Primary Projects

Cell Surface Receptor Expression in Microfluidic Separation

Funded by the National Science Foundation (PI: Shashi Murthy)

This CAREER research project aims to understand molecular-level phenomena at the surfaces of cells during separation processes in microfluidic devices. These phenomena are particularly relevant for separation processes that rely on affinity, i.e. interactions between cell surface receptors and immobilized ligands. The design of these processes is generally based on the assumption that the affinity level of each cells is constant but this may not always be true. This project aims to understand these changes within the framework of an integrated research and education program.

Ocular Diagnostics

Funded by the National Science Foundation (PI: Shashi Murthy)

The objective of this project is to design a range of microfluidic devices to diagnose two disorders of the eye, uveitis and intraocular lymphoma. State of the art diagnosis of these diseases typically involves a vitreous biopsy followed by analysis of the extracted vitreous humor by pathology and flow cytometry at off-site laboratories and the diagnostic yield of these techniques are low. Our work in this area aims to create a family of inexpensive microfluidic devices that can accurately diagnose these diseases at points of clinical care.

Array of microfluidic devices designed for isolation of cardiomyocytes	Size based separation of myocytes

Microfluidic Cell Separation for Cardiac Tissue Engineering

Funded by the National Heart Foundation/American Health Assistance Foundation (PI: Shashi Murthy)

This project is a collaborative effort with the laboratory of Prof. Milica Radisic at the University of Toronto. The goal of cardiac tissue engineering is to create 3-dimensional cardiac tissue using cells obtained from a donor tissue sample. Current methods of separation rely on the differential adhesion of cell subpopulations when cell suspensions are plated in tissue culture flasks. Microfluidic separation provides a more systematic and controlled alternative to this approach. Using a size-based microfluidic separation device, we have demonstrated the isolation of pure populations of cardiomyocytes, which constitute the outer wall of the heart and are responsible for co-ordinated beating and pumping movements. Current efforts are also focused on isolation of other cardiac cells such as smooth muscle cells in addition to cardiomyocytes using both size- and adhesion-based approaches. This project includes experimental and modeling components.

Biostable Coatings for Neuroprosthetic Devices

Funded by the National Insitute of Neurological Disoders and Stroke (PI: Hilton Pryce Lewis, GVD Corp.)

This project aims to develop insulating and bioactive coatings for neural prosthetic devices. Neural prostheses are silicon-based electrodes that are designed to stimulate and record from neurons in the central nervous system and are currently under development as potential therapies for disorders such as stroke and paralysis. Two major challenges in the fabrication of these devices are the protection of the electronic circuits under implantation conditions and ensuring good connectivity between neurons and the electrode pads on the device. Our work in this area is in collaboration with GVD Corporation and addresses the development of new neuroprosthetic coating materials.

Microfabricated Cell Culture Substrates for Gastro-intestinal Tissue Engineering

Funded by the National Science Foundation (PI: Rebecca Carrier, NU)

This project is a collaborative effort with Prof. Rebecca Carrier at Northeastern University and focuses on the development of microfabricated substrates for the reconstitution of an intestinal epithelium using tissue engineering technology. It involves the use of microfabrication to create scaffolds that mimic the unique spatial topography of intestinal tissue. The aim of this project is to create a platform to expedite drug development to investigate drug transport in vitro.