Cognitronic Lab-on-a-chip research group

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and plastic pollution are global emergencies. Small microplastics (sMPs) (> 100µm) cause havoc in nature and are alarmingly prevalent in humans (e.g., placenta, brain, blood, and bone). sMPs also increase the risk of AMR by absorbing other pollutants (e.g., antibiotics) and promoting microbial aggregation and biofilm formation. Making screening and evaluation methods for new antibiofilm compounds widely available is essential. This project aims to develop a sustainable and democratized microfluidics platform to fight sMPs-induced AMR. Droplet-based microfluidics shows great potential for advancing knowledge and tackling this problem, allowing separation and manipulation of samples into thousands of miniscule drops (environments) for parallel studies. By using sustainable droplet technology with novel 3D-printed component for automated screening and evaluation of antibiofilm compounds, the project develops innovative solutions for global challenges.

The importance of antimicrobial membranes has significantly grown during the recent COVID pandemic era. Nanofibrous antimicrobial membranes have seen novel applications in biomedicine, such as face masks against viral threats or wound dressings used in chronic patient care. Composite electrospun nanofiber meshes are convenient to use as antimicrobial membranes. At present, the lack of automated, inline quality control limits both the pilot and large scale production of multi-material multilayer composite membranes. The alternative, manual re-calibration greatly limits production throughput and thus commercial viability. The goal of this R&D activity is to create technology for scalable inline quality control of electrospun nanofiber meshes. Using cognitive electronics, the system will be capable of continuous multiparameter monitoring and electrospinning process control to maintain optimal product quality and distribution.