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Translational Research to Advance Remediation and Label-Free Detection
Title
Translational Research to Advance Remediation and Label-Free Detection
Creator
Rathnayake, Rathnayake A. Chathurika
Date
2024
Description
Translational research acts as a vital link between fundamental scientific discoveries and their real-world applications, especially within...
Show moreTranslational research acts as a vital link between fundamental scientific discoveries and their real-world applications, especially within biotechnology and medical diagnostics. This interdisciplinary approach integrates knowledge from biology, chemistry, engineering, and medicine to create inventive solutions for urgent health challenges. Tissue remediation, essential in modern healthcare, seeks to restore the function and vitality of damaged tissues by imitating natural regenerative processes and employing biomaterials and scaffolds. Effective collaboration among academia, industry, and healthcare providers is essential for translating tissue remediation strategies into patient care, offering hope to those with injuries and chronic diseases.One project focuses on crafting biocompatible scaffolds resembling the body's extracellular matrix to facilitate tissue regeneration. This study focuses on enhancing collagen production, particularly for patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP), using a combination of silk fibers functionalized with carbon nanotubes (SF-CNT) and electrical stimulation (ES). Key findings include superior alignment of SF-CNT fibers compared to pure silk fibers, with SF-CNT 0.1% showing optimal alignment. Higher CNT concentrations led to distorted fibers. SF-CNT 0.1% fibers displayed improved properties and minimal cytotoxicity, while ES increased collagen production, especially with SF-CNT 0.1% fibers. Customized ES conditions based on patient characteristics and tissue locations were crucial for optimal collagen enhancement. In vivo studies showed increased collagen content and improved fiber alignment with ES-treated fibroblast cells. Personalized ES conditions are essential for optimizing collagen enhancement, considering individual patient attributes and tissue-specific factors. The combination of SF-CNT fibers and ES offers promise for improving collagen production, particularly for POP patients. The study highlights the importance of personalized treatment strategies and tissue-specific considerations to maximize the effectiveness of electrical stimulation for collagen enhancement. Another promising avenue is the shift toward label-free detection methods in medical diagnostics, particularly for conditions like periodontitis. This project introduces an innovative method for rapid, label-free detection of bacterial species linked to periodontitis using Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) combined with machine learning. Key advancements include optimizing saliva processing techniques, and establishing a reliable RT-qPCR method. SERS is utilized for bacterial detection with high accuracy, enhanced by incorporating a cell-free saliva matrix. These methods enable non-invasive, real-time characterization of biomolecular interactions and disease biomarkers, streamlining diagnostic processes and improving accessibility by eliminating the need for labeling agents. In the pursuit of translational research, collaboration and innovation are paramount. By translating scientific insights into practical solutions, researchers endeavor to advance tissue remediation and label-free detection, thereby contributing to a more sustainable, healthier, and safer future for all.
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