Aayush Udupi
Pronouns: He/Him
Research Mentor(s): Sasha Cai Lesher-Perez
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Chemical Engineering / Engineering
Program:
Authors: Aayush Udupi, Xiaoqian Wang, Sasha Cai Lesher-Pérez
Session: Session 7: 4:40 pm – 5:30 pm
Poster: 57
Abstract
Microfluidic devices, due to their length-scale, enable researchers to replicate cellular and tissue fluid environments with higher fidelity than traditional in vitro culture vessels, such as well plates and petri dishes. Microfluidic devices have enabled researchers to study complex cellular processes, offering insights into physiological processes and disease mechanisms. Our lab specializes in developing microfluidic devices that mimic cellular microenvironments, allowing for dynamic biochemical stimulation of cells. One significant challenge in these devices is achieving efficient mixing of multiple fluid flows within the microscale channels. Due to microfluidic systems being diffusion-limited, i.e., mixing happens only through diffusion, limiting efficient and homogenous mixing within the devices. This project aims to address microfluidic mixing, without compromising cell viability or altering cellular responses, by developing and optimizing a robust microfluidic mixer. Enhancing mixing efficiency will enable for precise control over biochemical stimulation in our microfluidic devices. The ultimate goal is to provide researchers with a tool to dynamically mix different fluid compositions and stimulate cells in vitro, replicating biochemical environments found in vivo. Our research seeks to characterize the performance of the microfluidic mixer under various flow conditions and optimize its design for maximum mixing efficiency. By addressing these research questions, we aim to advance the development of microfluidic technology for studying cellular response to dynamic biochemical stimuli in vitro.
