Biomedical
RESEARCH
Precision Health and Disease Modeling through Innovative Biosensing and Organ-on-Chip Research, Driven by Inclusivity and Collaboration
Tran N. H. Nguyen PhD
Postdoctoral Fellow
Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington
I am committed to advancing diagnostics and disease modeling platforms through innovative biosensors and microfluidic systems. My goal is to equip future scientists and engineers with practical skills and analytical problem-solving and champion health equity by building sustainable research collaborations that benefit underserved populations worldwide. My vision is to develop technologies that not only improve healthcare but also promote inclusivity and accessibility on a global scale.
Research Interest
During my PhD, I focused on glutamate excitotoxicity after spinal cord injury, exploring acrolein’s role in damaging astrocytic transporter proteins (GLT-1). To address this, I developed an implantable microsensor that can continuously monitor extracellular glutamate fluctuation, providing insights into trauma response dynamics. This work laid the foundation for my postdoctoral research, where I integrate real-time electrochemical aptasensors with microfluidic platforms. My recent studies have focused on developing a multi-well aptasensor platform to monitor Cytochrome C, a cell death indicator, in microdissected tumor biopsies, enabling dynamic drug response assessments in cancer models. Additionally, I have engineered a microfluidic system to maintain and modulate microvasculature in tumor cuboids, advancing our understanding of the tumor microenvironment under various flow conditions.
Building on these experiences, my future research aims to bridge biosensing and organ-on-chip technologies for precision health. I plan to develop minimally invasive, real-time biosensors and integrated platforms to support diagnostic applications, continuous biomarker monitoring, and disease modeling. My research will prioritize creating innovative diagnostic platforms for early cancer detection, particularly for high-risk and underserved populations, alongside disease modeling systems that incorporate vascularized microfluidic constructs and multiplexed biosensors. These efforts will facilitate drug discovery and personalized treatment strategies, especially for cancers and other challenging diseases.
Current Research
Real-Time Monitoring with
Aptamer-Based Sensors
I have recently developed a multi-well electrochemical aptasensor platform that enables label-free, real-time monitoring of Cytochrome C as an indicator of cell death. This platform provides insights into how microdissected tumor biopsies respond to various drug treatments, paving the way for more precise and effective cancer therapies.
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Microfluidic Modulation of
Tumor Microvasculature
I am developing a microfluidic platform to sustain and modulate the microvasculature within microdissected tumor tissues. By applying controlled fluid flow, we observe better-maintained structural integrity and enhanced CD31 expression in the microvascular networks. This platform could serve as a valuable tool for understanding how biophysical and biochemical factors influence vascular dynamics within tumor tissues, providing insights that could inform potential therapeutic strategies.
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PUBLICATIONS
Volume 10 | Issue 36| 6 Sep 2024
Cover credit: Brendan Thompson
1. T. N. H. Nguyen, L. Horowitz, *T. Krilov, E. Lockhart, H. L. Kenerson, T. S. Gujral, R. S. Yeung, N. Arroyo-Currás, and A. Folch. “Label-Free, Real-time Monitoring of Cytochrome C Drug Responses in Microdissected Tumor Biopsies with a Multi-Well Aptasensor Platform”, Science Advances. 10: 6 (2024). [PDF]
2. T. N. H. Nguyen, X. Jin, J. Nolan, *Y. Wang, *S. Lam, M. A. Alam, H. Lee. “Printable Nonenzymatic Glucose Biosensors Using Carbon Nanotube-PtNP Nanocomposites Modified with AuRu for Improved Selectivity,” ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering, 6: 5315–5325 (2020). [PDF]
3. Y. Sun, T. N. H. Nguyen (Co-First Author), A. Anderson, X. Cheng, T. E. Gage, J. Lim, Z. Zhang, H. Zhou, F. Rodolakis, F. Zhang, Z. Arslan, S. Ramanathan, H. Lee, and A. A. Chubykin. “In vivo glutamate sensing inside the mouse brain with perovskite nickelate-Nafion heterostructures”, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 12: 24564–24574 (2020). [PDF]
4. T. N. H. Nguyen, J. Nolan, X. Cheng, H. Park, *Y. Wang, *S. Lam, H. Lee, S. J. Kim, R. Shi, A. A. Chubykin, and H. Lee. “Fabrication and Ex Vivo Evaluation of Activated Carbon-Pt Microparticles Based Glutamate Biosensor,” Journal of Electroanalytical Chemistry, 866: 114136 (2020). [PDF]
5. T. N. H. Nguyen, J. Nolan, H. Park, *S. Lam, M. Fattah, J. Page, H-E. Joe, M. B. G. Jun, H. Lee, S. J. Kim, R. Shi, and H. Lee. “Facile Fabrication of Flexible Glutamate Biosensor using Direct Writing of Platinum Nanoparticles-based Nanocomposite,” Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 131: 257-266 (2019). [PDF]
Preprints
6. T. N. H. Nguyen, L. Horowitz, *B. Nguyen, *T. Krilov, S. Zhu, E. Lockhart, T. S. Gujral, and A. Folch. “Microfluidic Modulation of Microvasculature in Microdissected Tumors,” bioRxiv (/doi.org/10.1101/2024.09.26.615278) (2024). [PDF]
TEACHING
Teaching Philosphy
My teaching and mentoring approach emphasizes gathering practical skills and hands-on experience to prepare students for real-world engineering problems.
Teaching Practice and STEPWISE Scholar Program
In my teaching, I prioritize interactive and inclusive learning approaches, aiming to foster an engaging and supportive classroom environment. As a STEPWISE Scholar, I received specialized training in active learning techniques, which I integrate into my teaching to enhance student engagement and understanding. This experience has prepared me to develop inclusive, student-centered learning experiences that cater to diverse educational needs.
