Microfluidic POC Diagnostic Devices are discussed in detail by our group of experts. A variety of POC device layouts are described as well as the science behind them. This includes the manufacturing processes used to create such devices, how common bioassay tests are used, and the device applications in real world scenarios.
The purpose of the project, Nanotechnology for Cancer Therapy, was to inform the general public about the development of newly engineered technologies at the nano level for use toward cancer therapy. Specifically, the project explores the application of nano particles to effectively treat tumor cells caused by cancer. Unlike current medical treatments which often affect the whole body, nano particles are designed to only interact with the parts of the body affected by cancer. This breakthrough is due to the small size of the particles which are able to be transferred into leaky blood vessels to destroy the tumor cells while at the same time being unable to diffuse easily back out into the bloodstream. As a benefit, this process ensures that tumor cells, not body cells, are the only cells affected by the treatment. However, the possibility for trans-location of the nano particles to other healthy parts of the body still exists, making this type of cancer therapy not completely reliable to use.
Doctors looking through a microscope while performing microsurgery.(http://www.denverhealth.org/portals/0/images/Surgery/microscope.jpg)
http://www.sciencephoto.com/media/95274/view
An example of suture thread used in microsurgery to repair an intestine.
Microsurgery is a procedure that utilizes a powerful microscope and a needle thinner than a human hair. It is a field that is rapidly advancing. In this episode of Medical Monday’s, the hosts talk about Microsurgery. The episode covers the history, science, application, and risks behind the procedure. Primitive forms of the procedure began in the 1500’s. After pioneering breakthroughs, the first high powered medical microscope was used in 1921 and the field was truly born. Today, needles are between 300 and 1 micrometer and microscopes are developing quickly. Today Microsurgery is used by doctors across many disciplines and it has an extremely wide range of uses. It is beneficial because now doctors can perform surgery on new parts of the body that they were previously unable to reach. There aren’t any risks specific to Microsurgery, only risks that typically come with any larger scale surgery. This episode is sponsored by Nick Shah of ‘Shah’s Auto.’
By: Evan Alexander, Brendan Ball, Alexander Slayton, and Brian Luther
In this episode of STEM Revolution, we explore three-dimensional printing– a subcategory of additive manufacturing. There are many types of three-dimensional printing. A few examples are ceramic, stainless steel and laser additive manufacturing. Three-dimensional printing wastes very few resources because unused materials can be recollected and used again. It also allows users to produce personalized designs. This is especially useful in the medical field and the creation of prosthetics. Three-dimensional printing is being used in countless areas, such as the aerospace, automotive and biomedical industries. Despite the large energy cost, three-dimensional printing has the ability to revolutionize our world because of the incredible flexibility it allows.
This episode is brought to you by Waseh Ahmad, Peri Chain, Ryan Lynch, Liam McCormack, and Sara Mikovic.
The following podcast takes on the form of an episode of a talk show called Science Today. In the episode, two specialists in the field of nanotechnology are interviewed about methods of microfluidics and MEMS development. Microfluidics deals with the behavior, control, and manipulation of fluids on a nanometer scale. The importance of these technologies lies in the evolution of healthcare, specifically with the development of point-of-care diagnostics. MEMS stand for microelectromechanical systems; they are small devices that integrate mechanical and electrical components. Photolithography is one fabrication method of a MEMS device, as you can see illustrated in the graphic above.
The following podcast takes on the form of a game show in which the topics of Microfluidics and MEMS development are the centers of attention. Microfluidics take advantage of photolithography to produce channels in PDMS that are on the scale of nanometers. By bonding this piece of PDMS to a piece of glass the channels are enclosed and fluids can be passed through. The infinite design possibilities allow engineers to control chemical reactions in the chip to test for any possible number of things. MEMS, or microelectro-mechanical systems, are small micro-machines that are made up of components that are on the scale of nanometers and micrometers. They are used in various techniques of microfabrication and for carrying out processes in small scale.
Colin Lenskold, Cameron Smith, Aleeza Ajmal
In our podcast, we discuss the innovations that enabled additive manufacturing (AM). We focus on 3D printing, how it works and the advantages and the challenges facing further development. We also mention a possible research topic in 3D printing to help show some of the challenges facing the technology. The podcast was set up as an interview between a podcast host (Ryan) and two scientists (Tyler and Roberto). The diagram shows how the process of 3D printing works.
Ryan Moore, Roberto Quinteros, Tyler Monko
Gold is much more than a symbol of luxury, and in this episode of All Gold Everything (AGE) host Kristin Cabrera and scientist Raj Singh talk about the function of gold nano-particles in cancer treatment. While other nano-particles such graphene are also sometimes used, gold, specifically in the form as nanorods, is the optimal material in treatment due its ability to absorb in the IR a, high conductivity, and reflectivity.
In this episode of Interviews with Science, Hosts Shakil And Colleen unravel the mysteries of microfluidic devices in point of care diagnostics with Dr. Ethan Luxemburg. Most people might not know what some of its great advantages are (including our host, Colleen), so today we brought Dr. Luxemburg to give us a great explanation on the advantages of this technology!
Ethan Luxemburg, Colleen Lavelle, Shakil Gofur
Ian Miller, Connor Nace, Kexiang Yin
In this episode of Inside the Phone, host Connor Nace talks to Ian Miller and Ben Yin about Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS). Most people probably have never heard of the term before, yet MEMS occupy a central role in many modern electronic devices. These roles include the accelerometers now found in most smartphones, airbag collision detection sensors, and ink jet printer heads. Manufacturing devices that fit inside these space-confined areas, however, poses a challenge. To find out the what, why, and how of MEMS technology, you’ll have to go Inside the Phone.