Applied Computational Mathematics Division


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Nanometrology and Micrometrology in Biological Systems

Bradley E. Layton
Drexel University, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics

Tuesday, November 29, 2005 15:00-16:00,
Building 101, Lecture Room D
Gaithersburg
Tuesday, November 29, 2005 13:00-14:00,
Room 4550
Boulder

Abstract: Recent advances in nanoscale science and technology bring significant opportunities for the engineer to not only explore the nanoworld but to help shape and design it. This talk will take us from Dr. Layton's graduate work where he attempted to correlate the nanoscale structure of peripheral nerve tissue with its tissue-scale mechanical behavior using atomic force microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and Weibull statistics. We will also explore the nanoscale phenomenon of mitochondrial membrane rupture through atomic force microscopy techniques. Recent work involving directed nanomanipulation of both fibrous materials and biological samples will also be explored as well as an error minimization scheme towards closed-loop multi-axis control of the Zyvex L100 nanomanipulator. Other recent projects, including understanding the mechanical response of living neurons to mechanical stimuli through an array of microbeams, the sorting of red blood cells in a microfabricated filter, as well as a molecular model of microtubule assembly, will also be discussed. Of primary interest in these topics will be determining optimal sample size to optimize metrology by balancing sample size and data collection time.

Speaker Bio: Dr. Bradley Layton received his PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 2003, and completed post-doctoral fellowships in Neurology and in Radiology. Dr. Layton holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from MIT and an MS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan. Prior to graduate school, Dr. Layton designed and built titanium bicycle frames and Kevlar wakeless boats, developed software for the BMDO, evaluated properties of lunar soil for the DOE and NASA, inspected radioactive containment buildings at the Savannah River Site, and designed equipment for Northrop Grumman and the USEPA. Dr. Layton is working closely with his colleagues at Drexel's three main campuses to: (1) develop a molecular-mechanics based model for aggregation limits in collagen, (2) develop a nanoscale single protein testing system to examine the deformation characteristics of proteins at both the quaternary and supraquaternary scales, (3) probe membrane and cell responses to mechanical stimuli for the purpose of quantifying and potentially reducing wound and injury recovery times and for developing cell-based sensors, (4) better understand how slight alterations in genomes can account for drastic differences in behavior and capabilities among similar species, and (5) develop a method for sorting astronaut blood cells in space. Dr. Layton teaches graduate engineering mathematics, undergraduate engineering design, and MechanoEvolution. Dr. Layton's 2004-2005 freshman design group received the Best Freshman Design Project Award. He also helped a local middle school robotics team prepare for a Japanese robotics competition. Dr. Layton currently has publications in the ASME Biomechanical Engineering Journal, BioTechniques, Diabetes Metabolism Research and Reviews, Journal of Engineering Materials and Technology, Journal of Biomechanics, and MicroElectronics Journal. He is a member and contributor to the ASME, BMES, and IEEE-EMBS. He has funding from NSF, NASA, and the State of Pennsylvania. Dr. Layton is an avid cyclist and athlete and a former United States National Rowing team member.

Presentation Slides: PDF

Contact: J. T. Fong

Note: Visitors from outside NIST must contact Robin Bickel; (301) 975-3668; at least 24 hours in advance.