• MEMS Sensors: The SIBSLab is running several research projects on the field of micro electromechanical systems (MEMS). These projects include Finite Element Method (FEM) modeling projects, MEMS manufacturing projects, magnetic levitation projects, packaging, and controls / data acquisition projects.
• Bio-MEMS / Bio-Microfluidics: SIBlab is developing bio-sensors and diagnostic/analytical devices/protocols using fundamental physicochemical mechanisms associated with microfluidic and nanofluidic phenomena, and implementing bio-MEMS/Lab-on-a-chip techniques. In this regard, SIBlab is working on novel microfluidic and nanofluidic techniques for diagnostic, medical, biological, pharmaceutical, environmental, and chemical applications. SIBlab is specially involved in the following research areas:
Paper-based microfluidics: Using the natural movement of liquid through paper, disposable point of care diagnostic tests could be achieved. SIBlab is currently developing technologies for detection/quantification of biomarkers using paper-based microfluidic techniques.
Dielectrophoresis: (or DEP) is a phenomenon in which a force is exerted on a dielectric particle when it is subjected to a non-uniform electric field. This force does not require the particle to be charged. DEP has a great potential in the manipulation of microparticles, nanoparticles and cells. SIBlab is conducting research on the microfluidic dielectrophoretic phenomena to separate, sort and amplify DNA mixtures/strands, microorganisms and other biomolecules.
Digital microfluidics (DMF): One of the ongoing research topics of SIBlab is Digital microfluidics (DMF). DMF has recently emerged for a wide range of applications in biology, chemistry and medicine. In DMF, nanoliter to microliter droplets containing samples and reagents can be manipulated to carry out a range of discrete fluidic operations by applying appropriate electrical potentials to an array of patterned electrodes coated with a hydrophobic insulator. SIBlab is developing a DMF technology for detection/separation/activation, and amplification of bio-molecular activities.
Droplet-based Microfluidics: Droplet-based microfluidics as a subcategory of microfluidics in contrast with continuous microfluidics has the distinction of manipulating discrete volumes of fluids in immiscible phases with low Reynolds number and laminar flow regimes.
• Bio-analytical Chemistry: To study of the separation, identification, and quantification of the bio-chemical components SIBlab has developed in-home capabilities in the field of bio-analytical chemistry. In particular, the realization of most Bio-sensors requires employment of a suitable functionalization/conjugation protocol. Functionalization is defined as the formation of a bio-compatible interface on a transducing surface of a bio-chemical sensor, for immobilizing and subsequent sensing of biomolecules. The SIBLab has the capability to develop highly selective surface functionalization protocols for a wide range of proteins and small molecules. SIBlab is also capable of enhancing the quality of the functionalization/immobilization protocols in terms of kinetics and receptor loading densities. The latter parameters are critical parameters in performance and sensitivity of biosensors.
• Processing and Applications of nano/bio-materials: Nanofabrication is the process used to manufacture functional structures that are on the order of 100nm. Making components and structures at the nanoscale has many benefits, such as:
Unique physical, electro-chemical, optical or electro-magnetic properties not observable in other scales
Higher (packing) density and superior surface properties
Lower manufacturing cost
Increased performance
The SIBLab is actively researching in a number of nanofabrication techniques, such as EBL, DIR, PVD ... .