NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship in Biology FY 2013

预测单细胞力学行为：力学理论和微流体设备实验的综合洞察单细胞的力学，即细胞如何变形并对周围环境的力做出反应，对于了解基础细胞生物学和诊断和治疗疾病都很重要。例如，感染疟疾时，红细胞不易变形，变硬。囊泡是由脂质(脂肪)分子双层构成的更简单的包裹体，可以用作活细胞的简单模型。囊泡在绿色能源技术、生物传感器技术和靶向药物输送方面也有自己的生物启发应用。该项目结合了新型微流控器件的综合见解和来自工程的严格的力学理论，以研究单个囊泡和细胞的力学行为。通过观察细胞在良好控制的流动条件下的变形，同时形成解释观察结果的理论，将开发出一种预测性细胞力学模拟工具。这个项目将提高对(1)合成囊泡和自然细胞对从纯旋转到纯伸展流动的一系列外部流动的响应的理解，(2)膜分子结构对囊泡和细胞力学的影响以及理论如何捕捉这种影响，以及(3)这种微流体设备和伴随的理论在生物学研究中适应高通量研究单细胞力学的方法。这项研究的广泛影响包括增进对基础细胞力学的理解，同时通过本科生研究人员的培训和指导以及参与K-12推广计划促进教和学。这位研究员将获得细胞生物学方面的经验和培训，以补充机械工程背景，推动多学科的研究事业。

Predicting Single Cell Mechanical Behavior: Integrated Insight of Mechanical Theory and Microfluidic Device ExperimentsThe mechanics of single cells, or how cells deform and respond to forces from the surrounding environment, is important both for understanding fundamental cellular biology and diagnosing and treating diseases. For example, red blood cells are less deformable and stiffer when infected by malaria. Vesicles, simpler enclosures made of lipid (fatty) molecule bilayers, can be used as simple models of living cells. Vesicles also have their own biologically inspired applications in green energy technology, biosensor technology, and targeted drug delivery. This project brings together the integrated insight of novel microfluidic devices and rigorous mechanical theory from engineering to investigate single vesicle and cell mechanical behavior. By observing cell deformation under well-controlled flow conditions and simultaneously shaping a theory to explain the observations, a predictive cell mechanics simulation tool will be developed. This project will improve understanding of (1) the response of synthetic vesicles and natural cells to a range of external flows from pure rotational to pure extensional flows, (2) the impact of membrane molecular structure on vesicle and cell mechanics and how theory can capture this effect, and (3) the adaptation of this microfluidic device and accompanying theory to a high-throughput method for studying single cell mechanics in biological research.Broader impacts of this research include advancing understanding in fundamental cell mechanics while also promoting teaching and learning through the training and mentorship of undergraduate researchers and participation in K-12 outreach programs. The fellow will gain experience and training in cellular biology to complement a mechanical engineering background, spurring on a multi-disciplinary research career.