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Title: AQUEOUS MICRODROPLET GENERATION IN OIL-FREE ENVIRONMENTS.
Creator: Mastiani, Mohammad, Kim, Myeongsub, Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: Droplet microfluidics generates and manipulates microdroplets in microfluidic devices at high manufacturing efficiency and controllability. Microdroplets have proven effective in biomedical applications such as single-cell analysis, DNA sequencing, protein partitioning and drug delivery. Conventionally, a series of aqueous microdroplets containing biosamples is generated and controlled in an oil environment. One of the critical challenges in this system is that recovery of the aqueous samples...
Show moreDroplet microfluidics generates and manipulates microdroplets in microfluidic devices at high manufacturing efficiency and controllability. Microdroplets have proven effective in biomedical applications such as single-cell analysis, DNA sequencing, protein partitioning and drug delivery. Conventionally, a series of aqueous microdroplets containing biosamples is generated and controlled in an oil environment. One of the critical challenges in this system is that recovery of the aqueous samples from the oil phase is very difficult and often requires expensive and cumbersome post-processing. Also, the low Reynolds (Re) number characteristic of this system results in low throughput of droplet generation. To circumvent challenges and fully utilize microdroplets for practical clinical applications, this research aims to unpack the fundamental physics that governs droplet generation in oil-free systems including an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) and a high inertial liquid-gas system.
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Date Issued: 2019
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013332
Subject Headings: Microdroplets, Microfluidics, Microfluidic devices, Microfluidics--methods
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: CHARACTERIZING THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF LIVING CELLS THROUGH MICROFLUIDIC IMPEDANCE SENSING.
Creator: Galpayage, Dona Kalpani Nisansala Udeni, Lau, Andy W.C., Du, Sarah E., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Physics, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this research is to explore and investigate the biophysical properties of living cells using microfluidics based electrical impedance sensing (EIS) technique. It provides a non-invasive approach to detect label-free biological markers in the regulation of cellular activities even at a molecular level. We specifically focus on the development, testing, and theoretical modeling of electrical impedance spectroscopy for neuroblastoma cells and endothelial cells. First, we...
Show moreThe purpose of this research is to explore and investigate the biophysical properties of living cells using microfluidics based electrical impedance sensing (EIS) technique. It provides a non-invasive approach to detect label-free biological markers in the regulation of cellular activities even at a molecular level. We specifically focus on the development, testing, and theoretical modeling of electrical impedance spectroscopy for neuroblastoma cells and endothelial cells. First, we demonstrate that the EIS technique can be used to monitor the progressive mitochondrial fission/fusion modification in genetically modified human neuroblastoma cell lines. Our results characterize quantitatively the abnormal mitochondrial dynamics through the variations in cytoplasm conductivity. Secondly, we employ a real time EIS method to determine the biophysical properties of the junctions which join one endothelial cell with one another in a monolayer of endothelial cells. In particular, we examine the role of the protein, c-MYC oncogene, in the barrier function. Our results show that the downregulation of c-MYC oncogene enhances the endothelial barrier dysfunction associated with inflammation. Finally, we measure and find that the electrical admittance (the reciprocal of the impedance) of the monolayer of endothelial cellular networks exhibits an anomalous power law of the form, Y ∝ ωα, over a wide range of frequency, with the value of the exponent, α, depending on the severity of the inflammation. We attribute the power law to the changes of the intercellular electric permeability between neighboring endothelial cells. Thus, the inflammation gives rise to relatively smaller values of α compared to that of the no-inflammation group. Furthermore, we propose a simple percolation model of a large R-C network to confirm the emergent of power law scaling behavior of the complex admittance, suggesting that the endothelial network behaves as a complex microstructural network and its electrical properties may be simulated by a large R-C network.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013595
Subject Headings: Microfluidics, Impedance spectroscopy, Cells
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: MICROALGAE HARVESTING IN A MICROFLUIDIC CENTRIFUGAL SEPARATOR FOR ENHANCED BIOFUEL PRODUCTION.
Creator: Kavosi, Mohammadhassan, Kim, Myeongsub, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: Among various sources for biofuels, microalgae provide at least three-orders-of-magnitude higher production rate of biodiesel at a given land area than conventional crop-based methods. However, microalgal biodiesel still suffers from significantly lower harvesting efficiency, making such a fuel less competitive. To increase the separation efficiency of microalgae from cultivation solution, an orbital microchannel was utilized that enabled the isolation of biofuel-algae particles from the...
Show moreAmong various sources for biofuels, microalgae provide at least three-orders-of-magnitude higher production rate of biodiesel at a given land area than conventional crop-based methods. However, microalgal biodiesel still suffers from significantly lower harvesting efficiency, making such a fuel less competitive. To increase the separation efficiency of microalgae from cultivation solution, an orbital microchannel was utilized that enabled the isolation of biofuel-algae particles from the effluent. The results obtained showed that the separation efficiency in the microfluidic centrifugal separator can be as high as 76% within a quick separation time of 30 seconds. Multiple parameters of algae behaviors and separation techniques such as initial concentration, pH and temperature were studied and manipulated to achieve better efficiencies. It was found that changing these factors altered the separation efficiency by increasing or decreasing flocculation, or “clumping” of the microalgae within the microchannels. The results suggested that an acidic condition would enhance the separation efficiency since in a basic environment, large flocs of microalgae would block and hinder the separation process. Furthermore, a hot temperature solution (around 33 °C) yielded to a higher separation efficiency. The important characteristics of the separator geometry and the infusion rate on algae separation were also very effective in the separation process. This study revealed that there is an opportunity to improve the currently low efficiency of algae separation in centrifugal systems using much smaller designs in size, ensuring a much more efficient algae harvesting.
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Date Issued: 2021
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013745
Subject Headings: Microfluidics, Biofuels, Microalgae, Biodiesel fuels, Separation (Technology)
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: NOVEL RHEOTAXIS-BASED MICROFLUIDIC DEVICES FOR SORTING HUMAN SPERM.
Creator: Ataei, Afrouz, Lau, Andy W.C., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Physics, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The ultimate challenge for assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) is to select the most competent sperm population from a semen sample in an efficient way. In this thesis, we report on an effective sperm sorting microfluidic device that exploits the rheotaxis of sperm and investigates the sperm quality sorted under various flow conditions. Rheotaxis is the ability of a sperm cell to orient itself in the direction of the flow and swim against it. We developed a novel passively driven...
Show moreThe ultimate challenge for assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) is to select the most competent sperm population from a semen sample in an efficient way. In this thesis, we report on an effective sperm sorting microfluidic device that exploits the rheotaxis of sperm and investigates the sperm quality sorted under various flow conditions. Rheotaxis is the ability of a sperm cell to orient itself in the direction of the flow and swim against it. We developed a novel passively driven pumping system that provides a steady flow rate while it requires no external power source. We have also developed another rheotaxis-based microfluidic device that washes out the raw semen sample from any dead or less motile sperm. The device consists of a collection and waste chamber. To evaluate the effect of the shape and height of the collection chamber, we measured the sperm motility and velocity parameters after sorting using varying the shape and height of the collection chamber. We demonstrated that sperm selected with all devices have higher motility, normal morphology, and a fewer degree of DNA fragmentation compared to a control group.
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Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013971
Subject Headings: Microfluidic devices, Rheotaxis, Spermatozoa, Reproductive Techniques, Assisted
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Automated control of microfluidics devices.
Creator: Gerstel, Ian., College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: In order for microfluidics devices to be marketable, they must be inexpensive and easy to use. Two projects were pursued in this study for this purpose. The first was the design of a chip alignment system for visual feedback, in which a two-layer microfluidic chip was placed under a camera and an image processing and linear algebra program aligned a computer model to it. The system then translated the new locations of air valves and could detect valve activation in a chip filled with food...
Show moreIn order for microfluidics devices to be marketable, they must be inexpensive and easy to use. Two projects were pursued in this study for this purpose. The first was the design of a chip alignment system for visual feedback, in which a two-layer microfluidic chip was placed under a camera and an image processing and linear algebra program aligned a computer model to it. The system then translated the new locations of air valves and could detect valve activation in a chip filled with food coloring. The second was the design of a cheap, portable system to detect phosphorus in water. This system could not be completed due to time constraints, but the methods were detailed, and design ideas were laid out for future work.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3158764
Subject Headings: Microfluidics, Design, Microelectromagnetical systems, Design, Fluidic devices, Design, Micromechanics
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Design of micromixer and microfludic control system.
Creator: Li, Lin, Tsai, Chi-Tay, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Description: Micromixer is one of the most significant components of microfluidic systems, which manifest essential applications in the field of chemistry and biochemistry. Achieving complete mixing performance at the shortest micro channel length is essential for a successful micromixer design. We have developed five novel micromixers which have advantages of high efficiency, simple fabrication, easy integration and ease for mass production. The design principle is based on the concept of splitting...
Show moreMicromixer is one of the most significant components of microfluidic systems, which manifest essential applications in the field of chemistry and biochemistry. Achieving complete mixing performance at the shortest micro channel length is essential for a successful micromixer design. We have developed five novel micromixers which have advantages of high efficiency, simple fabrication, easy integration and ease for mass production. The design principle is based on the concept of splitting-recombination and chaotic advection. Numerical models of these micromixers are developed to characterize the mixing performance. Experiments are also carried out to fabricate the micromixers and evaluate the mixing performance. Numerical simulation for different parameters such as fluids properties, inlet velocities and microchannel cross sectional sizes are also conducted to investigate their effects on the mixing performance. The results show that critical inlet velocities can be predicted for normal fluid flow in the micromixers. When the inlet velocity is smaller than the critical value, the fluids mixing is dominated by mechanism of splitting-recombination, otherwise, it is dominated by chaotic advection. If the micromixer can tolerate higher inlet velocity, the complete mixing length can be further reduced. Our simulation results will provide valuable information for engineers to design a micromixer by choosing appropriate geometry to boost mixing performance and broaden implicational range to fit their specific needs. Accurate and complicated fluidic control, such as flow mixing or reaction, solution preparation, large scale combination of different reagents is also important for bio-application of microfluidics. A proposal microfluidic system is capable of creating 1024 kinds of combination mixtures. The system is composed of a high density integrated microfluidic chip and control system. The high density microfluidic chip, which is simply fabricated through soft lithography technique, contains a pair of 32 flow channels that can be specifically addressed by each 10 actuation channels based on principle of multiplexor in electronic circuits. The corresponding hardware and software compose the control system, which can be easy fabricated and modified, especially for prototype machine developing. Moreover, the control system has general application. Experiments are conducted to verify the feasibility of this microfluidic system for multi-optional solution combination.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA0004033
Subject Headings: Flow visualization, Fluidic devices -- Design, Microelectromagnetical systems, Microfluidics -- Design
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: ELECTRICAL IMPEDANCE SENSING OF ERYTHROCYTES AND CYTOADHESION.
Creator: Liu, Jia, Du, Sarah E., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: Electrical impedance of cells is a sensitive indicator of changes in cellular structure and biophysical characteristics. Integration of electrical impedance sensing in microfluidics can be a useful tool for characterization of blood cells for their disease state, such as sickle cell disease and malaria. The first part of this dissertation presents application of a microfluidics-based electrical impedance sensor for the study of sickle cell disease. Dynamic cell sickling-unsickling process of...
Show moreElectrical impedance of cells is a sensitive indicator of changes in cellular structure and biophysical characteristics. Integration of electrical impedance sensing in microfluidics can be a useful tool for characterization of blood cells for their disease state, such as sickle cell disease and malaria. The first part of this dissertation presents application of a microfluidics-based electrical impedance sensor for the study of sickle cell disease. Dynamic cell sickling-unsickling process of blood cells in response to cyclic hypoxia was measured. Strong correlation was found between the electrical impedance data and patients’ hematological parameters such as levels of sickle hemoglobin and fetal hemoglobin. In addition, application of electrical impedance spectroscopy in narrow microfluidic channel was used for label-free flow cytometry and non-invasive assay of single sickle cells under controlled oxygen level. We demonstrate the capability of this new technique in differentiating normal red blood cells from sickle cells, as well as sickled cells from unsickled cells, using normoxic and hypoxic conditions. The second part of this dissertation reports an application of electrical impedance sensing for the study of placental malaria. Testing conditions were optimized so that electrical impedance can be used for real time monitoring of different cellular and molecular level variations in this in vitro model of placental malaria. Impedance characteristics of cell proliferation, syncytial fusion and long-term response of BeWo cells to adhesion of infected erythrocytes were obtained and related to the immunostaining results and inflammatory cytokines measurements. Comparing to the conventional optical microscope-based methods, electrical impedance sensing technique can provide a label-free, real-time monitoring tool to study erythrocytes and cytoadhesion, and can further be extended to other disease models and cell types.
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Date Issued: 2019
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013389
Subject Headings: Microfluidics, Erythrocytes, Electric Impedance, Sickle cell disease, Malaria, Cell Adhesion
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: DEVELOPMENT OF POINT-OF-CARE ASSAYS FOR ZIKA VIRUS DIAGNOSTIC.
Creator: Md Alamgir Kabir, Asghar, Waseem, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging flavivirus transmitted to humans by Aedes mosquitos. ZIKV can be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy and can cause microcephaly and other birth defects. Effective vaccines for Zika are yet to be approved. Detection of the ZIKV is based on serological testing that often shows cross-reactivity with the Dengue virus (DENV) and other flaviviruses. Currently, identification of ZIKV infection is usually done by i) testing the patient’s serum sample to...
Show moreZika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging flavivirus transmitted to humans by Aedes mosquitos. ZIKV can be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy and can cause microcephaly and other birth defects. Effective vaccines for Zika are yet to be approved. Detection of the ZIKV is based on serological testing that often shows cross-reactivity with the Dengue virus (DENV) and other flaviviruses. Currently, identification of ZIKV infection is usually done by i) testing the patient’s serum sample to detect ZIKV RNA using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), ii) testing patient’s serum sample for the presence of the NS1 protein antigen or iii) serological assays to determine the presence of virus-specific immunoglobin antibodies (IgG and IgM) by the use of ELISA assay. But ELISA-based assays show cross-reactivity and poor sensitivity. The gold standard for ZIKV RNA detection is RT-PCR, involves expensive medical facilities and skillful technicians. However, the plaque reduction neutralization test are executed to quantity neutralizing antibodies of the virus-but show high accuracy only after day 7 of the disease onset. Therefore, the development of POC assays which has the ASSURED (affordability, sensitivity, specificity, user-friendly, rapid and robust, equipment-free and deliverable) criteria defined by the World Health Organization are topmost priority. The core objective of this thesis is to find inexpensive, sensitive, precise, and fast assays for the specific diagnosis of ZIKV suitable for resource-constrained settings.
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Date Issued: 2021
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013836
Subject Headings: Point-of-care testing, Zika virus, Microfluidic devices
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: DEVELOPMENT OF A MICROFLUIDIC DEVICE FOR EXOSOME ISOLATION IN POINT-OF-CARE SETTINGS.
Creator: Ramnauth, Natasha, Waseem Asghar, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: Exosomes have gained recognition in cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. Most exosome isolation methods are time-consuming, costly and require bulky equipment, rendering them unsuitable for point-of-care (POC) settings. Microfluidics can be the key to solving these challenges. Here, we employ the development of a double filtration microfluidic device that can rapidly isolate exosomes in POC settings. The device can efficiently isolate exosomes from just 100 uL of plasma within 50 minutes. The...
Show moreExosomes have gained recognition in cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. Most exosome isolation methods are time-consuming, costly and require bulky equipment, rendering them unsuitable for point-of-care (POC) settings. Microfluidics can be the key to solving these challenges. Here, we employ the development of a double filtration microfluidic device that can rapidly isolate exosomes in POC settings. The device can efficiently isolate exosomes from just 100 uL of plasma within 50 minutes. The device was compared against Polyethylene glycol (PEG) based precipitation, and findings show that both methods yield comparable exosome sizes and purity, but the device can detect exosomal miRNA earlier than PEG. Finally, a comparative analysis of membrane filters with exosomes collected from pore sizes 15 nm and 30 nm showed a similarity in exosome size and miRNA expressions, with significantly increased sample purity. These findings suggest that this device has potential in POC settings.
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Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014071
Subject Headings: Microfluidic devices, Exosomes, Point-of-care testing
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: DEVELOPMENT OF MICROFLUIDIC PLATFORMS FOR INFECTIOUS DISEASES DIAGNOSIS AND SPERM CELL SORTING.
Creator: Sharma, Sandhya, Asghar, Waseem, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: In recent years, point-of-care (POC) microfluidic platforms have transformed the healthcare landscape as they offer rapid, low-cost, and easy operational benefits. POC diagnostics play an important role in expediting the testing process in resource-constrained areas. These platforms have become a powerful tool as they offer comparable results with gold-standard methods. The gold standard methods require sophisticated lab locations and expensive equipment, to process the samples which is a...
Show moreIn recent years, point-of-care (POC) microfluidic platforms have transformed the healthcare landscape as they offer rapid, low-cost, and easy operational benefits. POC diagnostics play an important role in expediting the testing process in resource-constrained areas. These platforms have become a powerful tool as they offer comparable results with gold-standard methods. The gold standard methods require sophisticated lab locations and expensive equipment, to process the samples which is a significant challenge particularly for people living in low-income countries. To address these limitations, herein, in my dissertation, I have developed POC microfluidic platforms that can be operated outside the laboratory using lesser equipment statistically hence reducing the testing cost and time. The developed POC chips are used for infectious diseases diagnosis for viruses such as Zika, Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV-2). The entire virus detection process was executed inside a uniquely designed, inexpensive, disposable self-driven microfluidic chip with high sensitivity and specificity. In addition to this, I have also developed a microfluidic platform for functional sperm cell sorting from raw semen samples. The microfluidic chip offers a platform where the sperm cells experience different shear stress in different parts of the chip that facilitates isolation of competent sperm cells without impacting their integrity. Simultaneously, it also allows effortless collection of sorted sperm cells from the collection chamber which holds clinical significance. All things considered, the developed devices are inexpensive, disposable, easy-to-use, and rapid that provide results within one hour.
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Date Issued: 2022
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013906
Subject Headings: Microfluidics, Point-of-care testing, Communicable diseases—Diagnosis
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: DEVELOPMENT OF POINT-OF-CARE ASSAYS FOR DISEASE DIAGNOSTIC AND TREATMENT MONITORING FOR RESOURCE CONSTRAINED SETTINGS.
Creator: Sher, Mazhar, Asghar, Waseem, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: This thesis aims to address the challenges of the development of cost-effective and rapid assays for the accurate counting of CD4+ T cells and quantification of HIV-1 viral load for resource-constrained settings. The lack of such assays has severely affected people living in disease prevalent areas. CD4+ T cells count information plays a vital role in the effective management of HIV-1 disease. Here, we present a flow-free magnetic actuation platform that uses antibody-coated magnetic beads to...
Show moreThis thesis aims to address the challenges of the development of cost-effective and rapid assays for the accurate counting of CD4+ T cells and quantification of HIV-1 viral load for resource-constrained settings. The lack of such assays has severely affected people living in disease prevalent areas. CD4+ T cells count information plays a vital role in the effective management of HIV-1 disease. Here, we present a flow-free magnetic actuation platform that uses antibody-coated magnetic beads to efficiently capture CD4+ T cells from a 30 μL drop of whole blood. On-chip cell lysate electrical impedance spectroscopy has been utilized to quantify the isolated CD4 cells. The developed assay has a limit of detection of 25 cells per μL and provides accurate CD4 counts in the range of 25–800 cells per μL. The whole immunoassay along with the enumeration process is very rapid and provides CD4 quantification results within 5 min time frame. The assay does not require off-chip sample preparation steps and minimizes human involvement to a greater extent. The developed impedance-based immunoassay has the potential to significantly improve the CD4 enumeration process especially for POC settings.
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Date Issued: 2020
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013495
Subject Headings: Point-of-care testing, Diagnostic tests, Immunoassay, HIV-1, Microfluidic devices
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: MICROFLUIDICS FOR CARBON CAPTURE AND SEQUESTRATION.
Creator: Seo, Seokju, Kim, Myeongsub (Mike), Florida Atlantic University, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) has been considered a promising technology for mitigating heavy atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration as an immediate response to global climate change and ocean acidification. Despite various previous studies on CCS, there has been a paucity of research to overcome many of the challenges. In geological carbon sequestration, there are two major issues in achieving a feasible means of storing CO2. The first is the slow reaction of carbonic acid ...
Show moreCarbon capture and sequestration (CCS) has been considered a promising technology for mitigating heavy atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration as an immediate response to global climate change and ocean acidification. Despite various previous studies on CCS, there has been a paucity of research to overcome many of the challenges. In geological carbon sequestration, there are two major issues in achieving a feasible means of storing CO2. The first is the slow reaction of carbonic acid (H2CO3) formation from the reaction between injected CO2 and brine. Another technical challenge to the realization of industrial-scale carbon sequestration is the drying-out of brine induced by CO2 advection. The resident brine near a wellbore area is rapidly evaporated while precipitating significant amounts of salt at pores when gaseous CO2 is continuously injected into these aquifers. On the other hand, in industrial post-carbon capture processes, monoethanolamine (MEA) has been dominantly used as an absorption solvent. However, it generates significant amounts of toxic wastewater containing chemicals difficult to treat. The objectives of this thesis are to address these challenges in CCS, making the CCS technology feasible and competitive. An innovative method for geologic carbon sequestration, namely nickel nanoparticles (Ni NPs) addition to the injection fluid was developed and evaluated, to address issues of the slow reaction in deep saline aquifers. The catalytic activity of Ni NPs was evaluated using the microfluidic technique to confirm their possibility of additive for enhancing CO2 hydration in deep saline aquifers. First of all, to achieve acceleration of CO2 dissolution under reservoir-specific conditions, the catalytic effect of Ni NPs was investigated by monitoring change in CO2 bubble size at various Ni NPs concentration, pH, and different levels of salinity. Then, steric stabilization of Ni NPs by adsorbing polymers has been studied to further enhance Ni NPs’ catalytic activity. Second, to overcome the brine drying-out challenge, a new strategy of sequential water injection with CO2 was proposed. This sequential injection strategy showed great potential for preventing aquifer formation damage by decreasing brine drying-out and enhancing CO2 dissolution significantly. Lastly, the CO2 capturing performance of Ni NPs as a possible additive in an MEA solvent was evaluated to meet CO2 reduction and environmental protection demands. The results were promising: the catalytic potential of Ni NPs accelerates the average CO2 absorption rate by 34% and 54% in the limited mixing and the high mixing conditions, respectively. The results presented in this dissertation could help alleviate global concerns raised by CCS technology and would offer strategies for stable CCS technology with improved efficiency.
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Date Issued: 2019
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00013412
Subject Headings: Carbon dioxide capture, Carbon dioxide mitigation, Microfluidics, Carbon capture and storage, Carbon sequestration
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Microfluidic Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy for Blood Analysis.
Creator: Rikhtehgaran, Samaneh, Wille, Luc T., Du, E., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Physics, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Abstract/Description: The study of the electrical properties of red blood cells (RBCs) plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of human health. As RBCs age, they undergo changes that affect hemorheology and blood microcirculation, which have far-reaching implications for disease research. Furthermore, the shortage of RBC storage units can be a major issue for patients, underscoring the importance of characterizing RBC aging with respect to cell densities. In individuals with abnormal hemoglobin disease...
Show moreThe study of the electrical properties of red blood cells (RBCs) plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of human health. As RBCs age, they undergo changes that affect hemorheology and blood microcirculation, which have far-reaching implications for disease research. Furthermore, the shortage of RBC storage units can be a major issue for patients, underscoring the importance of characterizing RBC aging with respect to cell densities. In individuals with abnormal hemoglobin disease, alterations in hemoglobin and its functionality can modify the volume and density of RBCs, making their study even more crucial. To this end, our aim is to investigate the impedance alterations of RBCs after distributing them into different layers based on their densities. We have developed a novel method for non-invasive, rapid, and real-time single-cell analysis of RBCs. Our approach involves the use of electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to study the cells after performing cell fractionation. Our studies indicate an increasing trend for RBC resistance and a decreasing trend for the cell membrane as the density of the layer increases. Additionally, we have developed a method for extracting hemoglobin with high purity from fresh samples of RBCs. By passing lysed RBCs through ultrafiltration devices and removing debris and membranes, we were able to isolate hemoglobin. Using the EIS technique, we studied the alterations of impedance over a frequency range, obtaining valuable insight into the electrical properties of hemoglobin.
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Date Issued: 2023
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014223
Subject Headings: Blood--Analysis, Erythrocytes--Aging, Hemorheology, Electrical impedance spectroscopy, Microfluidics
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: MICROFLUIDIC ELECTRICAL IMPEDANCE TECHNOLOGY FOR POINT-OFCARE ASSESSMENT OF SICKLE CELL DISEASE.
Creator: Dieujuste, Darryl, Du, Sarah, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic disease that affects approximately 100,000 people in the USA and millions worldwide. The disease is defined by a mutation in hemoglobin, the red blood cell’s oxygen carrying component. Under hypoxic (low oxygen) conditions, the mutated hemoglobin (known as HbS) polymerizes into rigid fibers that stretch the cell into a sickle shape. These rigid cells can occlude blood vessels and cause an individual immense pain. Currently, no point-of-care devices exist...
Show moreSickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic disease that affects approximately 100,000 people in the USA and millions worldwide. The disease is defined by a mutation in hemoglobin, the red blood cell’s oxygen carrying component. Under hypoxic (low oxygen) conditions, the mutated hemoglobin (known as HbS) polymerizes into rigid fibers that stretch the cell into a sickle shape. These rigid cells can occlude blood vessels and cause an individual immense pain. Currently, no point-of-care devices exist in the market for assisting those with SCD. Using microfluidics with custom designed portable impedance measuring hardware we can achieve label-free in vitro analyses of SCD rheology. This dissertation presents two impedance-based devices for finger-prick volume blood testing, including a microflow cytometer for SCD diagnostics and a vaso-occlusion tester for monitoring blood flow activities. First, the microflow cytometer is validated by measuring the electrical impedance of individual cells flowing through a narrow microfluidic channel. Cellular impedance is interpreted by changes in subcellular components due to oxygen association-dissociation of hemoglobin, using an equivalent circuit model and Multiphysics simulation. Impedance values of sickle cells exhibit remarkable deviations from normal blood cells. Such deviation is quantified by a conformity score, which allows for measurement of SCD heterogeneity, and potentially disease severity. Findings from this study demonstrate the potential for SCD screening via electrical impedance. Second, a vaso-occlusion tester is validated by measuring the impedance response of blood flow within a microfluidic mimic of capillary bed.
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Date Issued: 2023
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014243
Subject Headings: Sickle cell anemia, Microfluidics, Point-of-care testing, Electric Impedance
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: MULTIPHYSICS SIMULATION OF DIELECTROPHORESIS ENRICHMENT FOR DETECTION OF LOW PARASITEMIA PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM IN HUMAN BLOOD.
Creator: Oladokun, Oladiran, Du, E., Florida Atlantic University, Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computer Science
Abstract/Description: Malaria is an ancient lethargic disease that remains a global burden. It has been difficult to end the scourge of P. falciparum malaria because of the parasites’ drug resistance so early diagnosis of malaria is crucial. Microscopy remains the gold standard but has limited reliability in detecting malaria parasites. This study proffered a method towards detection of low parasitemia P. falciparum infected RBCs (Pf-RBCs) based on dielectrophoresis (DEP). A microfluidic device was designed for...
Show moreMalaria is an ancient lethargic disease that remains a global burden. It has been difficult to end the scourge of P. falciparum malaria because of the parasites’ drug resistance so early diagnosis of malaria is crucial. Microscopy remains the gold standard but has limited reliability in detecting malaria parasites. This study proffered a method towards detection of low parasitemia P. falciparum infected RBCs (Pf-RBCs) based on dielectrophoresis (DEP). A microfluidic device was designed for label-free cell sorting of Pf-RBCs from other whole blood in a continuous manner, based on the intrinsic electrical signatures of the cells. The design was validated by a finite element simulation using COMSOL Multiphysics. Simulations show the feasibility of the separation in a 9-mm long microfluidic channel under laminar flow conditions, using a low voltage supply of +/-10 V at 50 kHz.
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Date Issued: 2024
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014415
Subject Headings: Plasmodium falciparum, Microfluidic devices, Dielectrophoresis, Biomedical engineering, Point-of-care testing
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Recovering Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) after its Use to Treat Leachate for Reuse on Future Leachate Flows.
Creator: Coffman, Neil, Meeroff, Daniel E., Florida Atlantic University, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering
Abstract/Description: This thesis was about finding a recovery method for TiO2, using a TiO2 recovery technology, which was high enough to be economical ($10 - $15 per 1,000 gallons) to be adopted by wastewater treatment plants. When comparing recovery technologies, the top three which were investigated further through experimentation were a centrifuge, sedimentation tank, and microfilter membrane. Upon experimentation and research, the TiO2 recovery efficiencies of these technologies were 99.5%, 92.5%, and 96.3%,...
Show moreThis thesis was about finding a recovery method for TiO2, using a TiO2 recovery technology, which was high enough to be economical ($10 - $15 per 1,000 gallons) to be adopted by wastewater treatment plants. When comparing recovery technologies, the top three which were investigated further through experimentation were a centrifuge, sedimentation tank, and microfilter membrane. Upon experimentation and research, the TiO2 recovery efficiencies of these technologies were 99.5%, 92.5%, and 96.3%, respectively. When doing economic analysis on these technologies comparing TiO2 efficiencies and capital and operational costs, the centrifuge was the most preferred economic option. Also, its cost did were in the economical range ($10 - $15/1,000 gallons) which makes even this technology economical. Besides that, important and valuable information about TiO2: settling behavior, particle size and zeta potential, interactions with COD, and filter operations (particle characterization) were discovered for future research and future testing on this issue.
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Date Issued: 2015
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004490, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004490
Subject Headings: Environmental chemistry, Environmental engineering, Fluid dynamics, Microfluidic devices, Sewage disposal plants -- Management, Solution (Chemistry), Titanium dioxide -- Environmental aspects, Titanium dioxide -- Industrial applications
Format: Document (PDF)

Microfluidics (9)	+ -
Microfluidic devices (7)	+ -
Point-of-care testing (6)	+ -
Electric Impedance (2)	+ -
Microelectromagnetical systems (2)	+ -

Biodiesel fuels (1)	+ -
Biofuels (1)	+ -
Biomedical engineering (1)	+ -
Blood--Analysis (1)	+ -
Carbon capture and storage (1)	+ -
Carbon dioxide capture (1)	+ -
Carbon dioxide mitigation (1)	+ -
Carbon sequestration (1)	+ -
Cell Adhesion (1)	+ -
Cells (1)	+ -
Communicable diseases—Diagnosis (1)	+ -
Design (1)	+ -
Diagnostic tests (1)	+ -
Dielectrophoresis (1)	+ -
Electrical impedance spectroscopy (1)	+ -
Environmental chemistry (1)	+ -
Environmental engineering (1)	+ -
Erythrocytes (1)	+ -
Erythrocytes--Aging (1)	+ -
Exosomes (1)	+ -
Flow visualization (1)	+ -
Fluid dynamics (1)	+ -
Fluidic devices (1)	+ -
Fluidic devices -- Design (1)	+ -
HIV-1 (1)	+ -

Florida Atlantic University (14)	+ -
College of Engineering and Computer Science (12)	+ -
Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering (7)	+ -
Charles E. Schmidt College of Science (4)	+ -
Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (4)	+ -

Asghar, Waseem (3)	+ -
Department of Physics (3)	+ -
Du, E. (2)	+ -
Du, Sarah E. (2)	+ -
Kim, Myeongsub (2)	+ -
Lau, Andy W.C. (2)	+ -
Ataei, Afrouz (1)	+ -
Coffman, Neil (1)	+ -
Department of Biological Sciences (1)	+ -
Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering (1)	+ -
Dieujuste, Darryl (1)	+ -
Du, Sarah (1)	+ -
Galpayage, Dona Kalpani Nisansala Udeni (1)	+ -
Gerstel, Ian. (1)	+ -
Kavosi, Mohammadhassan (1)	+ -
Kim, Myeongsub (Mike) (1)	+ -
Li, Lin (1)	+ -
Liu, Jia (1)	+ -
Mastiani, Mohammad (1)	+ -
Md Alamgir Kabir (1)	+ -
Meeroff, Daniel E. (1)	+ -
Oladokun, Oladiran (1)	+ -
Ramnauth, Natasha (1)	+ -
Rikhtehgaran, Samaneh (1)	+ -
Seo, Seokju (1)	+ -

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