Cancer bioengineering
Graphic depicting how the lab is improving thermal flow assays: 1) Sample pad, 2) Conjugate pad, 3) Membrane, 4) Absorbant pad. Indicates test, control, and backing steps.

Thermally manipulating biomaterials

The Bischof group studies the thermophysical and biological changes within biomaterials after thermal manipulations. For example, they’re using nanoparticles to rewarm preserved tissues and organs and developing energy-based technologies to improve cancer immunotherapies.

Image at the cellular level using imaging technology. Shows cluster with various colored arrows indicating the level of traction stress (Pa) from 0 to 1,500; more stress shown at the edges. Shown at a scale of 20 um. U251.

How cellular functions go awry

The Odde Lab aims to understand basic cellular functions in the context of diseases such as brain cancer and Alzheimer's. The team develops physics-based models that predict cell behavior, then use computer simulation and live cell imaging to identify potential therapeutic strategies.

Compilation of three graphics: A graph that's an ADP map with an ms scale of 0 to 1000. A second purplish graphic taken with imaging technology shows a zoomed-in portion of the ADP map. Also an image of a 3-D printed tissue.

Bioprinting cardiac tissues

The Ogle Lab is pushing the boundaries of 3D cardiac bioprinting. They’ve created patches that can be adhered to failing hearts, which has successfully restored cardiac function in rodents. Plus, they’ve fabricated living hearts based on a human heart’s magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data.

Image at the microscopic level using imaging technology. Vivid reds, purples and blues against a black background.

Bioengineering cancer therapies

Paolo Provenzano’s lab is developing new ways to combat cancer. Approaches include re-engineering tumor microenvironments to remove tumor-promoting cues, enhancing drug delivery, promoting anti-tumor immune responses, and developing next-generation cell-based therapies.

Image at the cellular level using imaging technology. Shows bright green patches against a gray background.

Understanding protein networks

The Sarkar laboratory uses biomolecular and cellular engineering approaches to elucidate how protein networks drive health-related processes at the cellular level. The group also uses such knowledge to intervene in dysregulated networks in disease and to create cellular therapeutics with new functionalities.

Medical devices from the Living Devices Lab. Two clear devices; one with red lines and one with yellow.

Microphysiologic systems to study disease

The Living Devices Lab is focused on building benchtop systems that mimic human disease outside the human body. We use microfluidics and microfabrication to create engineered tissues in which we control biological components and transport processes at the length scale that is relevant to physiology and pathology.