Projects

These were the projects developed in the Summer of 2017:

The Use of Antibodies to Counter the Polymerization of Hemoglobin S in Sickle Cells

By William, Jonel, and Arvind

Description: In order to combat the polymerization of Hemoglobin S, we aim to use an antibody that binds to the Hemoglobin that prevents it from polymerizing. In order to produce the antibody we will use a mouse to generate antibodies, and to get the antibody into the Red Blood Cell, we will use receptor-mediated endocytosis

Chorea-Acanthocytosis Modeling and Proposed Treatment Through Gene Therapy

By Aaron, Stacey, and Tiana

Description: The goal of our project is to first model the membrane of a red blood cell affected with chorea-acanthocytosis (ChAc) and to propose a possible gene therapy treatment.

Genetically Engineering RBCs Using Hypotonic Hemolysis and Sortase-Mediated Labelling to Attach Proteins to the Cell Membrane

By Amrita, Renee, and Ria

Description: The goal of our project is to utilize the blood vessels of the circulatory system to most effectively administer proteins used to create antibodies in order to fight disease. To do that we are going to engineer red blood cells to attach proteins on the surface using several methods that would not distort the RBC membrane.

The Use of CRISPR in Treating Hemophilia

By Swathi, Sein, and Kristen

Description: The goal of our project is to successfully identify potential treatments to better conditions of those suffering from the adverse symptoms of hemophilia. With the use of the bioengineering technique CRISPR, the insertion of various genes could alleviate patient symptoms.

Proposed Treatment of Hereditary Spherocytosis via Gene Therapy

By Jeanette, Danna, and Sakhi

Description: The goal of our project is to find a way to reshape deformed red blood cells in spherocytic patients with the use of gene therapy.

Modeling a Coronary Stent Using Tensegrity

By Zach, Karen, and Todd

Description: The goal of our project is to develop a new type of stent that is capable of expanding and contracting along with a patient’s coronary arteries.