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Thursday, February 8, 2018
About the Presentation
About the Presentation
Advances in materials science are enabling new areas of research at the intersection of atomically thin materials and biology. Graphene – a 2-dimensional crystal of hexagonally arranged carbon atoms – has recently been explored as an atomically thin membrane for solid-state nanopore analysis of DNA-protein complexes, and as a substrate for cell culture and tissue engineering. In the latter case, graphene foam (GF), a 3-dimensional analogue of graphene, has been used to guide stem cell growth and differentiation along various musculoskeletal pathways, showing great potential to develop a new class of electrically active bioscaffolds. Other 2D materials, such as transition metal dichalcogenides, are beginning to emerge in the biological arena as well. In particular, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) shows excellent potential for next generation DNA sequencing technologies.
In part one of this talk, Dr. Estrada highlights recent progress in these areas. Specifically, he will highlight recent work in using solid state nanopores, including graphene and MoS2 nanopores, for analysis of DNA-protein complexes. He will also discuss recent progress in using GF as a bioscaffold for musculoskeletal tissue engineering and new infrastructure being developed at Boise State University for advanced manufacturing of biohybrid systems.
In part two of the talk, Dr. Gunes Uzer will discuss the ongoing biomedical research in Mechanical Adaptations Laboratory (MAL) regarding how sensation of the mechanical qualities of the environment is critical in directing cellular function and lineage selection of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC). We will focus on identification of mechanical factors regulating mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow that provide regenerative capacity by replacing and reinforcing the skeleton at load bearing sites. Topics will include stem cell structure-function regulation in response to external mechanical factors including exercise, low intensity vibration as well as simulated microgravity systems at both tissue and cell level.
In the final portion of the we will introduce our ongoing bioprinting efforts to develop bone tissue analog systems and talk about how students can get involved in biomedical research through the biomedical research program.
About the Presenters
About the Presenters
Dr. David Estrada, Assistant Professor, Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering
Dr. David Estrada, Assistant Professor, Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering
Dr. David Estrada is an Idaho native and a Veteran of the United States Navy having served during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001 – 2004). After receiving an honorable discharge, he earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Boise State University. He then earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana – Champaign, where he studied electrical and thermal transport in emerging nanomaterials and devices. He returned to Boise State University as an Assistant Professor in the Micron School of Materials Science and Engineering, where he served as the Graduate Program Coordinator for the State’s largest Ph.D. program for three years, and where he has established the Advanced Nanomaterials and Manufacturing Laboratory.
Dr. Gunes Uzer, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Adaptations Laboratory
Dr. Gunes Uzer, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Adaptations Laboratory
Dr. Uzer is the director of the Mechanical Adaptations Laboratory leading a multidisciplinary research program. In the past 10 years, Dr. Uzer’s studies have covered a broad range of topics, including advanced material characterization, experimental photometry, finite element modeling, as well as cell and animal models. His work on stem cell mechanobiology was focused on identifying relevant components of mechanical signals that modulate a wide variety of bone cell functions as well as defining the mechanical control of stem cell structure, function and fate. Dr. Uzer also serves as a coordinator of Biomedical Research Internship program.
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