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Biomedical Engineering (BME) Core

collage of images of the BME core team in the labLiquid biopsies are generating a lot of interest in the medical community. This is because they are not very invasive and provide a great deal of vital information. Our tools isolate liquid biopsy biomarkers from blood. These biomarkers include circulating tumor cells (CTCs), cell free DNA (cfDNA) and extracellular vesicles. Once isolated, these biomarkers can be used for research. We can assist with technologies, like RT-qPCR, RT-ddPCR and Next Generation Sequencing.

The biomarker isolation process is robotic. By using the appropriate microfluidic chip, the robot can process a clinical sample for any of the liquid biopsy biomarkers. Our purification platform delivers high purity markers in a fast turnaround time.

We process samples for both internal and external users. Our core accepts samples in standard tubes, such as blood EDTA tubes. Stabilizing blood allows it to be shipped on ice, and it remains stable for up to 72 hours after collection.

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Core Team

The BME Core is led by three scientists in the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, with support from a dedicated staff member:

  • Steven Soper, Ph.D., director, Center of BioModular Multiscale Systems for Precision Medicine, University of Kansas
  • Malgorzata (Maggie) A. Witek, Ph.D., associate research professor, Department of Chemistry, University of Kansas

Contact

Please contact us for more information.

The Biomedical Engineering Core
University of Kansas Medical Center
3901 Rainbow Boulevard
1020 Wahl Hall East
Kansas City, KS 66160

Send questions to Professor Steven A. Soper, ssoper@ku.edu