Exploiting the Hydrodynamic Coupling Effect for Capture and Manipulation of Nanotextured Particles and Cells

University Of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst MA

Investigators

Abstract

The role of surface heterogeneity can play a major role in particle adhesion to surfaces, even when both particle and surface are uniformly charged with the same sign of charge--which should make both surfaces strongly repulsive. The PI has previously demonstrated the magnitude of heterogeneity effect by using heterogeneous collecting surfaces to capture ?homogenous? particles with great specificity and efficiency. This proposal turns its focus on the dynamic consequences of heterogeneity (heterogeneity-driven fluctuations of flowing particles), when heterogeneity resides on the flowing particle rather than the collector. The proposed work will contribute to a broadening of sensing and separations technologies beyond reliance on the bio-molecular recognition paradigm to enable creation of separations and sensing systems that can withstand a broad range of operating conditions. The PI will demonstrate how the fundamental understanding derived from their studies can be translated to 3 specific applications: heterogeneous drug carriers in blood, on-line bacterial sensing, and a non-immuno-based whole-cell cancer diagnostic.