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Biomicrofluidic Engineering
Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:31
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.
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.
Resources
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.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- DR , MSC , NDS
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 90 minutes
- Aids
- Scientific calculator may be used in the written examination
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 25
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Biomicrofluidic Engineering | No time listed | 3 h weekly |
Offered In
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Recommended Elective Courses (These courses are particularly recommended for the Bioelectronics track. Please consult your track advisor if you wish to select other subjects.)
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Doctorate Materials Science (Further information at: )
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