Acoustofluidics and Soft Materials Interfaces for Biomedical Applications

• Main Author: Fencl, Frank A
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01-01-2018
• Subjects: Acoustics; Biomedical engineering
• ISBN: 1392027772; 9781392027776

This dissertation describes fabrication of devices and other tools for biomedical applications through the integration of acoustofluidic systems with bio separation assays, instrumentation components, and soft materials interfaces. For example, we engineer a new class of transparent acoustic flow chambers ideal for optical interrogation. We demonstrate efficacy of these devices by enhancing the signal for high throughput acoustic flow cytometry, capable of robust particle focusing across multiple parallel flowing streams. We also investigate an automated sampling system to determine the parameters of transient particle stream focusing in between sample boluses and air bubbles to model a high throughput, multi-sampling acoustic flow cytometry platform. As an extension of our acoustic separations work, we have created a proof of concept lab in a syringe assay to separate elastomeric biofunctionalized negative acoustic contrast particles (NACs) from red blood cells in dilute blood. Finally, we overcome the challenge of fabricating cell culture hydrogels in water/water emulsion systems by engineering an easily deployable microfluidic device that uses acoustic actuation from an audio speaker to create culture microgels that generate cancer cell spheroid-like assemblies. Across all these application spaces, we have illustrated the versatility of integrating acoustofluidic technologies and soft materials across multiple biomedical engineering platforms.