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