Nanotechnology Commons^™

Dietary Intake Of Micro- And Nanoplastics: Potential Adverse Gi Effects On Microbiome, Inflammation, And Neoplasia, Michael Saadeh, Gordon Hong, Sana Rabeeah, Priyata Dutta, Edward C. Oldfield, Iv, David A. Johnson

Department of Medicine Faculty Publications

Micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) are pervasive in food-contact environments and the human diet, positioning the gastrointestinal (GI) tract as the primary portal of entry and a plausible site of early biological effects. Human exposure is supported by detection of microplastics in stool and colon tissue, and emerging clinical studies report associations between fecal microplastic burden and GI disease states, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC). Preclinical studies provide mechanistic plausibility, reporting that ingested MNPs can modulate microbial ecology, alter mucus membrane integrity, increase intestinal permeability through changes in cellular tight junction biology, and induce inflammatory gene expression. …

A Scalable Paper-Based Electrochemical Sensor Employing Mwcnts For Isoniazid Detection, Sri Ramulu Torati, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

Isoniazid (INZ) is an antimicrobial agent that treats tuberculosis by inhibiting the InhA enzyme in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, making sensitive and reliable methods for routine monitoring essential to ensure safe and effective therapy. We report the development of a novel paper-based electrochemical sensor for the sensitive and selective detection of isoniazid. The sensor is constructed using a gold inkjet-printed electrode (GIPE) modified with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), chitosan (CH), and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), forming a GIPE/AuNPs/CH/MWCNTs sensor. Electrochemical deposition of AuNPs effectively addressed insulating gaps generated during the sintering of the gold ink, enhancing electrical conductivity and surface uniformity. The …

Mxene-Enabled Wearable Biosensors: A Design Framework For Autonomous Biosensing, Jegan Rajendran, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

MXenes, a rapidly expanding family of two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides, have emerged as leading materials for wearable bioelectronics due to their metallic conductivity, termination-rich surfaces, mechanical compliance, and tunable interlayer structures. However, wearable biosensor performance does not arise from conductivity alone, but from coupled interactions among surface termination chemistry, heterointerface engineering, hierarchical architecture, and device integration under dynamic physiological conditions. This review establishes a predictive structure-interface-device framework linking MXene chemistry to system-level performance across electrochemical, mechanical, gas, optical, and energy-storage modalities. We analyze how termination-controlled adsorption governs charge transfer and selectivity, how heterojunction formation modulates carrier density and …

Nanofibrous Materials And Nanoparticles For Combating Antimicrobial Resistance: Synthesis, Integration, And Translational Perspectives, Rewati Raman Ujjwal, Ashish Dilip Sutar, Rahul Shukla, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health challenge driven by mechanisms such as biofilm formation, efflux pumps, and genetic mutations. Nanoparticulate and fibrous materials have emerged as promising strategies to overcome these limitations through multimodal antimicrobial action and controlled drug delivery. This review highlights recent advances in electrospun nanofibrous systems, including natural and synthetic polymer-based scaffolds, stimuli-responsive nanofibers, and functionalized patches. Nanoparticle-loaded nanofiber systems demonstrate enhanced performance, including bacterial eradication, sustained drug release, and significant biofilm disruption. Multifunctional systems combining antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties further show synergism. Emerging innovations, such as piezoelectric and smart sensing systems, enable self-powered …

Isotropic Shrinkage Of Patterned Vacancies Enables Three-Dimensional Nanoprecise Metastructures For Visible Light Applications, Quansan Yang, Gaojie Yang, Takahiro Nambara, Hiroyuki Kusaka, Yuichiro Kunai, Alex C. Matlock, Corban Swain, Brett Pryor, Yannick Salamin, Daniel Oran, Hasindu Kariyawasam, Ramith Hettiarachchi, Dushan Wadduwage, Marin Soljačić, Peter T. C. Soflaei, Edward S. Boyden

Computer Science Faculty Publications

Three-dimensional metastructures with nanoscale feature sizes exhibit unique properties compared with structures with larger feature sizes, but are difficult to fabricate. Here we introduce implosion carving (ImpCarv), a method for photopatterning vacancies of complex geometry throughout materials, followed by isotropic shrinkage (>10-fold). ImpCarv works by photoactivating sensitizers to generate reactive oxygen species that cleave a swollen hydrogel at defined points, followed by controlled shrinkage via dehydration. ImpCarv creates three-dimensional metastructures where the refractive index of each point throughout a material can be specified with nanoscale precision via material presence or absence. By leveraging refractive index programmability for precise phase …

Magnetic And Ph-Sensitive Dual Actuation Of Biohybrid Microswimmer Of Targeted Drug Release Suitable For Cancer Cell Microenvironment, Richa Chaturvedi, Yumin Kang, Yunji Eom, Sri Ramulu Torati, Cheolgi Kim

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

The chemotherapeutic agents most frequently used in cancer treatment often have limited effectiveness because of their low specificity for tumors and poor therapeutic performance. In addition to the aforementioned therapeutic challenges the drug delivery carriers conjugated with the drug encounter early detection and elimination from the immune system before arriving at the affected area continues to be a significant research focus among researchers. To address this prevalent issue, an effective approach has been developed that leverages the physiological differences between normal and tumor tissue to enhance the efficacy of anticancer drugs. This drug delivery system is designed based on pH-sensitive …

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 …

Emerging Nanotechnology Approaches For Blood Disorders: A Comprehensive Review Of Nano-Hematinics And Plant-Based Nanomedicines, Hassan Abdulsalam Adewuyi, Khairat Shamsudeen, Fatima Mahmoud Muhammad, Adeola Kolawole Victor, Sakariyau Adio Waheed, Adepeju Matilda Adekoya, Kashim Ibrahim Muhammad, Blessing Temitayo Longe, Abdulgaffar Abdulquddus

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Background: Disorders affecting blood components, such as anemia, coagulopathies, and hematologic malignancies, continue to pose significant global health burdens. Traditional therapies often fall short due to adverse effects, limited bioavailability, and insufficient targeting of disease sites.

Objective: This review synthesizes current advances in nano-hematinics and plant-based nanomedicines (phyto-nanomedicines) as innovative strategies for managing blood-related conditions. These nanoscale interventions are designed to enhance therapeutic precision, bioactivity, and safety.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted using major scientific databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. Search terms were carefully selected to retrieve literature published between 2015 and 2024 that discussed …

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 …

An Electrochemical Sensor For Tenofovir Monitoring, Abdellatif Ait Lahcen, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

Effective monitoring of tenofovir (TFV) adherence is critical for ensuring the success of antiretroviral therapies in preventing and managing HIV, as nonadherence can lead to treatment failure and the development of drug-resistant strains. In this study, a highly sensitive and selective novel biomimetic sensor for TFV determination is developed utilizing laser-scribed graphene (LSG) modified with gold spiky nanostructures (AuNSp) and molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP). The MIP layer is engineered with precise control to maximize molecular specificity for TFV. Electrochemical characterization demonstrates excellent performance, including the broadest linear detection range (10 nM to 200 μM) reported to date with a sensitivity …

Electrochemical Strategies For Microrna Quantification Leveraging Amplification And Nanomaterials: A Review, Alexander Hunt, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and have emerged as critical biomarkers in various diseases, including cancer. Their stability in bodily fluids and role as oncogenes or tumor suppressors make them attractive targets for non-invasive diagnostics. However, conventional detection methods, such as Northern blotting, RT-PCR, and microarrays, are limited by low sensitivity, lengthy protocols, and limited specificity. Electrochemical biosensors offer a promising alternative, providing high sensitivity, rapid response times, portability, and cost-effectiveness. These biosensors translate miRNA hybridization events into quantifiable electrochemical signals, often leveraging redox-active labels, mediators, or intercalators. Recent advancements in nanomaterials and signal amplification …

Mxenes In Biosensing: Enhancing Sensitivity And Flexibility - A Review Of Properties, Applications, And Future Directions, Ali Mohammad Amani, Lobat Tayebi, Ehsan Vafa, Alireza Jahanbin, Milad Abbasi, Ahmed Vaez, Hesam Kamyab, Lalitha Gnanasekaran, Shreeshivadasan Chelliapan

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

MXenes are a novel type of nanostructured material that has received a lot of attention for their potential applications in bioanalysis owing to their unique features. These materials, made from transition metal nitrides, carbides, or carbonitrides, have a number of advantages, including high hydrophilicity, a large surface area, strong metallic conductivity, superior ion transport capabilities, biocompatibility, and low diffusion barriers. Their surfaces are easily manipulated, making them more adaptable for a variety of applications, including biosensing. The outstanding properties of MXenes have attracted researchers of different fields, including renewable energy, fuel cells, supercapacitors, electronics, and catalysis. In the context of …

Targeting Bone In Cancer Therapy: Advances And Challenges Of Bisphosphonate-Based Drug Delivery Systems, Fariba Ganji, Mohammadmahdi Eshaghi, Hossein Shaki, Lobat Tayebi

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Background and Purpose: Bisphosphonates (BPs) are well-known for their strong affinity toward bone mineral matrices and are widely used to inhibit excessive osteoclast activity associated with various bone disorders. Beyond their clinical use, their unique bone-targeting capability has positioned them as promising ligands for drug delivery systems aimed at treating bone-related cancers. Approach: The review analyses published studies on BP-functionalized drug delivery systems, including direct drug conjugates, calcium-based nanomaterials, carbon-based nanostructures, and self-assembling systems such as micelles and liposomes. In vitro assays (e.g. hydroxyapatite binding, cell viability) and in vivo biodistribution studies are discussed to evaluate targeting efficiency and …

Cellax Nanoparticles: Taxane Nanoformulations For Solid Tumor Targeting, Lobat Tayebi, Mehran Alavi

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Nanoparticles (NPs), specifically polymer-modified NPs, have illustrated unique therapeutic advantages compared to bulk materials. Cellax NPs have provided a promising approach to cancer therapy by improving drug delivery, targeting the tumor microenvironment, and potentially overcoming drug resistance, all while reducing overall toxicity compared to traditional taxane treatment. By the flash nanoprecipitation (FNP) method, docetaxel and cabazitaxel have been formulated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) modified-acetylated carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) polymer to increase biocompatibility, bioavailability, specific targeting, and modulate the tumor microenvironment. However, there are some challenges and clinical limitations related to this formulation, encompassing optimum targeted delivery to tumors, overcoming biological barriers, such …

Studying The Role Of Novel Carbon Nano Tubes As A Therapeutic Agent To Treat Triple Negative Breast Cancer (Tnbc) - An In Vitro And In Vivo Study, Kamal Asadipour, Narendra Banerjee, Jazmine Cuffee, Karrington Perry, Shennel Brown, Anasua Banerjee, Erik Armstrong, Stephen Beebe, Hirendra Banerjee

Bioelectrics Publications

Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is a malignant cancer with a very high mortality rate around the world. African American(AA) women are 28% more likely to die from triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) than white women with the same diagnosis. AA patients are also more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage of the disease and have the lowest survival rates for any stage of diagnosis; There are very few existing anti TNBC drugs with therapeutic efficacy hence newer anti TNBC drug design and investigation is needed. Carbon Nano Tubes(CNT) in recent years have shown effective anti-cancer properties in various …

Photoluminescence Switching In Quantum Dots Connected With Carboxylic Acid And Thiocarboxylic Acid End-Group Diarylethene Molecules, Ephraiem S. Sarabamoun, Pramod Aryal, Jonathan M. Bietsch, Maurice Curran, Sugandha Verma, Grayson Johnson, Lucy U. Yoon, Amelia G. Reid, Esther H. R. Tsai, Charles W. Machan, Christopher Paolucci, Guijun Wang, Joshua J. Choi

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

We contrast the switching of photoluminescence (PL) of PbS quantum dots (QDs) cross-linked with photochromic diarylethene molecules with different end groups, 4,4′-(1-cyclopentene-1,2-diyl)bis[5-methyl-2-thiophenecarboxylic acid] (1C) and 4,4′-(1-cyclopentene-1,2-diyl)bis[5-methyl-2-thiophenethiocarboxylic acid] (2T). Our results show that the QDs cross-linked with the carboxylic acid end group molecules (1C) exhibit a greater amount of switching in photoluminescence intensity compared to QDs cross-linked with the thiocarboxylic acid end group (2T). We also demonstrate that regardless of the molecule used, greater switching amounts are observed for smaller quantum dots. Varying these parameters allows for the fabrication of photoswitches with tunable PL change. We relate these observations to the …

Quantification Of Antiretroviral Drug Emtricitabine In Human Plasma By Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy, Marguerite R. Butler, Terry A. Jacot, Sucharita M. Dutta, Gustavo F. Doncel, John B. Cooper

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

In this study, reproducible label-free detection and quantification of the antiretroviral drug emtricitabine (FTC) down to 78 ng/mL in human plasma by surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is presented. A novel plasma sample pretreatment method using silver nitrate and silver colloidal nanoparticles (Ag CNPs) was used to prepare the plasma samples for analysis. The pretreated plasma samples were evaporated to dryness on an aluminum surface and a computer-controlled Raman scanning system was used to collect spatially resolved SERS spectra of the entire surface. Calibration curves of commercial human plasma samples containing FTC in a concentration range of 5000 to 78 …

Paper-Based Dna Biosensor For Rapid And Selective Detection Of Mir-21, Alexander Hunt, Sri Ramulu Torati, Gymama Slaughter

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, with 9.7 million fatalities in 2022. While routine screenings are vital for early detection, healthcare disparities persist, highlighting the need for equitable solutions. Recent advancements in cancer biomarker identification, particularly microRNAs (miRs), have improved early detection. MiR-21 is notably overexpressed in various cancers and can be a valuable diagnostic tool. Traditional detection methods, though accurate, are costly and complex, limiting their use in resource-limited settings. Paper-based electrochemical biosensors offer a promising alternative, providing cost-effective, sensitive, and rapid diagnostics suitable for point-of-care use. This study introduces an innovative electrochemical paper-based biosensor that …

Mesoporous Silica Administration As A New Strategy In The Management Of Warfarin Toxicity: An In-Vitro And In-Vivo Study, Fatemeh Farjadian, Fatemeh Parsi, Reza Heidari, Khatereh Zarkesh, Hamid Reza Mohammadi, Soliman Mohammadi-Samani, Lobat Tayebi

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Purpose: Warfarin is one of the most widely used anticoagulants that functions by inhibiting vitamin K epoxide reductase. Warfarin overdose, whether intentional or unintentional, can cause life-threatening bleeding. Here, we present a novel warfarin adsorbent based on mesoporous silica that could serve as an antidote to warfarin toxicity.

Method: Amino-functionalized mesoporous silica (MS-NH₂) was synthesized based on the cocondensation method through a soft template technique followed by template removal. The prepared structure and functional group were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) checked the morphology. The …

Interactions Of Carboxylated Nanodiamonds With Mouse Macrophages Cell Line And Primary Cells, Maisoun Bani-Hani, Stephen J. Beebe, Michael W. Stacey, Christopher Osgood

Bioelectrics Publications

Nanodiamonds (ND) have attracted significant interest for their use in several biomedical applications. These applications can be very useful if the safety and compatibility of ND are proven. We assessed the effects of ND (100 nm, Carboxylated) on primary macrophages and a macrophage-like cell line and found that these particles are not toxic to these cells at lower concentrations but may interfere with cell functions and differentiation. Internalization of ND by these cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner was mostly via phagocytosis and clathrin-dependent endocytosis and localized to the cytoplasm but not into the nucleus. No significant induction of …

Inventions Of Scientists, Engineers And Specialists From Different Countries In The Area Of Nanotechnologies. Part Vi, Leonid A. Ivanov, Li D. Xu, Konstantin E. Razumeev, Zhanna V. Pisarenko, Aleksey V. Demenev

Information Technology & Decision Sciences Faculty Publications

Introduction. Advanced technologies impress people's imagination demonstrating the latest achievements (materials, methods, systems, technologies, devices etc.) that dramatically change the world. This, first of all, concerns nanotechnological inventions designed by scientists, engineers and specialists from different countries. Main part. The article provides an abstract overview of inventions of scientists, engineers and specialists from different countries: Russia, USA, China, Kazakhstan, Sweden. The results of the creative activity of scientists, engineers and specialists, including inventions in the field of nanotechnology and nanomaterials allow, when introduced to industry, achieving a significant effect in construction, housing and communal services, and related sectors of the …

Interfacial Current Distribution Between Helium Plasma Jet And Water Solution, Sui Wang, Dingxin Liu, Zifeng Wang, Yifan Liu, Qiaosong Li, Xiaohua Wang, Michael G. Kong, Mingzhe Rong

Bioelectrics Publications

The plasma-liquid interaction holds great importance for a number of emerging applications such as plasma biomedicine, yet a main fundamental question remains about the nature of the physiochemical processes occurring at the plasma-liquid interface. In this paper, the interfacial current distribution between helium plasma jet and water solution was measured for the first time by means of the splitting electrode method, which was borrowed from the field of arc plasma. For a plasma plume in continuous mode, it was found that the mean absolute current distribution at the plasma-liquid interface typically had an annular shape. This shape could be affected …

Size-Dependent Inhibitory Effects Of Antibiotic Drug Nanocarriers Against Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Feng Ding, Preeyaporn Songkiatisak, Pavan Kumar Cherukuri, Tao Huang, Xiao-Hong Nancy Xu

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications

Multidrug membrane transporters (efflux pumps) are responsible for multidrug resistance (MDR) and the low efficacy of therapeutic drugs. Noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) possess a high surface-area-to-volume ratio and size-dependent plasmonic optical properties, enabling them to serve both as imaging probes to study sized-dependent MDR and as potential drug carriers to circumvent MDR and enhance therapeutic efficacy. To this end, in this study, we synthesized three different sizes of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), 2.4 ± 0.7, 13.0 ± 3.1, and 92.6 ± 4.4 nm, functionalized their surface with a monolayer of 11-amino-1-undecanethiol (AUT), and covalently conjugated them with antibiotics (ofloxacin, Oflx) …

Effects Of Carboxylated Nanodiamonds On Macrophages During And After Differentiation, Maisoun E. Bani Hani

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Nanodiamonds (ND) are a carbon-based nanomaterial that are increasingly being proposed for developing novel imaging techniques, as carriers of biomolecules and therapeutic drugs, as coatings for implants, and for other biomedical applications. The exceptional chemical, mechanical, and optical properties of ND make this material suitable in a wide range of fields. The application of ND in the biomedical field is attractive but requires more in-depth investigation into the safety of ND and its interactions with different cells and systems. The effects of ND on the immune system are not fully understood or investigated and there are several controverting reports regarding …

Delayed Hypersensitivity To Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Field In Electroporated Cells, Sarah D. Jensen, Vera A. Khorokhorina, Claudia Muratori, Andrei G. Pakhomov, Olga N. Pakhomova

Bioelectrics Publications

We demonstrate that conditioning of mammalian cells by electroporation with nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) facilitates their response to the next nsPEF treatment. The experiments were designed to unambiguously separate the electroporation-induced sensitization and desensitization effects. Electroporation was achieved by bursts of 300-ns, 9 kV/cm pulses (50 Hz, n = 3–100) and quantified by propidium dye uptake within 11 min after the nsPEF exposure. We observed either sensitization to nsPEF or no change (when the conditioning was either too weak or too intense, or when the wait time after conditioning was too short). Within studied limits, conditioning never caused desensitization. …

Design Of Drug Nano-Carriers For Study Of Multidrug Resistance In Single Live Cells, Pavan Kumar Cherukuri

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations

Multidrug resistance (MDR) exists in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. MDR is responsible for ineffective treatment of a wide range of diseases, such as infections and cancer. The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) membrane transporters (efflux pumps) are one of the largest and most diverse super-families of membrane proteins found in all living organisms, ranging from bacteria to humans. All ABC transporters share a common structure of four core domains; two transmembrane domains (TMD) with variable sequence and topology and two nucleotide-binding domains (NBD) with conserved sequences. Conventional methods for the study of the efflux functions are radioactively labeled substrates and fluorescent …

Mechanisms Of Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Field (Nspef)-Induced Cell Death In Cells And Tumors, Stephen J. Beebe

Bioelectrics Publications

The evolution of pulse power technology from high power physics to biology and medicine places nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) in positions for in vitro and in vivo applications as non-ligand agonists that not only bypass plasma membrane receptors for induction of intracellular signaling pathways, but also bypass intracellular oncogenic impasses to induce cell death by regulated mechanisms. Based on work reviewed here, a likely scenario for cell and tumor demise includes nsPEF-induced permeabilization of the plasma membrane, Ca2+ influx, dissipation of the mitochondrial membrane potential, which is likely due to events beyond permeabilization of the inner mitochondrial membrane, cytochrome …

Concepts Of Cancer And A Novel Cancer Therapy: Treating Tumors As An Aggressive Organ, Stephen J. Beebe

Bioelectrics Publications

No abstract provided.

Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Field (Nspef) Ablation As An Alternative Or Adjunct To Surgery For Treatment Of Cancer, Ru Chen, Xinhua Chen, Stephen J. Beebe

Bioelectrics Publications

Surgery as resection or transplantation remains a fundamental means for cancer treatment and often offers an opportunity for a cure. However, surgery is not always possible because of tumor proximity to blood vessels or ducts or when a patient is not healthy enough to undergo surgery. Application of nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) is a new approach to treat cancer using pulse power technology that was originally designed for military purposes. This novel approach deposits extremely short pulses of high power, low energy electric fields into malignant tissues using electrodes to encompass tumors. Pre-clinical studies show that treatments are effective …

Atomic Force Microscopy Characterization Of Collagen ‘Nanostraws’ In Human Costal Cartilage, Michael W. Stacey, Diganta Dutta, Anthony Asmar, H. Elsayed-Ali, R. Kelly Jr., A. Beskok

Bioelectrics Publications

Costal cartilage, a type of hyaline cartilage that bridges the bony ribs and sternum, is relatively understudied compared to the load bearing cartilages. Deformities of costal cartilage can result in deformation of the chest wall, where the sternum is largely pushed toward or away from the spine, pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum, respectively, with each condition having significant clinical impact. In the absence of extensive literature describing morphological features of costal cartilage, we characterized a sample from the costal margin immunohistologically and through atomic force microscopy. We had previously observed the presence of collagen ‘nanostraws’ running the length of costal …