Title: DRIVING MOLECULAR TRANSPORT ACROSS BIOLOGICAL MEMBRANES FROM MAGNETIC NANOPARTICLE/PULSED MAGNETIC FIELD

Biography:

Associate Professor, Group Leader ELI-ALPS research facility, Sabbatical at the University of Szeged, Dep. of Optics and Quantum Electronics, Assistant Professor, Postdoc, UC, Berkeley and LBNL (advisor: Prof. Stephen R. Leone),PhD, Kansas State University (advisor: Prof. David F. Kelley at UC, Merced now), Bend Research Inc.,M.Sc., University of Szeged

Abstract

Our research aim is to investigate how magnetic nanoparticles and magnetic field combinations can be used to open up pores on various membranes to facilitate transport of various sized molecules. The research will address the underlying fundamental challenges that limit the efficient use of various types of magnetic fields for creating a biological response such as cell death, change in function. In this research, cell, bacterial and liposomal model systems will be investigated when nanoparticles are integrated into their structure and exposed to various types of magnetic fields such as short homogeneous and inhomogeneous magnetic pulses, linearly and circularly polarized magnetic fields, or small amplitude AC magnetic fields. The transport properties will be evaluated using fluorescence techniques based on permeability essays, electrochemical essays detecting small trace molecules and based on exploring the biological response of the system such as cell viability. Addition characterization techniques will be necessary to accurately survey the structure of these systems prior and post exposure to the magnetic fields. In this research, we will implement spectroscopic and microscopic techniques to explore spatial and dynamical aspects of the magnetic fields on proposed systems. Integration of fluorescence microscopy with electromagnet will allow studying the systems under the I influence of the magnetic fields. Spectroscopic method based on magnetic field transient Faraday rotation of the magnetic particles and dynamical measurements of ultrasonic intensities will explore the transfer of the magnetic field’s energy into mechanical movement in the medium.