PhD Position Separation-Sensing Microfluidic Device for Biomedical Applications

There is a critical need for developing a robust device which is capable of purification, separation and accurate analysis of biological samples at the same time. In this PhD project you will develop a novel separation-sensing (SepSens) microfluidic device for biomedical applications. This SepSens device is a microgel-based etalon which is fabricated using silicon nitrate wafer membranes and stimuli-responsive microgels. The membrane pore size and chemistry of the microgels are important variables making the device suitable for various applications, e.g., blood anti-doping analysis, blood micro-sampling, in-situ plasma generation and analysis, in-line separation-sensing during pharmaceutical production, and analysis of various target molecules/bio-makers. Apart from the applied work, you will also perform fundamental studies to understand the underlying transport mechanisms.
You will work under the supervision of Dr. Hanieh Bazyar at Engineering Thermodynamic section in the department of Process and Energy at the faculty of 3mE. In our chemical and separation laboratories, we conduct groundbreaking research in advanced membrane-based separation technologies. We are a rapidly expanding group with expertise in separation as well as fundamental research work. You will conduct the fabrication work at the clean room facility of TU Delft under the supervision of Dr. Paolo Sberna. This project will be carried out in collaboration with (i) the chemistry department at University of Alberta, Canada and (ii) the department of pharmacy and biotechnology at University of Bologna, Italy. It is expected that, whenever necessary, you will travel and conduct the research work at our collaborator’s laboratories.