Bruce Z. Gao, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Bioengineering
B.S. Physical Electronics and Optoelectronics,
1985 Tianjin University
M.S. Applied Laser Physics, 1998 Tianjin University
Ph.D. Biomedical Engineering, 1999 University of Miami
Postdoctorate Biomedical Engineering, 2002 Univ. of Minnesota
1985 Tianjin UniversityM.S. Applied Laser Physics, 1998 Tianjin University
Ph.D. Biomedical Engineering, 1999 University of Miami
Postdoctorate Biomedical Engineering, 2002 Univ. of Minnesota
Research Interests
Laser Interactions with Cells and Tissues
Cell-Cell Interactions in Engineered Microenvironments
Optical Imaging Techniques for Biomedical Applications
Cell-Cell Interactions in Engineered Microenvironments
Optical Imaging Techniques for Biomedical Applications
Email:
Office: 501-5 Rhodes Research Center
Phone: 864.656.0185
Office: 501-5 Rhodes Research Center
Phone: 864.656.0185
Honors, Awards, and Professional Activities
Clemson University Board of Trustees Award for Faculty Excellence, 2005Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award, the Oak Ridge Associated Universities,2004New Faculty Travel Award, Whitaker Foundation, 2003 Current Research
Development of a Programmable Laser Cell Micropatterning System
A laser cell micropatterning system based on optical force has been developed. Patterns of live cells can be created with high spatial accuracy using a weakly focused laser beam that traps an individual cell in the center of the beam and guides it forward along the beam’s axis. The entire guidance and patterning process is imaged in real time for analyzing cell location, which is used to control substrate movement, allowing for automation of the system.
Neural Network in an Engineered Microenvironment
Using a laser cell micropatterning technique, a patterned neuronal and glial cell coculture that mimics the local cell arrangement in native nerve tissue is to be created. Laser thermal etching technique will be used to create connection channels between the patterned cells. Biodegradable microspheres, which encapsulate neurotrophic factors, are deposited into the channels to generate a local concentration gradient and induction cues of the neurotrophic factors. Within this microenvironment, the synaptic connections will be assessed for a better understanding of the formation of a neural network and biosensor development.
Cancer Cell Development
To understand the influence of the microenvironment on cancer cell development, a single genetically modified cell is inserted into the middle of a normal cell (e.g. breast stromal cell) culture, using the laser micropatterning microscope. After sufficient time has passed for the cells in culture, the modified cell and its surrounding neighbors are removed from the culture, using the laser capturing microdissection microscope, and individually placed in separate centrifuge tubes for single-cell genetic analysis.
Regulation of Adult Stem Cells’ Differentiation into Cardiac Cells
Many types of adult stem cells (ASCs) have shown signs of engraftment and contribution to functional improvement after being injected into the heart. However, the mechanisms and degree of engraftment are still unclear. One of the fundamental questions is how these multipotent ASCs respond to the host environment and differentiate toward a specific cell phenotype. This research investigates the ASC differentiation in a micropatterned coculture of ASCs and cardiomyocytes at different developing stages: respectively, embryonic, neonatal, and adult. Microelectrode arrays, an atomic force microscope, and the two-photon microscope are used to assess the phenotypic changes of the ASCs at various time points, with several variations of ECM components and the addition of cytokines.
Early Detection of Oral Cancer using Digital Holography based Coherent Detection Technique
A digital holography-based coherent detection technique is being developed into a reliable optical-biopsy hand-held tool for clinical screening of oral cancer. Currently, the research is concentrated on answering the following questions: 1) whether a high-resolution image can be obtained through stratified squamous epithelium of oral leukoplakias and erythroplakias, and 2) which microstructural feature(s) could potentially be used as diagnostic markers for the “high-risk” premalignant lesions (i.e., lesions most likely to become malignant).
Recent Publications
R. K. Pirlo, D. M. D. Dean, and D. R. Knapp, B.Z. Gao, “Cell Deposition System Based on Laser Guidance,” Biotechnology Journal, 1(9), 1007-1013 (2006)
T. Rosenbalm, S. Owens, D. Bakken, and B.Z. Gao, “Investigation of Cell Viability after Laser Guidance,” Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging; 7(7), 608418 (2006)
M. Sridharan, Y. Wei, X. Peng, and B.Z. Gao, “Cell Diagnosis Based on Optical Forces,” SPIE Proceedings; 5930, 1k1-8 (2005)
D. Bakken, S. Narasimhan, K. Burg, and B.Z. Gao, “Laser Micropatterning of Polylactide Microspheres into Neuronal-Glial Coculture for the Study of Axonal Regeneration,” Macromolecular Symposia, 227, 335-344 (2005)
Y.K. Nahmias, B.Z. Gao, and D.J. Odde, “Dimensionless Parameters for the Design of Optical Traps and Laser Guidance Systems,” Applied Optics, 43(20), 3999-4006 (2004)
