The
Center for Biomedical Microfluidics at the
University
of Utah
currently focuses on applying microfabrication technologies to the development
and understanding of microfluidic systems for biological applications.
Summaries of some of the primary projects follow. More detail can be found
on each project's page.
Microscale Field Flow Fractionation
Field flow fractionation (FFF) is a family of techniques used for the separation
of nanoparticles, proteins, DNA, viruses, and other materials based on size,
charge, or other physical properties. We have primarily explored how
miniaturization effects these systems. We have explored microscale
electrical and thermal systems, as well as the SPLITT versions. We are
also developing techniques using cyclical fields for these systems.
Specific projects included in this area:
Microscale Chromatography Detectors
To complement the Center's separation capabilities, the Center has developed
several microscale particle detectors that can be integrated into microfluidic
systems. These detectors rely on either electrical impedance or optics for
detection.
Optical Chemical Sensing Systems
Using electrostatic layer by layer assembly to deposit sensing materials on
polymer waveguides, the Center has developed nanoscale sensors for oxygen, glucose,
cholesterol, and other biochemicals. Projects in this area include:
Integrated Microfluidic
Devices for Diagnostics
The Center is working with researchers in the health sciences to create
microfluidic systems for diagnostic purposes based on other technologies
developed at the Center. The focus of these projects is on integrating
sample preparation steps and automating complex and expensive tasks typically
performed by hand. Projects include:
Micropumps
In collaboration with other labs, the Center is working on several types
of pumps including: low flow pumps for drug delivery and microscale separation
systems, and rotary micropumps for high flow rate applications.
General Microfluidics
The Center has several projects related to using microfluidics for delivery of
biopolymers, the physics of microflows, and ways to minimize unwanted
microfluidic (or macroscopic) effects. For example, we have recently
developed a promising technique for the manufacture of microneedles.
Discontinued Research
The Center has been involved in a number of research projects that are no longer
ongoing or no longer involve the Center. Some of these projects include:
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State of Utah Center of Excellence for Biomedical Microfluidics 
