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Research in the Bowser Group

Research in the Bowser Group

Micro Free-Flow Electrophoresis

Micro free flow electrophoresis device fabricated in COC

We are developing microfluidic strategies for continuous monitoring of dynamic biological systems. Our group uses micro free-flow electrophoresis (µFFE) to separate components of a flowing sample stream according to their size and charge, allowing continuous, high-sensitivity detection of a wide variety of analytes.

Illustration of aptamer-based detection assay in uFFE device

Our current focus is on developing uFFE affinity assays for peptides and proteins that serve as biological messengers. Targets of interest are involved in a range of processes, including inflammation, neurotransmission, and metabolism.

Two-dimensional separation of a protein digest: nLC creates separation in time and uFFE creates seaparation in space

Applications:

Biological signaling pathways
Mechanisms of disease
Multidimensional separations

Catalytic Nucleic Acids

Master mold for droplet microfluidic devices

We are developing microfluidic platforms to overcome existing technical limitations in the quantification, characterization, and selection of nucleic acid catalysts.

Nucleic acid catalyst reactions

These techniques address fundamental unknowns about the abundance and scope of catalytically active sequences in random pools of DNA and RNA.

Droplets streaming through microfluidic channel

Applications:

Biosensing, therapeutics, and diagnostics
Biological roles of non-coding nucleic acids
Origins of life

DNA/RNA Regulation of Cardiac Function

RNA length-dependent response of SERCA ATPase activity to random-sequence RNA

We have discovered that single-stranded nucleic acids are able to regulate the function of key proteins in the calcium cycle that control cardiomyocyte contraction. Our next objective is to determine what effect these chemical interactions have on the biological function of cardiomyocytes.

GIF of cardiomyocyte cell culture: cells beat in unison

Applications:

Therapeutic tools for cardiac disorders
Biological roles of non-coding RNA

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