Projects / Programmes
Optimization strategies in biological and artificial microfluidic systems
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 1.02.07 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Physics |
Biophysics |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B002 |
Biomedical sciences |
Biophysics |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 1.03 |
Natural Sciences |
Physical sciences |
Cilia, Low Reynolds number hydrodynamics, Optimization, Microswimmers, Biomimetics, Microfluidic pumps
Researchers (7)
Organisations (2)
Abstract
Within the scope of this project we will solve a number of optimization
problems in low Reynolds number hydrodynamics. The purpose is twofold: first
to understand the swimming of microorganisms and the functioning of other
cilia, as we know that they have in many cases evolved to work close to the
theoretical optimum. We will also investigate the ideal forms of a
surface-driven microswimmer. For that purpose we will use a scale-invariant
formulation to keep the results as widely applicable as possible. We will also
apply the optimization approach to understand the mechanism of symmetry
breaking (between the left and the right half) in developmental biology. For
microfluidic applications we will fabricate efficient artificial cilia and
rotary pumps.
Significance for science
The scientific impact of this project is threefold. First, we solved some very fundamental problems in low-Reynolds number hydrodynamics, which is a contribution to the basic science. Second, the project brought new understanding into the biology of swimming microorganisms, in particular into the way how they have evolved for energetically efficient swimming. In the case of Kupffer's vesicle we were able to elucidate the mechanism of body asymmetry establishment in a model organism (zebrafish), however we anticipate that the detection mechanism is homologous in mammals including human. We were thus able to provide an answer to an important biological question (the mechanism of flow detection) that could not be answered with experimental means alone. Finally, we studied a number of phenomena in artificial colloidal systems (synchronization, propulsion of swimmers and microwheels, self-assembly) which are, besides basic science, also relevant for microfluidic applications.
Significance for the country
Research within this project helps bridge the gap between basic, curiosity-driven research and applied physics, particularly microfluidics. It helped strengthen the position of the J. Stefan institute and Ljubljana University in both fields. Highly visible publications and invited conference talks also crucially contribute to the reputation of both institutions and of the science carried out in Slovenia as a whole. Some members of the project team already take part in a European FP7 training network and a COST network, and the successful completion of this project will further strengthen our chances to compete for EU and other international funding. Finally, the research is tightly integrated into the teaching process, both at the undergraduate/Master level and in form of PhD training. The project also serves the promotion of products by two collaborating spin-off companies. Because these products are targeted mainly at the research community, scientifically visible results, publications in high-ranking journals and presentations at conferences (along with commercial exhibitions) are their primary advertising channel.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2013,
2014,
2015,
final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2013,
2014,
2015,
final report
