High-throughput Microfluidic Concentration and Separation for Bacterial Detection in Blood
We will develop a high-throughput microfluidic device that can simultaneously concentrate and separate bacterial cells from blood in a continuous label-free and portable manner. For this we will integrate ion selective membranes (ISMs) into microfluidic devices as convection-preventing but current-permeating salt bridges. Since most pathogens possess negative charge and electrophoretic mobility ISMs physically divide individual fluid streams containing pathogens at separation and electrode channels but electrically connect each other so that an electric field can be applied to separate cells in blood based on difference in their electrophoretic mobility and/or size.

I have always been interested in biomaterials and electrical engineering through my previous UROP projects. It is great to participate in a project combining both subjects. I hope to learn more about microbiology and the role of electrical engineering in bioengineering. At the same time in this project the interaction between electronics and bio cells in vivo really excites me since I am interested in implantation too.