# Transparent Ultrathin Nanomembranes for Barrier Cell Models and Novel Co-Culture Systems

> **NIH NIH R35** · ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · 2020 · $366,250

## Abstract

Abstract
The main goals of this research program are to; one, research and develop transparent ultrathin
nanomembranes and two, utilize these membranes to advance biomedical in vitro model
systems through work in the laboratory of the PI and current and future collaborators.
Nanomembrane development will include research toward fabricating ultrathin nanoporous
silicon dioxide membranes, scaling up their active area, creating unique surface chemistries to
promote cellular interaction and integration of sensor technologies. This research program will
enable collaborators to visualize endothelial barrier transmigration, produce better in vitro
corneal models and visualize motile cilia in a patient derived primary lung model of cystic
fibrosis. In addition, nanomembrane development will enable and supply collaborating
Investigators with the tools to solve existing challenges and expand their respective fields. A
common need is the ability to culture cells in a physiologically relevant model system that can
be visualized in real-time. Transparent ultrathin porous membranes can accomplish this for
almost any barrier model and co-culture system. SiO2 nanomembranes enable co-cultured cells
to be brought within physiological separations distances (~100 nm), while providing glass-like
optical transparency and nearly unhindered transport of signaling molecules. Success in
developing new human in vitro systems promises to reduce the reliance on animal models,
while simultaneously increasing physiological relevance and accelerating drug development.
These tissue- and organ-on-a-chips also make feasible live imaging of complex cellular events
that require sophisticated and well-orchestrated microenvironments.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9937737
- **Project number:** 5R35GM119623-05
- **Recipient organization:** ROCHESTER INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
- **Principal Investigator:** THOMAS R GABORSKI
- **Activity code:** R35 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $366,250
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-09-01 → 2022-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9937737

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9937737, Transparent Ultrathin Nanomembranes for Barrier Cell Models and Novel Co-Culture Systems (5R35GM119623-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9937737. Licensed CC0.

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