OCR Text |
Show 27 college of engineering This project covers the design, manufacturing, and testing of a biofilm reactor to assist with host-pathogen interaction research. This medical research device will facilitate an in vitro environment for epithelial cells and bacteria to be grown separately but simultaneously. The reactor consists of a base to support the environment by providing media (nutrients) and controlled air to the system. A first insert will contain the epithelial cells, and a second insert will sit above it with the bacteria of interest to allow the cells and pathogens to interact. The unique aspect of these inserts is their ability to allow the bacteria and cells to be grown in a pseudo-isolated environment that prevents infection of the cells while still being able to sustain the host-pathogen interaction desired. Transparent windows will allow the study of lung infections through microscopic observation. SolidWorks has been used to model the device and a first-article proto-type has been produced. Flow simulations will be done using COMSOL and fluidic tests will also be done in conjunction with production of this device to validate simulation results. The fabrication of the reactor and growth of its cell cultures is ongoing and will be used to study host-pathogen interactions and how they affect disease in the human body. BIOFILM REACTOR FOR THE STUDY OF HOST-PATHOGEN INTERACTION Scott Ho (Bruce Gale, Indra Sandal) Department of Mechanical Engineering, Division of Pulmonary Medicine, SOM University of Utah UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ABSTRACTS Bruce Gale Scott Ho |