Platelets and leukocytes are important participants in thrombosis, inflammation, and immune responses, while interactions between these cells can provide useful information about disease and treatment response. Measuring platelet activation and platelet-leukocyte aggregates, however, depends strongly on how blood is processed before analysis. Conventional centrifugation requires...
Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) uses microorganisms to generate CaCO3 within porous materials, helping bind particles together and increase mechanical integrity. This process has potential applications in soil stabilization, crack sealing, and living building materials. However, the performance of biocemented materials depends not only...
Plant roots continuously respond to the physical and chemical conditions around them, yet the effects of fluid flow on root development remain difficult to study quantitatively. Conventional soil and hydroponic experiments provide limited control over the mechanical forces experienced by individual roots, particularly at the...
Studying interactions between bacteria and mammalian cells is important for understanding the microbiome, infection, inflammation, and other biological processes. However, recreating these interactions in vitro is challenging because the two cell types have very different culture requirements. Mammalian cells often need an adhesive matrix, while...
Rapid detection of thrombin and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is useful for very different clinical needs, from monitoring coagulation-related conditions to screening for viral antigens. However, many established assays require repeated washing, long processing times, trained personnel, and powered laboratory equipment. These limitations make it difficult...