First results on polyimide deposition

To supplement our upcoming manuscript, we decided that we needed to provide a visual of how thin our ultrathin SiO2 membranes actually are. To demonstrate the thinness of the SiO2 membranes, in comparison to the commercially available Track-Etched hanging membrane inserts, we performed a co-culture using 0.5µm high porosity SiO2 membranes (thickness ~0.1-0.3µm) and 0.5µm…

For everyone conducting biological studies, this paper highlights how to think about sample size and replicates. It suggests using “SuperPlots”, which color codes data points from different experiments to better visualize the type of variability seen (i.e. random variability, experimental variability, etc…). SuperPlots: Communicating reproducibility and variability in cell biology Jim and I recommend everyone…

The results of my last diffusion experiment regarding BSA and filtered IgG (using SC 364) were inconclusive. (See “Diffusion Test– filtered IgG and BSA”) Looking at the histogram of results, there is no clear difference between the absorption of filtered IgG and buffer A. For this follow up experiment, I used SC 442. Of the…

Goal In preparation for experimentation with hCMEC/D3, an immortalized BBB cells line, I characterized barrier formation by taking TEER. I want to find peak barrier formation to determine what day to run assays. Methods hCMEC/D3 were maintained and passaged in EGM-2 (EBM-2 + multiple gfs + gentamicin + 2.5% FBS) with growth factor concentrations matching…

Here’s a few sketchup animations I made for Dean’s device, based on his PPG presentation last week: