February 2015 AIChE North Bay Meeting

 

 

Manipulating cells through intracellular delivery of active macromolecules has many potential applications. By direct delivery of materials to the cell cytoplasm, such as RNA, DNA, small molecule agents, peptides, and proteins, one could transiently or permanently alter cell function for research or therapeutic purposes. However, much of this potential remains unrealized due to the lack of robust techniques for intracellular delivery of a variety of macromolecules. Herein, we describe a vector-free microfluidic approach to intracellular delivery and its application to patient derived cells. This approach uses the rapid mechanical deformation of cells to produce transient membrane disruptions that allow target material to enter the cell cytoplasm. It has demonstrated the ability to deliver proteins, nucleic acids, and small molecule agents to a variety of conventionally challenging cell types. Moreover, the delivery process does not appear to inherently influence cell function or cause excessive cell death.

 

In this presentation, we will discuss ongoing work to apply this technology to a diversity of research and clinical applications. Including cancer immunotherapies, regenerative medicine and single molecule imaging of intracellular processes.

 

Dr. Armon Sharei received his B.S. from Stanford University and his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from MIT. He was a national finalist for the NIH Director's Early Independence Award in 2013 and is co-founder and Chairman of SQZ Biotechnologies. His team has focused on developing microfluidic methods for robust intracellular delivery of materials for research and clinical applications. Their work has been highlighted by, the National Institutes of Health, Nature, The Scientist, New Scientist and R&D Magazine among other sources. Dr. Sharei is a co-author on 9 peer-reviewed publications and is an inventor on 3 patents. Dr. Sharei was recently named by Forbes Magazine in list of 30 under 30, among young dynamic professionals that are changing the health industry.

 

Location: Hs Lordships, Berkeley Marina

  

Fees:$40 Payable online (Paypal/Credit Card payment: click here)

RSVP:  Mohammad Bazargani  mbazargani@slrconsulting.com 

 

 

March 31, 2015 -  Meeting at Chevron -  Speaker:  Shariq Yosufzai,  

April 21, 2015 -  AICHE NorCal 2015 Symposium -  The Entrepreneurial Chemical Engineer at Hs Lordships, Berkeley Marina