BioMLab - Research

BioMLab

Research @BioMLab

Plant Biomechanics

Cellulose Biomaterial

Bone Biomechanics

Biomanufacturing

Nanomechanics of 3D Printed Metal

Biomedical Device

Plant Biomechanics

Figure: SEM images of sunflower stem showing, (a & b) whole cross-section, and (c and d) vessel wall thickness and diameter. The inner larger elliptical region (dashed line) shows an elliptical approximation for thin-walled section.

Biomechanics of Plant under growth

Plants are biocomposites with a hierarchical organization and multifunctionality similar to that of animals. They also have some very unique characteristics which differentiate them from animal systems. For example, they lack the skeletal system, motion, and neurological control. Instead, its structure is comprised primarily of tightly packed cells connected through their cell wall. Consequently, a stronger correlation between plant structure, function, and mechanical response is expected under external stressors, such as growth and diseases. Insights into these changes can have broad implications in bio-inspired design, bio-based material development, and precision agriculture. (current Student: Mukesh Roy)

Cellulose-Based Biomaterial

Figure: (a) Tensile test showing stiffening of cellulose fiber with salt addition, and (b) FTIR spectra of cellulose fiber

Electrospinning Cellulose Fibers

Biobased polymer such as cellulose are abundant, durable, and robust and can form a versatile building block for sustainable societies. Cellulose offers unique advantages in tissue engineering due to its inherent biomimicry and biocompatibility. However, several limitations exist for its widespread use in tissue engineering, including the use of aggressive solvents, limitation in fibers strength, and access to easy manufacturing techniques. Our ongoing effort is focused on electrospinning cellulose-based materials with optimum fiber strength using an in-developed setup[1], and development of 3D bioprinter and cellulose-based ink for printing structured scaffold (current student: Ruhit Sinha)

Bone Biomechanics

Long-term Ex-vivo Tissue survivability

Ex-vivo bone tissue culture with mechanical stimulation can better capture cell-cell and cell-matrix interaction interactions, and has immense potential in bone biology research on earth and on space for space biology research for understanding pathways and mechanisms of diseases and treatments. We focus on design, development, and test of bone bioreactor for long-term survival of cancellous bone.

Figure: Fluorescent microscopy showing LIVE/DEAD cells. Calcein AM/ Ethidium homodimer-1 was used for staining which marks LIVE cells as “green,” and DEAD cells as “red” in the fluorescent image. (a) Inverted image of Day 0 sample shows primarily LIVE cells, indicating sample storage and preparation protocol did not damage the cells. (c) and (d) Live cells was seen 35 days post storage

Figure: Overall flow of Sample collection and Testing

Biomechanics of Bone under Radiation

Extracorporeal irradiation therapy (ECRT) and reimplantation is an established but rare technique used in the management of malignant bone tumors. ECRT involves single high-dose (50-300 Gys) radiation for sterilization of tumor affected bone post wide en-block excision and then reimplantation. Our earlier research focused on changes in the human bone under high-doses radiation. Continued work is focusing on the (1) development of tissue bioreactor for the long-term ex-vivo viability of bone as a model for bone tissue research[3], and (2) generating a fundamental understanding of micro-environmental and mechanostatic control of osteosarcoma using metaphysis bone model.

Biomanufacturing Project

Figure: In-house assembled electrospinner at $50 for STEM classroom

Electrospinner for Classroom Education

Figure: Anet A8 printer will be modified as 3D bioprinter

DIY 3D Bioprinter

Figure: In-house assembled electrospinner

In-House Electrospinner for Research

Figure showing in-house built electrospinning platform using a 20 mL syringe with a 14-gauge spinneret, Chemyx Fusion 100 pump, a rack Mounting Linear regulated power supply (Acopian), and arrangement with static and roller collector.

Characterization of 3D Printed Metallic Alloys

Nanomechanics of 3D Printed Copper Alloy

Research based on Nano mechanical characterization of GRCop-42 which is copper based alloy developed by NASA. We use Nano indentation, XRD, SEM to estimate micro structural and mechanical (current student: Trupti Suresh)

Figure: (a) Blown-Powder deposited p-42 part; (b) As received material showing direction and location of sample cutting

Biomedical Device

Tonometry based Blood Pressure device: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) or abnormal function of heart and blood vessels is a leading cause of mortality worldwide. In US alone, heart disease accounts for 1 in every 4 deaths and is a major cause of illness and disability, thus significantly impacting our health care system. There is a need for technological improvement for CVD risk assessment, early detection and treatment, and consistent long-term patient evaluation. We are developing a tonometry based blood pressure and pulse waveform measuring device. Figure below shows the device main unit (a), sensor module (b and c), and underlying mechanical analysis (d). This work is in collaboration with IIT Delhi (India), and AIIMS Delhi (India)

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