Automation tools to enable discovery

We build tools and instruments to enable biological investigations. 
We leverage micro and millifluidics integrated with do-it-yourself imaging platforms as a central approach to manipulating and monitoring biological systems. 

Project area 1: Hydrodynamic behaviors of marine larvae

Marine invertebrates' life cycle is divided between a free-swimming planktonic larval stage (~weeks)
and bottom-dwelling adulthood (years).
While short, the dispersive larval stage is critical for the individual's and the population's success.
During the larval stage, animals feed, seek new habitats, avoid predators, and decrease
the chance of inbreeding. These tasks are accomplished through cilia-mediated swimming/feeding.

We develop and use micro/millifluidics and DIY imaging systems to visualize and quantify the
interplay between cilia-mediated behaviors (dynamics of flow fields and velocities),

morphology (size, arm length, arm angle), and environmental cues (flow). 


Project area 2: Biomechanics of Hydra
 

We investigate the mechanical behaviors of Hydra in complex environments. Hydra is a fascinating,
easy-to-maintain freshwater cnidarian extensively studied for its regenerative abilities.
Recent systematic investigations have carefully measured and modeled its biomechanics.
We develop and use fluidics and DIY imaging systems to visualize, quantify, and model the mechanical
life-style of Hydra under dynamic and well-controlled microenvironments.
                                     

 

Project area 3: Pneumatic digital logic for autonomous microfluidics

Microfluidics is the science and technology to manipulate fluids at a miniaturized scale.
In the past three decades, microfluidics has advanced across multiple disciplines and applications.
Despite the progress, the embedded control of microfluidics has remained difficult and even absent.
Without embedded controllers, the previously miniaturized chips are transformed into cumbersome systems.

The absence of embedded control parallels the early computers, where circuits and parts were

wired across a large room.
We will use innovations in pneumatic digital logic (circuits that run on air) to address

this gap via embedded microfluidic controllers.

Project area 4: Microfluidics for STEM education
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