Heather Fahlenkamp, Ph.D.
Education
Ph.D., Chemical Engineering
Oklahoma State University, 2003
M.S., Bioengineering
University of Utah, 2000
B.S., Chemical Engineering
Oklahoma State University, 1997
Major Areas of Interest
Tissue Engineering: Advanced Tissue-Equivalent Models to Study Inflammation Associated with Vascular Complications, Allergens, and Infectious Agents.
Drug Delivery: Nanoparticles and Biomembranes for Controlled Delivery
Recent Research Activities
A 3D Vascular Tissue Model for Studying the Link Between Diabetes and Atherosclerosis
We are using a 3D human in vitro tissue model that recapitulates the interface between a blood vessel and the surrounding tissue to mimic an allergic inflammatory response. As an allergy sensor, the tissue model can be comprised of patient-specific cells and be used to predict a patient’s response to allergies, possibly better than existing clinical tests, such as the allergy skin test.
An Advanced Tissue-Equivalent Respiratory Model to Study Airway Reactivity to Infectious Agents
We are using a tissue-equivalent respiratory model that exhibits a normal immunological response against infectious agents, such as the influenza virus, to determine the mechanisms that lead to an excessive inflammatory response and ensuing complications.
A Novel Ophthalmic Drug Delivery System for the Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy
To improve sustained delivery of drugs to the eye, we have designed a novel system that includes drug-loaded nanoparticles suspended within a thin membrane that can be attached to a standard commercial-grade contact lens for support. The lens system will provide constant contact with the eye’s surface and the particles will supply a continuous release of medication, resulting in more drug reaching the target.
Recent Publications
- Sharma, M., Ashok, P., Subramanian, R., and Gappa-Fahlenkamp, H. “A system of drug-loaded nanoparticles embedded in a thin biomembrane offers a dual-release mechanism for ophthalmic drug delivery.” Manuscript accepted in Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2012.
- Leemasawatdigul, K. and Gappa-Fahlenkamp, H. “Development of a mathematical model to describe the transport of MCP-1 through a three-dimensional collagen matrix.” Cardiovascular Pathology, 21(3) 219-228, 2012.
- Gappa-Fahlenkamp, H., R. Hale, and A. Shukla.“Optimization of a 3D Vascular Tissue Model for the In Vitro Generation of Human Dendritic Cells.”Cellular Immunology, submitted, 2010.
- Gappa-Fahlenkamp, H., and S. Sofolahan.“Characterization of a Novel 3D Angiogenesis Tissue Model.”Microvascular Research, submitted , 2010.
- Leemasawatdigul, K., and H. Gappa-Fahlenkamp.“Effect of Storage Conditions on the Stability of Recombinant Human MCP-1/CCL2.Biologicals, submitted, 2010.
- Leemasawatdigul, K., and H. Gappa-Fahlenkamp. “Development of a Mathematical Model to Describe the Transport of MCP-1 Through a Three-dimensional Collagen Matrix.” Annals of Biomedical Engineering, submitted, 2010.
- Gappa-Fahlenkamp, H., M. Sharma, P. Ashok, and R. Subramanian.“Characterization of a Novel Ophthalmic Drug Delivery System.”Journal of Controlled Release, submitted, 2010.
- Gappa-Fahlenkamp, H., and A. Shukla. “The Effect of Short-term, High Glucose Concentration on Eendothelial Cells and Leukocytes in a 3D In Vitro Human Vascular Tissue Model.” In Vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology, 45 (5-6) 234-242, 2009.