North Carolina A&T University Awards
- Project Name: High-content Organ-on-a-Chip Assay: Predictive Nerve Toxicity Model for Organophosphates
Awarding Agency: Defense Threat Reduction Agency
Project Summary:
NCAT proposed to develop two 3D in vitro assay models; 1) a static culture model (RTI) and 2) dynamic culture model (NC A&T). These platforms will integrate the key cellular components of the BBB (endothelial cell and astrocytes) with cells that mediate brain injury responses (microglia) and surrogates for the primary targets of OP toxicity (neurons). These high-content, high-throughput platforms will then be used to screen a test set of OP agents for concentration-dependent effects on: 1) overall cell viability/toxicity within the construct, 2) barrier integrity (measured by electrical resistance), 3) penetration of OP across the model BBB, and 4) inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in target cells following exposure through the model BBB.
Outcome:
Completion of the Finite Element Method-based Model as the OP transportation model in static culture model and in the dynamic culture model, and establishing the Dynamic Network Model: identification of critical pathways, development of the comprehensive dynamic network, the integration of FEM model to dynamic model network, and the in silico toxicity screening.
- Project Name: Human Liver-Neural Real-time In vivo Correlation of Organophosphate Toxicity
Awarding Agency: Defense Threat Reduction Agency
Project Summary:
NCAT constructed and validated a high content analysis (HCA) human liver detoxifying-neural toxicity testing device that instantaneously detects the level of OP neural toxicity and real-time human hepatic detoxification. This device will permit the in vivo human correlation of OP toxicity and identify the human phenotype that is most susceptible and lacking the hepatic detoxification capacity to OP toxicity.
Outcome:
Completion of the Microbead fabrication and optimizing cryopreservation survival and validated the acetylcholinesterase colorimetric assay. The project quantified the effect of cryopreservation on metabolic functions, and tested the toxic effect of three commercially available OP and OPNs (two soluble; one volatile) on liver metabolism, and acute toxicity quantified by analyzing media and tissue obtained.
- Project Name: High-Content Organ-On-A-Chip Assay: Predictive Nerve Toxicity Model for Organophophates
Awarding Agency: Defense Threat Reduction Agency
Project Summary:
Organophosphate-based compounds (OPs), such as sarin (GB), tabun (GA), soman (GD), and VX represent a significant threat to warfighters and civilian populations there is a clear need for the development of models to quickly screen and generate data on the toxicity of various organophosphates to protect our soldiers from these chemical weapons agents. The project's two (2) aims are: to develop a high-content brain-on-a-chip (a three dimensional, multi-compartment, organotypic microphysiological system) for acute toxicity screening and to develop an in silico model based on in vitro experiments and further in vivo correlation.
Outcome:
The project successfully demonstrated the utility of the 3D, quadruple co-culture as a tool for simulating the responses of the BBB and brain tissue to OP exposure. In the static format, the research established assays for barrier integrity (TEER), ACHe activity, and cell viability/toxicity, and screened a test set of 5 OP across three different concentrations with these assays. - Project Name: Reduced Weight Polymer Based Composite for Sabots on Anti-Tank Rounds
Awarding Agency: US Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center
Project Summary:
The objective is to develop an alternate high strength lightweight material and process for sabots on large caliber projectiles. The scope of the project is to develop a new resin pre-impregnated (prepreg) carbon fiber material to manufacture the sabot assembly. Sabots need to be lightweight and robust for the gun launch environment. The sabot is exposed to high propellant gas pressures and high acceleration during the interior ballistic event. The sabot carriers the main penetrator through the gun tube and discards at muzzle exit.
Outcome:
The research project performed and completed the following: 1. Developed and established the strength of C-Ply prepreg coupons to meet the mortar sabot requirements and 2.Aligned the needs for commercial and US prepregs were used in the subsequent prototype development and about larger mortar sabot designs and exchange of the designs, 3. Demonstrated the feasibility of larger diameter C-Ply composite circular sections and C-Ply materials/process evaluations identified as alternative material of choice for sabot mortar. The material and process development for lightweight mortar proposed a hybrid design with Army input mitigate risk before a fully composite design. - Project Name: Feasibility Study of Thermal Barriers/Isolation for Small Caliber Weapons Systems
Awarding Agency: US Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center
Project Summary:
Minimal research has been conducted on the area of technologies needed to dissipate heat or mitigate heat build-up during aggressive firing scenarios for small and medium caliber armaments. Active continuous fire requirements need technologies that are capable of maintaining continuous firing scenarios, while minimizing thermal signatures. The US Army has initiated an effort to reduce small arms signature for class MK18 weapon system. The technology / materials to achieve these firing rates at the given maximum temperature are needed. This effort is a feasibility study of a) the use of coal ash based material as a thermal barrier (IR signal suppressor) for small caliber weapons and b) to build a strap-on type barrier component for ease of installation and removal of the barrier from a gun barrel suppressor unit.
Outcome:
This effort is a feasibility study of the use of coal ash based material as a thermal barrier (IR signal suppressor) for small caliber weapons with a build a strap-on type barrier component for ease of installation and removal of the barrier from a gun barrel suppressor unit. The project goal is to produce a thermal barrier that minimizes the thermal signature on outer surface of the barrier as follows: 1. Established process for generation of coal ash based composites, 2. Assessed several compositions that provide different heat conduction properties, 3. Conducted a simulated analysis on the samples for two thicknesses at a constant heat flux to generate data on thickness versus temperature response of the selected compositions, 4. Designed and established the build technique for a strap-on barrier for selected suppressor design, and 5. Fabricated and installed thermal barriers on three suppressors. - Project Name: Science and Technology Research Partnership Program (STRP)
Awarding Agency: Department of Energy
Project Summary:
This multi-institutional research collaboration will develop technologies that address the Department of Energy's research foci to develop feedstock technology, biofuel catalyst production, algal systems, and test/evaluate the development of sustainable aviation fuels by producing convert domestic biomass and other municipal waste resources, including plastics, into low-carbon fuels, intermediary products, and bioproducts.
Outcome:
This program provided curriculum and in-depth training courses for Minority-Serving Institutions that yielded high participation, multiple conference presentations, multiple publications, and patent applications.
