Event
BIOE Seminar: Visualizing the flow: microfluidic imaging of blood cell dynamics and rheology
Friday, February 7, 2025
9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
A. James Clark Hall, Room #2121
Alisa Clyne
aclyne@umd.edu
Umut A. Gurkan
Professor
Case Western Reserve University
Visualizing the flow: microfluidic imaging of blood cell dynamics and rheology
Abstract
Imaging and characterizing the dynamics of cellular adhesion in blood samples is of fundamental importance in understanding biological function. In vitro microscopy methods are widely used for this task, but typically require diluting the blood with a buffer to allow for transmission of light. However whole blood provides crucial signaling cues that influence adhesion dynamics, which means that conventional approaches lack the full physiological complexity of living microvasculature. We can reliably image cell interactions in microfluidic channels functionalized with vascular adhesion molecules or endothelial cells during whole blood flow by motion blur microscopy in vitro and automate image analysis using machine learning. This approach provides a low cost, easy to implement alternative to intravital microscopy, for rapid data generation where understanding cell interactions, adhesion, and motility is crucial. This method is generalizable to studies of various diseases, including cancer, blood disorders, thrombosis, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, as well as providing rich datasets for theoretical modeling of adhesion dynamics. In this talk, I will present our studies on developing a fundamental understanding of red blood cells mechanobiology and rheology in sickle cell disease and relevant blood disorders.
Speaker Bio
Professor Gurkan is the Director of the Case Biomanufacturing and Microfabrication Laboratory at Case Western Reserve University. He holds faculty appointments in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (primary), Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Orthopedics, and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center at Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Gurkan’s research is focused on microcirculation, vascular biology, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and the design, development, and translation of microfluidic systems, point-of-care diagnostics for blood disorders, infectious diseases, and cancer. His research program aims to achieve global equitable access to diagnostics and personalized medicine for all. Professor Gurkan received his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Purdue University in 2010 and completed his postdoctoral training in the Harvard-MIT Program in Health Sciences and Technology in 2012. Dr. Gurkan has authored over 110 peer-reviewed journal articles and holds over 16 US Patents. His research and patents have led to four biotechnology companies with products in global markets. Professor Gurkan has led international clinical studies on technology translation in the United States, Africa, Southeast Asia, and India. His group invented the Gazelle Hb Variant technology, an affordable point-of-care screening test for sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and other common hemoglobin disorders. More than 1,200,000 Gazelle Hb Variant tests have been sold since its launch by Hemex Health Inc. in more than 35 countries to screen newborns, babies, and children. Professor Gurkan’s national and international honors include the National Science Foundation CAREER Award, the American Society for Engineering Education Curtis W. McGraw Research Award Finalist, Translational Research Featured New Investigator Award, the Biomedical Engineering Society Rising Star Award, MIT Technology Review Innovator under 35 Award, the Doris Duke Innovations in Clinical Research Award, NHLBI feature in Today’s Faces of Sickle Cell Disease, NHLBI Hope for Sickle Cell Disease Challenge Award, NIH Technology Accelerator Challenge Award, the Wiederhielm Award from the Microcirculatory Society, National Academies US-Africa Frontiers Symposium invited attendee, National Academies Arab-American Frontiers Symposium co-chair, USPTO Patents for Humanity recognition, and USFDA Breakthrough Device Designation. Professor Gurkan’s institutional honors at Case Western Reserve University include the Faculty Distinguished Research Award, Research Innovator of the Year Award, Faculty Innovator Award, Excellence in Device Innovation Award, Ingenuity Award, International Activity Award, Case School of Engineering Research Award, and Belcher-Weir Family Pediatric Innovation Award. Professor Gurkan is a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), a member of the New Voices in Science, Engineering, and Medicine Program by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), and a fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE).
