PRG Developing an Advanced Bioreactor System that Simulates the in-vivo Conditions of Atherosclerotic Vessels

Manuel Salinas, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering within the College of Computing and Engineering at NSU. He also serves as a member of the Curriculum Development Committee at the Honors College. In addition, he is the advisor to the Florida Engineering Society NSU Chapter.
 

Tell me briefly about your recent grant-funded project.

 I am currently leading a project funded by the President’s Research Grant (PRG), focused on developing an advanced bioreactor system that accurately simulates the in-vivo conditions of atherosclerotic vessels. This system will enable long-term studies of vascular inflammation and its progression, offering insights into new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. 

We have developed a small-scale prototype with improved temperature and flow regulation to better replicate physiological conditions. In-silico simulations have provided key data on heat transfer and fluid dynamics, and we are now optimizing the system for biocompatibility and cell viability testing. We plan to submit our findings for publication by the end of the year. 

Ultimately, this platform has the potential to accelerate drug testing and biomarker discovery in atherosclerosis, leading to significant advancements in both clinical diagnostics and personalized treatments. 

 

Who is working with you on this project? 

I am collaborating with Dr. Reza Razeghifard, Chair and Professor of the Department of Chemistry & Physics. He provides expertise in bioreactor development, biochemistry, and access to necessary laboratory equipment at the Parker building. Additionally, Dr. Toshihisa Kawai, Chair and Professor of Oral Science and Translational Research at NSU, whose expertise in all aspects of research including guidance in experimental design, is instrumental in refining the components of the bioreactor. In addition, Senior engineering student Brandon Ysibido is conducting optimization protocols, including reverse engineering and finite element analysis of flow and heat transfer, to improve the current bioreactor prototype. 

 

What opportunities and/or benefits does this grant bring to the NSU community? 

This grant offers numerous opportunities to the NSU community: 

For students: Junior and Senior engineering students play an active role in the project, gaining valuable hands-on experience in bioreactor design, cell culture, and fluid dynamics. This hands-on experience helps them bridge the gap between theory and real-world application, equipping them with skills for future careers in bioengineering and related fields.

 

For faculty: The project promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together expertise from engineering, biology, and chemistry. These partnerships not only improve the research quality but also create a vibrant environment that fosters knowledge exchange and sparks innovation. 

For stakeholders: The bioreactor system has the potential to be applied to research beyond atherosclerosis, including other inflammatory diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s. 

 

How does this project connect with your other work at NSU? 

This project is a natural extension of my ongoing research in cardiovascular biomechanics and fluid dynamics. I’ve spent years investigating the effects of blood flow on atherosclerotic arteries, and this bioreactor enables us to take that research to the next level by creating a tool that can more accurately replicate disease conditions in a controlled laboratory environment. 

Additionally, my broader interests in inflammatory conditions in diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s tie into this project. The bioreactor will allow us to study how inflammation affects different tissues under various stress conditions, deepening our understanding of systemic inflammation and potentially leading to new therapeutic targets.
 

How has NSU helped you pursue and/or achieve personal and professional goals you have set for yourself? NSU resources used? 

NSU has been pivotal in supporting both my personal and professional growth. Through the mentor-mentee program, I had the privilege of working with Dr. Toshihisa Kawai, MD, PhD, whose guidance has been invaluable in shaping my research approach and expanding my professional network. 

The President’s Research Grant (PRG) has provided the financial support necessary to advance my bioreactor project, while the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) has been an incredible resource, helping me navigate grant applications and reporting processes. Additionally, I’ve benefited from attending OSP workshops, which have sharpened my skills in project management and collaboration.
 

What advice do you have for other grant seekers at NSU? 

My key advice would be to prioritize collaboration. Reaching out to colleagues across different disciplines at NSU can significantly strengthen your research proposal. Additionally, connecting with external researchers or industry partners can bring in new expertise and resources that enrich your projects. 

I’d also encourage grant seekers to remain open to new ideas. Exploring a new line of research, even one outside your immediate expertise, can lead to unexpected breakthroughs and open new avenues for funding and collaboration. 

Lastly, take full advantage of the resources available at NSU, such as the Office of Sponsored Programs and the Levan Innovation Center, which can help support and promote your work. 

 

What is the next grant proposal or project on your agenda? 

I am preparing to apply for an R01 grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in June 2025. This project will build on the success of our current bioreactor research, incorporating in-vivo trials and partnering with clinical researchers to further investigate the mechanisms of atherosclerosis and test potential therapeutic interventions.