NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship in Biology FY 2013

2013 财年 NSF 生物学博士后奖学金

• 批准号: 1308051
• 负责人: Joanna Dahl
• 金额: $ 13.8万
• 依托单位: Bechtel Joanna E
• 依托单位国家: 美国
• 项目类别: Fellowship Award
• 财政年份: 2013
• 资助国家: 美国
• 起止时间: 2013-10-01 至 2015-09-30
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=1308051&HistoricalAwards=false
• 关键词: NSF; Postdoctoral; Fellowship; Biology; FY

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.

预测单细胞力学行为：力学理论和微流体装置实验的综合见解单细胞的力学，或细胞如何变形和响应周围环境的力，对于理解基础细胞生物学和诊断和治疗疾病都很重要。例如，红细胞在被疟疾感染时不易变形且更硬。囊泡是由脂质（脂肪）分子双层组成的简单外壳，可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递送方面也有其自身的生物启发应用。该项目汇集了新的微流体装置和严格的机械理论工程的综合见解，以研究单个囊泡和细胞的力学行为。通过在良好控制的流动条件下观察细胞变形，同时形成理论来解释观察结果，将开发预测性细胞力学模拟工具。该项目将提高对以下内容的理解：（1）合成囊泡和天然细胞对从纯旋转流到纯拉伸流的一系列外部流的响应，（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效应，以及（3）这种微流体装置和伴随的理论对高-本研究的更广泛的影响包括促进对基础细胞力学的理解，同时通过对本科研究人员的培训和指导以及参与K-12外展计划。该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，促进多学科研究生涯。