Reduce shunt obstruction in hydrocephalus patients by developing functional surface microstructures on the catheter surface to reduce astrocyte adhesion and periventricular tissue pull-in. The project uses soft lithography, computational fluid dynamics simulations, and benchtop simulation to validate the reduction of shear, pull-in, and astrocyte attachment and proliferation.
Create an in vitro tool for molecular biologists and drug designers to study the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) production process and fast-track pharmaceutical drug development. Her microfluidic model of the choroid plexus is used to track changes in CSF secretion with the long-term goal of improving hydrocephalus treatment through pharmaceutical strategies. This award was supported by Team Hydro.
Create an in vitro tool for molecular biologists and drug designers to study the CSF production process and fast-track pharmaceutical drug development. Her microfluidic model of the choroid plexus is used to track changes in CSF secretion with the long-term goal of improving hydrocephalus treatment through pharmaceutical strategies. This award was funded by the Rudi Schulte Research Institute.
Create a computational fluid dynamic model of patient-specific 3D ventricles from MRIs and test the change of CSF dynamics pre and post-shunt placement to predict potential ventricular system collapse, the effect of shunt and ependymal wall contact dynamics, and test mechanical shunt prototype improvements. This award was funded by the Rudi Schulte Research Institute.
