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Our group is
dedicated to exploring the physics of systems commonly found in microfluidic
devices. These devices are miniaturized versions of common laboratory
equipment that can implement the traditional tests at a fraction of the cost.
It is believed that this technology will revolutionize
medicine due to the fact that it takes full advantage of the physical properties of fluids confined to
channels as small as a micrometer (4/100000 inches). These tiny
cavities, called microchannels, are made using some of the same etching
techniques employed by makers of computer chips.
In the microfluidic simulations group we explore the physical phenomena observed in the environment of these devices and calculate predictions about the behavior of polymers in these channels. Studying the behavior of polymers is important since many molecules of biological relevance including DNA, RNA, and proteins are polymers. These types of molecules are the target of many different assays that doctors and researchers use to understand and diagnose medical problems. Understanding methods to control the dynamics of these molecules in the microfluidic environment is thus of the utmost importance. A lattice-Boltzmann based simulation is used to model the behavior of a fluid in these channels. A Brownian dynamics based, bead-spring model of a polymer is added to the simulation to make predictions about the polymer dynamics. This tool is helpful in investigating many different physical situations relevant to microfluidic design. YOU could be part of this exciting new field of research! Opportunities exist for students of ALL majorsat UT Tyler. Two semesters of either college or university physics is the only requirement. Computer experience is helpful, but not necessary. Contact Dr. Kreft if you are interested. |
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