Colloidal particle manipulation based on hydrodynamic and interfacial transport mechanisms in microfluidic devices

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Project Detail:

A PhD studentship is available at the Department of Chemical Engineering of Loughborough University to investigate surface-driven transport and hydrodynamic mechanisms for colloidal particle manipulation, including trapping, sorting, accumulation and controlled-released.

Micro- and nano-particles are ubiquitous in a broad range of industrial applications, including drug delivery, medical diagnostics/therapeutics, cosmetics, food, environmental remediation and energy storage. In this context, microfluidics has proven to be a valuable tool for colloidal particle manipulation (e.g. separation, filtration, etc.), having the potential to overcome many limitations of conventional technologies such as the requirement of multiple preparation steps, long processing times and large sample volumes.

The aim of this project is to develop and optimise innovative strategies to control the motion and spatio-temporal distribution of micro/nano particles in a microfluidic environment. The candidate will design and fabricate microfluidic devices and characterise the flow/particle interaction through optical microscopy methods. He/she will also use a number of experimental techniques for the synthesis and characterisation of functional particles and undertake proof-of-conpet studies to identify prospective applications of the developed microfluidic systems - especially for drug delivery and point-of-care diagnostics. During the project, the candidate will engage in collaborations with other members of the Department and with colleagues of the Institute Lumiere Materie at the University Claude Bernard Lyon 1.

Experience in microfluidics/microfabrication, colloidal and interface science and data analysis/modelling are highly desirable although not a requisite.

Find out more:
www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/chemical/about/people/guidobolognesi

Entry requirements:
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, Physics or a related subject. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience will be an advantage.

Contact details:
Name: Dr. Guido Bolognesi
Email address: [Email Address Removed]
Telephone number: +44(0) 1509222505

How to apply:
All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under programme name, select ‘Chemical Engineering’

Please quote reference number: CG-GB-1703

Application details:
Start date: July 2017
Closing date: 18th June 2017
Interview date: June 2017
Reference number: CG-GB-1703

Supervisors:
Primary supervisor: Dr. Guido Bolognesi
Secondary supervisor: Dr. Goran Vladisavljevic