Samuel McCaulley

First Name: 
Samuel
Last Name: 
McCaulley
Mentor: 
Dr. Denise Perry Simmons and Dr. Tae-Youl Choi
Abstract: 
In 2016 our lab participated in cancer research that suggested new and potentially early biomarkers – “thermal” biomarkers - could be detected using our in-house fabricated micro-thermal biosensor (MTS). Our MTS operates on material property principles of thermal conductivity and diffusivity in its demonstrated ability to detect human normal cells versus malignant tumor cells. We now ask whether redesign studies for a more sensitive biosensor will be able to detect early and subsequent transitioning stages of the normal cell through to the metastatic tumor cell. The research objective will be to improve the sensitivity of the proven 2016 MTS. My approach will focus on an experimental study design for ultimate testing of an improved thermocouple used in the original biosensor. Methods will address (1) evidence-based determination of biosensor combined materials capable of sensing contact temperature changes. (2) analysis of combined materials’ properties profiles such as the Seebeck Coefficient and melting point, (3) fabrication and statistical analysis to demonstrate the proposed optimized biosensor, and (4) fabrication protocol . Future studies of the improved biosensor prototype will include calibration, validation, evaluation and assessment for detection in each transition stage of two deadly and asymptomatic, difficult to diagnose and treat cancers: epithelial ovarian cancer and glioblastoma multiforme (brain cancer).
Poster: 
Redesign of Micro-thermal Biosensor to Improve Thermal Sensitivity in Models of Tumorigenesis