Developments in bioengineering showcased at Imperial College London

Imperial’s Department of Bioengineering hosts conference <em>– News</em>

Friday 19 September 2008
By Colin Smith

Microscopic devices to detect the early onset of infection and research into a highly developed part of the brain were some of the latest advances discussed at an international symposium held this week (18 -19 September 2008).

Imperial College London hosted the Bioengineering 08 symposium which brought scientists from around the world together to set the agenda for the future of bioengineering research in the UK.

The two day event, hosted by Imperial’s Department of Bioengineering, focussed on the latest advances in the field, with Imperial scientists and an international line up of researchers on hand to discuss their research.

Professor Tony Cass, from Imperial’s Institute of Biomedical Engineering, spoke about his research into the development of new microscopic sensors able to detect the protein, lysozyme, made by the body in response to infections.

The implantable sensor has molecules coated on its surface called aptamers that specifically bind to the lysozyme causing a change which indicates an infection is present. Professor Cass believes his sensor could be used to detect a range of infections including MRSA and Chlamydia.

Dr Simon Schultz, from Imperial’s Department of Bioengineering, discussed his work into the cerebellum - a part of the brain that is responsible for the integration of sensory information, bodily coordination and movement.

Dr Schultz's research investigated the brain's cerebellum

Delegates heard how Dr Schultz, using animal models, has discovered neural circuitry that enables cells within the cerebellum to communicate with one another. His work is an important step in understanding how sensory information, bodily coordination and movement are organised by this part of the brain.

In addition, Mr Peter Vincent, a joint PhD student from the Departments of Bioengineering and Aeronautics, discussed his work which looks at how lipoproteins are transported into artery walls and how this could ultimately contribute to the onset of heart disease.

Lipoproteins are important for carrying fats around the body but they are also associated with atherosclerosis, a disease which involves the progressive thickening and hardening of the walls of medium-sized and large arteries as a result of fat deposits on their inner lining.

Mr Vincent has discovered how the physical features of the artery wall linings influence the way lipoproteins pass fat into them. His research is another step in understanding arterial disease, which kills nearly one in every two people in the developed world.

A range of international guests also spoke, including Professor Ron Weiss, from Princeton University, USA, who talked about new tools and techniques in synthetic biology, a field that seeks to create biological ‘machines’ using design approaches from engineering.

Professor Christian Amatore from the University of Paris discussed his work on ancient Egyptian mummies. He spoke about the use of biosensors to trace the origins of ingredients used in the makeup found on their faces, and the effects that these compounds had on combating infection.

Professor Roger Kamm from Massachusetts Institute of Technology rounded out the plenary speakers by discussing how mechanical factors influence angiogenesis, the process whereby new blood vessels form in growing tissues.

The symposium also signalled the birth of the Bioengineering Society whose primary activities will include sponsoring an annual conference allowing researchers across the UK and from elsewhere to present their latest research advances.

More than 190 delegates from the UK, the US, France, Germany and Ireland attended the event. Professor Ross Ethier, Head of the Department of Bioengineering and symposium chair, said:

“The Department of Bioengineering is delighted to be able to host this inaugural conference which we hope will become an annual showcase for the best in Bioengineering across the UK.”

The Department of Bioengineering obtained the highest grade in the 2001 Research Assessment Exercise having received a 5* rating.