Myocardial infarction is the most prominent cause of heart failure in the U.S. affecting 5.8 million people yearly. Despite the increasing number of affected, there is a lack in understanding as to how the molecular cues involved in a heart attack are created and the specific interactions between the cells that create the formation of
Faculty Mentor: Mehdi Nikkhah
Diffusion of Dextran Across a Microfluidic Device Used to Model Native Myocardium
Every year, myocardial infarction (MI) is responsible for over 25% of all global deaths and is expected to increase due to the oncoming obesity epidemic. Despite the unworldly lethality of this disease, along with the evermore increasing influence of MI, society is currently without a viable disease model that is apposite to human physiology; however,
Utilizing Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Conjugated to Biocompatible Gold Nanorods to Enhance Synchronous Beating and Functional Characteristics Similar to in vivo Cardiac Tissue
Myocardial infarction (MI), also known as heart attack, is one of the main causes of death in the United States. Cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC-CM) are a potential strategy for repairing damage from MI. Electrically conductive nanomaterials, such as graphene oxide and siNWs, have been promising with improving adhesion and functional
Understanding the impact of breast cancer cells/ fibroblasts co-culture on inducing M2 macrophages in a 3D in vitro model.
Understanding the impact of the breast cancer microenvironment on progression will help with future cancer treatments.
The mathematical modeling of the dynamic migration of MDA-MB-231 cells within co-culture as well as in the presence of antifibrotic drug Tranilast and chemotherapy drug Doxorubicin utilizing a novel micro-engineered in vitro model.
Understanding the way cancer works at a cellular level would help make safer, more effective cancer treatments.
Diffusion of Dextran Across a Microfluidic Device Used to Model Native Myocardium
Building a better model of heart tissue damage from heart attacks can help develop better treatment methods.
Effect of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts on Breast Cancer Cell Migration Parameters
The research objective of this work is to study breast cancer cells’ migratory parameter, speed and persistence, in the presence of a stromal component, Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs). To achieve this, a 3D micropatterned in vitro model recapitulating the native tumor environment has been utilized. Two major cell lines are being studied: the minimally invasive MCF-7
Elucidation of Stromal Fibroblast and Antifibrotic Drug on Chemo Resistance Within a 3D Model
The project objective was to study the effects of antifibrotic drugs on extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness modulation and the related efficacy of various chemotherapy drugs. This was tested using a novel high-density tumor microarray model containing tumor cells and fibroblast cells in coculture. The necessary micro engineered devices for this project have been manufactured, and
Development of a Conductive Injectable Hydrogel for Cardiac Tissue Engineering.
Cardiac damage caused by myocardial infarction is irreversible due to the limited regenerative capability of cardiomyocytes. Thus, treatment is challenging. Injectable hydrogels that can accommodate cardiac cells and allow tissue formation could offer a promising strategy to repair damaged hearts. In this study, a conductive injectable hydrogel was created by incorporating gold nanowires (GNWs) into
