This summer, Seth Hatchett, a dedicated member of our lab, participated in Duke University’s prestigious REU program for Meeting the Grand Challenges 2024. Working under the guidance of Dr. Tony Jun Huang in the Duke Acoustofluidics Lab, Seth engaged in a groundbreaking project focused on enhancing the purification of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) using innovative sonic atomization techniques.
sEVs are tiny lipid-enclosed particles released by cells that play a crucial role in intercellular communication and have significant potential in diagnosing and monitoring diseases such as Alzheimer’s, preeclampsia, Parkinson’s, and cancer. Traditional sEV isolation methods have been hindered by high costs, time consumption, and limitations in purity and yield, making their clinical application challenging. Seth’s project addressed these issues by developing a novel filtration device that utilizes an Interdigital Transducer (IDT) to create alternating positive and negative pressure on a filter membrane. This approach not only prevents clogging but also enables the efficient filtration of large volumes of biological fluid, enhancing the purity and yield of sEVs. Furthermore, the device’s ability to atomize the fluid during filtration contributes to its efficacy in isolating sEVs in a cost-effective, rapid, and biocompatible manner, potentially revolutionizing their use in clinical diagnostics.
During his time at Duke, Seth played a role in testing and demonstrating the device, as well as contributing to the clinical validation of the device for diagnosing preeclampsia. He gained hands-on experience with a variety of techniques, including AutoCAD, 3D printing, Western Blot Analysis, BCA total protein analysis, and RT-pPCR. Seth also assisted in drafting a manuscript detailing this groundbreaking work for a forthcoming journal article.
Beyond the technical skills acquired, Seth valued the opportunity to connect with academics at various career stages and gain insight into graduate studies. The Duke REU program provided him with a profound understanding of the academic landscape and helped him explore potential paths for his future graduate education.
Congratulations to Seth Hatchett for his exceptional work and contributions to advancing sEV purification technology! We look forward to seeing the continued impact of his research and the bright future ahead.
