Drexel University View Institution's Website 29 articles published in JoVE Bioengineering Investigating Stress-relaxation and Failure Responses in the Trachea Anita Singh1, Tanmay Majmudar2,3, Adi Iyer4, Diya Iyer4, Sriram Balasubramanian3 1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Widener University, 2Drexel University College of Medicine, 3School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, 4Rosetree Media School District The present protocol determines the tensile stress-relaxation and failure properties of porcine tracheae. Results from such methods can help improve the understanding of the viscoelastic and failure thresholds of the trachea and help advance the capabilities of computational models of the pulmonary system. Neuroscience Measurement of Oxygen Consumption Rate in Acute Striatal Slices from Adult Mice Lianteng Zhi1, Jingyu Zhao1, David Jaffe1, Yuanxin Chen1, Ninghan Wang1,2, Qi Qin1, Erin L. Seifert3, Chenjian Li4, Hui Zhang1 1Department of Neuroscience, Thomas Jefferson University, 2School of Biomedical Engineering, Drexel University, 3Department of Pathology, MitoCare Center, Thomas Jefferson University, 4School of Life Sciences, Peking University Oxygen consumption rate (OCR) is a common proxy for mitochondrial function and can be used to study different disease models. We developed a new method using a Seahorse XF analyzer to directly measure the OCR in acute striatal slices from adult mice that is more physiologically relevant than other methods. Bioengineering 3D Printing of In Vitro Hydrogel Microcarriers by Alternating Viscous-Inertial Force Jetting Tiankun Liu*1,2, Yongchun Shao*1,2, Zitong Wang1,2, Yuqiu Chen1,2, Yuan Pang1,2, Ding Weng1,2, Wei Sun1,2,3 1Biomanufacturing Center, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, 2Biomanufacturing and Rapid Forming Technology Key Laboratory of Beijing, 3Department of Mechanical Engineering, Drexel University Presented here is a mild 3D printing technique driven by alternating viscous-inertial forces to enable the construction of hydrogel microcarriers. Homemade nozzles offer flexibility, allowing easy replacement for different materials and diameters. Cell binding microcarriers with a diameter of 50-500 µm can be obtained and collected for further culturing. Medicine Virtual Reality Tools for Assessing Unilateral Spatial Neglect: A Novel Opportunity for Data Collection Peter J. Schwab1,2, Alex Miller2, Ann-Marie Raphail3, Ari Levine2, Christopher Haslam2, H. Branch Coslett1,2, Roy H. Hamilton1,2,4 1Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, 2Laboratory for Cognition and Neural Stimulation, University of Pennsylvania, 3Department of Psychology, Drexel University, 4Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pennsylvania The goal was to design, build, and pilot a novel virtual reality task to detect and characterize unilateral spatial neglect, a syndrome affecting 23-46% of acute stroke survivors, expanding the role of virtual reality in the study and management of neurologic disease. Bioengineering Contrast-Enhanced Subharmonic Aided Pressure Estimation (SHAPE) Using Ultrasound Imaging with a Focus on Identifying Portal Hypertension Flemming Forsberg1, Ipshita Gupta1,2, Priscilla Machado1, Colette M. Shaw1, Jonathan M. Fenkel3, Kirk Wallace4, John R. Eisenbrey1 1Department of Radiology, Thomas Jefferson University, 2School of Biomedical Engineering, Sciences and Health Systems, Drexel University, 3Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Thomas Jefferson University, 4GE Global Research A protocol for noninvasively estimating ambient pressures utilizing subharmonic ultrasound imaging of infused contrast microbubbles (following appropriate calibration) is described with examples from human patients with chronic liver disease. Bioengineering Direct Bioprinting of 3D Multicellular Breast Spheroids onto Endothelial Networks Swathi Swaminathan1, Alisa Morss Clyne2 1Department of Biology, Drexel University, 2Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland The goal of this protocol is to directly bioprint breast epithelial cells as multicellular spheroids onto pre-formed endothelial networks to rapidly create 3D breast-endothelial co-culture models which can be used for drug screening studies. Environment Developing a Virtual Reality Video Game to Simulate Rip Currents Jase Bernhardt1, Gregory Dusek2, Arielle Hesse3, William Santos4, Thomas Jennings4, Alexander Smiros4, Antoinette Montes1 1Department of Geology, Environment and Sustainability, Hofstra University, 2National Ocean Service, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, 3Department of Sociology, Drexel University, 4EdTech, Hofstra University Rip currents are among the deadliest meteorological hazards in the United States. In order to demonstrate the proper actions to take when caught in a rip current in a memorable and engaging way, a virtual reality video game is developed. Bioengineering Fabrication of Ti3C2 MXene Microelectrode Arrays for In Vivo Neural Recording Nicolette Driscoll1,2,3, Kathleen Maleski4,5, Andrew G. Richardson2,6, Brendan Murphy1,2,3, Babak Anasori4,5, Timothy H. Lucas2,6, Yury Gogotsi4,5, Flavia Vitale1,2,3,7,8 1Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, 2Center for Neuroengineering and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, 3Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 4Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Drexel University, 5A.J. Drexel Nanomaterials Institute, Drexel University, 6Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pennsylvania, 7Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, 8Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation We describe here a method for fabricating Ti3C2 MXene microelectrode arrays and utilizing them for in vivo neural recording. Bioengineering Methods for In Vivo Biomechanical Testing on Brachial Plexus in Neonatal Piglets Anita Singh1, Rachel Magee1, Sriram Balasubramanian2 1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Widener University, 2School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University Presented here are methods to perform in vivo biomechanical testing on brachial plexus in a neonatal piglet model. Behavior Calculating Heart Rate Variability from ECG Data from Youth with Cerebral Palsy During Active Video Game Sessions Corey Landis1, Margaret E. O'Neil2,3, Andrew Finnegan2,3, Patricia A. Shewokis1,3,4 1School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, 2Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Drexel University, 3College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, 4Department of Nutrition Sciences, Drexel University This protocol describes a method for calculating Heart Rate Variability (HRV) from electrocardiogram (ECG) waveforms. Waveforms from continuous heart rate (HR) recordings during active video game (AVG) sessions were used to measure the aerobic performance of youth with cerebral palsy (CP). Bioengineering Three-dimensional Tissue Engineered Aligned Astrocyte Networks to Recapitulate Developmental Mechanisms and Facilitate Nervous System Regeneration Kritika S. Katiyar*1,2,3, Carla C. Winter*1,2,4, Wisberty J. Gordián-Vélez1,2,4, John C. O'Donnell1,2, Yeri J. Song1,5, Nicole S. Hernandez1,5, Laura A. Struzyna1,2,4, D. Kacy Cullen1,2,5 1Center for Brain Injury & Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 2Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration & Restoration, Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 3School of Biomedical Engineering, Drexel University, 4Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, 5Neuroscience Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania We showcase the development of self-assembled, three-dimensional bundles of longitudinally aligned astrocytic somata and processes within a novel biomaterial encasement. These engineered "living scaffolds", exhibiting micron-scale diameter yet extending centimeters in length, may serve as test-beds to study neurodevelopmental mechanisms or facilitate neuroregeneration by directing neuronal migration and/or axonal pathfinding. Neuroscience Anatomically Inspired Three-dimensional Micro-tissue Engineered Neural Networks for Nervous System Reconstruction, Modulation, and Modeling Laura A. Struzyna*1,2,3, Dayo O. Adewole*1,2,3, Wisberty J. Gordián-Vélez1,2,3, Michael R. Grovola2,3, Justin C. Burrell2,3, Kritika S. Katiyar2,3,4, Dmitriy Petrov2,3, James P. Harris2,3, D. Kacy Cullen2,3 1Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, 2Center for Brain Injury & Repair, Department of Neurosurgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration & Restoration, Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 4School of Biomedical Engineering, Drexel University This manuscript details the fabrication of micro-tissue engineered neural networks: three-dimensional micron-sized constructs comprised of long aligned axonal tracts spanning aggregated neuronal population(s) encased in a tubular hydrogel. These living scaffolds can serve as functional relays to reconstruct or modulate neural circuitry or as biofidelic test-beds mimicking gray-white matter neuroanatomy. Environment Comparison of Scale in a Photosynthetic Reactor System for Algal Remediation of Wastewater Kaitlyn D. Sniffen1, Christopher M. Sales1, Mira S. Olson1 1Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Drexel University An experimental methodology is presented to compare the performance of small (100 L) and large (1,000 L) scale reactors designed for algae remediation of landfill wastewater. System characteristics, including surface area to volume ratio, retention time, biomass density, and wastewater feed concentrations, can be adjusted based on application. Bioengineering Synthesis of Thermogelling Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-graft-chondroitin Sulfate Composites with Alginate Microparticles for Tissue Engineering Thomas R. Christiani1, Katelynn Toomer2, Joseph Sheehan2, Angelika Nitzl2, Amanda Branda2, Elizabeth England2, Pamela Graney3, Cristina Iftode2, Andrea J. Vernengo1 1Department of Chemical Engineering, Rowan University, 2Department of Biological Sciences, Rowan University, 3Department of Biomedical Engineering, Drexel University An injectable tissue engineering scaffold composed of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-graft-chondroitin sulfate (PNIPAAm-g-CS)-containing alginate microparticles was prepared. The adhesive strength, swelling properties and in vitro biocompatibility are analyzed in this study. The characterization techniques developed here may be applicable to other thermogelling systems. Environment LC-MS Analysis of Human Platelets as a Platform for Studying Mitochondrial Metabolism Andrew J. Worth*1,2, Dylan M. Marchione*2,3, Robert C. Parry1,2, Qingqing Wang2,3, Kevin P. Gillespie2,3, Noelle N. Saillant4, Carrie Sims4, Clementina Mesaros1,2, Nathaniel W. Snyder5, Ian A. Blair1,2 1Center for Cancer Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania, 2Center for Excellence in Environmental Toxicology, University of Pennsylvania, 3Penn SRP and Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, 4Division of Traumatology, Department of Surgery, Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, 5A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University Here we show isolated human platelets can be used as an accessible ex vivo model to study metabolic adaptations in response to the complex I inhibitor rotenone. This approach employs isotopic tracing and relative quantification by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and can be applied to a variety of study designs. Bioengineering A Novel Bioreactor for High Density Cultivation of Diverse Microbial Communities Jacob R. Price1, Wen K. Shieh2, Christopher M. Sales1 1Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Drexel University, 2Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Pennsylvania A novel reactor design, coined a high density bioreactor (HDBR), is presented for the cultivation and study of high density microbial communities. Here, the HDBR is successfully applied in a photobioreactor (PBR) configuration for the study of nitrogen metabolism by a mixed high density algal community. Medicine Triggering Reactive Gliosis In Vivo by a Forebrain Stab Injury R. Vivian Allahyari1, A. Denise R. Garcia1 1Department of Biology, Drexel University This article describes a detailed protocol to produce a forebrain stab injury in adult mice. The stab injury induces severe reactive gliosis and glial scar formation which can be subsequently examined by standard immunohistochemistry methods. Biology Purification and microRNA Profiling of Exosomes Derived from Blood and Culture Media Marguerite K. McDonald1, Kathryn E. Capasso1, Seena K. Ajit1 1Department of Pharmacology & Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine The presence of stable microRNAs (miRNAs) in exosomes has generated immense interest as a novel mode of intercellular communication, for their potential utility as biomarkers and as a route for therapeutic intervention. Here we demonstrate exosome purification from blood and culture media followed by quantitative PCR to identify miRNAs being transported. Medicine Minimal Erythema Dose (MED) Testing Carolyn J. Heckman1, Rachel Chandler2, Jacqueline D. Kloss3, Amy Benson2, Deborah Rooney2, Teja Munshi1, Susan D. Darlow1, Clifford Perlis4, Sharon L. Manne5, David W. Oslin2 1Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 2Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, 3Department of Psychology, Drexel University, 4Department of Medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center, 5Cancer Prevention and Control Program, The Cancer Institute of New Jersey This article describes how to conduct minimal erythema dose (MED) testing in order to determine the lowest dose of ultraviolet radiation that will cause erythema (burning) when administered to an individual. Neuroscience Ex Vivo Organotypic Corneal Model of Acute Epithelial Herpes Simplex Virus Type I Infection Oleg Alekseev1, Anh H. Tran1, Jane Azizkhan-Clifford1 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel University College of Medicine In this video article we describe the use of a new ex vivo model of acute herpes simplex virus type I corneal epithelial infection. Bioengineering Three-dimensional Cell Culture Model for Measuring the Effects of Interstitial Fluid Flow on Tumor Cell Invasion Alimatou M. Tchafa1, Arpit D. Shah1, Shafei Wang1, Melissa T. Duong1, Adrian C. Shieh1 1School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University Interstitial fluid flow is elevated in solid tumors and can modulate tumor cell invasion. Here we describe a technique to apply interstitial fluid flow to cells embedded in a matrix and then measure its effects on cell invasion. This technique can be easily adapted to study other systems. Biology Chemically-blocked Antibody Microarray for Multiplexed High-throughput Profiling of Specific Protein Glycosylation in Complex Samples Chen Lu1, Joshua L. Wonsidler1, Jianwei Li2, Yanming Du1, Timothy Block3, Brian Haab4, Songming Chen1 1Institute for Hepatitis and Virus Research, 2Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Thomas Jefferson University, 3Drexel University College of Medicine, 4Van Andel Research Institute In this study, we describe an improved protocol for a multiplexed high-throughput antibody microarray with lectin detection method that can be used in glycosylation profiling of specific proteins. This protocol features new reliable reagents and significantly reduces the time, cost, and lab equipment requirements as compared to the previous procedure. Medicine Acute and Chronic Tactile Sensory Testing after Spinal Cord Injury in Rats Megan Ryan Detloff1,2, Lesley C. Fisher1, Rochelle J. Deibert1, D. Michele Basso1 1Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, School of Allied Medical Professions, The Ohio State University, 2Spinal Cord Research Center, Drexel University College of Medicine We describe two tactile sensory testing methods for acute or chronic periods of spinal cord injury in rats. These validated procedures can detect the development and maintenance of allodynia-like sensations. Neuroscience Bilaminar Co-culture of Primary Rat Cortical Neurons and Glia Saori Shimizu*1, Anna Abt*1, Olimpia Meucci1 1Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine Here we provide a protocol for culturing rat cortical neurons in the presence of a glial feeder layer. The cultured neurons establish polarity and create synapses, and can be separated from the glia for use in various applications, such as electrophysiology, calcium imaging, cell survival assays, immunocytochemistry, and RNA/DNA/protein isolation. Neuroscience Using MazeSuite and Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy to Study Learning in Spatial Navigation Hasan Ayaz1, Patricia A. Shewokis1,2, Adrian Curtin1, Meltem Izzetoglu1, Kurtulus Izzetoglu1, Banu Onaral1 1School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, 2College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University MazeSuite is a complete toolset to prepare, present and analyze navigational and spatial experiments. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIR) is an optical brain imaging technique that enables noninvasive and portable monitoring of cerebral blood oxygenation changes. This paper summarizes collective use of MazeSuite and fNIR within a cognitive processing learning paradigm. Neuroscience Live Imaging of Dorsal Root Axons after Rhizotomy Andrew Skuba1, B. Timothy Himes2,3, Young-Jin Son4 1Temple University, Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center and Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, 2Medical Research Service, Department of Veterans Affairs Hospital, 3Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, 4Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center and Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Temple University School of Medicine An in vivo imaging protocol to monitor primary sensory axons following dorsal root crush is described. The procedures utilize wide-field fluorescence microscopy and thy1-YFP transgenic mice, and permit repeated imaging of axon regeneration over 4 cm in the PNS and axon interactions with the interface of the CNS. Biology Combining Peripheral Nerve Grafting and Matrix Modulation to Repair the Injured Rat Spinal Cord John D. Houle1, Arthi Amin1, Marie-Pascale Cote1, Michel Lemay1, Kassi Miller1, Harra Sandrow1, Lauren Santi1, Jed Shumsky1, Veronica Tom1 1Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine Traumatic injury to the spinal cord disrupts communication with the brain. To restore lost connectivity we utilize a peripheral nerve graft to provide a substratum for regenerating fibers in combination with neurotrophic factors and matrix-modulating enzymes to remove inhibitory molecules to promote long distance growth. Biology Optimization of the Ugi Reaction Using Parallel Synthesis and Automated Liquid Handling Jean-Claude Bradley1, Khalid Baig Mirza1, Tom Osborne2, Antony Wiliams3, Kevin Owens1 1Department of Chemistry, Drexel University, 2Mettler-Toledo, 3Chemspider The Ugi reaction has proved to be a convenient way to quickly create diverse libraries of compounds. It involves the reaction of an amine, an aldehyde, a carboxylic acid and an isonitrile typically in methanol at room temperature. In this video, we utilize a 48-slot Mettler-Toledo MiniBlock equipped with filtration tubes and a Mettler-Toledo MiniMapper automated liquid handler was used to deliver the reagents and solvent. The parameters of interest were the concentration, the solvent composition and the excess of some of the reagents. Biology AC Electrokinetic Phenomena Generated by Microelectrode Structures Robert Hart1, Jonghyun Oh2, Jorge Capurro2, Hongseok (Moses) Noh2 1Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, 2Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics, Drexel University Manipulating fluids and suspended particles in the micro- and nano-scale is becoming more of a reality as enabling technologies, like AC electrokinetics, continue to develop. Here, we discuss the physics behind AC electrokinetics, how to fabricate these devices and how to interpret the experimental observations.