Ongoing Projects

Project 1: Biomimetic Platform for Therapeutic Screening

Drug development and testing are expensive and laborious processes. Use of microfluidic devices can help alleviate those shortcomings. By using tumor-on-a-chip setups we are able to effectively measure drug characteristics such as diffusivity and efficacy in a replicated in vivo environment. This allows for detailed views into behaviors of drugs that might not be observed in traditional testing environments. By partnering with pharmaceutical professionals, we are able to expedite the traditional testing process and display the robustness of microfluidics testing.

Project 2: Gut Brain Axis on a Chip

This study aims to create a physiologically relevant model to mimic the impact of the gut microbiome on the gut-brain axis using a microfluidic chip. To achieve this, we have established a triculture system comprising epithelial cells, forming the intestinal layer, bacteria representative of the gut microbiome situated on one side of the epithelial layer, and sensory neurons on the opposite side of the epithelial layer. The approach involves developing the microenvironment to replicate the intricate interactions between the gut microbiota and the elements of the gut-brain axis. This chip provides a controlled and dynamic environment to investigate the complex interplay between the gut microbiome and neurological processes, offering insights into the potential implications for gut-brain communication in health and disease.

Project 3: Biomolecule based Biosensor for SARS-CoV-2 Detection

The objective of this study is to detect the SARS-CoV-2 Virus using the ACE2 enzyme. We are aiming to synthesize a DNA nanocage using the DNA origami technique. We will integrate the ACE2 enzyme into this. It will help us capture the virus into the DNA nanocage.

Contact

For any and all inquiries please contact yuan.tang@utoledo.edu