Electrofluidics and Diagnostics

The aces Electrofluedics and Diagnostics theme leverages advances in 3d fabrication to control fluid flow in 3d structures and will create the next-generation of chemical, bio-sensing and diagnostic devices.

Grand Challenge: To exquisitely manipulate fluid flow in three dimensions.

The ACES Electrofluidics and Diagnostics program is developing next-generation integrated diagnostic platforms for applications in biomedical, industrial and environmental monitoring.

We are leveraging advances in multi-material 3D fabrication technologies to control fluids within macroporous, nanofunctional and biomimetic structures.

The distribution of electromaterials throughout 3D structures using adaptive fabrication tools provides us with an opportunity to design unique fluidic platforms capable of precise flow control via electrical stimulation.

Discoveries in this field will have a significant impact on technologies such as flow batteries, electro-fluidic based optics, and soft robotics.

Our Strengths: Our expertise in 3D fabrication provides a unique opportunity to design fluidic platforms, with reactive interfaces and solute detection zones, capable of precise flow control via electrical stimulation.

Research Goals:

• Explore the fundamental relationships between 3D microchannels/porous systems and electro-hydrodynamics.
• Develop 3D fluidic platforms for environmental monitoring.
• Develop 3D electrofluidic diagnostic technologies e.g. for the detection of oxidation protein products (Parkinson’s disease).

Applications:

• Flow batteries.
• Electro-fluidic cooling systems for electronics.
• Electro-fluidic bases optics.
• Soft robotics.
• Integrated diagnostic platforms for biomedical, industrial and environmental monitoring.

Case Study

The Project: Wearable point-of-care and in vitro analytical devices.

The Challenge: The team is developing wearable biological sample collection devices, coupled with an analysis method, that delivers point-of-care or real-time results.

The Research: ACES researchers have found a way to harness the properties of everyday thread to move biological fluids for fast, highly-sensitive and simultaneous detection of bioactives in biological samples. Thread is low cost, flexible, has liquid wicking properties and can be sewn, knitted or weaved onto various support materials to form sophisticated fluid transport devices. Researchers will integrate the new system into point-of-care diagnostic application, and into chemosensors built into clothing to collect and analyse body fluids in-situ, providing real-time feedback to the subjects wearing them.

The Impact: The solution-which does not rely on laboratory staff or facilities-will benefit people living in remote areas, as well as those caught in emergency or natural disaster situations and patients receiving in-home health care.

More, broadly, the project will provide experience in developing further point-of-care and in-vito tests in the fields of bioengineering, biomedical and analytical diagnosis as well as the development of chemosensors.