Tuneable 'Nano-Shearing': An Innovative Mechanism for the Accurate and Specific Capture of Cells and Molecules (2014–2016)

Abstract:
Our investigators have recently discovered a tuneable electro-hydrodynamic force which drives lateral fluid motion within a few nanometers of an electrode surface. Because the magnitude of this fluid shear force can be tuned externally (e.g., via the application of an AC electric field), it provides a new capability to physically displace weakly (non-specifically) bound cellular and molecular analytes. By performing research to further understand and develop this tuneable effect, this project aims to build and test a new platform technology to enable highly efficient capture and specific detection of low concentration pathogenic molecules and circulating tumor cells (CTCs).
Grant type:
ARC Discovery Projects
Researchers:
  • ARC Australian Laureate Fellow
    Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology
    ARC Laureate Fellow
    School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences
    Faculty of Science
Funded by:
Australian Research Council