Pathogen Isolation and Recognition
Pathogen isolation from body fluids such as blood, urine, phlegm is the primary requirement for disease diagnostics and personalized therapy. Multiphase flows along with pathogen specific protein bound nanomaterials enable the rapid mixing, contacting and isolation of pathogen from such fluids within few minutes of sample collection. The isolated pathogen-protein complex can further be processed using droplet microfluidics for pathogen recognition.
FDTD Simulations for Plasmonics
FDTD (Finite-Difference Time-Domain) simulations for plasmonics enable the study of light-matter interactions in nanostructures. These simulations offer a versatile platform to investigate the behavior of surface plasmons and their applications in nanophotonics. Advantages include the ability to predict and optimize plasmonic device performance, explore novel designs, and understand complex phenomena such as field enhancement and light confinement at nanoscale dimensions.
Particle Synthesis & Assembly
Enabling automated, reproducible and robust synthesis and/or assembly of the particles by controlling the contacting of reagents, their kinetics forms the crux of this research focus. We concentrate on plasmonic nanomaterials such as gold and silver and look at the synthesis and programmable assembly of anisotropic nanocrystals.
3D Organoids for Personalized Therapy
Development of new therapeutic approaches rely on pre-clinical experiments performed on in vitro tumor models. The currently prevalent 2D models does not emulate the cell-cell and cell-extra cellular matrix (ECM) interaction, or the proliferation/migration/invasion strategies of the real tumors. They hence have limited translational value in the clinic. Alternate approach is the 3D in vitro tumor models where cells are cultured to form aggregates or grown/embedded in 3D scaffolds/gels respectively. Microfluidic methods for spheroids and organoids formation with and without supports are being explored in this research focus which will be directly extended to high-throughput combinatorial drug testing, delivery and therapy.
Pathogen Sequestration for Biodiagnostics
Spiral microflows are currently being used for non-invasive and indirect sequestration of particles based on their dimension. Dean flows are advantageously used for such separations and exploration is underway to isolate nanosized groups of particles/cells.
Micro Fuel Cell
The advantages of microfluidics such as high surface to volume ratios, short diffusion distance, better heat transfer and control of reaction parameters can complement the advantages of a photocatalytic process to result in a pioneering new technology. The pre-requisite for the novel platform is a robust and reproducible method for the immobilization/deposition of catalysts of varied morphologies onto the surface of the microchannel. We are currently working towards such a platform technology which will later find applications in several areas such as waste water treatment, waste to value added products, artificial photosynthesis and other solar-driven applications.
Raman Spectroscopy for Bacteria
Raman spectroscopy of species-level bacteria enables rapid and non-destructive identification based on unique spectral fingerprints. This technique provides real-time analysis of bacterial composition without the need for culturing, offering potential for quick diagnosis and treatment decisions in clinical settings. Advantages include high specificity, sensitivity, and the ability to distinguish between closely related bacterial strains, facilitating precise microbial identification and epidemiological studies.
Paper Microfluidics for AST
Paper microfluidics for antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) offers a low-cost, portable solution for rapid antibiotic efficacy assessment. This technology employs paper-based channels to facilitate the diffusion of antibiotics and monitor bacterial growth, enabling timely treatment decisions. Advantages include affordability, simplicity, and potential for use in resource-limited settings, enhancing access to crucial diagnostic tools and improving patient care in diverse healthcare settings.
AddressA210, Micro Reaction Engineering Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Techology Hyderabad, Kandi, Sangareddy, Telangana 502285
Contact |