Integrating Nano-devices with Microfluidic Systems

Nanodevices enable high resolution bio-detections for digital healthcare applications. In this respect, point-of-care (POC) devices have a critical role in rapid diagnosis, prevention and treatment of human diseases. Binding is a key factor in the biosensor performance. To achieve a good performance of biosensors, one needs to examine the biomolecular interactions with sensors. Transferring bio-molecules into the sensing platform is the fundamental challenge to use nanostructures for biosensing purposes. This project aims to introduce a novel platform to understand the mass transport and binding kinetic process in microfluidic integrated biosensors. This includes a comprehensive flow behaviour analysis for a single bio-molecule detection followed by a systemic binding kinetic model of various species into pre-defined nanosensors. This project will have a wide range of applications from drug discovery to medical diagnostics, to food safety, to agricultural and environmental monitoring. The purpose of this project, therefore, is to develop new mathematical and computation tools for analysing binding kinetics in biosensors, with a focus on assisting next generation technologies for rapid and effective diagnosis, which is aligned with the EPSRC Healthcare Technologies theme. The proposed project will support the development and optimisation of sensor technologies commercialised by Eluceda for biological, chemical, and in vitro diagnostic applications.