500 papers are considered. We divided the phantoms into five groups according to their origin (biological/nonbiological) and fundamental polarimetric properties of retardation, depolarization, and diattenuation. We found that, while biological media are generally depolarizing, retarding, and diattenuating, only one of all the phantoms reviewed incorporated all these properties, and few considered at least combined retardation and …

Near-Infrared Fluorescence-Enhanced Optical Tomography, Banghe Zhu, Anuradha Godavarty

Department of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Fluorescence-enhanced optical imaging using near-infrared (NIR) light developed for in vivo molecular targeting and reporting of cancer provides promising opportunities for diagnostic imaging.The current state of the art of NIR fluorescence-enhanced optical tomography is reviewed in the context of the principle of fluorescence, the different measurement schemes employed, and the mathematical tools established to tomographically reconstruct the fluorescence optical properties in various tissue domains. Finally, we discuss the recent advances in forwardmodeling and distributedmemory parallel computation to provide robust, accurate, and fast fluorescence-enhanced optical tomography.

18f-Flt Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Imaging In Pancreatic Cancer: Determination Of Tumor Proliferative Activity And Comparison With Glycolytic Activity As Measured By 18f-Fdg Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Imaging, Senait Aknaw Debebe, Mohammed Goryawala, Malek Adjouadi, Anthony J. Mcgoron, Seza Gulec

Department of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Lectin Staining And Western Blot Data Showing Differential Sialylation Of Nutrient-Deprived Cancer Cells To Sialic Acid Supplementation, Haitham A. Badr, Dina M.M. Alsadek, Mohit P. Mathew, Chen-Zhong Li, Leyla B. Djansugurova, Kevin J. Yarema, Hafiz Ahmed

Department of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Continual Cell Deformation Induced Via Attachment To Oriented Fibers Enhances Fibroblast Cell Migration, Sisi Qin, Vincent Ricotta, Marcia Simon, Richard A. F. Clark, Miriam Rafailovich

Department of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Fibroblast migration is critical to the wound healing process. In vivo, migration occurs on fibrillar substrates, and previous observations have shown that a significant time lag exists before the onset of granulation tissue. We therefore conducted a series of experiments to understand the impact of both fibrillar morphology and migration time. Substrate topography was first shown to have a profound influence. Fibroblasts preferentially attach to fibrillar surfaces, and orient their cytoplasm for maximal contact with the fiber edge. In the case of en-mass cell migration out of an agarose droplet, fibroblasts on flat surfaces emerged with an enhanced velocity, v …

Covalent Ir820-Peg -Diamine Nanoconjugates For Theranostic Applications In Cancer, Alicia Fernandez-Fernandez, Romila Manchanda, Denny A. Carvajal, Tingjun Lei, Supriya Srinivasan, Anthony J. Mcgoron

Department of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Near-infrared dyes can be used as theranostic agents in cancer management, based on their optical imaging and localized hyperthermia capabilities. However, their clinical translatability is limited by issues such as photobleaching, short circulation times, and nonspecific biodistribution. Nanoconjugate formulations of cyanine dyes, such as IR820, may be able to overcome some of these limitations. We covalently conjugated IR820 with 6 kDa polyethylene glycol (PEG)-diamine to create a nanoconjugate (IRPDcov) with potential for in vivo applications. The conjugation process resulted in nearly spherical, uniformly distributed nanoparticles of approximately 150 nm diameter and zeta potential -0.4±0.3 mV. The IRPDcov formulation retained the …

Immuno Nanoparticles Integrated Electrical Control Of Targeted Cancer Cell Development Using Whole Cell Bioelectronic Device, Evangelia Hondroulis, Rui Zhang, Chengxiao Zhang, Chunying Chen, Kosuke Ino, Tomokazu Matsue, Chen-Zhong Li

Department of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Electrical properties of cells determine most of the cellular functions, particularly ones which occur in the cell’s membrane. Manipulation of these electrical properties may provide a powerful electrotherapy option for the treatment of cancer as cancerous cells have been shown to be more electronegative than normal proliferating cells. Previously, we used an electrical impedance sensing system (EIS) to explore the responses of cancerous SKOV3 cells and normal HUVEC cells to low intensity (<2 V/cm) AC electric fields, determining that the optimal frequency for SKOV3 proliferation arrest was 200 kHz, without harming the non-cancerous HUVECs. In this study, to determine if these effects are cell type dependant, human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF7) were subjected to a range of frequencies (50 kHz–2 MHz) similar to the previously tested SKOV3. For the MCF7, an optimal frequency of 100 kHz was determined using the EIS, indicating a higher sensitivity towards the applied field. Further experiments specifically targeting the two types of cancer cells using HER2 antibody functionalized gold nanoparticles (HER2-AuNPs) were performed to determine if enhanced electric field strength can be induced via the application of nanoparticles, consequently leading to the killing of the cancerous cells without affecting non cancerous HUVECs and MCF10a providing a platform for the development of a non-invasive cancer treatment without any harmful side effects. The EIS was used to monitor the real-time consequences on cellular viability and a noticeable decrease in the growth profile of the MCF7 was observed with the application of the HER2-AuNPs and the electric fields indicating specific inhibitory effects on dividing cells in culture. To further understand the effects of the externally applied field to the cells, an Annexin V/EthD-III assay was performed to determine the cell death mechanism indicating apoptosis. The zeta potential of the SKOV3 and the MCF7 before and after incorporation of the HER2-AuNPs was also obtained indicating a decrease in zeta potential with the incorporation of the nanoparticles. The outcome of this research will improve our fundamental understanding of the behavior of cancer cells and define optimal parameters of electrotherapy for clinical and drug delivery applications.

Lyophilized Kit For The Preparation Of The Pet Perfusion Agent [68ga]-Maa, Alejandro Amor-Coarasa, Andrew Milera, Denny Carvajal, Seza Gulec, Anthony J. Mcgoron

Department of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Rapid developments in the field of medical imaging have opened new avenues for the use of positron emitting labeled microparticles. The radioisotope used in our research was 68Ga, which is easy to obtain from a generator and has good nuclear properties for PET imaging. Methods. Commercially available macroaggregated albumin (MAA) microparticles were suspended in sterile saline, centrifuged to remove the free albumin and stannous chloride, relyophilized, and stored for later labeling with 68Ga. Labeling was performed at different temperatures and times. 68Ga purification settings were also tested and optimized. Labeling yield and purity of relyophilized MAA microparticles were compared with …

A Methodology For Fast Assessments To The Electrical Activity Of Barrel Fields In Vivo: From Population Inputs To Single Unit Outputs, Jorge Riera, Takakuni Goto, Ryuta Kawashima

Department of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Here we propose a methodology to analyze volumetric electrical activity of neuronal masses in the somatosensory barrel field of Wistar rats. The key elements of the proposed methodology are a three-dimensional microelectrode array, which was customized by our group to observe extracellular recordings from an extended area of the barrel field, and a novel method for the current source density analysis. By means of this methodology, we were able to localize single barrels from their event-related responses to single whisker deflection. It was also possible to assess the spatiotemporal dynamics of neuronal aggregates in several barrels at the same time …

68ga-Nota-Chsg And 99mtc-Chsg Labeled Microspheres For Lung Perfusion And Liver Radiomicrospheres Therapy Planning, Alejandro Amor-Coarasa, Andrew Milera, Denny Carvajal, Seza Gulec, Jared Leichner, Anthony J. Mcgoron

Department of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Fast biodegradable (12 h < half-life < 48 h) radioactive labeled microspheres are needed for PET and SPECT lung perfusion and radiomicrosphere therapy planning. An emulsion method was used to create 30.1 ±4.8 μm size range microspheres with biodegradable Chitosan glycol (CHSg). Microspheres were characterized and labeled with or as an alternative to MAA in perfusion PET and SPECT studies. Surface decoration of CHSg microspheres with p-SCN-Bn-NOTA was performed to increase   in vivo stability. was labeled directly to the CHSg microspheres. Labeling yield and in vitro radiochemical stability were evaluated. In vitro CHSg microsphere degradation half-life was ~24 hours in porcine blood. Labeled microspheres were injected into Sprague Dawley rats and biodistribution was determined after 2 and 4 hours. Both -CHSg and -NOTA-CHSg were quickly allocated in the lungs after injection. -CHSg showed 91.6 ± 6.5% and 83.2 ± 4.1% of the decay corrected injected activity remaining in the lungs after 2 and 4 hours, respectively. For the obtained -NOTA-CHSg microspheres, lung allocation was very high with 98.9 ± 0.2% and 95.6 ± 0.9% after 2 and 4 hours, respectively. The addition of p-SCN-Bn-NOTA acts as a radioprotectant eliminating the released activity from the lungs to the bladder protecting the other organs.

Computational Optogenetics: Empirically-Derived Voltage- And Light-Sensitive Channelrhodopsin-2 Model, John C. Williams, Jianjin Xu, Zhongju Lu, Aleksandra Klimas, Xuxin Chen, Christina M. Ambrosi, Ira S. Cohen, Emilia Entcheva

Department of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Channelrhodospin-2 (ChR2), a light-sensitive ion channel, and its variants have emerged as new excitatory optogenetic tools not only in neuroscience, but also in other areas, including cardiac electrophysiology. An accurate quantitative model of ChR2 is necessary for in silicoprediction of the response to optical stimulation in realistic tissue/organ settings. Such a model can guide the rational design of new ion channel functionality tailored to different cell types/tissues. Focusing on one of the most widely used ChR2 mutants (H134R) with enhanced current, we collected a comprehensive experimental data set of the response of this ion channel to different irradiances and voltages, …

The Role Of Complementary And Alternative Medicine In Regenerative Medicine, Yueh-Sheng Chen, Wei-Chiang Lin, Cheryl Miller

Department of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Mechanical Properties And Tensile Failure Analysis Of Novel Bio-Absorbable Mg-Zn-Cu And Mg-Zn-Se Alloys For Endovascular Applications, Dharam Persaud, Noah Budiansky, Anthony J. Mcgoron

Department of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

In this paper, the mechanical properties and tensile failure mechanism of two novel bio-absorbable as-cast Mg-Zn-Se and Mg-Zn-Cu alloys for endovascular medical applications are characterized. Alloys were manufactured using an ARC melting process and tested as-cast with compositions of Mg-Zn-Se and Mg-Zn-Cu, being 98/1/1 wt.% respectively. Nanoindentation testing conducted at room temperature was used to characterize the elastic modulus (E) and surface hardness (H) for both the bare alloys and the air formed oxide layer. As compared to currently available shape memory alloys and degradable as-cast alloys, these experimental alloys possess superior as-cast mechanical properties that can increase their biocompatibility, …

Gen-2 Hand-Held Optical Imager Towards Cancer Imaging: Reflectance And Transillumination Phantom Studies, Jean Gonzalez, Manuela Roman, Michael A. Hall, Anuradha Godavarty

Department of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Hand-held near-infrared (NIR) optical imagers are developed by various researchers towards non-invasive clinical breast imaging. Unlike these existing imagers that can perform only reflectance imaging, a generation-2 (Gen-2) hand-held optical imager has been recently developed to perform both reflectance and transillumination imaging. The unique forked design of the hand-held probe head(s) allows for reflectance imaging (as in ultrasound) and transillumination or compressed imaging (as in X-ray mammography). Phantom studies were performed to demonstrate two-dimensional (2D) target detection via reflectance and transillumination imaging at various target depths (1–5 cm deep) and using simultaneous multiple point illumination approach. It was observed that …

Detection Of Antibodies Directed At M. Hyorhinis P37 In The Serum Of Men With Newly Diagnosed Prostate Cancer, Cydney Urbanek, Steve Goodison, Myron Chang, Stacy Porvasnik, Noburo Sakamoto, Chen-Zhong Li, Susan K. Boehlein, Charles J. Rosser

Department of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Background: Recent epidemiologic, genetic, and molecular studies suggest infection and inflammation initiate certain cancers, including cancers of the prostate. Over the past several years, our group has been studying how mycoplasmas could possibly initiate and propagate cancers of the prostate. Specifically, Mycoplasma hyorhinis encoded protein p37 was found to promote invasion of prostate cancer cells and cause changes in growth, morphology and gene expression of these cells to a more aggressive phenotype. Moreover, we found that chronic exposure of benign human prostate cells to M. hyorhinis resulted in significant phenotypic and karyotypic changes that ultimately resulted in the malignant transformation …

Spectral-Profile-Based Algorithm For Hemoglobin Oxygen Saturation Determination From Diffuse Reflectance Spectra, Po-Ching Chen, Wei-Chiang Lin

Department of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Variations of hemoglobin (Hb) oxygenation in tissue provide important indications concerning the physiological conditions of tissue, and the data related to these variations are of intense interest in medical research as well as in clinical care. In this study, we derived a new algorithm to estimate Hb oxygenation from diffuse reflectance spectra. The algorithm was developed based on the unique spectral profile differences between the extinction coefficient spectra of oxy-Hb and deoxy-Hb within the visible wavelength region. Using differential wavelet transformation, these differences were quantified using the locations of certain spectral features, and, then, they were related to the oxygenation …

Improved Detection Limits Using A Hand-Held Optical Imager With Coregistration Capabilities, Sarah J. Erickson, Sergio Martinez, Jean Gonzalez, Lizeth Caldera, Anuradha Godavarty

Department of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Optical imaging is emerging as a non-invasive and non-ionizing method for breast cancer diagnosis. A hand-held optical imager has been developed with coregistration facilities towards flexible imaging of different tissue volumes and curvatures in near real-time. Herein, fluorescence-enhanced optical imaging experiments are performed to demonstrate deeper target detection under perfect and imperfect (100:1) uptake conditions in (liquid) tissue phantoms and in vitro. Upon summation of multiple scans (fluorescence intensity images), fluorescent targets are detected at greater depths than from single scan alone.

Two-Dimensional Fast Surface Imaging Using A Handheld Optical Device: In Vitro And In Vivo Fluorescence Studies, Sarah J. Erickson, Jiajia Ge, Andrea Sanchez, Anuradha Godavarty

Department of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Near-infrared (NIR) optical imaging is a noninvasive and nonionizing modality that is emerging as a diagnostic tool for breast cancer. The handheld optical devices developed to date using the NIR technology are predominantly developed for spectroscopic applications. A novel handheld probe–based optical imaging device has been recently developed toward area imaging and tomography applications. The three-dimensional (3D) tomographic imaging capabilities of the device have been demonstrated from previous fluorescence studies on tissue phantoms. In the current work, fluorescence imaging studies are performed on tissue phantoms, in vitro, and in vivo tissue models to demonstrate the fast two-dimensional (2D) surface imaging …