Towards Surface Enhanced Raman Functionalization of Nanopocket membranes Introduction Use of Raman microscopy is used to evaluate the chemical profile of substances. Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a signal-boosting techniques where the weak Raman signal is amplified through plasmon interactions at a metalized (often nanostructured) surface. SERS for extracellular vesicles (EVs) was recently…
Introduction The Ehler-Danlos Syndromes are a group of thirteen heritable connective tissue disorders. These disorders are genetic, and usually involve a mutation in genes that code for components in the collagen matrix (1). Some of the main characteristics in patients with these disorders include tissue fragility, joint hypermobility, and skin hyperextensibility (1). Classical EDS (cEDS),…
Introduction This post will describe the preliminary work I have completed using size exclusion chromatography (SEC) for EV enrichment. We are ultimately interested in interrogating serum EV biomarkers using CAD-LB, however, the presence of protein and lipoprotein contaminants reduces the capacity for EV capture (~104) on NPN membranes and may hinder the analysis of rare…
Introduction This post provides an update on a series of experiments conducted with Sam. These experiments were designed to assess the versatility of the CAD-LB platform for detecting EVs in urine samples. Urine is a complex biofluid often used in clinical diagnosis, making it a suitable subject for testing the CAD-LB’s biomarker detection capabilities. After…
For year one of the Trace grant, I will be focusing on the development of a standard operating procedure for the uSiM-CA. To begin this process, I am transferring all of my current operating procedures from the Andor dragonfly confocal scope to the new Etaluma microscope. The Etaluma scope will be automated, collecting images of…
Introduction: Developing innovative therapeutics and treatment approaches with improved effectiveness and safety necessitates the use of cell co-culture models and barrier environments that mimic in vivo conditions. These models involve culturing two or more cell types together in vitro, allowing researchers to study cellular interactions, signaling pathways, and responses that closely resemble those seen in…
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We are excited to announce our new shop that will allow any Nanomembrane Research Group (NRG) member to easily order membranes and components. This blog will go over the ordering process and provide some useful information on the ordering process. IMPORTANT Membranes come in boxes of 10 unless otherwise stated. Components come in bags of…
Introduction This post is another update in my series of experiments aiming to both characterize and validate the CAD-LB platform. We have now shifted our focus to validating CAD-LB biomarker detection which will be done using multiple experimental models. The most recent model, and the topic of this post, uses HUVEC cells to validate the…
Introduction Sepsis is a maladaptive response to infection with a 25-50% mortality rate and a high incidence of cognitive decline among sepsis survivors.1-6 Because infection originates outside the brain, the factors responsible for cognitive decline in sepsis must get to the brain through the circulation and breach/act on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to cause injury.7-9…