CBME Undergraduate Research Internship Program Projects for Winter 2008
List 4 projects (selected from the list
of projects below) offered by 3 different professors.
Professor Alberto Striolo
- Molecular Modeling of Systems Containing
Carbon Nanotubes
Carbon nanotubes are a new class of materials that
is attracting significant research interest. The size
of the nanotubes (their diameter is of the order of
nanometers) and their high aspect ratios (which can
reach 500-1000), coupled with their mechanical and
electrical properties render these materials, as well
as composite materials that contain carbon nanotubes,
very promising for a wealth of applications. The properties
of the composite materials that contain carbon nanotubes
clearly depend on the morphology and on the distribution
of the nanotubes. Our goal is to develop theoretical
tools that will allow us to predict the agglomeration,
or the dispersion, of the nanotubes when they are
mixed with fluids, polymers, or metals.
In this project the student will develop models to
describe carbon nanotubes in the presence of fluids
(e.g. toluene or water) and their interactions at
a coarse-grained level. By combining these models
with our all-atom studies we will be able to predict
the structure and morphology of composite materials.
The success of the project will be determined by comparing
the theoretical results to experimental data.
Professor Alberto Striolo / Professor Brian Grady
- Adsorption of Surfactants on Flat Surfaces at High Temperatures and in the Presence of Organic Molecules
This project concerns the formation of nanostructures on molecularly smooth surfaces such as silicon dioxide. Depending on the interaction between surfactant and the surface, surfactants will adsorb in water solutions. The adsorbed surfactant structures can then be used to solubilize hydrophobic monomers and form polymers. Adsorbed surfactant structures at room temperature have been well-studied using the two techniques you will be using, quartz crystal microbalance spectroscopy and ellipsometry, however what is rather unstudied is what happens to the structures when the temperature changes or when an organic molecule is added. You will first study the adsorption of surfactants in order to reproduce what others have done, and then move on to see what happens when temperature is changed, or when an organic molecule is added.
Professors Vassilios Sikavitsas and Alberto Striolo
- Molecular Engineering of Novel Lubricants
for Arthritis Remediation
Arthritis is the leading cause of disability among
Americans over 15. It costs the US economy more than
$86.2 billion annually. 66 million Americans (1 in
3 adults) were affected by chronic joint arthritis
symptoms in 2005. The most prevalent form of arthritis,
osteoarthritis, is a degenerative joint disease in
which the cartilage at the end of bones deteriorates,
causing pain and loss of movement as bone rubs against
bone.
Traditional non-surgical management (e.g. physical
and pharmacological therapies), is often ineffective.
Intra-articular injections of hyaluronic acid (HA)
to increase the viscoelasticity of the synovial fluid
constitute a temporary valid alternative to joint
replacement, although frequent injections are necessary.
The long-term goal of our project is to develop novel
HA derivatives to alleviate the symptoms of osteoarthritis.
The novel compounds will partially adhere to the cartilage,
thus reducing the wear and tear between the sliding
bones. The student involved in this project will engineer
cartilage tissues on a sensitive element (quartz crystal)
to measure in vitro the kinetics and thermodynamics
of HA adsorption on cartilage.
Professor David Schmidtke
- Cell Adhesion in Microfluidic Channels
Cell adhesion either directly to a vessel wall or to other cells is the first and critical step in many biological processes such as inflammation and thrombosis. The initial contact and adhesion between cells (e.g. neutrophils, platelets, endothelial cells) is mediated by adhesion proteins and their receptors on the plasma membrane of cells. In the cardiovascular system cell adhesive interactions occur under flow, and thus the shear forces that are exerted on cells as they interact are of great importance. Whether a platelet or neutrophil initially adheres and subsequently rolls, depends on the balance between the adhesive forces generated by the cell receptor-ligand interaction and the fluid dynamic forces leading to detachment (i.e. shear forces). For a cell to adhere, the affinity of the adhesion receptor for its ligand must be high enough to withstand the detachment forces exerted on it. As a consequence different ligand-receptor complexes regulate cell adhesion under different shear conditions. Our group has developed microfabrication techniques to construct microfluidic channels of varying height and width for use in cell adhesion studies. Recent theoretical studies have suggested that the relative ratio of the microfluidic channel height to the cell diameter may be in an important factor in the extent of leukocyte adhesion to protein coated surfaces. The goal of this project will be to systematically investigate the role of microfluidic channel height on the adhesion of platelets and leukocytes under flow.
- Carbon Nanotube Based Biosensors
Based on their size and unique electrical properties, carbon nanotubes offer the exciting possibility of developing ultrasensitive, miniaturized electrochemical biosensors. Nanoscaled biosensors based on carbon nanotubes would have a variety of applications including: as tips in scanning electrochemical microscopy to map chemical properties of individual cells and materials; as environmental sensors to detect pollutants in remote areas; as warning devices for the detection of biological and chemical warfare agents in military settings and terrorist attacks; and as physiological monitoring devices both in clinical situations and space exploration. We hypothesized that by combining the unique properties (i.e. electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and high surface area) of single-walled carbon nanotubes with the electron conducting abilities of redox hydrogels, highly sensitive biosensors could be developed. Incorporation of SWNTs modified with enzyme into redox hydrogels resulted in a 2-3 fold increase in the sensor’s current output while the amount of electrochemically accessible osmium redox centers increases up to 10-fold (Anal. Chem. 77:3183-3188, 2005). This project will investigate whether this increased sensitivity occurs with other enzymes (e.g. lactate oxidase and pyruvate oxidase) besides glucose oxidase and peroxidase.
Professor Dan Resasco
- Synthesis and Manipulation of Single-Walled
Carbon Nanotubes
Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes are unique nanostructured materials which are building blocks in Nanotechnology. Our research group specializes in the synthesis, characterization, functionalization, and utilization of carbon nanotubes. The specific project offered for the summer internship will involve the following tasks: a) Catalytic synthesis of carbon nanotubes with narrow distribution of diameters, b) Incorporation of metallic nanoclusters on the walls of the nanotubes to generate unique heterogeneous catalysts, c) Characterization and testing of these catalysts in flow reactors. With this project, the student will be exposed to a variety of disciplines including nanotechnology, materials synthesis, surface spectroscopy, and reactor engineering, and d) Development of nanostructured silica-nanotube hybrids fillers for production of composites with improved electrical and mechanical properties
-
Growth of Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotubes Using Chemical Vapor Deposition
Carbon nanotubes are attracting great interest for their remarkable electrical and mechanical properties. They can be grown directly onto desired substrates. This controlled growth opens opportunities for field emission devices, electrochemistry, fuel cells and supercapacitors. Vertically aligned single-walled and multiwalled-carbon nanotubes of high quality can be obtained on silicon wafers coated with an appropriate catalyst layer (Co-Mo, Fe-Mo, noble metals). In this study, morphologies of nanotube forest grown on silicon wafers are studied as a function catalyst type and composition, catalyst layer thickness, microwave energy, deposition temperature, type of gaseous feed, and pressure. The nanotubes are characterized by electron microscopy (TEM, SEM), optical absorption (NIR) and Raman spectroscopy.
Professors Dan Resasco / Lance Lobban / Richard Mallinson
-
Conversion of Vegetable Oils to Improve Fuel Quality and Maximize Applicability of Renewable Resources
One of the major concerns with biodiesel is its low stability and susceptibility to oxidation. Our interest is to find catalytic solutions to the problem of stability and fungibility (i.e. make biodiesel exchangeable with regular diesel). Another complication associated with biodiesel is the excess production of glycerol, a main by-product from the transesterification reaction. We are investigating processes for glycerol utilization. One of the approaches is to develop novel catalysts to produce hydrogen by glycerol reforming and use this hydrogen in the reforming reaction of biodiesel in order to make it more fungible and easier to store.
- Catalytic Gasification of Biomass, a renewable and Sustainable Fuel Energy Production Method
Global warming is a real threat that needs to be seriously addressed by minimizing the amounts of greenhouse gases (such as CO2) that are released in the atmosphere. Biomass gasification is a renewable and sustainable method that can be considered CO2-neutral; that is, the amount of CO2 released is equivalent to the CO2 that was taken up by the biomass while it was growing. Gasification of biomass converts a renewable solid fuel (lignocellulosic materials such as grass or wood) into a gas mixture (mostly CO and H2). This mixture is called syngas and can be readily converted into energy (via turbines), clean liquid fuels (via Fischer-Tropsch synthesis), methanol, dimethyl ether, or pure hydrogen for fuel cells. The biomass gasification processes are carried out in fluidized-bed or fixed-bed reactors, using air or steam to drive the partial oxidation of the lignocellulosic components of biomass. One of the limitations of these processes is the incomplete conversion with the consequent production of significant amounts of tar (a complex mixture of higher hydrocarbons). Catalytic upgrading of hot dry gas appears as the best solution for the production of clean gas. In this project, we plan to investigate designs of laboratory gasification reactors containing two catalyst beds. The first bed will serve the purpose of cracking the tar components while the second bed will be used to complete the reforming reaction. The H2/CO ratio is an important production parameter that needs to be properly controlled since the subsequent conversion processes (to liquid fuels or energy) require specific ratios. We plan to study the influence of reaction parameters (temperature, steam/air ratio, etc.) on the H2/CO ratio. Another important aspect of this research is the study of the catalyst deactivation. Several catalyst formulations will be investigated. Particular attention will be paid to the nature of the catalyst support which may greatly affect the rate of catalyst deactivation. This program will include detailed physical-chemical characterization of the catalytic materials by several modern techniques (XPS, XRD, Raman spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and chemisorption).
Professor Peter McFetridge
Tissue Engineering: Designing Bio-interactive Scaffolds.
3D scaffold development for human organ regeneration: Tissue engineering has been described as a three component approach to develop functional tissue to repair or replace nonfunctional organs. These three components include, phenotype specific human cells, a 3D scaffold to guide tissue regeneration, and a chemical/mechanical environment conducive to cell growth and proliferation. Each play a critical role during tissue developmental processes, where the manipulation of any, or all, of these components can dramatically alter the potential for optimal regeneration. A number of alternative strategies are used for scaffold development, most being produced from synthetic materials, whilst others are derived from ex vivo tissues. Our lab uses processed ex vivo materials as the primary 3D scaffold, with (depending on the project) biopolymer hydrogels as secondary cell supports. In all projects a number of different assays and experimental procedures will be used; all of which will give a basic knowledge of laboratory procedure, as well as insight into the scientific process.
Three projects will be offered.
- Conductive nano-composite materials for nerve regeneration
Single walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWNT) have been the focus of considerable attention in recent years due to their unique electrical and mechanical properties. This project will assess the effects of various SWNT surface chemistries when dispersed within biopolymer hydrogels. A number of different parameters will be assessed including cellular interactions, conductivity, and variation in mechanical properties as the ratio of SWNT is increased (% mass) against the bulk polymer.
- Quantification of lipid, protein extraction efficiency
In order to render ex vivo materials non-immunogenic the cellular components must be removed whilst minimizing damage to the structure and mechanical properties. This process is called decellularization. The Intern student will be in charge of monitoring the extraction and retention of certain biomacromolecules throughout the decellularization process, followed by assessing how each of these conditions change the way human cells interact with the scaffold surface. Various decellularization techniques shall be employed and comparative analysis made between each group.
- Design and implementation of a compression bioreactor
This project will continue the developmental process to engineer neo-tissue for soft gingival repair. Using a unique 3D scaffold material we will be culturing a number of cells types within these dynamic cell culture systems to assess the effects of cyclic mechanical stimulation on tissue regeneration.
Professor Jeffrey Harwell
- Surfactants for Restoration of Fuel or
Solvent Contaminated Ground Water
Surfactant systems are formulated to produce ultralow
interfacial tensions with fuels or solvents contaminating
drinking water aquifers. The surfactants must have
low adsorption, good tolerance for dissolved salts,
and be highly biodegradable. Additional desirable
characteristics include good water solubility and
ease of handling. Systems are being developed for
a range of important contaminants.
- Separations for Single Walled Nanotubes
Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWNT) are an exciting
new materials with many possible applications. Separation
and purification of these materials is a major barrier
to commercialization. New approaches are required
to reduce separation costs, improve purity, and
separate different types of nanotubes from one another.
Separations based on length and diameter would also
be advantageous to commercialization.
Professor Roger Harrison
- Attachment of Proteins to Single-walled Carbon Nanotubes for Targeting and Treatment of Tumors
Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are unique in that they strongly absorb near-infrared (NIR) light, while biological systems have very low levels of absorption of NIR light. This project focuses on the targeting of SWNTs to tumors, where they can be exposed to NIR radiation that will cause the tumor to be killing by the heating of the SWNTs. The targeting of the SWNTs is made possible by the conjugation of a recombinant protein to the SWNTs that will allow the SWNT-protein complex to bind selectively to the tumor. In this project, the intern will be involved in the following: a) Expression and purification of the recombinant protein, b) attachment of the recombinant protein to SWNTs, and c) testing of the binding of the SWNTs to its receptor.
- Novel Enzyme Prodrug Therapy for Cancer
The goal of this project is to develop a novel enzyme prodrug cancer therapy. The basic idea of enzyme prodrug therapy is that a prodrug, which has low toxicity to normal or cancerous tissue, is delivered to the tumor and is converted to an active anticancer drug by the action of an enzyme on the prodrug. The gene for a novel recombinant enzyme has been cloned into Escherichia coli bacteria, and the enzyme has been expressed and purified to homogeneity. The recombinant enzyme is designed so that it is specifically targeted to the tumor. In this project, the intern will be involved in the following: a) Expression and purification of the recombinant enzyme, and b) determination of the effect of the enzyme-prodrug combination on cancer cells grown in culture in the laboratory.
Professor Roger Harrison / Miguel Bagajewicz
- Neural Network Modeling and Statistical Discriminant Analysis Modeling to Predict the Solubility of Recombinant Proteins in Escherichia coli
A frequent problem in biotechnology is low solubility of recombinant proteins expressed in Escherichia coli bacteria. We have collected data on the sequences of over 200 proteins that are either insoluble or soluble in E. coli when expressed. The goal of this project is to develop a model to predict the solubility of proteins in E. coli using this protein data base. Both neural network modeling and statistical discriminant analysis modeling will be used.
Professor Miguel Bagajewicz
- Protein folding prediction
How protein fold determines how it interacts with other proteins and chemicals in the body. But this is not easy and it is inferred from experimental data. To reduce the cost of this effort, it is therefore attractive to try to do it mathematically using first principles (electrostatic interactions, Lennard Jones interactions, dipole-dipole interactions as well as hydrogen bonding information and other). We have started to develop a program that can predict the folding of a protein when it is solubilized in water. This program is based on the use of mathematical tools called “genetic algorithms” and other mathematical approaches. The idea is to minimize the energy of the whole molecule by looking at all the bond torsion angles. The intern will learn the existing approaches and help us in the developing of this tool. We are also interested in explaining how ionic channels work in cells using the same methodology.
- Retrofit Heat Integration
Our group has developed a new method to synthesize heat exchanger networks which can be used to perform retrofit of existing plants. Retrofit has several constraints that grassroots designs do not have. There are lay-out restrictions to add exchanger, re-piping constraints, construction problems because one has to wait many times for plant shut-downs, etc. The purpose of this project is to develop models that can consider all these constraints. The focus is on energy intense processes, like petroleum fractionation units.
Prerequisites: Heat Transfer, Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, Junior Standing.
- Refinery Operations Planning
One classical problem in refinery planning is the one where one has to determine what crudes one has to buy (price and availability is known for these) based on an uncertain future demand of products (fuels, gasolines, diesel, jet fuel, lube oils, etc) and the refinery capabilities of processing for all units. This is usually done using deterministic (assumed known) future demands and prices. Our group has recently proposed a methodology to perform this decision making using uncertainty and also mitigating financial risk. We are now building a new methodology that will include decision making about future prices (these were considered data in previous models) as well as the determination of the operating conditions at which each unit will be run (different conditions lead to different type of products).
Prerequisites: Heat Transfer, Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, Kinetics and Reactors, Separations and Junior Standing.
- Instrumentation Network Design
Process plant instrumentation generates information, which is later used for a variety of purposes (control, monitoring, production accounting, fault diagnostics, etc). Thus, engineers have always wanted more accurate and precise measurements and data handling techniques. However, there is a cost associated. To help determine where the optimal trade-off is, we have developed a unique theory that helps determine the value of the information. This, contrasted with the cost of instruments helps determine the trade-off. Students will investigate new ways of valuing instrumentation and will participate in hands on design of new instrumentation for some of our industrial partners.
Prerequisites: Junior Standing.
- New Product Design: Molecules to Consumers Modeling
The design of new products involves several steps. On one end is an end consumer who determines the demand. This demand is a function of a variety of factors, the most important ones being their budget constraints, the competition and the characteristics of the product offered. In turn these characteristics are translated into technical specifications. For example, soap is characterized by its detergency power, its foaming capabilities, its aroma, its viscosity, and some other. Such specs are in turn a function of the chemical composition and the physical structure. Thus identifying the molecules and the composition of the mixture that best addresses the consumer needs is on the other end of the new product development. There are also costs of manufacturing and a whole supply chain that has costs. These costs are also a function of the product structure and composition. In this project, we will work on creating models that will determine the optimal product structure and composition, that is, selecting which compounds need to be used, in what proportion, knowing what impact such formula will have on supply chain costs and consumer behavior.
Prerequisites: Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, Junior Standing.
Professor Dimitrios Papavassiliou
The focus of my research is on the fundamental understanding and modeling of transport processes with industrial and environmental interest. Novel computational methods are developed and applied to explore turbulent transport of mass and heat, reactive flows, and flows in porous media. My research interests also include a number of emerging areas, such as integrated process simulations, transport phenomena in biological systems and small-scale transport (at the interface between statistical mechanics and classical mechanics).
RESEARCH PROJECTS FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS
- Simulation of slip flow in microfluidics
We want to study the validity of the well-known “no-slip” boundary condition for fluid mechanics. Recent research has shown that when the pipe or channel wall over which fluid flows is ultra-hydrophobic (i.e., conduct angle larger than 150 degrees), the fluid can “slip” on the surface, instead of sticking to it. We have done simulations with commercial software package (FLUENT) to see whether such a condition can be obtained due to flow over micro-roughness at the wall. We now want to investigate the case where the fluid is in contact with the tip of the roughness, instead of wetting the space around and between the roughness elements. FLUENT is a very widely used software in the Chemical Process Industry for equipment design, troubleshooting and for research and development.
Prerequisites: Intermediate fluid mechanics.
- Simulation of interacting jet flows
The turbulent flow from a single jet can be predicted from textbook calculations. The flow field, however, that results when more than one jets interact presents challenges. We have been working on 2D and 3D simulations of complex jet flows using different turbulence models and the software FLUENT. These flows have industrial interest in fiber production processes, such as melt blowing. We would like to extend such studies to 3D and to cases when the polymer fiber is present and affects the flow field.
Prerequisites: Intermediate fluid mechanics.
- Heat transfer in nanocomposites
We have developed algorithms that simulate heat transfer in carbon nanotube composite materials based on our Lagrangian scalar tracking method. These algorithms predict the effective thermal conductivity of the material as a function of the carbon nanotube orientation, volume fraction and shape. We want to now develop methodologies for investigating the effects of the temperature change on the composite properties, and to develop models for materials with effective heat transfer properties.
Prerequisites: Intermediate fluid mechanics, familiarity with Fortran.
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