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Project

Microwave sensing in microfluidics for cell and extracellular vesicle characterization (MESMERIC)

A promising way to fight cancer in the early stages, among other diseases, is through information carried by single cells and extracellular vesicles (EVs). However, extracting this information often depends on the availability of biomarkers and their matching bioreceptors. To circumvent this necessity, we will explore in this interdisciplinary project microwave dielectric sensing combined with novel microfluidic solutions as a platform capable of differentiating single cells and EVs in a label-free manner. Thus, we will develop a unique microwave-microfluidic technology capable of single-cell seeding and retrieval, EV manipulation, micro- to pico-liter sample handling and label-free single cell and EV characterization through multi-frequency microwave sensing and actuation. By using microwaves, the novel enabling technology could alleviate biomarker discovery, drug screening at the single-cell level, EVs or single-cell analysis and as such have a significant impact on many fields, including cancer.
Date:1 Oct 2020 →  Today
Keywords:microwave engineering, bioengineering, microfluidics, extracellular vesicles, cancer research, dielectric sensing, single cell
Disciplines:Biosensors, Microwaves, millimetre waves and THz components and circuits and systems, Microwave and millimetre wave technology, Medical biotechnology diagnostics, Microfluidics/flow chemistry