UCSD Department of BIOENGINEERING >> Faculty & Research >> Professor Dale Baker's Lab

Biotransport and Metabolic Monitoring Laboratory

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Research in our group is focused on the study of four main areas within Bioengineering. They are: Biotransport, Bio-instrumentation, Biotechnology/Biochemical Engineering and Biomaterials. We use fundamental modeling techniques and computation to study transport and reactive processes in our biological and bioengineering systems.

We also use an integrated approach of systematic engineering analysis and physiological techniques to conduct our research. That is, in combination with our use of mathematical modeling and computation, we conduct in vitro/benchtop experimentation and in vivo testing with pertinent animal models as our major tools of investigation.

Our main thrust currently is the development of implantable lactate, pyruvate and other sensors for use in cardiology, surgery, emergency, intensive & critical care, and sports medicine. We also collaborate with other researchers at Scripps Institute of Oceanography (SIO) and internationally in using our sensors to study diving animal (marine mammals, aquatic birds and turtles) physiology and diving performance.

Ongoing research in the biotransport and metabolic monitoring laboratory include work in the following areas:

Ongoing research in our laboratory includes:

1) Biotransport:

· Mathematical modeling of the transport and reactive processes that occur within lactate and pyruvate sensors to aid in design efforts.

· Development of implantable sensors to continuously monitor blood oxygen and lactate concentration.

· Development of implantable sensors to continuously monitor tissue lactate concentration.

· Real-time monitoring of lactate metabolism in the heart during studies of ischemia.

· Use of lactate monitoring in the evaluation of blood substitutes in animal models of hemorrhage and resuscitation.

· Development of sensors to quantitatively detect blood and tissue pyruvate concentration.

2) Bioinstrumentation

· Development of bioinstrumentation using microelectronics to produce battery-operated portable electrochemical instrumentation to log and telemeter data from sensors for terrestrial animals (rats, pigs, etc.) studies.

3) Biotechnology/Biochemical Engineering:

· Development of more stable and active enzyme membranes for use in lactate and pyruvate sensors via immobilized enzyme characterization studies.

· Enzyme production and purification of highly stable and active enzymes for use in sensors.

· Production, purification and scale-up of new antibiotics; antimicrobial and antifungal agents.

4) Biomaterials:

· Development of electroactive polymers for motion and force generation.

· Development of biocompatible enzymatic sensor-membranes.

In summary, we are developing new sensors, materials, biochemicals, enzymes, instrumentation and procedures for continuous monitoring in metabolic investigations and for disease treatment. Our main focus has been to investigate metabolism under ischemic, hypoxic and exercising conditions. We will continue to expand our understanding in these areas by the use of fundamental engineering principles, biological and physiological techniques.