Microfluidics

This project focuses on the analysis of fluid behavior in sub-micron scale environments using microfabricated nanochannels with the intent of investigating applications such as the development of ultra-sensitive detection systems. The small scale in which the experiments will be conducted allows for the generation of extremely high levels of shear in the fluid. In addition, the fluid is expected to behave differently in the nanochannels than at the macroscale due to the increasingly significant contribution of intermolecular forces and because double layers formed along the sidewalls...

The goal of this project is development of MEMS laser scanning confocal microscopes for multiplexed Lab-On-A-Chip applications. The hybrid integration of microfabricated microlens scanner and confocal pinhole, laser diodes, and photodiode allows to create handheld sized autonomous confocal excitation and detection microsystem. Without use of bulky external microscopes, we have successfully demonstrated laser induced fluorescent excitation and detection from multiple of microfluidic channels and reflectance image reconstruction using the developed system.

Project end...

The ultimate goal is to develop an enzymatic and mediatorless glucose sensor, which can be integrated with micro-osmotic pumps, micro-valves, micro-accumulators and microneedles, to form a continuous-flow bioassay system.

Project end date: 08/18/04

The capability to easily and continuously monitor the blood glucose level would be a tremendous improvement in the treatment of diabetes. A painless approach is to measure the glucose level of the interstitial fluid, which correlates well with the blood glucose level. Long-term goal of this project is the development of a disposable minimally invasive self-calibrating continuous glucose monitor consisting of hollow out-of-plane microneedles to sample interstitial fluid from the epidermis, an integrated dialysis membrane and an integrated electrochemical enzyme-based flow-through...