NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship in Biology FY 2013

预测单细胞的力学行为：力学理论和微流体装置实验的综合见解单细胞的力学，或细胞如何变形和对周围环境的力作出反应，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。囊泡是由脂质分子双层构成的较简单的外壳，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输送方面也有自己的生物学应用。该项目将新型微流体装置的综合见解与严谨的工程力学理论结合起来，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，同时形成一个理论来解释观察结果，将开发一个预测细胞力学模拟工具。该项目将提高对以下方面的理解：(1)合成囊泡和天然细胞对从纯旋转到纯拉伸的一系列外部流动的响应；(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影响；(3)将微流体装置和相关理论应用于生物研究中研究单细胞力学的高通量方法。这项研究的广泛影响包括促进对基本细胞力学的理解，同时通过对本科生研究人员的培训和指导以及参与K-12外展计划，促进教学和学习。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.