Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences - PIMS

Development and characterization of sensitive/selective sensors on integrated lab-on-chip applications.

Portable sensors and biomedical devices are influenced by high precision control of microfluidic systems, low-cost fabrication techniques, detection and analysis capabilities. The integration of sensing devices into the chip is still a major problem in microfluidic devices. This presentation focuses on design and fabrication of a precise liquid handling system for flow-thru biosensors using open and closed digital microfluidic (DMF) systems. Real-time on-chip detection of biological species in the biosensor is demonstrated using both optical detection of individual stained cells as well as measuring capacitance variation of a cluster of biological cells passing through the readout site. Adding sample preparation, filtering and purification sites, the proposed biosensor can be used for total analysis or single cell analysis assays. Featuring low-cost hardware with high capacitance measurement resolution and rapid chip fabrication techniques, the proposed biosensor design has the potential to be commercialized as viable solution for life-science research and clinical diagnostics.

Bio: Dr. Hoorfar is a Professor and Director of the School of Engineering at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. Dr. Hoorfar also heads of the Advanced Thermo-Fluidic Laboratory with diverse research programs in multidisciplinary areas that straddle concepts of fluid mechanics, physical chemistry (liquid-surface interactions), biochemistry (cell deformation and separation), electrochemistry (fuel cells), advanced imaging (microCT), computational modeling, and fabrication of microstructures. Previously, Dr. Hoorfar received a bachelors degree from the University of Tehran as well as a masters and PhD from the University of Toronto, all in Mechanical Engineering, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Case Western Reserve University.

Location: ESB 2012