CSP - WORKSHOP: FWB2017 - MICROFLUIDICS
Abstract
Microfluidic chips are applicable in a wide range of technologies and markets. In the chemical processing industry for example; reac"tors, mixers, dispensers, heat exchangers, separators and analysis functions are fundamental ~unit operations~ that can be realised"" at the microfluidic scale. In the life sciences industry; high throughput screening and drug discovery, DNA amplification in genomi""cs, and cell analysis (e.g. screening, counting, sorting) are typical application areas. In addition, diagnostic tools and biochemic""al monitoring of materials such as soil, water, pesticides, and agents used in chemical warfare, further broaden the applications ar""eas.A strong impulse for the development of microfluidic systems came with the realization, after the end of the cold war, that che"mical and biological weapons posed major military and terrorist threats. To counter these threats DARPA supported a series of programs in the 1990s aimed at developing field- deployable microfluidic systems designed to serve as detectors for chemical and biologica"l threats, the so-called ~lab-on-a-chips~. These programs were the main stimulus for the rapid growth of academic microfluidic techn"ology.Developing a new generation of microfluidics devices requires a cross-disciplinary effort with the participation of experts f"rom at least three different backgrounds:1. -Transport theory. Diffusive transport of molecules or, more generally, small objects, i""s a ubiquitous feature of physical and chemical reaction systems. In configurations containing confining walls or constrictions, con"fined transport is controlled both by the fluctuation statistics of the jittering objects and the phase space available to their dyn"amics. Today we know that, under such conditions, transport exhibits remarkable features. All such properties are relevant to transp"ort in micro and nano- structures; the most recent advances in the field will be presented during the Conference.2. -Computational science. The single most exciting tool available today to help design microfluidic devices involves computational models and methods. It is therefore interesting that modern computational methods may eventually provide strong support for the role of nanoconfined" fluids in the functioning of this class of nanodevices. For instance, one of the most debated question is whether the water dynamic""s is similar to that observed in glassy systems, or whether there is a liquid-critical point. Computational methods in the field on" micro- and nano-fluidics will be a focal topic of the Conference.3. -Engineering and fabrication. The effective use of nanofluidic devices in molecular separation technologies requires improving our ability to manipulat fluid transport in confined geometries [5]. A major task of R&D in this area worldwide is to develop innovative fabrication techniques of micro- and nanofluidic devices. Speakers at the Conference will address hot topics such as: i) precise and adaptive control on the size of the nano-channels in the range [1~10]nm; ii) high and controlled porosity level; iii) new materials for microfluidics applications; iv) scaling-up of the device" fabrication technology from the laboratory environment to the industrial demand.With the organization of this Conference, we will"" provide a unique opportunity to exchange points of view, promote contacts and new collaborations among researchers from different a""reas of science and technology, and debate innovative applications of this class of technologies
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2017
- Source ID
- N629091712108
Entities
People
- Fabio Marchesoni
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Camerino