Undergraduate Researcher
Research Projects
Optimizing Iron Oxide Uptake by Natural Killer Cells
February 2025 - Present
Principal Investigator
Blanka Sharma
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Department
Biomedical Engineering
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Research Focus
Natural killer (NK) cell immunotherapy is an exciting avenue currently being explored for cancer treatment. Unlike T cells, which deploy antibody-dependent mechanisms to target and kill cells, NK cells induce cell death independent of tumor antigens. Despite their potential, NK cell-based therapies still face challenges, particularly due to the limited availability of tools for tracking cell migration, growth, and proliferation within the tumor microenvironment. Magnetic nanoparticles offer a potential solution for non-invasive
monitoring via magnetic particle imaging (MPI), a technique that detects and quantifies the magnetic response of iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) to create real-time, three-dimensional images. The long-term goal of this work is to determine the culture conditions necessary for measurable uptake of magnetic nanoparticles in NK92MI cells, a clinically relevant NK cell line, while maintaining cell viability and function.
Responsibilities
I am responsible for collecting and analyzing experimental data on NK cell uptake of magnetic nanoparticles under different culture conditions. I conduct literature reviews to inform experimental design, identify appropriate staining and imaging techniques, and help troubleshoot issues such as nanoparticle aggregation. Additionally, I contribute to planning future experiments by proposing alternative nanoparticle formulations and optimizing incubation protocols to improve imaging outcomes.
Quantifying Hyaluronic Acid in 3D Poly(Ethylene) Glycol-Based Hydrogels
February 2024
Principal Investigator
Blanka Sharma
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Department
Biomedical Engineering
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Research Focus
NK cells possess the ability to eliminate infected and cancerous cells independently of tumor antigens, making them a compelling candidate for cellular immunotherapy. However, the commonly employed 2D in vitro models lack the complexity of the 3D tumor microenvironment, which includes crucial factors like hyaluronic acid (HA) affecting tumor growth and therapeutic responses. To bridge this gap, the Shama Laboratory has developed 3D poly(ethylene) glycol (PEG)-based hydrogels incorporating HA to investigate its impact on NK cell function. Since low molecular weight HA can promote tumor progression, understanding its role is crucial for effective cancer therapy. Therefore, this study addressesed the challenge of quantifying HA, a non-antigenic and traditionally unstainable compound, in 3D models.
Responsibilities
I was responsible for chemically conjugating fluorecine o-methacrylate (FOM) to hyaluronic acid. In order to verify the specificity of FOM to HA, I used confocal microscopy to quantify fluorescence within hydrogels containing HA and compare it with hydrogels without HA.