Microfluidics offers a transformative approach to the synthesis and polymerization of materials, particularly molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs). By precisely controlling the flow of fluids at the microscale, microfluidic platforms enable unparalleled control over reaction conditions, including temperature, concentration, and mixing efficiency. This precise control leads to superior reproducibility and uniformity in the synthesized materials, which is crucial for creating high-quality MIPs with specific molecular recognition capabilities.
Novel microfluidic devices offer powerful tools for characterizing and evaluating the performance of advanced functional materials and microstructures. For instance, microfluidic platforms can be designed to assess the swelling behavior of superabsorbent polymer microparticles at the single-particle level. Additionally, microfluidic devices can simulate physiological conditions, such as bleeding, to evaluate materials' performance under biologically relevant scenarios.
I have contributed to the design, development, and testing of several such devices. This includes;
1. Microfluidic Devices, Systems, and Methods for Fabricating Microspheres and Membranes of Imprinted Polymers for Capturing or Detecting Biological and Chemical Substances
As part of a comprehensive US patent application, we introduced several novel microfluidic-based approaches, focusing on advanced techniques for controlled polymerization of singleplex and multiplex microstructures, such as microspheres and membranes, made from imprinted polymers for selective capturing, purification and sensing of biological and chemical substances.
1. Microfluidic Devices, Systems, and Methods for Fabricating Microspheres and Membranes of Imprinted Polymers for Capturing or Detecting Biological and Chemical Substances
As part of a comprehensive US patent application, we introduced several novel microfluidic-based approaches, focusing on advanced techniques for controlled polymerization of singleplex and multiplex microstructures, such as microspheres and membranes, made from imprinted polymers for selective capturing, purification and sensing of biological and chemical substances.
2. Microfluidics for In-Situ Investigation of Swelling Dynamics of Acrylamide-Acrylic Acid Superabsorbent Microparticles (SAP-MPs) at a Single Particle Level
The dynamic swelling behavior of superabsorbent polymer microparticles (SAP-MPs) has been investigated parametrically at the single-particle level using a microfluidic device. Characterizing dynamic swelling of small SAP-MPs at single particle level is challenging using traditional methods. To address these limitations, our microfluidic device hydrodynamically traps individual SAP-MPs, enabling precise monitoring of their real-time swelling behavior.
The dynamic swelling behavior of superabsorbent polymer microparticles (SAP-MPs) has been investigated parametrically at the single-particle level using a microfluidic device. Characterizing dynamic swelling of small SAP-MPs at single particle level is challenging using traditional methods. To address these limitations, our microfluidic device hydrodynamically traps individual SAP-MPs, enabling precise monitoring of their real-time swelling behavior.
3. Microfluidics for Preclinical Testing of Hemostatic Biomaterials Using a Novel Microfluidic Platform
Severe bleeding is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 45% of prehospital deaths and 39% of deaths within the first 24 hours after hospital arrival. Hemostatic materials are designed to accelerate blood clot formation and mitigate severe bleeding. Traditionally, their efficacy has been tested using animal hemorrhage models. I introduced a novel microfluidic device that measures clotting time of blood in contact with hemostatic materials, offering efficacy data under physiologically relevant conditions. This cost-effective and easy-to-use device provides a novel approach to characterize the performance of hemostatic biomaterials and drugs, reducing reliance on animal models and ensuring more controlled efficacy testing.
Severe bleeding is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 45% of prehospital deaths and 39% of deaths within the first 24 hours after hospital arrival. Hemostatic materials are designed to accelerate blood clot formation and mitigate severe bleeding. Traditionally, their efficacy has been tested using animal hemorrhage models. I introduced a novel microfluidic device that measures clotting time of blood in contact with hemostatic materials, offering efficacy data under physiologically relevant conditions. This cost-effective and easy-to-use device provides a novel approach to characterize the performance of hemostatic biomaterials and drugs, reducing reliance on animal models and ensuring more controlled efficacy testing.
