2016-2017
Customized bioreactors for the production of tissue engineered meniscus constructs
The overall goal of this project is to develop bioreactors for the production of tissue engineered meniscus. We have previously demonstrated that our image-based design of tissue engineered meniscus enables us to produce tissue with appropriate structure that mimics native tissue. We have also shown that mechanical conditioning of these implants greatly improves their mechanical performance; however, the bioreactors used in these studies are for laboratory-scale generation of tissue. We are partnering with GE Global Research, which has great experience in developing production-scale bioreactors, benchmark a bioreactor that we have designed together for scale-up for production of large numbers of engineered implants.
Industry partner: GE Global Research.
Academic PI: Lawrence Bonassar, Biomedical Engineering.
Medicine on demand: Rapid cell-free production of glycoengineered monoclonal antibodies
Our long-term goal is to design and build a device capable of 24-hour production, purification and characterization of glycoprotein therapeutics. A key first step towards this goal, which was accomplished during our 2015-16 CAT Project, was to integrate a cutting edge yet proven cell-free expression system for biosimilar production with newly established cell-free glycosylation methods. Now, in this continuation project, we seek to leverage this newly developed technology for cell-free production of monoclonal antibodies with more human-like glycan structures. In follow-on collaborative studies with GE Global Research, the resulting cell-free glycoprotein synthesis (CF-GPS) system will be linked to a portable and flexible closed system for automated protein production, purification and validation. These studies will leverage the DeLisa lab's core expertise in cell-free glycoprotein synthesis with existing GE Global Research projects developing Class II medical devices and established downstream processing expertise.
Industry partner: GE Global Research.
Academic PI: Matthew DeLisa, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.
Optimization of Non-Thermal Plasma Technology for the Treatment of Onychomycosis
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail unit, representing the most common nail disorder. Current therapies for onychomycosis have less than ideal efficacy and have the potential for adverse effects. Since our previous study has shown that non-thermal plasma is safe and beneficial for the treatment of toenail onychomycosis, our goal is to optimize this device for therapeutic intent.
Industry partner: MOE Medical Devices.
Academic PI: Shari Lipner, Weill Cornell Medical College.
Development and validation of milk differential cell count technology to diagnose subclinical mastitis in dairy cows
The goal of our research is to improve mastitis detection in dairy cows, which will lead to more effective treatment strategies, decreased production losses, and improved animal welfare. We propose to develop a strategy, with the help of our industry partner, Mastatix of New York, LLC., to produce a superior alternative for mastitis detection to the dairy industry, helping to reduce the impact of mastitis in the areas of economics, welfare, and antibiotic usage.
Industry partner: Mastatix of New York, LLC.
Adademic PI: Jessica McArt, Population Medicine & Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine.
Engineering, efficacy and scale-up manufacture of a prototype universal vaccine against influenza
The goal of the proposed research is to develop and ultimately commercialize a universal vaccine against influenza. Based on the initial success of the collaborators, we will engineer non-toxic outer membrane bacterial vesicles to create a safe and effective vaccine prototype that mimics the natural influenza infection and creates a coordinated and protective immune response directed against the virus. By the end of one year, we will have created and evaluated the efficacy of a safe and effective prototype vaccine, and established the SOPs for its manufacture in pilot-scale (100 liter) bioreactors. Our industry partner is Versatope and we have an in-kind match from Genentech, Inc.
Industry partner: Versatope.
Academic PIs:
- David Putnam, Biomedical Engineering.
- Gary Whittaker, Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine.
A new mastitis diagnostic test for dairy cows enabling rapid and cost effective pathogen detection supporting prudent use of antibiotics
We will develop a PCR based mastitis diagnostic test for dairy cows. The test will be applicable on-farm and enable cost effective, rapid diagnosis of a panel of the most common mastitis pathogens in milk, allowing dairy farmers to make fast and accurate management decisions and avoid unnecessary use of antibiotics, thus increasing their profitability.
Industry partner: Acumen Detection, LLC.
Academic PIs:
- Daryl Nydam, Population Medicine & Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine.
- Anja Sipka, Population Medicine & Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine.
Non-Thermal Plasma: A Novel Treatment for Infected Wounds
Chronic, non-healing wounds remain a significant health care burden in terms of their morbidity, potential mortality, and overall cost. Industry partner Sterifre’s Steri-lysis is a novel, non-thermal plasma (NTP)/free radical, portable technology that delivers a highly active reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) and hydrogen peroxide mixture within a closed loop system. This innovative device has the potential to radically change the current clinical treatment paradigm of chronic and infected wounds to a low cost, minimally morbid therapy for wound disinfection and the promotion of wound healing.
Industry partner: Sterifre.
Adademic PI: Jason Spector, Weill Cornell Medical College.
A Temporary Jejunal Feeding Tube with a Bolstered Securement Device
Jejunostomy feeding tubes (J-tubes) are commonly used to support the enteral nutritional needs of a patient during short and long term illnesses. The catheters used today are typically simple red-rubber tubes placed surgically through the abdominal wall into the small intestine and anchored to the skin by a single suture. They are prone to luminal obstruction, migration, and inadvertent removal, which usually necessitates surgical replacement, oftentimes emergently for intra-abdominal sepsis and peritonitis. Our goal is to design a novel J-tube that addresses the aforementioned problems.
Industry partner: Parker Hannifin Corporation.
Academic PIs:
- Rasa Zarnegar, Weill Cornell Medical College.
- Carl Crawford, Weill Cornell Medical College.
- Thomas Ciecierega, Weill Cornell Medical College.