Abstract

Microdevices for Cells and Tissues

Nancy Allbritton, Frank and Julie Jungers Dean of the College of Engineering and Professor of Bioengineering, University of Washington in Seattle

Much of the basic biological phenomena underlying the complex behaviors of living cells remain unknown largely due to the technical challenges of measurements at the single cell level. Thus development of new analytical tools to assess signal processing pathways in large numbers of single cells would enable a better understanding of the complex signaling circuitry within the single cell. The lab utilizes principles from the engineering and the physical sciences to develop novel methods to tackle the demands of single-cell analyses with improved throughput. Research is focused on the development and testing of bioanalytical platforms to assess single cell information processing. Novel biochemical assays are integrated into the platforms to elucidate molecular signal transduction at the cellular level. Assay platforms enable the selection, interrogation, and analysis of cells holding the promise of multiplexed assays of signal transduction pathways. We are currently developing integrated microanalytical platforms in both array and microfluidic formats to address critical preclinical and clinical needs in accurately monitoring drug action and identifying the patient who will respond to new therapies aimed at modulating signal transduction pathways.