Microfluidics

Research that includes: 

  • Microvalves and fluidic flow control
  • Micropumps
  • Modeling of microfluidics
  • Particulate air monitoring
  • Flow Sensors
  • Capillary Pump Loop
  • Optoelectronic Transport & Tweezers

BPN846: 3D Printed Biomedical and Diagnostic Systems

Eric C. Sweet
Nathaniel Liu
Reed Vickerman
2019

This work presents a novel handheld, manually-actuated microfluidic prototype designed for on-site colorimetric detection of infectious pathogens in drinking water. We have also developed a custom drop-casting protocol we use to pre-load the entirely 3D printed device, fabricated via ultra-high resolution additive manufacturing technology, with colorimetric enzymatic reagents and bacteria-specific nutrients, which we use to experimentally detect Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria in model drinking water, as well as to determine a limit of detection of 1e6 cfu/mL of E. coli in 6...

BPN774: Applications of 3D Printed Integrated Microfluidic Circuitry, Finger-Powered Pumps, and Mixers

Eric Sweet
Jacqueline Elwood
2019

In this ongoing project we have previously developed a new class of three-dimensional modular fluidic operators (i.e. fluidic diodes, capacitors and transistors); passive 3D internally- rifled mixers; and have previously demonstrated low- cost one-way pumping and mixing systems powered solely by the operator’s finger. In this semesters presentation we feature a 3D printed micromixer-integrated microfluidic gradient generator for antibiotic screening. Every year, more than twenty thousand people in the United States die from antibiotic- resistant bacterial infections. Despite...

BPN906: Integrated Zebrafish Analysis Platform (iZAP) for the Systematic Study of Neurological Disorders and Drug Discovery

Wonseok Kim
Youngseop Lee
2019

A vertebrate model, zebrafish is popularly used to investigate biological systems, especially for neurological disorders and drug discovery. This animal has experimental advantages such as fecundity, breeding convenience, genetic homology to human, and optical transparency. However, laborious and invasive procedures have been required for electrophysiological studies for brain investigation. In this project, we developed an Integrated Zebrafish Analysis Platform (iZAP) for the systematic analysis of neurological disorders and drug discovery. The iZAP is an integrated electrical...

BPN839: Flow Control in Plastic Microfluidic Devices Using Thermosensitive Gels

Marc Chooljian
2019

Our new microfabrication process can integrate electronics into plastic devices, simplifying on chip sensing and actuation. Traditional microfluidic prototyping (PDMS soft-lithography) requires large off chip components for active flow control. These components impose scalability limitations. Leveraging thermo-gelling polymers and integrated resistive heaters we can implement on chip active flow control. These polymers, poloxamers, are nonionic triblock copolymers known for their temperature dependent self-...

BPN907: Pressure-Based Interrogation of Platelet Activation

Aaron J. Velasquez-Mao
Natalie Simonian
2019

Platelets are stimulated by mechanochemical cues to trigger hemostatic and regenerative responses. Platelet activation, especially in the case of clotting, is generally thought of to be caused by shear- based forces. However, clinical observation suggests that pressure plays an influential role in the mechanical microenvironment. To probe the ways and extent to which pressure influences platelet activation and secretion of factors, we will develop a series of microfluidic devices to apply various magnitudes, gradients, and frequencies...

BPN374: Optoelectronic Tweezers (OET), Dielectrophoresis (DEP), Embryo

Justin Valley
2010

We are developing a novel technique using Optoelectronic Tweezers (OET) to quantitatively assess the morphological state and health of B6D2F1 mouse embryos. One major factor involved in successful in-vitro fertilization (IVF) is the selection of healthy embryos for implantation. A major indicator of a healthy embryo is its ability to develop quickly relative to its peers. Currently, embryos are selected by an experienced technician who uses solely qualitative observations. A method to quantitatively discern embryos which reach certain developmental stages faster than others could...

BPN494: Micro, Tunable, Check Valves for Surgical Applications

Daniel Cohen
2009

There are a wide variety of surgical applications where an implantable pressure-controlling valve would be an asset. We aim to identify and characterize promising valve designs for these applications, and begin to apply them to specific problems. At present, we are working with the UCSF Division of Pediatric Surgery at Parnassus to design such a valve for use in Tracheal Occlusion pre-natal surgeries.

Project end date: 08/12/09

Mallika Bariya

Alumni
Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences
Professor Ali Javey (Advisor)
Ph.D. 2021

Mallika joined Prof. Ali Javey’s group as a PhD student and NSF Graduate Research Fellow in 2016. Her research is focused on electrochemical sensing technologies for healthcare applications, with particular emphasis on developing and using sweat sensors to understand how non-invasive parameters can reflect deeper physiology.

BPN552: Light-Actuated Digital Microfluidics (Optoelectrowetting)

Jodi Loo
2020

The ability to quickly perform large numbers of chemical and biological reactions in parallel using low reagent volumes is a field well addressed by droplet-based digital microfluidics. Compared to continuous flow-based techniques, digital microfluidics offers the added advantages such as individual sample addressing and reagent isolation. We are developing a Light- Actuated Digital Microfluidics device (also known as optoelectrowetting) that optically manipulates nano- to micro-liter scale aqueous droplets on the device surface. The device possesses many advantages including ease of...