Graduation Year

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

M.S.B.E.

Degree Name

MS in Biomedical Engineering (M.S.B.E.)

Degree Granting Department

Medical Engineering

Major Professor

Souheil Zekri, Ph.D.

Co-Major Professor

Robert Frisina, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Derek Duckett, Ph.D.

Keywords

Microfluidics, Droplet Generation, Micromachining, 3D Printing, Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)

Abstract

In this project, a comprehensive microfluidic device, along with several interdependent subsystems, was designed and developed in SolidWorks, leveraging a combination of 3D resin printing with biocompatible resin and micromachining with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). The microfluidics chip integrated both passive and active components to facilitate its primary function: dual cell encapsulation via liquid core sodium alginate hydrogel droplets.

Integral to the microfluidics chip design were key features including a 5-convolution Archimedes spiral for particle sorting, a flow focusing junction for droplet generation, and a pico injector for injecting additional cells into passing droplets via the manipulation of an electric field.

An open-source pumping system, complemented by an in-line flow rate sensor, was used to control fluid entering the device. Solvent and mechanical bonding methods were used for chip assembly, ensuring a leak-free device capable of withstanding at least 100 kPa of pressure using only common household materials. The chip also possessed optical clarity and biocompatibility, making it conducive to cell culture applications.

The cell encapsulation efficiency were systematically evaluated and compared against those of a previous project utilizing 3D resin printing for microfluidic chip fabrication and was determined to have an estimated dual cell encapsulation efficiency more than two to three times that of the previous project. Cell encapsulation efficiencies for dual cell encapsulation were also compared against benchmark values found in pre-existing research.

This study serves to underscore the potential of developing cost-effective, lightweight microfluidic systems with minimal resource requirements. These systems are primed for easy integration and deployment in both clinical and laboratory settings, thereby facilitating advancements in medical, biological, and engineering research endeavors.

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