-
-
Skip navigation
(Access key: S).
Contact information.
Dr. Donna Peters of the Department of Pathology here at UW-Madison aims to test the effects of various drugs on the movement of fluid across a layer of human eye
cells. Currently, the eye cells are supported on a silicon membrane that simulates the flexibility of the tissue in
vivo. The membrane is placed in an Ussing perfusion chamber that measures the effects of pressure on the cell
layer. This experimental system must be redesigned to allow greater control of the experimental conditions.
Specifically, the chamber must allow for control of the movement of fluid, easy replacement of cell culture plates,
and measurement of fluid pressure with computer-controlled transducers. In addition, a porous elastic membrane
that permits fluid flow will replace the silicon membrane of the current system. A successful design will be used to
screen for potential treatments of glaucoma.
From left to right: Holly Liske, Laura Piechura, Joey Labuz, Kellen Sheedy
Having completed our final presentation, we intend to present our client with the finished prototype as soon as a suitable coating for the magnet and steel shell can be found. Tests indicate that this device is a substantial improvement over the previous system used. We would like to thank our client, Dr. Peters and her lab and hope our prototype proves useful in their research. We would also like to thank our adviser, Prof. Bill Murphy.
Front view of the prototype integrated with lab equipment.
Plan view of the prototype. The tubing on the right will run to pressure transducers that will monitor and record the pressure in the upper and lower chambers throughout the experiment.
Side view of the prototype.
Plan view of coated shell with O-ring
Comparison of volume input and output of the top chamber. Input for 5 minutes at a rate up to 40 L/min. Volume output determined from the mass of fluid collected.
| Week | Reporting Period Beginning | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 7 | Gathered background information regarding perfusion chambers, scheduled meeting with client |
| 2 | September 14 | Met with Dr. Peters, began preparing Product Design Specification (PDS) report, continued research |
| 3 | September 21 | Completed PDS and reviewed PDS with Dr. Peters and assistant |
| 4 | September 28 | Brainstormed indpendently, then evaluated ideas as a group |
| 5 | October 5 | Continued brainstorming, identified three possible designs |
| 6 | October 12 | Met with Dr. Peters to finalize design, prepared and presented midsemester report |
| 7 | October 19 | Compiled preliminary design report, bergan researching material and cost information |
| 8 | October 26 | Met with grad student regarding use of magnets in cell culture, presented Dr. Peters with list of materials |
| 9 | November 2 | Sketched dimensions of prototype, began planning for construction, materials ordered |
| 10 | November 9 | Materials recieved, needles investigated |
| 11 | November 16 | Began prototype construction, needles recieved |
| 12 | November 23 | Finished prototype construction |
| 13 | November 30 | Tested prototype, prepared and gave final design presentation |
| 14 | December 7 | Prepared notebooks and website, searched for coating alternative |
| 15 | December 14 | Prepared for final exams |
 |
Midsemester Presentation (Oct 21 2007, 2453 kb) |
 |
Product Design Specifications (Revised 10-24-07) (Oct 24 2007, 66 kb) |
|
Preliminary Design Report (Dec 5 2007, 286 kb) |
|
Final Design Report (Dec 13 2007, 393 kb) |
|
Final Poster Presentation (Dec 14 2007, 233 kb) |
