Optimization of an Immunocompetent Skin Model through Cellular Functional Assays: Research Experience under the supervision of Sergio Moreno Nombela.
This summer I applied to the UCEAP Engineering Program at the University of Carlos III of Madrid. I chose to work on Sergio Moreno’s research project, which focused on optimizing dendritic cell viability and immune activation in a 3D skin model. Working with my partners Gisselle Avina and Isaac Mendoza, I learned several new, valuable skills vital to tissue engineering, such as isolating dendritic cells from blood donors, performing passages, creating plasma and collagen gels, operating a flow cytometer, and conducting an Alamar Blue experiment.
To optimize dendritic cells for use in an immunocompetent skin model, dendritic cells must be in low cellular activation based on culture conditions. Isolated dendritic cells from blood donors were utilized in plasma and collagen gels set with four different conditions: fibroblasts-dendritic cells coculture, fibroblasts-dendritic cells coculture with LPS, dendritic cells with HC and LPS, and dendritic cells with VitD3 and LPS. After preparing the gels and transferring them into their corresponding vials, I ran them through flow cytometry to identify the ideal conditions. After receiving and analyzing the results, I concluded that the best conditions for dendritic cells are under HC and LPS because it demonstrated the lowest activation.
To better optimize dendritic cells for an immunocompetent skin model, dendritic cells must be in high viability based on matrix conditions. After isolation, dendritic cells are added to separate plasma and collagen gels to test the effectiveness of each gel type. After going through the Alamar Blue process and measuring the fluorescence of both gels, I examined which conditions showcased the highest metabolic rate. In conclusion, the highest metabolic rate for dendritic cells was in collagen gels, inferring that collagen gels provided the best conditions for higher viability.
Abroad Experience: Exploring Spain and Europe
As a first-generation college student with a Hispanic background, I found studying abroad in Spain and visiting other European countries meaningful and treasured. When deciding on a study abroad opportunity, I instantly sought to apply to bioengineering research programs in Spain because my mother always loved Spanish culture and the importance of learning beyond my Mexican roots. Having experience speaking Spanish in my household and past jobs, I felt confident in my ability to communicate effectively and navigate in Spain.
My experience living in Madrid, Spain, was a pleasure to explore the heart of Spain while being close to other marvelous cities. While tasting Spanish cuisine, I had paella, Spanish tortillas, horchata, jamon iberico, and various tapas. As the World Cup winner, Spain had massive festivals and celebrations, which I was fortunate enough to witness and honor. Traveling in Spain, I visited Toledo, Valencia, Barcelona, and Majorca.
Having free time on weekends, I visited various countries in Europe with fellow Globe Discovery Scholarship recipients: Portugal, Italy, France, Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Out of all the countries we visited, my favorite place to visit was Porto, Portugal, because of the tight-knit community present at large social gatherings. As a popular daily event, people in Porto gather at the Jardim do Morro, where people sit, dance, and party while watching the sun set. Additionally, Portugal has the best cuisine, specifically the pastel de nata.
Written By: James Castillo
UC Berkeley Undergraduate Bioengineering