Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering Commons^™

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 …

Intervertebral Lateral Bending Moment Differences In The Lumbar Spine Of Baseball Pitchers Across Throwing Velocities, Justin Humenay

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction Baseball pitching imposes substantial mechanical demands on the lumbar spine, a crucial link in the kinetic chain responsible for transferring energy from the lower body to the upper extremity. While increased pitch velocity is associated with greater trunk forces the specific intervertebral loading patterns during high-velocity pitching remain unclear. This study investigates differences in lateral bending moments across lumbar spinal segments between collegiate pitchers throwing at high versus low velocities.

Methods Twenty right-handed collegiate pitchers were divided into two groups: high-velocity (n = 10, 90.3 ± 1.6 mph) and low-velocity (n = 10, 81.6 ± 1.1 mph). Motion capture …

Development Of A Mediation Model Of Pain Cognition In Adult Patients With Sickle Cell Disease, Daniel M. Sop

Theses and Dissertations

Pain is a hallmark of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), a genetic hemoglobinopathy characterized by chronic hemolytic anemia, vaso-occlusion, and organ damage. While acute vaso-occlusive crises (VOC) have been extensively studied, the mechanisms underlying chronic pain and its interplay with brain function remain unclear. This dissertation investigates the relationships between cerebral blood flow (CBF), fluid cognition, and pain sensitivity in adults with SCD, utilizing advanced imaging techniques and validated assessment tools.

Arterial spin labeling (ASL) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) were employed to measure CBF and brain activity, respectively. Pain sensitivity was assessed using the Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire (PSQ), and …

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 …

Rehabilitation In Stroke-Related Flexor Synergy, Shawn J. Dirocco

Theses and Dissertations

Upper extremity abnormal flexor synergy caused by stroke can impair individuals by coupling upper extremity muscles with deltoid activation. Previous studies have shown that reduction in deltoid loading can decrease flexor synergy. Robotic rehabilitation has the ability to allow for reduced deltoid loading while assisting or constraining joints along the arm to increase rehabilitation outcomes. The effects of higher degree of freedom low impedance robotics needs to be tested to learn how various parameters affect flexor synergy in comparison to end point robotics. During the first experiment, we tested 16 chronic stroke patients with flexor synergy problems in 3 tasks. …

Multimodal Imaging Of Protein-Based Biomaterials For Delivering Chemo-Agent Cargo For Glioblastoma Treatment In A Murine Model, Orin Mishkit

Dissertations and Theses

Protein-based self-assembling biomaterials, known as Thermo-Responsive Assembled Proteins (TRAP), present meaningful potential as drug delivery carriers. These materials enable the controlled, slow release of poorly soluble chemotherapeutic agents, such as doxorubicin (Dox), while potentially reducing systemic off-target effects. In collaboration with multiple NYU labs, this study evaluated the efficacy of two TRAP variants—TRAP and F-TRAP—as drug delivery carriers in a xenograft mouse model of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM).

The primary objective was to compare the effectiveness of TRAP-loaded Dox (TRAP-DOX) to free Dox in achieving tumor extravasation and accumulation, facilitating sustained drug release. We hypothesized that the leaky vasculature of GBM …

Adaptation Of The Biodent For Spherical Microindentation To Determine Elastic Modulus In Small Rodent Bones, Mixame E. Jerome

Dissertations and Theses

Mechanical and material properties of bone are essential for understanding both normal skeletal function and the progression of bone-related diseases. Microindentation has become a widely used method for evaluating tissue mechanical properties of bone, as it samples the contributions of microarchitecture and composition. Microindentation using a standard pointed tip inherently introduces both elastic and plastic deformation into the material. In contrast, indentation with a spherical tip can be operated entirely in the elastic range, providing for a non-damaging test that has significant advantages over sharp indentation techniques. Moreover, a key advantage of using spherical indentation lies in its operation under …

Explorations Of Dna-Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Interactions To Develop Multiplexed Molecularly Specific Biosensors For Inflammation, Amelia K. Ryan

Dissertations and Theses

Inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) are central regulators of immune signaling and key biomarkers of disease, yet existing assays for their detection remain slow, invasive, and lack multiplexing ability. This dissertation advances the development of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) optical nanosensors capable of real-time, multiplexed, and molecularly specific cytokine detection through innovative use of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) interfaces.

First, an IL-6-specific DNA aptamer was employed as both a dispersing agent and recognition probe for SWCNT fluorescence sensing. Sequence modifications, including anchor domains, truncations, and thermally induced refolding, were systematically tested to optimize sensitivity and selectivity. The …

Advancing Electrical Stimulation: Full-Head Mri Segmentation For Abnormal Brain Anatomy With Tdcs, Andrew Birnbaum

Dissertations and Theses

Evaluating the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is essential for guiding its integration into therapeutic and performance-enhancement applications. In our laboratory, we investigate the efficacy of tDCS across multiple experimental models, including both animal and human studies. I have contributed significantly to the execution and analysis of these experiments, which include studies in rats and healthy human participants aimed at evaluating whether electrical stimulation of the motor cortex can enhance motor learning. These studies assess improvements in fine motor performance resulting from tDCS. In stroke patients, I contribute to our investigation of tDCS as a rehabilitative intervention, particularly …

Wearable Disposable Elecetrotherapy, Mohamad Fallahrad

Dissertations and Theses

Non-invasive electrotherapies offer promising treatments for a wide range of conditions such as pain, headaches, depression, addiction, cognitive decline, wound healing, and drug delivery. However, patient compliance remains low due to the high initial cost, cumbersomeness and inconvenience of existing technology compared to pharmaceuticals. Current electrotherapy devices are often bulky and require users to connect disposable electrodes, initiate programs, and manage charging cycles, which hinders widespread adoption.

We address these challenges by designing and validating a novel electrotherapy platform that is single-use, disposable, low-cost, and wearable. Activated automatically upon skin contact, the device delivers a preset dose of controlled electrical …

Characterization Of The Intrinsic Neural Timescale Indices As A Reliable Fingerprint Of Brain Dynamics, Helya Honarpisheh

Dissertations and Theses

Intrinsic neural timescales (INTs) characterize the persistence of neural activity over time and offer insight into the brain’s temporal hierarchy. This thesis evaluates and compares six autocorrelation-based INT metrics—AR(1) Coefficient (Autoregressive Coefficient at 1), First Zero Lag, Lag at ACF = 1/e, Sum of Positive ACFs, ACF at Half Lag, Exponential Decay Constant (τ)— using resting-state fMRI data from 400 cortical regions across a large, lifespan sample (ages 6– 85) from the NKI-Rockland dataset. A discriminability analysis revealed that the AR(1) coefficient provided the highest test-retest reliability and individual specificity across repeated scans, establishing it as the most reliable INT …

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 Comparative Study Of Composite Coatings For Magnesium-Based Bone Implants, Abdelrahman Amin, Bryce Williams, Thomas Mcgehee, Alyssandra Navarro, Vipul Patil, Mostafa Elsaadany, Hanna Ibrahim

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study provides a comparative assessment of the corrosion, morphology, and biological properties of four of the most promising coating methods for magnesium in biomedical applications, namely micro-arc oxidation (MAO), graphene oxide (GO)-containing MAO coating, MAO/sol-gel composite coating, and MAO/polycaprolactone (PCL) polymer dip coating approaches. Despite the abundance of research focused on these promising coating approaches, there is a notable lack of comparative studies evaluating their properties. To this end, the investigated composite coatings are ZK60+MAO, ZK60+MAO/GO, ZK60+MAO/Sol-gel, and ZK60+MAO/PCL composite coating. Several tests were used to assess various properties of the prepared groups such as in vitro corrosion characteristics, …

Interfacing Neural Models: Biocompatibility And Fabrication Of A Flexible, Self-Folding Microelectrode Array, Fernando A. Pesantez Torres

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Neurodegenerative diseases pose a formidable challenge in modern medicine, necessitating the development of advanced research tools that can elucidate their complex pathophysiology. Recent advancements in neurodegenerative disease research have led to the development of three-dimensional (3D) neurodegenerative organoids using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). These organoids closely mimic human brain architecture and functionality, providing a valuable tool for understanding complex diseases. Additionally, the ability to generate and study brain organoids consistently and in large quantities holds potential for a controlled in vitro setting and high-throughput drug screening. However, these models are complex systems requiring specialized maintenance, analysis, and manipulation …

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 …

Strength Imbalances And Shoulder Pain In Manual Wheelchair Users Stratified By Age Of Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder (Sci/D) Onset, Ashlyn M. Jones

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction The majority of manual wheelchair users (MWUs) with spinal cord injury or disorder (SCI/D) develop shoulder pain. In adults with SCI/D, there is evidence that upper limb strength imbalances are associated with shoulder pain. However, strength imbalances may indicate protective compensatory strategies, and other factors may be important contributors to pain. Currently, personalized prevention and management of pain is limited, little is known about joint strength imbalances and pain in children who use manual wheelchairs, and the effect of the age of SCI/D onset is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of age …

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) …

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 …

Systematic Co-Culture Of Ipsc-Cm And Ipsc-An Promote Co-Maturation In Vitro, William Gregory Terrell Jr.

Graduate Dissertations and Theses

The cardiac microenvironment is a complex system of multicellular interactions that enables proper heart function. In native heart muscle, sympathetic neurons (SN) and parasympathetic neurons (PSN) modulate the beat rate of cardiomyocytes (CM) to maintain homeostasis. Pluripotent stem cells can differentiate into CM, but differentiated CMs are fetal-like, with a high beat rate, and lack organized sarcomeric structure. Recent reports of co-cultured pluripotent CM/SN pairs have reported electrophysiological changes in the SN (increased upstroke velocity). However, interpretation of these results are obscured by the differences in co-culture parameters between studies (stage of development, co-culture duration, etc.). The goal of this …

Your Foot Is Not A Brick: Using A Multi-Segment Foot Model To Explore The Actions Of The Ankle-Foot Complex During Uneven Terrain Gait., Tayler Jon Hoekstra

Dissertations and Theses

The field of biomechanics has seen continued development of models to be used and circumstances to be considered. An increasing number of more complex models for the foot known as multi-segment foot models (MSFMs) have created opportunities to better understand the compensatory motion of this vital portion of human anatomy. This research seeks to utilize one such MSFM model to increase understanding in how human ambulation changes in uneven terrain environments. Unique inner-foot joints defined by the Rizzoli foot model (RFM) were measured for and compared for subjects traversing both even and uneven terrain to quantify joints that experienced significant …

The Implementation And Miniaturization Of A New Current Source Into The Consolidated Layout Of An Electrical Impedance Tomography Probe With A Novel Approach To Electrode Layout, Katherine M. Bullion

Dartmouth College Master’s Theses

Prostate cancer is the most highly diagnosed form of cancer in male subjects in the United States. As a result, over 100,000 radical prostatectomies are performed annually in the US [1]. However, it is currently very difficult for surgeons to confirm that all impacted tissues have been effectively removed from the patient. Positive surgical margins are an independent risk factor for the recurrence of cancer, yet currently there is no method to efficiently, intraoperatively assess the status of surgical margins during a radical prostatectomy. There is a need for a new tool that is small enough to fit into a …

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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Gold Nanoparticle-Enhanced Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Electrode For Non-Enzymatic Lactate Sensing, Christopher Animashaun, Abdellatif Ait Lahcen, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

We are reporting the development of a high-performance, non-enzymatic electrochemical biosensor for selective lactate detection, integrating laser-induced graphene (LIG), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), and a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) synthesized from poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT). The LIG electrode offers a highly porous, conductive scaffold, while electrodeposited AuNPs enhance catalytic activity and signal amplification. The PEDOT-based MIP layer, electropolymerized via cyclic voltammetry, imparts molecular specificity by creating lactate-specific binding sites. Cyclic voltammetry confirmed successful molecular imprinting and enhanced interfacial electron transfer. The resulting LIG/AuNPs/MIP biosensor demonstrated a wide linear detection range from 0.1 µM to 2500 µM, with a sensitivity of 22.42 µA/log(µM) and …

Automation To Autonomy: Temporal Dynamics Of Trust And Visual Attention Allocation Did Not Evolve, Tetsuya Sato, Eric Chancey, Yusuke Yamani

Psychology Faculty Publications

Emerging work environments are expected to implement autonomy that performs various functions without human input. Previous works has shown that trust in automation is negatively correlated with visual attention allocation, indicating that trust is a dynamic construct. Moreover, trust in automation and trust in autonomy appears to evolve in similar ways. However, recent work has demonstrated differences between trust in automation and trust in autonomy within Kaber’s (2018) theoretical framework (Sato et al., 2023b). Yet, it is uncertain whether the development of trust and visual attention allocation differs between automation and autonomy. The present study examined the temporal dynamics of …

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. …

Viscoelastic Property Analysis Of A Magnetorheological Elastomer Micropump For Insulin Delivery In Type 1 Diabetes, Victor Buitimea

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Over two decades, there has been a significant rise in awareness regarding Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), leading to a deeper comprehension of numerous variables, including hereditary factors, patterns of occurrence, and health challenges. According to the Type 1 Diabetic Index, around 8.7 million people worldwide are affected by this chronic autoimmune illness marked by a lack of insulin and hyperglycemia. The introduction of artificial pancreas systems could save more than half a million patients by 2040. Despite the availability of various insulin delivery technologies that are offered to diabetic patients, many still are skeptical of this modern system. The issues …