Mitochondria Rescue System
Start Date
22-4-2026 2:25 PM
Location
3rd floor - Library
Abstract
Adaptive Mitochondrial Rescue Systems: Targeted Energy Restoration in Cellular Failure States
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a central driver of cellular degeneration, characterized by impaired electron transport chain (ETC) activity, reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, and the release of pro-apoptotic factors such as cytochrome c. Recent advances in cell-type-targeted mitochondrial transplantation demonstrate that introducing functional mitochondria into damaged cells can restore bioenergetic capacity and improve cell survival. This project presents a systems-based framework that integrates these biological insights into a physical and conceptual model of cellular energy failure and recovery.
Mitochondrial Rescue Platform translates molecular processes into an interactive 3D system. Using structural data from the Protein Data Bank feed into PyMOL and fabrication via Bambu Lab 3D printing, we constructed representations of damaged and healthy mitochondria, delivery mechanisms, and ATP output indicators. The system is organized into three stages: failure (ETC breakdown and ATP depletion), intervention (targeted delivery and localization of healthy mitochondria), and recovery (restored ATP production and reduced apoptotic signaling). Physical components are interchangeable, enabling real-time demonstration of state transitions.
This approach reframes mitochondrial biology as an adaptive, engineerable system, bridging molecular detail with tangible visualization. By combining structural biology, additive manufacturing, and systems design, the platform enhances comprehension of complex bioenergetic processes and emerging therapeutic strategies. Ultimately, this work illustrates how targeted mitochondrial rescue can be conceptualized, modeled, and communicated as a dynamic system of energy restoration, with implications for neurodegenerative disease, cellular injury, and translational bioengineering.
Mitochondria Rescue System
3rd floor - Library
Adaptive Mitochondrial Rescue Systems: Targeted Energy Restoration in Cellular Failure States
Mitochondrial dysfunction is a central driver of cellular degeneration, characterized by impaired electron transport chain (ETC) activity, reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, and the release of pro-apoptotic factors such as cytochrome c. Recent advances in cell-type-targeted mitochondrial transplantation demonstrate that introducing functional mitochondria into damaged cells can restore bioenergetic capacity and improve cell survival. This project presents a systems-based framework that integrates these biological insights into a physical and conceptual model of cellular energy failure and recovery.
Mitochondrial Rescue Platform translates molecular processes into an interactive 3D system. Using structural data from the Protein Data Bank feed into PyMOL and fabrication via Bambu Lab 3D printing, we constructed representations of damaged and healthy mitochondria, delivery mechanisms, and ATP output indicators. The system is organized into three stages: failure (ETC breakdown and ATP depletion), intervention (targeted delivery and localization of healthy mitochondria), and recovery (restored ATP production and reduced apoptotic signaling). Physical components are interchangeable, enabling real-time demonstration of state transitions.
This approach reframes mitochondrial biology as an adaptive, engineerable system, bridging molecular detail with tangible visualization. By combining structural biology, additive manufacturing, and systems design, the platform enhances comprehension of complex bioenergetic processes and emerging therapeutic strategies. Ultimately, this work illustrates how targeted mitochondrial rescue can be conceptualized, modeled, and communicated as a dynamic system of energy restoration, with implications for neurodegenerative disease, cellular injury, and translational bioengineering.
