About Arash

1 – Raman Readout of In-Vitro Models Used for Drug Development

(01/2020-07/2020)
Supervisors: Prof. Heidi Ottevaere, Prof. Wendy Meulebroeck, Dr. Tatevik Chalyan, Dr. Qing Liu, M.Sc. Thesis Project – VUB

This research project aims to develop a rapid, high-throughput technique using Raman read-out within a microfluidic system to monitor liver cell behavior and lipid content. The goal is to predict drug-induced liver injury (DILI) in a shorter time frame, potentially preventing costly, lengthy drug tests that can abruptly end due to hepatotoxicity. The study explores optical detection and cell culturing methods, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a 3D cell culture. Raman spectroscopy emerges as the optimal method for dynamic monitoring, despite its typical weak signals and low signal-to-noise ratios. De-noising algorithms like Kalman and Savitzky-Golay filtering significantly improve Raman’s signal quality, doubling the limit of detection based on both self-generated and experimental data. Simulation using COMSOL Multiphysics confirms that the microenvironment within the microfluidic chip supports cell culturing without causing excessive stress or heat deposition from laser radiation.

2 – Dual Oxygenation and Perfusion Measurement for Real-Time Metabolism Imaging during Surgery

(01/2020-07/2020)
Supervisors: Prof. Sylvain Gioux, Dr. Joseph Angelo, Internship – Strasbourg University (IHU Medical Imaging Center)

Surgeons currently rely on subjective assessments, leading to high failure rates and care discrepancies. The research hypothesis focuses on near-infrared light’s ability to interact with tissue components, offering data on perfusion, oxygenation, hydration, and metabolism. During this internship, two endogenous imaging modalities are combined in order to obtain information regarding the local metabolism in living tissues. More particularly, oxygenation imaging using spatial frequency domain imaging (SFDI) will be combined with the imaging of perfusion using speckle imaging. The outcome of this project was an optimized protocol for a clinical phantom capable of perfusion with artificial blood. The phantom was used to show a proof of concept.