529-0837-01L  Biomicrofluidic Engineering

Courses

Catalogue data

Abstract	Microfluidics describes the behaviour, control and manipulation of fluids geometrically constrained within sub-uL environments. Microfluidic devices enable physical and chemical processes to be controlled with exquisite precision and in an fast and efficient manner. This course introduces the underlying concepts, features and applications of microfluidic systems in the chemical and life sciences.
Learning objective	We will investigate the theoretical concepts behind microfluidic device operation, the methods of microfluidic device manufacture and the application of microfluidic architectures to important problems faced in modern day chemical and biological analysis. A central component of this course is a research project. This will allow students to develop a practical understanding of the benefits of miniaturization in chemical and biological experimentation. Projects will be performed in groups of between four and six students and will include both experimental and simulation aspects. Each group, under the guidance of a mentor, will plan and execute a novel research project. The results of this activity will be disseminated through an 'academic-style" research article and a "conference-style" oral presentation. Course grades will be evaluated through both a written exam and the project grade.
Content	Specific topics covered in the course include, but are not limited to: 1. Theoretical Concepts Scaling laws, features of thermal/mass transport, diffusion, basic description of fluid flow in small volumes, microfluidic mixing strategies. 2. Microfluidic Device Manufacture Basic principles of conventional lithography of rigid materials, ‘soft’ lithography, polymer machining (injection molding, hot embossing, and 3D-printing). 3. Electrokinetics Principles of electrophoresis, electroosmosis, high performance capillary electrophoresis, electrokinetic scaling laws, chip-based electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing. 4. Mass Transfer Phenomena Key features of mass transport in microfluidic systems, diffusive transport, diffusion-convection, Péclet number, Taylor-Aris diffusion, chaotic mixing and Damköhler numbers. 5. Heat Transfer Phenomena Key features of thermal transport in microfluidic systems, conduction, convection, heat transfer by convection in internal flows, heat transfer processes in microfluidic devices. 6. Microfluidic Systems for Materials Synthesis Microfluidic reactors for the controlled synthesis of colloidal nanomaterials, advanced automation for bespoke materials discovery & characterization. 7. Point-of-Care Diagnostics Microscale tools for diagnostics, challenges associated with point-of-care (PoC) diagnostic testing, requirements for PoC devices, common PoC device formats, applications of PoC diagnostics in the developing world. 8. Microscale DNA Amplification Amplification and analysis of nucleic acids using batch, continuous flow and droplet-based microfluidic reactors. 9. Small volume Molecular Detection Spectroscopic approaches for analyte detection in small volumes with a particular focus on single molecule detection. 10. Droplets and Segmented Flows Formation, manipulation and use of liquid/liquid segmented flows in chemical and biological experimentation. 11. Single Cell Analysis Applications of microfluidic tools in cellular analysis, flow cytometry, enzymatic assays and single cell analysis.
Lecture notes	Lecture handouts, background literature, problem sheets and notes will be provided electronically through the course Moodle site.
Literature	There is no set text for the course. All relevant literature will be provided electronically through the course Moodle site.
Competencies	Subject-specific Competencies Concepts and Theories assessed Techniques and Technologies assessed Method-specific Competencies Analytical Competencies assessed Decision-making assessed Media and Digital Technologies assessed Problem-solving assessed Project Management assessed Social Competencies Communication assessed Cooperation and Teamwork assessed Personal Competencies Adaptability and Flexibility assessed Creative Thinking assessed Critical Thinking assessed

Performance assessment

Performance assessment information (valid until the course unit is held again)
Performance assessment as a semester course
ECTS credits	6 credits
Examiners	A. de Mello
Type	session examination
Language of examination	English
Repetition	The performance assessment is offered every session. Repetition possible without re-enrolling for the course unit.
Mode of examination	written 75 minutes
Additional information on mode of examination	The final grade will be made up from the written examination (55%) and a compulsory group project (45%). The group project will involve the performance of experimental work and computer simulations. This activity will take place in the last two quarters of the course, and will typically be scheduled during normal class time. Project performance will be assessed through the grading of a written report and an oral presentation.
Written aids	Scientific calculator may be used in the written examination
This information can be updated until the beginning of the semester; information on the examination timetable is binding.

Learning materials

Groups

Restrictions

Offered in

Programme	Section	Type
Biomedical Engineering Master	Recommended Elective Courses	W
Chemical and Bioengineering Master	Biochemical Engineering	W+
Chemical and Bioengineering Master	Biochemical Engineering	W
Doctorate Materials Science	Soft Materials (MaP Doctoral School)	W
Doctorate Materials Science	Sustainable & Bioinspired Materials (MaP Doctoral School)	W
MAS in Medical Physics	Electives	W