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

With the recent rapid advancements in computer technology, increasingly complex and powerful simulation programs are being developed that allow engineers and scientists in a variety of disciplines to develop extremely sophisticated and detailed models which simulate phenomena that might otherwise be difficult or impossible to verify experimentally or analytically. One specific application of this new technology is in the area of computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations. CFD simulations hold the potential to be utilized in a myriad of situations, from jet turbines modeling to...