Introduction
Since 2005, we have been working in the discipline of acoustofluidics (i.e., the fusion of micro- to nano-scale acoustics and fluid mechanics). Acoustofluidics has a combination of advantages that competing techniques lack: simple fabrication, high biocompatibility, versatility, compact and inexpensive devices and accessories, fast and effective fluid actuation, contact-free and non-invasive particle/cell manipulation, and compatibility with other lab-on-a-chip components. In addition, this discipline opens new avenues of research through the rare combinations of solids and fluids, mechanics and electronics, experiment and analysis, physics and materials, and engineering and biomedicine. Despite its promise, much remains to be explored in the field. Our objective in the next 5-10 years (Fig. 1) is to take the discipline to the next level and help translate acoustofluidic technologies from research labs to everyday use in real-world applications. To achieve this, many challenging problems related to physics, engineering, chemistry, and biomedical applications of acoustofluidics need to be overcome.
Specifically, our research can be categorized into three topics: acoustic tweezers, sharp-edge-based acoustofluidics, bubble-based acoustofluidics, acoustofluidic-based MicroTAS, and optofluidics and plasmofluidics.
You can learn more about our acoustofluidics research through our Youtube channel: Acoustofluidics Lab.
Research Fields and Directions
We explore cutting-edge acoustofluidic technologies, advancing applications in biomedical engineering and precision medicine. Our current research focuses on manipulating cells and particles, developing multifunctional platforms for diagnostics, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. We utilize advanced acoustic and microfluidic systems to precisely control biological and fluidic interactions at the microscale, enabling innovative solutions for healthcare challenges.
Image
| Acoustic TweezersWe develop innovative acoustofluidic techniques for precise manipulation of cells, particles, and fluids, through close collaborations with biologists and engineers at leading research institutions. Our interdisciplinary approach enables breakthroughs in biomedical applications such as diagnostics, therapeutic delivery, and tissue engineering. | ||
Image
| Acoustofluidics in biological sciencesWe leverage acoustofluidic technologies to address critical challenges in the biological sciences, focusing on cell sorting, tissue engineering, and molecular biology applications. Through collaborations with biologists and medical researchers, we aim to develop innovative tools for precision medicine, regenerative therapies, and cellular analysis, advancing healthcare and life science research.
| ||
Image
| Acoustofluidic Detection and Disease DiagnosisWe develop cutting-edge acoustofluidic technologies for the detection of biomarkers and rapid disease diagnosis. Collaborating with clinicians and biomedical engineers, we focus on creating highly sensitive, non-invasive diagnostic tools that can detect diseases at their earliest stages. Our work aims to revolutionize healthcare by enabling real-time, point-of-care diagnostics for improved patient outcomes. | ||
Image
| Droplet manipulationWe develop advanced acoustofluidic platforms for precise droplet manipulation, enabling complex operations such as droplet generation, merging, and sorting. Collaborating closely with experts in biology and chemistry, we apply these technologies to enhance applications in diagnostics, drug delivery, and chemical analysis, providing versatile solutions for biomedical and chemical research. | ||