Bioengineering

Faculty: Kris Dahl - Michael Domach - Todd Przybycien - James Schneider - Robert Tilton

Associated Faculty: Ignacio Grossmann - Steinar Hauan

Areas: Cellular processes, noninvasive measurements, bioseparations, bioMEMS

Related programs: Biomedical Engineering , NIH Biotechnology Training Program

Biochemical engineering and biotechnology are areas of major research commitment and expertise in the Department. Mike Domach, Todd Przybycien, Jim Schneider, Kris Dahl, and Bob Tilton are the primary faculty involved in these areas. Research interests of this group focus on the production, processing and delivery of genes and biopharmaceuticals, metabolic engineering, bioanalytical and bioMEMS (microelectromechanical systems) technologies. A common theme in these areas is the application of fundamental biology, biophysics and physical chemistry principles to the solution of the practical engineering problems that arise during the production and use of protein- and nucleic acid-based drugs. Additional research activities include the development of nuclear magnetic resonance and optical methods for assessing and tracking the behavior of intact cells, the development of optical and spectroscopic tools to probe the structure and function of proteins at interfaces, and the development of self-contained and adaptable biological sensors using MEMS fabrication technology. Other Chemical Engineering faculty with significant efforts in bioengineering and biotechnology include: Steinar Hauan, with activities in bioprocess optimization and bioMEMS development; Ignacio Grossmann, with activities in metabolic flux optimization and product development for pharmaceuticals; and Lynn Walker, with activities in tissue engineering.

Bioengineering research projects take advantage of a well-equipped Cell Culture Laboratory with a dedicated suite of incubators, autoclaves, sterile hoods, centrifuges, and the attendant microscopy equipment. A unique aspect of the bioengineering research program is the BioInterfaces laboratory shared by the Przybycien, Schneider and Tilton groups.

Bioengineering students have the opportunity to participate in a formal Ph.D. Training Program in BioProcess Engineering & Design that will integrate bioengineering coursework from Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh with basic biology coursework from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. The aim of this unique training program is to produce bioengineers who are freely conversant with biologists and clinicians.

Bioengineering faculty also maintain close interactions with the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) at Carnegie Mellon. The BME Department includes faculty from each of the traditional engineering departments within the Carnegie Institute of Technology as well as faculty from Biological Sciences and Chemistry. Areas of research prominence include biomechanics, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, cellular and molecular biotechnology, bioimaging and bioinformatics. The BME faculty, courses and seminars provide a wonderful resource and support network for the campus-wide community of students involved in bioengineering research.

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