Projects / Programmes
Biomimetični sistemi v mikrofluidiki (Slovene)
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.02.01 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Physics |
Physics of condesed matter |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 1.03 |
Natural Sciences |
Physical sciences |
Researchers (4)
Organisations (1)
| no. |
Code |
Research organisation |
City |
Registration number |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
0106 |
Jožef Stefan Institute |
Ljubljana |
5051606000 |
18 |
Significance for science
In the past decade, microfluidics has become well-established discipline with a large variety of technological applications. Similar to the microelectronics that completely changed the production of electronic components and their usage, microfluidics opened new areas of research and implementation of hydrodynamics. The main advantages are most apparent in sample analysis: microfluidic experiments require very small quantities of material, leading to fast response, reduction of cost and reduction of waste materials.
Specific properties of microfluidics make it extremely interesting for fundamental research as the behaviour of fluids in small dimensions (and at low Reynolds numbers) is quite different from the physics in macroscopic world. The research within this project was one of the first to systematically validate Purcell's theorem on a biomimetic system of artificial cilia. We used the artificial cilia also as a model system for studying hydrodynamic phenomena (hydrodynamic coupling, appearance of metachronal waves ...) of the real cilia. As it is very difficult to perform controlled experiments on real cilia, the model systems are an ideal approach for addressing this issue. Our model turned out to be very useful as we were able to accurately control the magnetic field, which was used to actuate the cilia, and study the influence of beating parameters on the fluid flow. By mapping the fluid flow around one beating cilium we were able to study flow patterns and compare them to existing theoretical models. We contributed to designing better model systems and to understanding fundamental phenomena on the field of hydrodynamics at low Reynolds numbers.
Our successful implementation of biomimetic systems can be used in microfluidic applications, but at the same time contributes to a better understanding of real biological systems. Our innovative approach contributed significantly to the interesting multidisciplinary field of microfluidics and broadened the application possibilities. Our research has already led to new ideas and similar systems have, for example, already been used as cell-growth scaffolds. Microfluidic systems are therefore interesting not only for physicists, but also for biologists, chemists and engineers.
Significance for the country
Research performed within this project belongs to a current and rapidly growing research field of microfluidics. In the past few years, we have witnessed a rapid growth of interest in microfluidics in Slovenia, also due to this project. We contributed to setting up new experimental techniques that enable precise sample preparation and accurate measurements, and developed software that enables rigorous analysis of obtained data. We collaborated with two high-tech companies, Aresis, d.o.o. and LPKF Lasers & Electronics, d.o.o.
Our experimental set-up of optical tweezers combined with the magnetic component is home made and unique. The laboratory is additionally equipped with apparatus for photolithographic production of microfluidic cells. This yields excellent working conditions for scientific research as well as training of promising candidates, including one young researcher, who joined the group in 2009 and will defend his thesis in March 2013. Within educational activities, the members of the project team presented the research to younger students, acquainted them with scientific work and helped them establish connections with the industrial partners.
The results of our work were published in renowned journals, presented at international scientific meetings (including an invited talk) and will appear as a chapter in a book by RSC Publishing. We undoubtedly contributed to a better recognisability of Slovenia in the scientific community, promoted products and prototypes of models that were developed in Slovenia, and simultaneously established contacts for future collaborations with researchers from distinguished institutions and industrial partners.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2009,
2010,
2011,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
