Research
Research in the Laboratory for Biomedical Sensing is problem driven. Thus, sensing and other necessary methodologies are invented and developed to solve specific biomedical problems. The main areas of focus are:
• multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer
• quantitative characteristics of cellular transport and communication
• cost effective in vitro diagnostics
• continuous multi-analyte in vivo diagnostics
The use of quantitative science and engineering approaches to address these problem areas in the Laboratory for Biomedical Sensing has led to the invention of several new platform technologies. Exploration of these platforms, of course, has been extended to areas beyond the initial problems of interest. Unique technologies that have evolved as a result are:
• Diffusional Microburet (DMB), a “chemical actuator” for fine (bio)chemical manipulations of single live cells and microscopic droplets
• Cell Interrogator, a BioMEMS platform for quantitative transport and communication studies on cells of many types and for drug discovery and design
• Rotating Sample System (RSS), a platform for precise titrations, pH-stating, enzyme activity measurements, and electrochemical trace analyses in drops of microliter volume
• Sliver Sensor, a micro-miniature optical bar with color changing wells for in vivo monitoring of metabolites like glucose, and electrolytes such as potassium ions
A full spectrum of research is being pursued which involves the identification of an important biological or clinical question conception of new ideas to answer it, development of the requisite methods, and exploration of the problem area with the developed methodologies in an academic setting. A unique aspect of work in this laboratory is that, depending on the character of the research and the results, engineering development, and prototype design and testing may follow, to pave the way for eventual commercialization of new products. These include microfabricated BioMEMS platforms for cellular research (Cell Interrogator) and in vitro diagnostics (RSS), and a micro-miniature optical in vivo glucose and electrolyte monitor (Sliver Sensor).
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