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University of California, San Diego
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
MAE 156B: Senior Design Project
Dylan Bailes, Kaitlyn Lavarias, Dylan Lee, Samantha Olivar
Project Description
The team has designed a fully integrated platform for advanced stem cell research that allows users to precisely control electric and magnetic field stimuli to cells through a touchscreen interface and observe them for research into stem cell differentiation and regenerative medicine. The system contains four well subsystems that can be individually controlled and monitored over time.
Project Objectives
The goal of this project is to develop a tool for bioengineers to observe cells as they are subjected to magnetic fields and electric fields. Our design incorporates a user interface that allows for accurate control of the different stimuli, with sensor validation. Key components of the design interface around the wells holding the cell culture include a specialized inductor magnet, electrodes, and an optics train for observation.
Narrated Video
Poster
Final Poster.pdfDescription of Design Solution
This image outlines the interaction between all the system components included in the Multi-Chamber Camera Bioreactor (MCCB) design. The physical system of the MCCB holds the cell cultures in a configuration that allows them to be subjected to electric and magnetic fields. Inlets and outlets in the wells allow for fluidic cell cultures to be manually inserted into the chambers using a syringe. The user interface (UI) on a touch screen allows the user to dictate the magnitude of electric and magnetic fields applied to the cell cultures, also allowing for the individual control of each of the four wells within the MCCB. In order to monitor the electric field and magnetic field current sensors and hall-effect sensors provide feedback to the UI to inform and calibrate the user input settings. Microscopes with camera attachments are placed under each of the four wells of ,cell cultures to image the effects on the target cells over time, allowing for automated imaging via the user interface touchscreen.
Performance Results
Electromagnet Results:
Measured surface closely tracks theoretical model
Field drop-off at edges slightly steeper than theory
Entire well sits within the 99% uniformity contour (<1% deviation from center)
Z-axis variation stays minimal within ±10 mm of coil face-to-face
Electrode Results:
Controllable 2-5 V/cm field
Wet tests across the saline closely match the expected direct correlation between input voltage and measured field
Microscope and Camera Testing
Resolution tests yield results that increase confidence in the ability to image zebrafish embryos and stem cells
Final Presentation
Final Sponsor Presentation.pdfPage updated
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