-
-
Skip navigation
(Access key: S).
Contact information.
A method of treatment for various diseases incorporates the encapsulation of cells and tissues and the time-released delivery of chemical mediators. Presently, this method encounters a slew of problems, including a lack of biocompatibility, limited immunoprotective properties, and hypoxia. The client desires the development of microcapsules that would permit the successful release of hormones (namely, testosterone and inhibin) by encapsulated cells into animals, while avoiding the aforementioned problems.
We are preparing for our end-of-semester presentation.
| Week | Reporting Period Beginning | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 8 | We decided to continue the project in two areas: 1) polyethylene glycol (PEG) microcapsule formation and 2) encapsulated cell studies. We also met with Dr. Atwood to discuss work completed this summer as well as goals for the semester. |
| 2 | September 15 | We ordered materials to perform the acrylation of PEG 8000. |
| 3 | September 22 | We met with Prof. Beebe to discuss the use of a microfluidic system to produce and photopolymerize microcapsules. A culture of MA-10 cells (murine Leydig tumor) has been started. |
| 4 | September 29 | We acrylated PEG 8000. We were given a brief overview of the LIVE/DEAD assay. |
| 5 | October 6 | Another PEG diacrylate (PEGDA) synthesis was started. We began preliminary studies to determine optimal UV exposure time for hydrogel crosslinking. We discussed a potential microfluidic device with Prof. Palecek. |
| 6 | October 13 | We started PEGDA swelling experiments with 1 microliter droplets. We gave our midsemester presentation. |
| 7 | October 20 | We began construction of a microfluidic channel by curing polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) around a glass capillary tube. |
| 8 | October 27 | We continued working on microfluidic channel fabrication, attempting to avoid capillary tubing fractures. |
| 9 | November 3 | We generated ~300 micron diameter water droplets using a microfluidic channel. A MA-10 cell culture was started. |
| 10 | November 10 | We attempted to crosslink PEGDA droplets upon exiting the microfluidic channel. The microdroplets, however, were difficult to locate following UV-exposure. |
| 11 | November 17 | We added fluorescently labeled dextrans to the PEGDA solution prior to microcapsule formation for enhanced visualization. |
| 12 | November 24 | MA-10 cells were encapsulated in 1 microliter droplets of PEGDA, and their viability was assessed using a Live/Dead assay (Invitrogen). Results may provide insight regarding the effects of crosslinking on cell viability. |
| 13 | December 1 | A suspension of PEGDA and MA-10 cells was run through the microfluidics device in an attempt to microencapsulate cells. Prior to this, the cells were labeled with the Live/Dead reagents for visualization purposes post-encapsulation. |
| 14 | December 8 | We finalized our poster and prepared for the end-of semester presentation. |
| 15 | December 15 | We updated our PDS and completed our final report (see below documents). |
 |
Midsemester Presentation (Oct 13 2005, 1612 kb) |
 |
Final Report (Dec 6 2005, 4250 kb) |
|
Product Design Specifications (Dec 7 2005, 28 kb) |
|
Final Poster (Dec 7 2005, 718 kb) |
