Shape Memory Alloy Capsule Micropump For Drug Delivery Applications, 2024 American University in Cairo
Shape Memory Alloy Capsule Micropump For Drug Delivery Applications, Youssef Mohamed Kotb
Theses and Dissertations
Implantable drug delivery devices have many benefits over traditional drug administration techniques and have attracted a lot of attention in recent years. By delivering the medication directly to the tissue, they enable the use of larger localized concentrations, enhancing the efficacy of the treatment. Passive-release drug delivery systems, one of the various ways to provide medication, are great inventions. However, they cannot dispense the medication on demand since they are nonprogrammable. Therefore, active actuators are more advantageous in delivery applications. Smart material actuators, however, have greatly increased in popularity for manufacturing wearable and implantable micropumps due to their high energy …
Adjuvant Pluronic F68 Is Compatible With A Plant Root-Colonizing Probiotic, Pseudomonas Chlororaphis O6, 2023 State University of New York at Oswego
Adjuvant Pluronic F68 Is Compatible With A Plant Root-Colonizing Probiotic, Pseudomonas Chlororaphis O6, Amanda R. Streeter, Anthony Cartwright, Mohammad Zargaran, Anagha Wankhade, Anne J. Anderson, David W. Britt
Biological Engineering Faculty Publications
Plant probiotic bacteria are being increasingly used to maximize both the productivity and quality of field crops. Pseudomonas chlororaphis O6 (PcO6) is a plant root colonizer with probiotic activities. This bacterium produces an array of metabolites, including a group of phenazines that are functional in plant protection. The paper reports responses of PcO6 to a nonionic triblock copolymer surfactant, Pluronic F68. This Pluronic exhibits membrane "healing" activity and improves cryopreservation recovery in eukaryotic cells. The product is FDA-approved and is applied as an adjuvant in formulations used in agriculture, medicine, and biotechnology. Growth of PcO6 on …
Determining The Effects Of Glycocalyx Modifications On The Electrophysical Properties Of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells, 2023 California State University - San Bernardino
Determining The Effects Of Glycocalyx Modifications On The Electrophysical Properties Of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Rominna E. Valentine Ico
Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations
Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) have gained popularity in clinical trials due to their multipotent differentiation characteristics, ability to secrete bioactive molecules, migrate into diseased or damaged tissues, and their immunosuppressive properties. HMSC cultures are heterogeneous, containing stem cells, partially differentiated progenitor cells, and fully differentiated cells. One of the major challenges with hMSCs therapeutic potential is the inability to select specific cell subpopulations due to an insufficient number of biomarkers. Often the biomarkers used, like those for fluorescence-activated cell sorting, are not sufficient to define hMSCs because they overlap with other cell types. Consequently, there is a need to …
Design Of Human Serum Albumin And Adenovirus Conjugation Via Catcher/Tag Molecular Glue, 2023 Washington University in St. Louis
Design Of Human Serum Albumin And Adenovirus Conjugation Via Catcher/Tag Molecular Glue, Peijie Zhao
McKelvey School of Engineering Theses & Dissertations
Adenovirus (Ad) has been the ideal cargo delivery mechanism, and its moderate immunological response makes it ideal for in vivo gene therapies since its discovery in 1953. However, the robust immunogenicity of the Ad capsid and low vaccine absorption via mucous membranes and epithelium put a limit on the process of developing intranasal vaccines. Efforts are being made to enhance the effectiveness of Ad vectors and numerous studies have demonstrated the remarkable capacity of human serum albumin (HSA) to extend plasma half-life and facilitate targeted intranasal delivery. In this study, we devised an innovative method for employing the Catcher/Tag molecular …
Representativeness Evaluation Of Delta-Flux Eddy Covariance Towers For Assessing Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Rice Fields In The Mid-South Region, 2023 University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Representativeness Evaluation Of Delta-Flux Eddy Covariance Towers For Assessing Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Rice Fields In The Mid-South Region, Katherine Skiles
Biological and Agricultural Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses
Rice grown in 5 states across the Mid-South (AR, LA, MS, TX, and MO) account for nearly 80% of all domestic U.S. rice production. Methane emissions produced during rice farming and the large seasonal water demand to maintain flooded fields have created a need for alternative irrigation research that can reduce methane emissions and conserve water. Structures called eddy covariance towers (ECTs) can observe methane and other flux responses to changing irrigation styles, and their data is shared across flux tower networks such as Delta-Flux in the Mid-South. The Delta-Flux network is relatively new, and its data-sharing capacity is not …
Effects Of Indole Derivative Idc16 On Cell Proliferation, Transfection, And Alternative Splicing In Production Of Lentiviral Vectors By Transient Co-Transfection, 2023 Utah State University
Effects Of Indole Derivative Idc16 On Cell Proliferation, Transfection, And Alternative Splicing In Production Of Lentiviral Vectors By Transient Co-Transfection, Nataly Mier
All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present
Viruses can efficiently introduce genetic material into a variety of cells through cell infection. Therefore, viral vectors, defined as virus-based gene delivery systems, effectively transfer functional gene constructs to target cells. Among different viral vectors, lentiviral vectors are of interest due to the advantages offered to research and therapeutic applications. Low productivity of lentiviral vectors in mammalian producer cells and high production cost, however, remain barriers to the vectors’ routinary use, particularly in clinical settings.
Since most lentiviral vectors are derived from human immunodeficiency virus type I, their genome has been engineered to increase safety. Nevertheless, modifications of the lentiviral …
Microbial Glycosylation Of Antitubercular Agent Chlorflavonin, 2023 Utah State University
Microbial Glycosylation Of Antitubercular Agent Chlorflavonin, Jie Ren, Jixun Zhan
Biological Engineering Faculty Publications
Flavonoids have shown health-benefiting properties, such as antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities, and are commonly used as nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. Although flavonoids are predominantly identified from plants, several filamentous fungal species have also been reported to produce bioactive flavonoids, including chlorflavonin from Aspergillus candidus, a novel halogenated flavonoid with potent antifungal and antitubercular (anti-TB) activities. Unfortunately, the low water-solubility of this molecule may hinder its bioavailability. Glycosylation is an effective method to enhance the polarity of natural products and alter their physicochemical properties. This work focuses on the development of novel water-soluble chlorflavonin derivatives to combat the threat of drug-resistant …
Development Of An Angiogenic Tissue-On-A-Chip Microenvironment, 2023 California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Development Of An Angiogenic Tissue-On-A-Chip Microenvironment, Eric Stuehr
Master's Theses
Preclinical testing is necessary to investigate the safety and efficacy of novel therapeutics before moving to clinical trials, yet approximately 90% of these therapies fail once tested in humans. This has led to increased interest in developing robust preclinical models that accurately mimic the complex human in vivo physiology. Microfluidic devices that can introduce dynamic conditions to 3D cell/organoid cultures, also known as tissue-on-a-chip, have emerged as physiologically relevant in vitro preclinical models that can achieve high throughput screening of therapeutics. The research presented here aimed to develop an angiogenic environment within a novel microfluidic device to stimulate formation of …
Engineered Exosomes For The Multimodal Imaging Directed Photo-Immunotherapy Of Colorectal Cancer, 2023 University of Montreal
Engineered Exosomes For The Multimodal Imaging Directed Photo-Immunotherapy Of Colorectal Cancer, Deepak S. Chauhan, Meena Jaggi, Subhash C. Chauhan, Murali M. Yallapu
Research Symposium
Background: Rio Grande Valley experience severe cancer health disparity. A novel therapeutic modality may serve as better therapeutic option. Nanohybrids endowed with multifunctionality, longer circulation time, large surface area have emerged as an active preference for cancer research. However, rising concern of nanomaterials toxicity and scalability issues has slowed their translation to clinics. Exosomes (Exo) are endogenous endocytic origin 40-100 nm vesicles found in various body fluids, which in comparison to synthetic nanoparticles, are biodegradable, highly biocompatible as well as immunocompatible in nature. Although bulk isolation of exosomes from human body fluids is still a problem and engineering of exosomes …
Characterization Of Mammographic Dense Tissue Sub-Types Using Classification Algorithms On Metric Space Technique Output Functions, 2023 University of Maine
Characterization Of Mammographic Dense Tissue Sub-Types Using Classification Algorithms On Metric Space Technique Output Functions, Madison Raza
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
In recent years breast cancer has become the leading cause of global cancer incidence. One of the most common forms of screening is through the use of digital x-ray screening mammography. Risk assessment models which help predict a patient’s risk of developing breast cancer rely mainly on patient history and qualitative breast density assessment from screening. The 2D wavelet transform maxima modulus (2D WTMM) method uses a sliding window approach to quantify the spatial organization of underlying mammographic tissue according to Hurst- exponent ranges (H) as fatty (H ≤ 0.45), healthy dense (H ≥ 0.55) and …
Development And Characterization Of Shear Thinning Cnf-Tempo Hydrogels For Use In Aquaculture Vaccines, 2023 University of Maine
Development And Characterization Of Shear Thinning Cnf-Tempo Hydrogels For Use In Aquaculture Vaccines, Jacob A. Holbrook
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Aquaculture has shown significant growth within the past few decades and is expected to continue expanding rapidly as the global demand for fish consumption continues to increase. A significant loss within the aquaculture industry is due to pathogen transmission within the farm systems. These pathogens are mitigated through various methods that are not cost effective or have limited protection. The most common method of pathogen mitigation is through oil-based injection vaccines as they provide even protection across vaccinated fish and provides the longest protection compared to other vaccination methods. These oil-based injection vaccines are not without their flaws as they …
Designing And Modeling A Fail-Safe Mechanism To Be Used In Attachment Of A Transcutaneous Femoral Implant To A Prosthetic Device, 2023 The University of Maine
Designing And Modeling A Fail-Safe Mechanism To Be Used In Attachment Of A Transcutaneous Femoral Implant To A Prosthetic Device, Emma Sperry
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Amputations are quite common and even modern prosthetic devices are plagued by problems. There are approximately 2 million people living with limb loss in the U.S. and on average 185,000 amputations occur yearly. Common attachment mechanisms for external prosthetic components to a residual limb, that is, sockets, pose numerous challenges. Issues include skin irritation, discomfort, socket fit issues, and immobility. Issues include skin irritation, discomfort, socket fit issues, and immobility. Transcutaneous implants have great potential as a connection method for external prosthetic components to a residual limb but because the implants are typically solid, they correlate to extremely high infection …
Analyzing Pseudomonas Aeruginosa With Bacteriophage Tags Using Photoacoustic Flow Cytometry, 2023 Duquesne University
Analyzing Pseudomonas Aeruginosa With Bacteriophage Tags Using Photoacoustic Flow Cytometry, Jennifer C. Schinke
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The number of daily bacterial infections is climbing and the CDC explains that this is due to the antibiotic-resistant threat in the United States. Finding a faster way of bacterial identification is necessary as it currently takes 1-4 days for a medical lab to culture and identify bacteria. Photoacoustic flow cytometry (PAFC) can be used as an alternative method resulting in swift identification within an hour (Edgar, 2019). Pseudomonas aeruginosa, cell line PA01, will be coated in up to a few hundred red dyed phages making it detectible by the photoacoustic flow cytometry system. Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that …
Photodynamic Therapy To Treat Triple Negative Breast Cancer In Vitro, 2023 Clemson University
Photodynamic Therapy To Treat Triple Negative Breast Cancer In Vitro, Hunter S. Warren
All Theses
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most resilient form of breast cancer, being one of the leading causes of death for women and making up 7% of all cancer deaths. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers a minimally invasive solution to TNBC as a passive-targeting treatment that reduces the need for other well established yet harsh treatments that can be taxing on the patient. PDT involves the use of a high-energy red light on the area of a tumor injected with photosensitizers (PS) that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the tumor, triggering cell death. The PS tetra(hydroxyphenyl)chlorin (m-THPC) was used …
Exploring Versatile Glycosyltransferases From Microorganisms For Natural Product Biosynthesis, 2023 Utah State University
Exploring Versatile Glycosyltransferases From Microorganisms For Natural Product Biosynthesis, Jie Ren
All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023
This dissertation is mainly focused on exploring versatile glycosyltransferases from different microorganisms with the purpose of biosynthesizing bioactive natural product glycosides through microbial fermentation. This engineered biosynthesis approach is environmentally friendly, safe, and efficient compared with plant extraction, chemical synthesis, and enzymatic synthesis. Additionally, we applied these characterized glycosyltransferases as efficient biocatalytic tools to produce novel glycosides to expand the chemical repertoire of nature. These novel compounds showed improved water solubility and some of them exhibited enhanced stability and biological activity, which laid the foundation for the development of new therapeutic agents.
In my dissertation research, I have discovered two …
Investigating The Potential Of A Cell-Based Gene Editing Therapy For Inherited Metabolic Liver Disease, 2023 Clemson University
Investigating The Potential Of A Cell-Based Gene Editing Therapy For Inherited Metabolic Liver Disease, Ilayda Ates
All Dissertations
Inherited metabolic diseases (IMDs) affecting the liver are relatively rare but collectively have a prevalence of 1 in 800 live births. These diseases result from autosomal recessive single-gene mutations, leading to organ dysfunction and potentially fatal consequences if left untreated. One potential therapeutic strategy for IMDs of the liver involves using CRISPR-Cas9-induced loss of function mutations. However, translating this approach into the clinic is limited by the need for safe and effective CRISPR delivery methods. Adeno-associated viral vectors (AAVs), commonly used for CRISPR delivery, are associated with significant safety and efficacy concerns, including risks for immunogenicity, off-target mutagenesis, and genotoxicity …
Environmentally Friendly New Catalyst Using Waste Alkaline Solution From Aluminum Production For The Synthesis Of Biodiesel In Aqueous Medium, 2023 Federal University of Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys - UFVJM
Environmentally Friendly New Catalyst Using Waste Alkaline Solution From Aluminum Production For The Synthesis Of Biodiesel In Aqueous Medium, Sandro L. Barbosa, David Lee Nelson, Lucas Paconio, Moises Pedro, Wallans Torres Pio Dos Santos, Alexandre P. Wentx, Fernando L. P. Pessoa, Foster A. Agblevor, Daniel A. Bortoleto, Maria B. De Freitas-Marques, Lucas D. Zanatta
Biological Engineering Faculty Publications
Red mud (RM) is composed of a waste alkaline solution (pH = 13.3) obtained from the production of alumina. It contains high concentrations of hematite (Fe2O3), goethite (FeOOH), gibbsite [Al(OH)3], a boehmite (AlOOH), anatase (Tetragonal–TiO2), rutile (Ditetragonal dipyramidal–TiO2), hydrogarnets [Ca3Al2(SiO4)3-x(OH)4x], quartz (SiO2), and perovskite (CaTiO3). It was shown to be an excellent catalytic mixture for biodiesel production. To demonstrate the value of RM, an environmentally friendly process of transesterification in aqueous medium using waste cooking oil …
Optical Perturbation Of Protein Kinase A Activity Via Photoactivatable Inhibitor Peptides, 2023 Washington University in St. Louis
Optical Perturbation Of Protein Kinase A Activity Via Photoactivatable Inhibitor Peptides, Peter Chen
McKelvey School of Engineering Theses & Dissertations
Protein Kinase A (PKA) plays important roles in diverse biological processes such as sleep, long term memory, and synaptic plasticity. In addition, PKA also acts as an integrator of neuromodulator signaling though G protein-coupled receptor activation. However, despite genetic knockout and pharmacological inhibition experiments that demonstrate the importance of PKA, it is unclear where, when, or how PKA plays these roles in cellular physiology and behavior. In order to better understand the function of PKA in these processes, and how neuromodulator signaling drives complex behavioral changes, there exists a need for a method to selectively activate/inactivate PKA with high spatial …
Dual Color Optogenetic Control For Analyzing Cardiac Function In Drosophila, 2023 Washington University in St. Louis
Dual Color Optogenetic Control For Analyzing Cardiac Function In Drosophila, Jiantao Zhu
McKelvey School of Engineering Theses & Dissertations
Prolonged consumption of carbohydrate-rich diets and immobile lifestyles frequently cause metabolic disorders and obesity and, as a result, may lead to progressive heart dysfunction among broad social groups of the population. Drosophila melanogaster serves as an essential model organism in cardiovascular disease research due to conserved physiological and genomic traits shared with humans, its genetic and molecular toolbox versatility, and cost-effective maintenance. Here, we combine optogenetics and optical coherence tomography to study cardiovascular function in D. melanogaster. A new optogenetic pacing system has been developed, employing a transgenic line carrying two opsins: ChR2 and NpHR2.0. A custom-built hardware setup …
Continuous Bioprocessing: Technology For Next-Generation Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Development Of A Python-Coded Bench-Scale Raman-Based Continuous Bioprocess Platform, 2023 Keck Graduate Institute
Continuous Bioprocessing: Technology For Next-Generation Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Development Of A Python-Coded Bench-Scale Raman-Based Continuous Bioprocess Platform, Christine Urrea
KGI Theses and Dissertations
Current industrial practices for producing biopharmaceuticals include fed-batch production with batch isolation and purification. Nonproductive hold-up steps and manual offline measurements are common in batch processing which increases processing time and contributes to a high cost of production. Current market trends and cost pressures in the biopharmaceutical industry are creating a push to innovate bioprocessing platforms. Continuous bioprocessing has been considered a solution to the current limitations of batch production of biopharmaceuticals. Continuous bioprocessing involves intensifying individual processing steps by eliminating hold-up steps through a continuous operation to increase productivity, which results in advantages such as lower capital and production …