Bio Break: Understanding Shear Stress

Resources

Bio Break: Understanding Shear Stress

Topic: Bio Break

Nick Allan and Joris van der Heijden dive into a critical concept in drug delivery and biopharmaceutical development: shear stress. Understanding shear stress, especially when dealing with delicate therapies like cell and gene treatments or mRNA vaccines, can have profound effects on drug viability and efficacy. Nick walks us through how shear stress is identified, measured, and mitigated during product design and development.

Starting with computational fluid dynamics (CFD), Nick explains how engineers use advanced simulations to predict problematic areas in fluid flow paths. These visual models highlight zones where shear stress is likely to occur, helping developers design around potential risks. However, Nick emphasizes the importance of understanding shear stress by validating simulations with real-world data, noting the adage, “garbage in, garbage out.”

The conversation then transitions to experimental testing, where Nick shares practical methods for quantifying the effects of shear stress on biological systems. For stem cell therapies, simple viability assays using microscopes or green fluorescent protein markers offer insight into cell health after exposure to shear. Similarly, mRNA vaccines housed in lipid nanoparticles are tested for structural integrity under shear conditions. Techniques like Zeta potential analysis and transfection assays help researchers determine whether shear has compromised the lipid nanoparticle or the mRNA payload, aiding in the understanding of shear’s impact.

Nick and Joris also discuss how shear stress impacts both functionality and structural integrity, particularly when delivering therapies through methods like cannulas, needles, or nebulizers. Testing and simulation, they conclude, must work hand in hand to ensure therapies remain effective and viable during real-world use, reinforcing the importance of understanding shear stress.

This Bio Break episode is a must-watch for anyone working in drug delivery, biopharma, or medical device engineering. Gain insights into the tools and strategies for identifying, measuring, and addressing shear stress in sensitive therapies.

Understanding Shear Stress

YouTube video thumbnail
Thumbnail showing a medical sampling pipette with a red arrow pointing to a microscope under the text “Repurposed for Research?” illustrating medical device adaptation in scientific studies.

Nick Allan and Nigel Syrotuck discuss device repurposing in research, sharing a story that blends microbiology, animal science, and engineering ingenuity.

96-well lab plates with a red arrow pointing to a green recycling symbol, representing lab plastic recycling for sustainability in medtech.

Nick Allan and Nigel Syrotuck explore the massive volume of single-use plastic in labs and discuss a new company working to close the loop through a circular economy approach.

Nick Allan and Nigel Syrotuck smiling during a Bio Break Book Club episode. Nigel holds the book Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker.

Nick Allan and Nigel Syrotuck share what they have been reading lately. From exploring the science of sleep to diving into change management, their picks show how books can spark insight both inside and outside the lab.

“Hands holding books under the text ‘End-of-Summer Reads,’ highlighting FDA regulatory books and PCR memoirs.

Nick Allan and Nigel Syrotuck share their end-of-summer reading list, featuring FDA regulatory books and PCR memoirs. From navigating regulatory hurdles to celebrating groundbreaking discoveries, their choices show how science reading can be both educational and entertaining.