μFluidics Research at a glance
This page serves as a comprehensive overview of the ongoing research endeavors within our group, highlighting our dedication to expanding research horizons across diverse dimensions and applications. Over the years, we have honed our expertise in the fabrication of microfluidic devices on various substrates. This expertise has enabled us to showcase the advantages of microreactor-based approaches, which offer superior control over the morphology and size distribution of nanostructures compared to conventional batch synthesis methods. Our research has yielded an impressive array of fabricated structures, encompassing various oxides, sulfides, metals, perovskites, soft nanostructures, and more. These materials find application in a wide spectrum of fields, including photo-responsive sensing, catalysis, and drug delivery, where precise control over nanostructure properties is paramount. Furthermore, our exploration extends beyond synthesis, delving into the realm of microfluidics-based devices for cell sorting and energy harvesting. These innovative applications cater to the growing demand for low-powered sensing solutions, aligning our research with the evolving needs of today's scientific and technological landscape. Our commitment to pushing the boundaries of microfluidics research continues to drive our pursuit of groundbreaking discoveries and practical solutions. Here are some glimpse of our ongoing research:
Ongoing Research Work
Microfluidics route for synthesis of semiconductor nanomaterials for inline photocatalytic dye degradation
Our research focuses on the fabrication of microreactors tailored for both continuous and droplet-based flow applications. These microreactors serve as the cornerstone of our efforts, enabling us to achieve precise control over room-temperature synthesis of nanomaterials. The synthesized nanomaterials, coupled with our advanced microreactor technology, find compelling applications in the realm of environmental science. Specifically, we harness these innovations for inline photocatalytic dye degradation and photoreduction processes. This interdisciplinary approach merges cutting-edge microfluidics, nanoscience, and environmental engineering to address critical challenges in water treatment and pollution remediation.
Self powered microfluidic devices for energy harvesting applications
Our current research endeavors are centered on the fabrication of microfluidic piezoelectric energy harvesting devices, with a primary focus on their application in pressure and viscosity sensors. These cutting-edge devices leverage the power of microfluidics to generate energy from mechanical forces, paving the way for sustainable and low-powered sensing solutions. We are also expanding our research horizons by venturing into the development of microfluidic triboelectric and hybrid piezo-tribo energy harvesting devices. By harnessing the principles of triboelectricity and hybrid energy harvesting, we aim to explore novel avenues in sensing and biomedical technologies.
fabrication of microdevices tailored specifically for sensing and diagnostic applications
Through our work, we aim to develop cutting-edge microdevices that can detect and analyze a wide range of parameters, from biomarkers in bodily fluids for early disease detection to environmental pollutants for improved resource management. These microdevices offer the advantage of rapid analysis, reduced sample sizes, and portability, making them invaluable tools for point-of-care diagnostics and on-site monitoring. Presently, we are actively engaged in synthesizing MXene-based composites, a cutting-edge material, to fabricate a smart throat sensor. This device holds great promise in monitoring and diagnosing throat-related conditions, offering a non-invasive and efficient approach to healthcare. Simultaneously, we are delving into the realm of perovskite-based composites. These materials are pivotal in our efforts to engineer chemiresistive and colorimetric gas sensors, particularly for the detection of toxic gases. These sensors have the potential to significantly enhance safety and environmental monitoring, providing real-time data on gas concentrations and potential hazards.
Electrodes embedded microfluidic devices for the electrochemical detection of various biomarkers
Our research in this endeavor revolves around the design and development of various microfluidic devices meticulously engineered to support the growth of diverse cell lines. These specialized 'cell-on-chip' platforms serve as controlled environments that mimic in vivo conditions, allowing us to study cellular behavior and responses with precision. To augment the utility of these microfluidic systems, we integrate them with different electrodes, creating a synergy that enables real-time monitoring of specific biomarkers. This integration empowers us to gather crucial insights into cellular processes, offering a dynamic and comprehensive approach to the study of biological phenomena.
Development of inorganic-organic hybrid material based microfluidic devices for food safety and environmental applications
Our goal is to develop cost-effective microfluidic devices for rapid food and environmental safety testing. We're synthesizing selective MOFs, COFs, and nanocomposites to detect and mitigate pollutants in both contexts. These devices offer swift, precise analysis and have the potential to revolutionize safety assessments. We aspire to create innovative solutions that not only enhance the efficiency of food and environmental safety testing but also provide valuable insights into the monitoring and management of contaminants. These microfluidic devices have the potential to revolutionize safety assessments in these critical areas, fostering a healthier and more sustainable future.
Other Collaborative Research Work
In collaboration with Dr. Jiban Jyoti Panda from INST, Mohali, our research leverages continuous flow microfluidics to facilitate the synthesis of drug nano carriers derived from a single amino acid. This pioneering approach holds significant potential for the development of highly effective drug delivery systems aimed at combating cancer
In collaboration with Dr. Ashok Kumar Mohanty from NDRI, Karnal, our research focuses on the design and fabrication of passive microfluidic devices tailored for applications in artificial insemination and sperm separation in cattles.
