Biology subjects

Vera-Choqqueccota, S.

Publications and source records attributed to Vera-Choqqueccota, S..

5 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

Microfluidic Control of Dorsal-Ventral Patterning Within a Single Forebrain Organoid

How distinct regional identities emerge within a single developing brain remains poorly understood. Current in vitro models address this by fusing independently generated organoids, but this introduces variability in size, maturation state, and connectivity, confounding the study of regionalization itself. Here, we present a microfluidic platform that supports the co-development of different tissue identities within a single, continuous 3D culture domain. The device integrates controlled microfluidic flow with real-time fluorescence imaging, providing stable perfusion and high-resolution tracking of molecular transport without the need for embedded sensors or disruptive sampling. By delivering SAG, a Sonic hedgehog pathway agonist, to one surface of mouse forebrain organoids, we induced spatially segregated ventral (Nkx2.1+) and dorsal (Pax6+) domains within a unified tissue architecture. Controlled morphogen delivery is sufficient to drive region-specific fate specification without organoid fusion, offering a practical, scalable alternative for studying tissue regionalization in vitro.

bioengineering↗

bioRxiv2026

A Modular In-Incubator Microscope for Longitudinal Live Cell Microscopy

Longitudinal live cell imaging is valuable for characterizing dynamic morphological and phenotypic changes in biological systems. However, conventional approaches rely on manual microscope operation, which is labor-intensive, limits imaging frequency, and disrupts the cellular environment. These constraints reduce scalability, increase experimental variability, and restrict both the duration and temporal resolution of continuous imaging. Although automated imaging platforms partially address these limitations, existing solutions are often constrained by the cost, footprint, and inflexibility of in-incubator microscopes or stage-top incubators. Here, we present an automated in-incubator epifluorescence microscope designed for long-term operation. The system features a modular architecture with optional multi-fluorescence imaging, automated plate scanning, configurable light sources, and compatibility with multiple plate formats, including integration with fluidic automation devices. By positioning the light sources and control electronics outside the incubator, the platform improves thermal stability and long-term operational reliability. This approach enables continuous, high-frequency imaging over extended durations, providing a source of rich data for quantifying time-dependent tissue phenotypes, morphological remodeling, and transient biological processes.

bioengineering↗

bioRxiv2026

Cloud-Connected Pluripotent Stem Cell Platform Enhances Scientific Identity in Underrepresented Students

Stem cell research offers unique opportunities for authentic scientific engagement, yet infrastructure requirements have confined participation to elite institutions, perpetuating workforce disparities. We developed an integrated framework combining engineered biology, cloud-connected microscopy, and validated psychometric assessment to make pluripotent stem cell (PSC) experimentation widely accessible. The framework comprises three components: a doxycycline-inducible NGN2 mouse embryonic stem cell line for rapid neuronal specification, low-cost cloud microscopy for remote observation, and the validated Stem Cell Research Identity Scale (SCRIS) for quantifying educational outcomes. Implementation across a Title I high school and urban community college demonstrated significant increases in scientific identity. Students using differentiating PSCs showed broader science identity development than those using neuroblastoma cells, particularly in competence, research readiness, and recognition. High school students showed enhanced research competence gains compared to community college students despite equivalent intervention duration. Demographic analyses revealed enhanced effectiveness for Hispanic and first-generation college students. This framework provides a scalable model for broadening participation in advanced biomedical research.

scientific communication and education↗

bioRxiv2023

Internet-connected cortical organoids for project-based stem cell and neuroscience education

The introduction of internet-connected technologies to the classroom has the potential to revolutionize STEM education by allowing students to perform experiments in complex models that are unattainable in traditional teaching laboratories. By connecting laboratory equipment to the cloud, we introduce students to experimentation in pluripotent stem cell-derived cortical organoids in two different settings: Using microscopy to monitor organoid growth in an introductory tissue culture course, and using high density multielectrode arrays to perform neuronal stimulation and recording in an advanced neuroscience mathematics course. We demonstrate that this approach develops interest in stem cell and neuroscience in the students of both courses. All together, we propose cloud technologies as an effective and scalable approach for complex project-based university training. HIGHLIGHTS- Development of cortical organoids as pedagogical tools for undergraduate education. - Organoids implemented in a tissue culture course through cloud-enabled microscopy. - Multielectrode arrays allow for live organoid manipulation in a mathematics course. - Students self-report increased interest in neuroscience and stem cells topics.

scientific communication and education↗

bioRxiv2023

Open-loop lab-on-a-chip technology enables remote computer science training in Latinx life sciences students

Despite many interventions, science education remains highly inequitable throughout the world. Among all life sciences fields, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology suffer from the strongest underrepresentation of racial and gender minorities. Internet-enabled project-based learning (PBL) has the potential to reach underserved communities and increase the diversity of the scientific workforce. Here, we demonstrate the use of lab-on-a-chip (LoC) technologies to train Latinx life science undergraduate students in concepts of computer programming by taking advantage of open-loop cloud-integrated LoCs. We developed a context-aware curriculum to train students at over 8,000 km from the experimental site. We showed that this approach was sufficient to develop programming skills and increase the interest of students in continuing careers in Bioinformatics. Altogether, we conclude that LoC-based Internet-enabled PBL can become a powerful tool to train Latinx students and increase the diversity in STEM.

scientific communication and education↗