Award Data

Tissue culture inserts that utilize film-based microporous membrane scaffolds are key components of in vitro tissue models that are used as alternatives to animal testing. However, insert scaffold technology has not significantly advanced in nearly 30 years. Currently available film-based insert scaffolds are only 2-dimensional (2D), and are excessively rigid compared to natural extracellular matr ...

Project Summary/AbstractPhysical Sciences Inc (PSI), in collaboration with Joslin Diabetes Center (JDC), proposes to enable objective characterization of the photoreceptor response to light and thus quantification of differences between normal and diseased eyes by adding controlled light stimulus capabilities to an existing high-resolution retinal imaging platform and validating it on a group of v ...

Project Summary We propose to develop a new immunogenicity assay and machine learning based framework for creating tolerization vaccines for autoimmune diseases with improved population coverage. In collaboration with Harvard University and the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School Diabetes Center of Excellence we will develop a new assay, the Multiplexed Multi-antigen Activation Assay ( ...

Project Summary/Abstract: 2Witech Solutions LLC proposes a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research project to develop a portable electrochemical sensing device for quick field screening of trace PFAS in non-potable waters (groundwater, surface water, and wastewater) by combining its recent achievement in molecular- imprinting technology and electrochemical sensor development. The overall object ...

ABSTRACT Targeted delivery of efficacious drug levels with minimal off-target effects remains a major pharmacological challenge as exemplified by the poor delivery of proteins, antisense oligonucleotides (ASO), and other therapeutics to may organs. Drug delivery platforms that allow for controlled pharmacokinetic profile and cell targeting, including nanoparticles, liposomes and cell-derived extra ...

Project Summary and Abstract Hypoxic (oxygen depleted) tumors are more resistant to treatments including radiation therapy. This trend has been seen across a wide range of cancers including prostate, head and neck, and cervical. Radiobiological studies have shown that elevated radiation doses can be used to overcome hypoxia-induced resistance and achieve the same level of effectiveness as lower do ...

Restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 global pandemic have continued to alter the delivery of, and access to, healthcare across the nation. The resulting unmet health needs have had a disproportionate effect among older Americans as they continue to be at the highest mortality risk for the latest variants of COVID-19. Additional health disparities due to race, gender, residential location, and inco ...

Project Summary/AbstractGene therapy uses genes to prevent and/or treat acquired disorders and inherited genetic diseases. Recently, the intensive investigation of human genes and related diseases has improved the capability of gene therapy as a promising future therapy that can significantly increase life expectancy for millions of patients suffering from incurable diseases. This promise has acce ...

PROJECT SUMMARY Oral delivery of therapeutic peptides, proteins, and oligonucleotides is prevented by a highly effective layer of epithelial cells lining the surface of the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, nearly all biologic therapies are administered via injection or infusion. These methods are costly, painful, inconvenient, and lead to lower rates of patient adherence relative to oral admin ...

Project SummaryIn stroke rehabilitation, patient engagement in therapy is critical for improving functional outcomes. Robot- assisted rehabilitation can provide repeatable, high-intensity therapy tailored to the needs of the patient, while also decreasing the load on the therapist. The Barrett Upper-Extremity Robotic Trainer (Burt®), an FDA Class-II medical device developed and sold by Barrett Te ...