BME PhD Preliminary Exam Announcement for Julio Rivera-De Jesus (J. Linnes, advisor) Everyone is invited to attend the public presentation beginning at 1:30 pm. Title: Applications of Microfluidics for Biomedical Applications: From Diagnostics to Single-Cell Manipulation Date: June 13th, 2024 Time: 1:30 pm Location: MJIS 2001 and Zoom Zoom Link: https://purdue-edu.zoom.us/my/jriverad?omn=92653539005<https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpurdue-edu.zoom.us%2Fmy%2Fjriverad%3Fomn%3D92653539005&data=05%7C02%7Cbmegradstudents-list%40ecn.purdue.edu%7C84f5d22c08b246def91b08dc89476b55%7C4130bd397c53419cb1e58758d6d63f21%7C0%7C0%7C638536187032183835%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=i%2BYjiTo2n978LY9Ru%2BypS1%2FIyrGhqJ%2Fn%2FzCfPqNoIAA%3D&reserved=0> Committee: Dr. Jacqueline Linnes (chair), Dr. Estelle Sunghee Park, Dr. Melinda Lake, Dr. Chopra Gaurav Abstract:

From its origins, microfluidic devices small size and liquid volumes have enabled cutting-edge technologies to innovate in the biomedical community. Due to the wide variety of materials and methods available for fabrication, microfluidic devices enable top-tier research in many fields, from diagnostics to single-cell lipidomics. However, these platforms have remaining challenges that must be overcome in optical detection, sample volume, and implementing multistep processes on chips. Here, I address these challenges in three unique platforms.

Utilizing particle diffusometry loop-mediated isothermal amplification (PD-LAMP) to measure the Brownian motion of LAMP amplicons tagged with fluorescent particles, we evaluate cyclic olefin polymer (COP) microfluidic chips bonded through different methods. Here, we integrate COP for optical detection through PD-LAMP and address whether fabrication/bonding processes hinder optical clearance or viability of the assay. However, the low volume requirements for this assay often stand as a limitation for other applications. Notably, the detection of Vibrio cholerae in environmental water samples requires larger volumes due to the low concentration at which this pathogen is found. To accurately detect the pathogen, it is necessary to concentrate a larger volume of fluid incompatible with vessels at the microscale. To address this, we design and develop a paper fluidic platform that precisely filters, amplifies, and detect V. cholerae in environmental water samples at the point-of-care (POC). Using paper, we can accommodate larger volumes based on the device's geometry while enriching the sample to overcome low concentrations. Lastly, we aim to aid the development of research in single-cell lipidomics. In this research field, experiments often require multiple-step sample handling and preparation. Current physical/chemical manipulation methods are highly limited in terms of throughput and single-cell resolution. Here, we will engage in the design of an integrated microfluidic chip capable of achieving cell isolation, cell lysis, and chemical conjugation. In summary, microfluidic technology holds great potential to improve upon healthcare and research. The versatility provided from substrate, to flow mechanism and quantifiable manipulation make a substantial case for cutting-edge applications. Through this work, we will evaluate these design parameters to enable biomedical research.