We are exploring fundamentals and applications of integrated fluidic systems. These systems have applications in robotics, medical devices, and diagnostics.
Fluidic Logic and Control
Soft robots are often made with soft materials and can be actuated pneumatically, without electronics, making these systems inherently compliant with this directive. In this research theme, we aim to increase the capability of new soft robotic systems moving from a one-to-one control-actuator architecture and implementing an electronics-free control system. We have developed a robot that demonstrates locomotion and gripping using three-pneumatic lines: a vacuum power line, a control input, and a clock line. We have followed the design principles of digital electronics and demonstrated an integrated fluidic circuit with eleven, fully integrated fluidic switches and six actuators. We have realized the basic building blocks of logical operation into combinational logic and memory using our fluidic switches to create a two-state automata machine. This system expands on the state of the art increasing the complexity over existing soft systems with integrated control.
Integrated Systems
3D Soft Lithography and Manufacturing of Microcirculation Phantoms: Microcirculation networks consist of vessels <100µm in diameter; arterioles, capillaries (where oxygen exchange takes place) and venules. Angiogenesis is a common feature of almost all diseases involving the proliferation of new blood vessels at the level of microcirculation. There is considerable interest in understanding the role of microcirculation in terms of hemodynamics and in the development of techniques to measure perfusion. ‘Phantoms’ mimic the geometry and physical properties of the tissues, allowing comparison of properties measured using imaging with known properties in the phantom. We have developed a method for the manufacturing of a microcirculation phantom that may be used to investigate hemodynamics using optics based methods. We make an Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) negative mold, manufactured in a Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) printer, embed it in Polydimethysilioxane (PDMS) and dissolve it from within using acetone. We have successfully made an enlarged three-dimensional (3D) network of microcirculation, and tested it using red blood cell (RBC) analogues. We’re now exploring the use of this phantom for testing medical imaging technologies.
Microfluidic Sensors
Stretchable and Flexible Electronic Systems: As the electronics industry develops, the demand for stretchable and flexible electronic devices is increasing.
Printed circuit boards are evolving into new flexible, and stretchable electronic systems. This technology promises to expand the design space for engineers and will allow them to create unique, multifunctional, multidomain structures and highly integrated devices.
Our research into fabricating packaging for integrated circuits using soft encapsulation with polymeric material and eutectic liquid alloy allows us to design flexible, and stretchable electronics systems. These systems are mechanically compliant and biocompatible; the technology is applicable to many applications, including: wearable wireless health monitors; spatiotemporal cardiac measurements; environmental monitoring; soft robotics, and smart contact-lenses.
Recently we proposed a rapid and reliable way of making soft-lithography moulds using a laser micromaching system and a self-adhesive material. We presented a poster on this subject at the 2016 MicroTech conference.
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