projects. Applicants should send CV and selected papers to mjzhang@utk.edu
Project one: The research objective of this proposal is to study the fundamental
mechanics and mechanical properties of the nanoparticles-based adhesive secretion
produced by ivy rootlets for surface affixing and climbing. Both experimental
(using AFM) and theoretical (mathematical modeling) studies will be conducted.
More generally, we aim to use insight from nature to elucidate theoretical principles
governing the extraordinary adhesive properties of ivy.
The specific aims are:
Specific Aim 1: Characterize the intra- and inter- molecular bonding forces and
determine how they can be used to explain interactions that exist both between
components of the ivy adhesive secretion and between the secretion and the affixing
surface.
Specific Aim 2: Characterize the macroscopic mechanical properties of natural ivy
secretions.
Specific Aim 3: Determine structure-property relationships via systematic alteration
of the composition of the natural ivy secretions.
Specific Aim 4: Build finite element models (FEM) to quantitatively characterize
and interpret the adhesive properties of ivy nanoparticles.
Project two: The goal of this research is to develop a highly sensitive and specific
lab-on-a-chip device for comprehensive cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor analysis.
It is well-known that cardiovascular disease is related to multiple risk factors, but
it is still not clear how these risk factors in combination contribute to the disease, and how they can be used to diagnose as well as treat the disease. The ELISA assay has often been used for risk factor analysis, but it is time-consuming and not cost-effective, especially for multiple risk factor analysis. Currently, no well-developed techniques can be used for simultaneous multiple risk factor analysis for cardiovascular disease.
A device is needed that can generate fast, highly specific and sensitive data on multiple risk factors simultaneously, so that researchers can use the data for studying the pathology of cardiovascular disease. Such a device can also be used in clinics for the cardiovascular risk factor assessment and treatment.
Project three: External Control of a Complex Cellular System, S. cerevisiae. This
research will demonstrate external, multivariable control of the budding yeast, a
relatively well-characterized complex system. The experimental studies will integrate
both feedback and feed-forward control of highly instrumented, computer-controlled
microfabricated bioreactor, and enable on-demand selection of metabolic and signaling
pathways and hence control of cell fate.
Best regards,
Mingjun Zhang
Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Director, Nano Bio-systems and Nano Bio-mimetics Lab
Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Biomedical Engineering
408 Dougherty Engineering Building
1512 Middle Drive
The University of Tennessee
Knoxville, TN 37996-2210
Phone: (865)974-7620
Fax: (865)974-5274
E-mail: mjzhang@utk.edu
http://web.utk.edu/~mjzhang/publications.html
Please quote 10 Academic Resources Daily in your application to this opportunity!
