Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering

Dr. Jiang’s research interests broadly lies in micro/nano technology applications to advance engineering, manufacturing, biology, and medicine. One of Dr. Jiang's research focus is development of human models of Organ(s)-on-Chips in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams of colleagues. These Organs-on-Chip microsystems closely mimic in vivo environments, implement an integrated approach and enable investigations in a well-controlled manner. They are used to study roles of tissue/organ interactions, mechanisms in tumor progression, invasion, metastasis, and dormancy, as well as disease treatments for targeted therapy and personalized medicine.

Dr. Yitshak Zohar Ph.D., is Professor of Aerospace-Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering and the BIO5 Institute. He received a B.S. and M.S. from Technion-Israel Institute of Technology and a Ph.D. at the University of Southern California. Dr. Zohar was honored with the Fellow - The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) in 2003; and in 2007, the University of Arizona Technology Innovation Award. Dr. Zohar's research interests are in understand the process of Cell Receptor and Surface Ligand density effects in dynamic states of adhering circulating tumor cells and the creation of a high performance microsystem for isolating circulating tumor cells. With this mission, Dr. Zohar focuses on the development of micro/nanotechnology and fabrication of microfluidic devices for biochemical/medical applications. He has developed novel surface-chemistry techniques that enable selective manipulation of surface properties of fluidic microchannels and nanoparticles. Further developing in ‘smart’ nanoparticles, with encapsulated anti-cancer drug in their core and targeting ligands on their surface, designed to specifically destroy CTCs in vivo in effort to eradicate the cancer disease is taking place. Other work being performed by the Zohar laboratory includes the controlled dissociation of fresh brain tissue into viable neurons suitable for subsequent cell culture utilizing microfluidic systems; the investigation of pollen-tube/ovule interaction, particularly the attraction and repulsion signaling processes, using a microchannel-based assay; and protein-fiber formation in microfluidic devices.

Xiaoyi Wu, PhD, works with biomechanics and biomaterials extensively. Tissue engineering is a primary focus of his work. In addition, he applies computational analysis to his studies of biomaterials.

Dr. Enikov's area of expertise is the design of micro-actuators, MEMS devices, and sensors. After completion of his training, he established the Advanced Micro- and Nanosystems Laboratory at the University of Arizona, where they have carried out numerous research projects involving precision assembly of micro-systems under optical feedback, development of wet actuators using ion-exchange polymers, pressure sensors, and accelerometers. In the last 8-years, his research has applied micro-technology to the development of medical devices. More specifically, they have developed a through-the-eye lid tactile tonometer capable of estimating intraocular pressure using an array of MEMS sensors. A second invention pertains to the development of an implantable ventricular peritoneal shunt with flow sensing capabilities. The present project represents a major focus of his laboratory. They have completed several early-stage studies on tactile tonometery supporting the present application. Given Dr. Enikov's technical background and prior effort in the area of tactile tonometery, he believes he is uniquely qualified to lead the proposed effort.