Nanomedicine via Smart SANDs, EXODUS, and Brain Organoid MAP

MTL Seminar Series
Luke Lee, Harvard University
abstract NanoMedicine

Abstract

In this talk, I will present how to gaze at the health status of humanity and the Earth in a grain of sand and find solutions for preventive precision medicine against a global pandemic such as COVID-19. Quantum plasmonic-based speedy analytical nano-optofluidic diagnostic systems (SANDs) can help us to predict and stop the spread of infectious diseases. As an example of intelligent SANDs, integrated molecular diagnostic systems that comprise three key elements are developed: (1) self-contained sample preparation and liquid biopsy on-chip, which allows a rapid sample-to-answer readout platform; (2) ultrafast quantum plasmonic amplification of DNA, RNA, and protein biomarkers; (3) interface of smartphone optical system.

      I will also discuss exosome detection via the ultrafast-isolation system (EXODUS) for nanomedicine.  The EXODUS by harmonic piezoelectric resonator and nanomembrane allows automated label-free purification of exosomes from various biofluids, including blood, tears, urine, and saliva. It creates the most sensitive detection of liquid biopsy.  Two coupled oscillators of EXODUS generate dual-frequency transverse waves on nanoporous membranes to eliminate the fouling layers through acoustofluidic streaming and obtain high speed, purity, and yield. For example, the significantly improved purification method of exosomes from cancer patients’ urine samples allows us to efficiently get exosomal RNA profiling or proteomics and compare enriched pathways of kidney and bladder cancer.

      For personalized precision nanomedicine, I will present the development of brain organoidmicrophysiological analysis platforms (MAP) on-chip with nano-biological quantum sensors and therapeutic modulations, which will benefit from predicting the most effective treatment of diseases for each patient. Human-induced pluripotent stem cells-based brain organoid MAP provides an ideal model to address fundamental questions of neuropathogenesis and find solutions for neurodegenerations. In addition, patient-derived brain organoids can recapitulate patient responses and help personalized medicine. Smart SANDs, EXODUS, and organoid MAPs will impact quantitative life sciences and precision nanomedicine through the convergence of biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering.