$265K Awarded to NJIT Researchers Via New Jersey Health Foundation Grants

Six NJIT researchers have secured grants in the latest round of funding provided by the New Jersey Health Foundation (NJHF), which has increased its funding in both its Community Health, Social Services and Education Program, as well as its traditional research program this year.

The $4 million round of funding brings the NJHF’s total to $70 million since the inception of its annual grant program.

Researchers from NJIT’s Newark College of Engineering and College of Science and Liberal Arts make up the awardees, with projects spanning innovative bone regeneration processes to research on biodegradable microplastics.  

Read more about the research projects below:

Microplastics in agricultural soil: Developing a novel biodegradable blend to address the health impacts of microplastic mulch residues (PI: Lisa Axe)

This study proposes developing a new biodegradable polymer for agricultural use to address the environmental impact of traditional polyethylene (PE) mulch. PE mulch contributes to microplastic accumulation and promotes the proliferation of antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs) in soil.

The research aims to optimize the new film's composition to achieve desired properties and assess its effectiveness in reducing microplastic contamination and ARG proliferation compared to PE mulch. By comparing the two mulch types, the study seeks to advance alternative biodegradable options that mitigate soil contamination and prevent the spread of microplastics and ARGs in the environment.

3D Bioprinted Allograft Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration (PI: Murat Guvendiren)

Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease – affecting over 10 million people in the United  States with treatment cost climbing to an estimated $5 billion per year. Bone grafting from the patient’s body often runs into complications such as infection, pain and bleeding, and has led to a search for alternative grafting options.

This project proposes a novel bioprinting approach to reconstruct fully functional bone tissue using patient-specific medical images and donated human tissue. The strategy involves developing scaffolds mimicking bone tissue through 3D printing using novel ink formulations derived from bone tissue from a donor. The goal is to create human bone grafts that recapitulate native tissue microenvironments. `The study aims to demonstrate the platform's utility in vitro by studying bone formation with human adult stem cells.

MXene/Laser-Induced Graphene Coated Air Filters for Pilot-Scale Airborne Viral Removal at a Low Voltage (PI: Mengqiang Zhao)

This research focuses on developing MXene/laser-induced graphene (LIG) hybrid coatings to enhance electrical conductivity and effectively remove airborne viruses in confined spaces, such as buildings, airlines and other forms of transportation. MXene, a two-dimensional material, is known for its electrical conductivity and antiviral properties. Combining MXenes with LIG is expected to improve surface conductivity and stability, enhancing antiviral activities.

The study involves large-scale fabrication and characterization of these hybrid coatings, followed by biological testing with MS2 viruses under low voltage. The MS2 virus poses no risk to humans and is considered safe to work with in lab settings.

The project's significance lies in its potential to create pilot-scale antiviral coatings with minimal pressure drop, supporting the development of advanced air filtration systems for virus inactivation.

Precision Editing of the Cancer Glycocalyx to Tune Mechanically Regulated Migration and Progression in Glioblastoma Multiforme (PI: Alexander Buffone, Jr.)

The Cellular Motion Lab designs cells for controlled movement in the body, focusing on immune and cancer cells. Conducting experiments with human patient cells, the research seeks to enhance the immune system’s response against infections and to improve cancer treatment by inhibiting cell movement. The societal benefits include bolstered immune defenses and potential inhibition of cancer spread. 

This project involves editing a specific form of brain cancer, glioblastoma, with CRISPR technology to limit its movement and lethality. Their aim is to prune glioblastoma cells to prevent spread and trigger the body's defense mechanisms for attack.

Lipid Nanoparticles In Therapeutics Delivery - Label Free Imaging and AI Assisted Modeling (PI: Xuan Liu)

This research investigates the mechanisms underlying lipid nanoparticle entry into cells in the delivery of therapies and the factors influencing this process. Using a combination of real-time imaging and AI-assisted analysis, the study utilizes optically computed phase microscopy to examine nanoscale interactions between particles and cells.

Though widely used for drug delivery, a better understanding of lipid nanoparticle dynamics will enhance their effectiveness and efficiency, ultimately contributing to improved therapeutic outcomes. This innovative approach not only advances understanding of cellular uptake mechanisms, but also holds promise for developing more efficient and targeted drug delivery strategies, with potential societal benefits in healthcare through enhanced treatment efficacy and reduced side effects.

Oxygen-Independent Phototherapy: A Solution for Hypoxia in Tumor (PI: Yuanwei Zhang)

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses the energy of light to convert oxygen into reactive oxygen species facilitated by a photosensitizer. As a treatment modality, PDT has many advantages, such as high spatiotemporal control and low side effects. However, due to hypoxia and the low oxygen level in solid tumors, the efficiency is greatly affected in PDT treatment.

This research project aims to address the limitations of PDT in solid tumors by exploring an oxygen-independent phototherapy modality. This approach involves organic compounds that regulate lysosomal acidity under light, enhancing therapeutic efficacy. Through in vitro experiments with cancer cell lines, the study compares the effectiveness of this approach to traditional PDT in hypoxic conditions.

This novel phototherapy strategy not only offers promise for improving cancer treatment by overcoming PDT's oxygen dependency but also has implications for combating viral infections such as coronavirus, which target lysosomal acidity in host cells.