Scientists invent ‘placenta

The team is currently working on two models: one which would use ions to detect how cells respond to mechanical or chemical stimuli and one which would employ "hyperspectral" imaging equipment to detect how cells respond to chemical stimuli. 

Hyperspectral sensors have high spectral resolution, allowing them to capture detailed information about the spectral characteristics of an imaged scene. This enables the detection of subtle differences in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Hashemi also hopes that the model will one day be able to exploit a patient's cells to enhance personalized therapy. According to a study overview, such models could lead to "higher accuracy in testing for the transport rate of specific compounds and setting safe exposure levels."

Hashemi's research team has already demonstrated various uses for the technology including one study that saw caffeine transport over the placental barrier examined and an ongoing collaboration with the University of Nebraska College of Medicine to analyze nanomedicines as they pass through the placental barrier.

“There are a lot of ideas about how to use this platform technology,” Hashemi said.

A new prototype on the way

The researcher added that she plans to have a new prototype of the chip by the end of the third year of the grant and will be devoting a significant amount of time to basic science in order to develop her two new sensing systems. The final aim is to introduce a technology that can help resolve crucial human health concerns for both mothers and their offspring.

One thing is for sure the team has come a long way since they started their work in 2015 as mere novices in the field.

“It was a completely innovative project for our lab,” Hashemi said. “We didn’t know much about the function of the placenta when we started. We pushed this idea significantly when there weren’t a lot of resources. This award wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and hard work of my graduate students.”

Hashemi now leads NISTRON, an early stage firm that manufactures carbon microstructures for biotechnology applications, and she says her graduate students will explore commercialization by participating in entrepreneurial programs on campus.