Abstract:
Microfluidics has been proven to be useful for so called lab-on-a-chip
applications as well as for blood flow mimic in capillaries. We demonstrate
examples for both: We study soft objects such as droplets, vesicles and
biological cells and experimentally observe their deformation in response to an
external hydrodynamic flow. The shape is the result of an interplay of
viscoelasticity and applied forces. Deformation plays an important role in many
biological systems . Red blood cells for example get repeatedly deformed in
blood vessels and their deformation triggers the release of signaling molecules
such as ATP. Drops and vesicles can also serve as containers in microfluidic
applications. They can be used to encapsulate drugs for medical purposes or
chemical reactants. Using surface acoustic waves, dielectrophoretic and magnetic
forces they can be directed or sorted at high rates in microfluidic devices. We
give an overview of various applications with emphasis on acoustic manipulation
techniques.
This seminar is easily accessible to persons with disabilities. For more information or for assistance, please contact the Mathematics Department at 743-3500.