Nanobiotechnology and Precision Engineering

#biotechnology

Nanomedicine via Nanobiotechnology and Precision Engineering

Prof. Luke P. Lee

Harvard Medical School, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, USA

Abstract: In this talk, I will present how to gaze at the health status of humanity and the Earth in a grain of sand and find solutions for preventive precision medicine against a global pandemic such as COVID-19. Quantum nanoplasmonics-based speedy analytical nano-optofluidic diagnostic system (SANDs) can help us to predict and stop the spread of infectious diseases. As an example of intelligent SANDs, integrated molecular diagnostic systems that comprise three key elements are developed: (1) self-contained sample preparation and liquid biopsy on-chip, which allows a rapid sample-to-answer readout platform; (2) ultrafast nanoplasmonic amplifications of DNA, RNA, and protein biomarkers; (3) interface of smartphone optical system.

I will also describe nanoscale exosome detection via the ultrafast-isolation system (EXODUS). The EXODUS via harmonic oscillators-based nanotechnology allows automated label-free purification of exosomes from varied biofluids. Coupled oscillators of EXODUS generate dual-frequency transverse waves on nanoporous membranes to eliminate the fouling layers through acoustofluidic streaming and obtain a high speed, purity, and yield. As an example of EXODUS applications, we demonstrated the significantly improved purification method of exosomes from urine samples of cancer patients. We validated the practical relevance in exosomal RNA profiling to compare enriched pathways of kidney and bladder cancer.

For personalized precision nanomedicine, I will present the development of organoids microphysiological analysis platforms (MAP), or integrated organoids on-chip with nanobiotechnological sensors and therapeutic modulations, which will benefit from predicting the most effective treatment of diseases for each patient. Human-induced pluripotent stem cells-based organoids MAP provides an ideal model to address fundamental questions of molecular organogenesis and pathogenesis. In addition, patient-derived organoids can recapitulate patient responses and help personalized medicine. The current development of mini-brains MAP, pancreatic islets MAP, kidney organoids MAP, and cancer organoids MAP will be discussed. Smart SANDs, EXODUS, and organoid MAPs by the convergence of biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering will impact quantitative life sciences and precision nanomedicine.