Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering Commons^™

Developing A Modular Circular Wall Over-Clad System For Facade Thermal Upgrade In Deep Energy Retrofit, Patrick Daly

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

The EU has implemented several policy and legislative initiatives aimed at decarbonisation and circularity transition of the Built Environment including a strategy for large scale renovation of the building / housing stock. Modularised construction solutions are argued to be a potential acceleration pathway toward this objective. Yet there remains issues and challenges in implementing such strategies in a complex and heterogeneous stock and sector. This research investigates this decarbonisation pathway, examining the feasibility and potential of applying a modularised construction over-clad system, based on advanced circularity, in the deep energy retrofit of social housing. The research is based on a …

Smart Dressings Accelerating Wound Healing With Tranexamic Acid-Infused Aligned Electrospun Nanofibers: In Vitro And In Vivo Assessments, Samar A. Salim, Abdullah Elbadry, Eman Gomaa, Mennatullah Faisal, Elbadawy A. Kamoun

Nanotechnology Research Centre

The development of advanced wound dressings capable of accelerating healing and achieving effective hemostasis remains a critical challenge in managing traumatic and surgical wounds. This study reports the fabrication and comprehensive evaluation of a novel multilayered, sandwich-structured nanofiber scaffold composed of Tranexamic acid (TXA), chitosan (CS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), L-arginine, and polylactic acid (PLA) for biodegradable wound dressing applications. Using sequential electrospinning, a four-layered scaffold was developed as a smart wound dressing, comprising an immediate-release TXA-CS-PVA layer for rapid clotting, a hydrophobic PLA barrier layer for protection, a sustained-release L-arginine-PVA layer to promote tissue regeneration, and a final PLA protective …

Coumarin/Nitrogen-Bearing Heterocyclic Hybridloaded Electrospun Pmma/Pvp Nanofibrous Scaffolds For Accelerating Topical Wound Healing Rates: Synthesis And In Vitro Bio-Evaluation, Samar A. Salim, Mohamed Ali, Tasneem Abed, El Badawy Kamoun

Nanotechnology Research Centre

Coumarin-nitrogen heterocyclic compounds (e.g. quinoline, acridine, and phthalazine) were synthesized by facile reactions and elucidated by FTIR, 1H, and 13C-NMR analyses, which showed consistency with the expected structures. Coumarin-quinoline (drug A)- and coumarin-acridine (drug B)-loaded electrospun PMMA/PVP nanofibrous scaffolds were fabricated using electrospinning techniques. Results showed a successful PMMA/PVP blend, which formed the matrix that was used as the main scaffold for drug loading/release. The drugs (A and B) were encapsulated within the matrix as verified by IR and SEM results. Bio-evaluation through cytotoxicity and anticancer screening was conducted using the MTT assay against lung fibroblast (Wi-38), colon carcinoma (Caco-2), …

Development Of Gelma-Based Hydrogel Scaffolds With Tunable Mechanical Properties For Applications In Peripheral Nerve Regeneration, Kylie M. Schmitz, Tanner L. Larson, Michael W. Borovich, Xianfang Wu, Geyou Ao, Megan Jack, Liqun Ning

Chemical & Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) have a significant impact on the quality of life for patients suffering from trauma or disease. In injuries with critical nerve gaps, PN regeneration requires tissue scaffolds with appropriate physiological properties that promote cell growth and functions. Hydrogel scaffolds represent a promising platform for engineering soft tissue constructs that meet key physiological requirements. Nonetheless, ongoing innovation remains essential, as current designs continue to fall short of replicating the functional performance of autografts in bridging critical-sized nerve defects. In this study, gelatin methacrylate (gelMA)-based hydrogels are evaluated to fully characterize their pore structure, compressive stiffness, viscoelasticity, and …

Optimizing Beer Fermentation Through Intelligent Control, Azizbek Nodirbekovich Yusupbekov, Mirjalol Yusupov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

This paper presents an intelligent control approach for optimizing the beer fermentation process using fuzzy logic and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems. By incorporating multivariable inputs—temperature error and pH deviation—the proposed system effectively handles the nonlinear dynamics and biological variability inherent in fermentation. Simulation results demonstrate improved control accuracy, responsiveness, and robustness compared to conventional methods, making the approach suitable for integration in modern brewery automation systems.

Novel Percutaneous Repair Of Femoral Pseudoaneurysms Using Perclose Proglide™: A Case Series, Ryan Mancoll, Emily Burnett, Nicholas Bandy, Benjamin Samberg, Thomas Cook, Jacob Hoffman, Christopher Murter, Matthew Rossi, David Dexter, Hosam El Sayed, Animesh Rathore Md

Cardiovascular Research Symposium

BACKGROUND - This case series details the novel use of the Perclose ProGlide closure device to successfully repair three separate cases of iatrogenic femoral pseudoaneurysms (PSAs) without attempting other modalities first. Conventional treatment methods of ultrasound-guided compression, duplex-directed thrombin injection (DDTI), or open surgical repair were contraindicated in these patients due to unique anatomy or advanced comorbidities.

METHODS – Details were gathered via a retrospective chart review.

RESULTS - In the first case, a 73-year-old female had an access site PSA off the superficial femoral artery (SFA) with concomitant arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and advanced cardiac disease. The ProGlide device was …

A Pilot Study On Tissue Deformation Using An Integrated Sensor–Actuator Blood Collection Setup In Aquaculture (Salmo Salar), Ishrak Siddiquee, Md Ebne Al Ashad, Ahmed Hasnain Jalal

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

This pilot study presents a sensor–actuator setup designed to evaluate tissue deformation in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) during needle insertion. The system integrates three types of low-cost, commercially available force sensors to capture force profiles and identify biomechanical events associated with tissue layer transitions. Controlled insertions were performed on a deceased specimen, and the resulting force data were analyzed to quantify insertion dynamics and estimate tissue deformation. A simulation model based on the recorded force values was developed to calculate stress distribution and deformation, which ranged from 0.001 µm to 8.4 µm and from 0.3 N/m2 to 4.9 N/m2, respectively. …

Progressive Insights Into 3d Bioprinting For Corneal Tissue Restoration, Ilayda Namli, Deepak Gupta, Yogendra Pratap Singh, Pallab Datta, Muhammad Rizwan, Mehmet Baykara, Ibrahim T. Ozbolat

Michigan Tech Publications

The complex architecture of the cornea, characterized by specifically organized collagen fibrils and distinct cellular layers, poses significant challenges for traditional tissue engineering strategies to replicate its native function. 3D Bioprinting offers a promising solution by enabling the precise, layer-by-layer fabrication of corneal tissues, closely mimicking the essential characteristics needed for vision restoration and long-term graft success. This Review critically examines the key biomechanical, optical, and structural attributes of the cornea necessary for its effective engineering and accurate 3D bioprinting. It provides a comprehensive overview of different 3D bioprinting modalities utilized for corneal tissue engineering and offers insights into potential …

Diffusion Mri Biomarkers For Predicting Treatment Outcomes In Infantile Epileptic Spasms Syndrome With Non-Lesional Mri, Daniel Ackom, Scott A. Beardsley, Jennifer Meylor, Kayleigh Butler, Ricardo Vega, Andrew J.D. Crow, Hema Patel, Brian D. Schmit, Pradeep Javarayee

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Background

Infantile epileptic spasms syndrome (IESS) is a devastating developmental epileptic encephalopathy (DEE) and patients exhibit diffuse white matter alterations and structural remodeling. However, the correlation between these structural changes and brain network properties, or their effect on the efficacy of treatment outcomes in MRI non-lesional IESS patients is not clear.

Method

This retrospective study was conducted on IESS patients using fixel-based analysis (FBA) of diffusion MRI and graph theory analysis of structural connectivity, involving 26 non-lesional IESS patients aged 2 to 12 months and 120 age-matched controls. We further examined the differences between antiseizure medication (ASM) responders and non-responders …

Single-Molecule Orientation And Localization Microscopy, Sophie Brasselet, Matthew D. Lew

Electrical & Systems Engineering Publications and Presentations

Single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) offers enhanced spatial resolution in optical microscopy, providing detailed insights into the spatial organization of proteins in cells at the nanoscale. Over the past decade, SMLM has progressively incorporated the capability to retrieve the orientations of single molecules using their polarized dipolar emission pattern. Here we explore recent advancements in single-molecule orientation and localization microscopy (SMOLM), which yields super-resolved images of molecular three-dimensional (3D) orientations, wobble and 3D positions. This advancement opens possibilities to explore the nanoscale organization and conformation of biological molecules as well as to monitor and design local 3D optical fields in nanophotonics. …

Mitigating Melanin-Induced Bias In Pulse Oximetry: Optical, Algorithmic, Engineering, Hardware And Modeling Tools, Mckenzie Bradley, Sydnee Barrett, Ty Mckelvey, Jeremiah Carpenter, Delphine Dean

Publications

Melanin, the primary determinant of skin pigmentation, absorbs light at wavelengths that can have significant impact on the accuracy of pulse oximetry and other optical biosensing methods. This narrative review examines key factors influencing melanin-dependent pulse oximetry inaccuracies, including optical interference in transmission and reflectance modes. These inaccuracies further highlight the need for use of standardized skin tone metrics in device testing and design such as the Monk Skin Tone scale and Individual Typology Angle for performance stratification. There are several approaches in development that hope to address the errors in pulse oximetry measurements on melanin-rich skin. These include algorithmic …

Measuring Neck Morphologies Using Upright Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Narayan Yoganandan, Mahmudur Rahman, Ali Warriach, Karthik Banurekha Devaraj, Brian D. Stemper, Aditya Vedantam, Christopher Wolfla, Peter Le

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction

Because the head supported mass worn by military pilots adds loading to the head-neck complex, morphometrical characteristics of neck muscles are expected to be different from those that do not wear the added mass. To accurately determine segmental neck loads using computational whole-body human or head-neck models, it is important to include accurate morphometrical properties of cervical muscles from the population of interest, in this case military pilots. Routine radiographic imaging (x-rays and computed tomography scans) is less optimal, while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is appropriate. Although MRI scanners are generally available in clinical settings, recumbent scanning does not …

Tissue Engineered Combinatorial Therapeutics For Spinal Cord Injury Repair, Inha Baek

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) lead to temporary or permanent sensorimotor deficit due to the complex and multifaceted features of the injury site, making the treatments ineffective. Recent research emphasizes the potential of combinatorial therapeutics approaches combining different therapeutics, such as biomaterials and stem cell transplantation. In this context, nerve composite hydrogels, fabricated from decellularized sciatic nerve (dSN) and spinal cord (dSC) extracellular matrices (ECM), might be promising platforms due to their biocompatibility and ability to mimic native microenvironments. In this study, we developed and characterized nerve mimetic composite hydrogels embedded with human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) and investigated their …

Lung Injury Risk Curves From Behind Armor Blunt Trauma Using A Live Swine Model, Narayan Yoganandan, Lewis Somberg, Danielle Wilson, Alok Shah, Jared Michael Koser, Brian D. Stemper, Valeta Carol Chancey, Joseph Mcentire

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction

From structural, anatomical, and functional perspectives, components of the thoracoabdominal region are heterogeneous and physiologically and functionally different. Although their tolerances to injury are expected to be different, the current Roma Plastilina No. 1 clay penetration criterion for behind armor blunt trauma (BABT) is not specific to the body region. It is important to develop regional injury criteria to ensure its specificity. The objective of the study is to conduct impact tests on the lung region using a live animal model and develop injury risk curves using velocity and deflection metrics via parametric survival analysis.

Materials and Methods

Live …

Comprehensive Review Of In Vitro Approaches For Environmental Heavy Metal Exposure, Manas Warke, Madeline English, Camila Padilla, Lexie Gasco, Wendy Leisner, Rupali Datta, Smitha Rao

Michigan Tech Publications

Heavy metals are ubiquitous environmental pollutants, contaminating air, soil, and water via the erosion of natural deposits, as well as originating from anthropogenic sources, such as agriculture, industries, transportation, and landfills. The increasing utilization of heavy metals over the years, combined with the persistent nature of metals in the environment poses a direct threat to human and environment health. Although regulatory limits have been established for toxic metals, assessing the associated health risks using real-life exposure scenarios remains challenging. In this review, we summarize the development and use of in vitro models based two- and three-dimensional cell culture systems, focusing …

Low-Cost Cutaneous Protoporphyrin Ix (Ppix) Detection (Cpd) Device For Follow-Up Monitoring Of Patients After Photodynamic Therapy, Md Asaduzzaman Rasel

Graduate Masters Theses

Background: Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) utilizes specific wavelengths of light to activate photosensitizing chemical compounds, known as photosensitizers, which induce the generation of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) for the targeted destruction of cancer cells. Among various photosensitizers for PDT, Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) is widely employed in oncology and dermatology due to its natural in situ generation via the metabolic conversion of 5- aminolevulinic acid (ALA), a non-phototoxic prodrug. Systemic administration of ALA after 3-6 hr drug delay leads to peak PpIX accumulation in tissues, facilitating therapeutic and diagnostic applications. However, PpIX can persist in the skin for 24–48 hours post-treatment, …

Design And Development Of A Standalone Digital Holographic Microscope Employing Phase-Driven Reconstruction And Classification For Biomedical Imaging And Optical Diagnostics, Charlotte Kyeremah

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

Access to advanced biomedical imaging technologies remains a significant challenge in resource-limited settings, especially for early disease detection and monitoring of diseases such as malaria, HIV, and other blood-borne diseases. Although point-of-care (POC) devices have gained popularity in global health, many rely on antibody-based tests, lateral flow strips, or optical readouts that often lack quantitative capabilities, sensitivity to early infections, or versatility in different diagnostic targets. In addition, these systems are typically dependent on disposable reagents or manual interpretation, which limits their effectiveness in remote areas. Digital Holographic Microscopy (DHM) presents a promising alternative as a label-free imaging method capable …

Predicting The Response Of Tendon-Driven Prosthetic Finger With Hyperelastic Joints, Lucas Gallup, Mohamed Trabia, Brendan O'Toole

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Research

Properly designed prosthetics hands can enhance the quality of life for those suffering from limb loss. Recently, 3D-printed prosthetic hands are becoming common. In these prostheses, fingers flex through the tendons that are activated by motion of the wrist. To provide spring action, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) hyperelastic joints are used to connect digits to each other as well as to the wrist. While these designs are common, no model for the relationship between tendon tension and joint flexion is available. This work has developed a quasi-static virtual work-based model to predict the relationship between tendon forces and the flexion of …

Sar Analog-To-Digital Converters For Point-Of-Care Biosensors: A Comparison, Eithar Alammari, Joud Alamro, Sara Alashwali, Ghadah S. Alyami, Aziza I. Hussein

Effat Undergraduate Research Journal

The SAR ADC, recognized for its low power consumption, moderate resolution, and satisfactory processing speed, stands as an ideal choice for ultra-low power biomedical applications. Recent efforts have been concentrated on enhancing the power efficiency of the SAR ADC sub-components through intricate refinements and innovative techniques. These efforts aim to minimize energy consumption without compromising the ADC's performance. Therefore, this paper aims to thoroughly examine various implementation approaches for the main components of the SAR ADC, highlighting their individual strengths, weaknesses, and limitations within wireless biomedical applications.

Developing Deep Learning Methods For Cognitive Impairment Detection Based On Non-Invasive Data, Muath Alsuhaibani

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cognitive impairment detection is on the rise to help reduce the burden of healthcare costs on institutions and individuals. Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is an early stage of cognitive decline progressing to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) or AD-related Dementia (ADRD). Detecting the early stages of AD/ADRD is crucial for early interventions among older adults to mitigate cognitive decline over time. However, the current diagnostic methods are often costly and/or invasive, such as MRI and PET scans. Thus, the search for non-invasive and cost-effective screening tools for the early detection of cognitive impairment using speech, language, visual, and motor data is growing. …

Surgeon Ergonomics While Performing Total Knee Arthroplasty, Cameron Dahman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

One of the most prevalent hazards to orthopedic surgeons are musculoskeletal disorders with 97% of arthroplasty surgeons reporting procedural-related musculoskeletal pain and 66% of orthopedic surgeons reporting procedural-related musculoskeletal injury [1], [2], [3]. With the annual number of total knee arthroplasties (TKA) on the rise, orthopedic surgeons are taking on larger annual caseloads and retiring later in life [4], [5]. The goal of this study was to quantify postural demand for 11 discrete surgical steps of TKA to identify ergonomically unfavorable positions surgeons experience while operating. Four orthopedic surgeons performed TKA while their motions were recorded using marker-based motion capture. …

Influence Of Obesity On Knee Joint Mechanics: A Subject-Specific Musculoskeletal Modeling Approach, Ryan C. Knowles

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Obesity has been consistently linked to knee osteoarthritis (KOA), a debilitating joint disease. While prior work has shown that obese individuals often walk with altered biomechanics compared to normal-weight (NW) individuals, which may accelerate KOA progression, less is known about how these mechanics affect load distribution between the medial and lateral tibiofemoral (TF) compartments, particularly during higher-demand activities. This study developed subject-specific musculoskeletal models of five obese and five NW individuals, incorporating CT-based bone measurements and individualized joint contact points. Simulations were driven by six degree-of-freedom (6DOF) kinematics obtained from high-speed stereo radiography (HSSR) to predict TF loading and associated …

Investigation Of A Divergent Triangle Construct For Internal Fixation Of Vertical Femoral Neck Fractures Using Experimental And Finite Element Analysis Methods, Hannah Rainey

Masters Theses

Hip fractures are a significant public health issue as they are a commonly encountered problem and have a high rate of mortality. The fracture of the femoral neck is difficult to treat due to the geometry of the proximal femur and the weight-bearing capacity that the structure must comply with. Internal fixation of the femoral neck is often accomplished with three screws inserted along the axis of the femoral neck. The optimal configuration and number of these screws is not agreed upon in the literature. The purpose of this study was to conduct a pilot investigation on the biomechanical performance …

Ceramic Waste As Sustainable Material In Self-Compacting Concrete: Experimental Study And Ann Predictive Modeling, Abderrezak Bouziane, Houssam Slimanou, Mohamed Amin Bouzidi, Nedjima Bouzidi

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

Recycling of ceramic waste in the construction sector is a promising option for reducing the environmental impacts of the concrete industry. The main objective of this study is the elaboration of a solid predictive model for ceramic waste based self-compacting (SCC) concrete properties, using artificial neural networks (ANN). This further, reduces its environmental impact without compromising satisfactory performance. An experimental approach was adopted with different substitution ratios: 0 to 30 wt% and particle sizes ranging from 3-8 mm and 8-15 mm. Tested properties of modified SCC as compressive strength at 7 and 28 days (fc7, fc28), spread (L), sieve stability …

Comparative Study On The Performance Of Ggbs, Uggbs, And Rha-Incorporated Cement Mortar Mixes, Devansh Goel, Sudarshan D. Kore

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

The environmental footprint of cement production has accelerated the pursuit of sustainable alternatives in the construction industry. Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), particularly those derived from industrial and agricultural waste, offer a promising approach to reducing cement consumption while maintaining performance. This study evaluates the fresh and mechanical behavior of binary, ternary, and quaternary cementitious mortar blends incorporating ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), ultrafine GGBS (UGGBS), and rice husk ash (RHA) as partial replacements for cement. A total of 32 mortar mixes were designed with water-to-binder (w/b) ratios ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 and varied replacement levels of RHA (0-20%), GGBS …

Correlations Between Hemodynamics And Radiomic Features In Thrombosed Intracranial Aneurysms, Zonghan Lyu, Andres Gudino, Navami Shenoy, Carlos Dier, Elena Sagues, Jingfeng Jiang, Edgar A. Samaniego

Michigan Tech Publications

Purpose: Evaluating intracranial aneurysm (IA) rupture risk is essential for guiding management. Although intrasaccular thrombosis (IST) is less common, it can contribute to aneurysm growth, mass effect, and rupture. Aneurysm wall enhancement (AWE) on high-resolution MRI (HR-MRI) offers valuable insight into IST and IA progression. Using radiomics, we extracted spatial information of the aneurysm wall to characterize AWE. This study aimed to explore correlations between radiomics-based AWE profiles and gross hemodynamic parameters, integrating imaging and flow dynamics to better understand IST. Methods: Radiomic analysis was conducted on a cohort of 3T HR-MRI scans from IA with IST. Three-dimensional vascular reconstructions …

Impact Analysis On Silicone Breast Implants Using In Vitro Experiments And Finite Element Analysis, Brenna Marie Tiernan

Masters Theses

Silicone breast implants are commonly used in breast augmentation and reconstruction procedures. Mentor introduced two newer models of silicone gel-filled implants, the MemoryGel^TM Xtra and MemoryGel^TM Boost, designed to increase the gel fill and projection of the implants while reducing wrinkling and rippling of the shell. Modifications to the shape and fill of these implants may result in different mechanical responses under compressive or impact loading conditions. To investigate whether these structural differences influence implant behavior, in vitro drop testing and finite element analysis (FEA) simulations were conducted, focusing on impact forces, internal stresses, and deformation patterns experienced …

Palpation Characteristics Of An Instrumented Virtual Cricothyroidotomy Simulator, Melih Turkseven, Trudi Di Qi, Ganesh Sankaranarayanan, Suvranu De

Engineering Faculty Articles and Research

Cricothyroidotomy (CCT) is a critical, life-saving procedure requiring the identification of key neck landmarks through palpation. Interactive virtual simulation offers a promising, cost-effective approach to CCT training with high visual realism. However, developing the palpation skills necessary for CCT requires a haptic interface with tactile sensitivity comparable to human fingers. Such interfaces are often represented by plastic partial mannequins, which require further adaptation to integrate into virtual environments. This study introduces an instrumented physical palpation interface for CCT, integrated into a virtual surgical simulator, and tested on 10 surgeons who practiced the procedure over a training period. Data on haptic …

Facile Fabrication Of Protein-Polysaccharide Conjugate Multifilament Nerve Guidance Conduit For Peripheral Nerve Regeneration, Preethy Amruthavarshini R

Theses and Dissertations

Long segmental defects in peripheral nerves impair sensory and motor function by disrupting neural impulse transmission. End-to-end autologous grafting with proper fascicular complementation has demonstrated functional recovery per the Medical Research Council Classification (MRCC). However, obtaining donor nerve tissue exceeding 30 mm remains a significant challenge. Artificial hollow conduits serve as an alternative but are limited to defects smaller than 30 mm due to inadequate innervation across the lumen.

Multichannel nerve guidance conduits (mNGCs) have emerged as a promising solution by enhancing fascicular complementation similar to autografts. This study presents a two-step approach for fabricating nerve conduits with precise fascicular …

Functional Biopolymers Applied To Sustainable Technologies In The Environment And Healthcare, Fengjie He

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Biodegradable polymeric materials (biopolymers) are naturally derived materials known for their excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, sustainability, and versatile chemical functionality. They have attracted increasing attention in various applications as alternative to synthetic materials ranging from food packaging to tissue engineering. Meanwhile, with intrinsic advantages, biopolymers have also emerged as promising materials in addressing contemporary challenges in both biomedical and environmental fields. Motivated by the significant potential of biopolymers and the growing need for sustainable materials, my research focuses on the design and engineering of biodegradable polymers with novel modification methods and application directions. In this work, two representative biopolymers are selected: …