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Nanofluidics
This programme aims to extend IRL's knowledge and capabilities beyond the development of more conventional microfluidic devices. The research looks at nanometre scale structures in fluid environments and involves a strong industrial collaboration with the nanotechnology start-up company Izon Science. It is generally focused at developing tools to create the next generation of commercially viable fluidic devices and techniques.
As well as this commercial/industrial focus, the programme involves some ambitious "blue sky" research that has led to publications in international scientific journals.
Our research includes:
Nanopores
We are using materials capable of making conformational or physical changes in response to external stimuli to fabricate a programmable nanopore suitable for interfacing to, or incorporation in, a microfluidic device.
A nanopore is a nanometre scale hole in a thin membrane: a simple structure with numerous potential applications across a broad spectrum of new nanotechnologies. For example, nanopores could be used in a range of biotechnologies, from counting viruses to rapid sequencing DNA.
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Atomic force microscope image of the elastomeric surface surrounding a nanopore
The electro-osmotic force on a particle passing through a nanoporeThe main area of research in the nanofluidics programme relates to resizable nanopores developed by Izon Science. Izon's nanopores are fabricated in an elastomeric membrane. When the membrane is stretched, the pore becomes larger, and the process is reversed when the membrane is relaxed. This technology is unique and has generated intense interest from researchers around the world. At IRL , we are helping to characterise these pores and drive the technology towards commercial applications.
The schematic diagram (above) shows a possible route to fast analysis of DNA using a resizable nanopore and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy. This programme includes a colaboration with the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, which aims to combine surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with resizable nanopore technology.
Surface slip studies
The "Surface Slip Studies" subgroup of this programme covers a suite of experimental techniques and ideas that are being developed to provide the fluidic tools of the future. This work demonstrates IRL's growing capability to address fluidics problems posed by science or industry.
General techniques include contact angle measurements, micromanipulation, atomic force microscopy and the use of superhydrophobic surfaces. Specific research topics include:
- AFM[?] colloidal probe technique: This technique involves precise measurement of tiny drainage forces generated when a micron-sized sphere, immersed in fluid, approaches a flat surface. These measurements can be used to study the topical and controversial phenomenon known as "surface slip".
- Janus particles: These particles have two sides with different surfaces, which might allow nanoscale manipulations in flow, without the need to apply external electric or magnetic fields.
- Capillary uptake by small droplets: Recent theoretical work has shown that the surface tension of a small droplet should drive fluid through a thin capillary faster than previously predicted. In some cases fluid can even be forced into a non-wetting capillary. Uptake is dependent on droplet size.
- Behaviour of Newtonian fluids at an oscillating surface: Surface slip should affect the shear stress applied by a fluid to the surface of an ultrasonic quartz oscillator.
Much of this work has grown from IRL's expertise relating to the theory of surface slip. The research also involves connections with university based scientists, both home and abroad.