24-615   Microfluidics

This course offers an introduction to the emerging field of microfluidics with an emphasis on chemical and life sciences applications. During this course students will examine the fluid dynamical phenomena underlying key components of "lab on a chip" devices. Students will have the opportunity to learn practical aspects of microfluidic device operation through hands-on laboratory experience, computer simulations of microscale flows, and reviews of recent literature in the field. Throughout the course, students will consider ways of optimizing device performance based on knowledge of the fundamental fluid mechanics. Students will explore selected topics in more detail through a semester project. Major course topics include pressure-driven and electrokinetically-driven flows in microchannels, surface effects, micro-fabrication methods, micro/nanoparticles for biotechnology, biochemical reactions and assays, mixing and separation, two-phase flows, and integration and design of microfluidic chips.