Surface acoustic waves induced micropatterning of cells in gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels

Acoustic force patterning is an emerging technology that provides a platform to control the spatial location of cells in a rapid, accurate, yet contactless manner. However, very few studies have been reported on the usage of acoustic force patterning for the rapid arrangement of biological objects, such as cells, in a three-dimensional (3D) environment. In this study, we report on a bio-acoustic force patterning technique, which uses surface acoustic waves (SAWs) for the rapid arrangement of cells within an extracellular matrix-based hydrogel such as gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA). A proof-of-principle was achieved through both simulations and experiments based on the in-house fabricated piezoelectric SAW transducers, which enabled us to explore the effects of various parameters on the performance of the built construct. The SAWs were applied in a fashion that generated standing SAWs (SSAWs) on the substrate, the energy of which subsequently was transferred into the gel, creating a rapid, and contactless alignment of the cells (<10 s, based on the experimental conditions). Following ultraviolet radiation induced photo-crosslinking of the cell encapsulated GelMA pre-polymer solution, the patterned cardiac cells readily spread after alignment in the GelMA hydrogel and demonstrated beating activity in 5-7 days. The described acoustic force assembly method can be utilized not only to control the spatial distribution of the cells inside a 3D construct, but can also preserve the viability and functionality of the patterned cells (e.g. beating rates of cardiac cells). This platform can be potentially employed in a diverse range of applications, whether it is for tissue engineering, in vitro cell studies, or creating 3D biomimetic tissue structures

A new cost-effective approach to pedicular screw placement

The placement of pedicle screws in open spine surgery is difficult. Warranting the correct trajectory is crucial because a wrongly placed screw will lead to a bad fit or will harm the patient’s neurovascular structure. Current state of the art techniques are based on the surgeon’s experience and multiple fluoroscopic images or an expensive and complex intraoperative navigation system. This paper describes a novel method which is intended to support the surgeon during the insertion of pedicle screws in a simple yet cost-effective and reliable way. The approach uses inertial measurement sensors to track the pose of the surgical instruments and a software application for visualization and guiding. In a pre-clinical cadaver study a performance of 74 out of 80 clinically correctly placed screws has been reached without the use of any fluoroscopic images

A new approach for maintenance scheduling of power systems, using a genetic algorithm and Monte-Carlo simulation

Celem pracy jest przedstawienie nowego, całościowego rozwiązania w zakresie harmonogramowania czynności obsługowych jednostek wytwórczych w warunkach deregulacji, przy założeniu rocznego niezależnego rynku. Rozwiązanie otrzymano poprzez wykorzystanie algorytmu genetycznego (GA) oraz symulacji Monte-Carlo (MCS). W warunkach deregulacji, każde przedsiębiorstwo wytwórcze (Generation Company, GENCO) dąży do optymalizacji zysków, podczas gdy niezależny operator systemowy (Independent System Operator, ISO) troszczy się o niezawodność. Na ogół, zderzenie tych dwóch punktów widzenia stwarza wiele problemów. Dlatego też proponujemy metodę harmonogramowania czynności obsługowych opartą na GA. Zgodnie z tą metodą, przedsiębiorstwa GENCO ustalają swoje strategie uczestnictwa w rocznym rynku usług serwisowych (Annual Maintenance Market, AMM) biorąc pod uwagę niepewności związane z obciążeniem, umowy paliwowe oraz zachowania innych przedsiębiorstw. Z drugiej strony, ISO zarządza AMM w oparciu o niezawodność i daje przedsiębiorstwom premie lub nakłada na nie kary bazując na własnej polityce poprzez MCS. Trafność i stosowalność zaproponowanej metody harmonogramowania czynności obsługowych jednostek wytwórczych oceniono analizując system testowy wyposażony w magistralę IEEE-118.The aim of this study is to present a new comprehensive solution for maintenance scheduling of power generating units in deregulated environments by applying an annual independent market. The solution was obtained by using a Genetic Algorithm (GA) and a Monte-Carlo Simulation (MCS). In a deregulated environment, each Generation Company (GENCO) desires to optimize its payoffs, whereas an Independent System Operator (ISO) has its reliability solicitudes. In general, the two points of view create many problems. Therefore, we propose a method based on a GA for maintenance scheduling. In this method, GENCOs set their strategies to participate in an Annual Maintenance Market (AMM) by considering load uncertainties, fuel contracts and the behaviors of other companies. On the other hand, the ISO manages the AMM based on reliability and offers incentives/ penalties for companies relying on its policy through MCS. To evaluate the accuracy and applicability of our solution for maintenance scheduling of power generation units, an IEEE-118 bus test system was studied

A computational and experimental study inside microfluidic systems: the role of shear stress and flow recirculation in cell docking

In this paper, microfluidic devices containing microwells that enabled cell docking were investigated. We theoretically assessed the effect of geometry on recirculation areas and wall shear stress patterns within microwells and studied the relationship between the computational predictions and experimental cell docking. We used microchannels with 150 μm diameter microwells that had either 20 or 80 μm thickness. Flow within 80 μm deep microwells was subject to extensive recirculation areas and low shear stresses (<0.5mPa) near the well base; whilst these were only presented within a 10 μm peripheral ring in 20 μm thick microwells. We also experimentally demonstrated that cell docking was significantly higher (p<0.01) in 80 μm thick microwells as compared to 20 μm thick microwells. Finally, a computational tool which correlated physical and geometrical parameters of microwells with their fluid dynamic environment was developed and was also experimentally confirmed

Cardiovascular Organ-on-a-Chip Platforms for Drug Discovery and Development

Cardiovascular diseases are prevalent worldwide and are the most frequent causes of death in the United States. Although spending in drug discovery/development has increased, the amount of drug approvals has seen a progressive decline. Particularly, adverse side effects to the heart and general vasculature have become common causes for preclinical project closures, and preclinical models do not fully recapitulate human in vivo dynamics. Recently, organs-on-a-chip technologies have been proposed to mimic the dynamic conditions of the cardiovascular system—in particular, heart and general vasculature. These systems pay particular attention to mimicking structural organization, shear stress, transmural pressure, mechanical stretching, and electrical stimulation. Heart- and vasculature-on-a-chip platforms have been successfully generated to study a variety of physiological phenomena, model diseases, and probe the effects of drugs. Here, we review and discuss recent breakthroughs in the development of cardiovascular organs-on-a-chip platforms, and their current and future applications in the area of drug discovery and development

Starting a Medical Technology Venture as a Young Academic Innovator or Student Entrepreneur

© 2017, Biomedical Engineering Society. Following the footprints of Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg, there has been a misconception that students are better off quitting their studies to bring to life their ideas, create jobs and monetize their inventions. Having historically transitioned from manpower to mind power, we live in one of the most rapidly changing times in human history. As a result, academic institutions that are supposed to be pioneers and educators of the next generations have started to realize that they need to adapt to a new system, and change their policies to be more flexible towards patent ownership and commercialization. There is an infrastructure being developed towards students starting their own businesses while continuing with their studies. This paper aims to provide an overview of the existing landscape, the exciting rewards as well as risks awaiting a student entrepreneur, the challenges of the present ecosystem, and questions to consider prior to embarking on such a journey. Various entities influencing the start-up environment are considered, specifically for the medical technology sector. These parties include but are not limited to: scientists, clinicians, investors, academic institutions and governments. A special focus will be set on the seemingly unbridgeable gap between founding a company and a scientific career