Subject description
The basic contents of the subject are:
– general concepts and definitions of microreactor technology (MRT) and microfluidic devices
– contemporary techniques for manufacturing of microstructured devices; surface treatment and functionalization
– fluid dynamics in microfluidic devices: parallel flow of miscible and non-miscible fluids in microchannels (droplet formation, segmented flow)
– advantages of miniaturized devices
– use of microfluidic devices for bioanalysis, µTAS systems
– use of microfluidic devices for drug development and production
– microbioreactors, enzymatic microreactors, enzyme immobilization in microstructured devices
– lab-on-a-chip systems
-use of microfluidic devices in downstream processing and process integration
– use of microfluidic devices in biomedicine (diagnostics, drug delivery, hemodialysis)
-selected case studies of biocatalytic and downstream processes in microfluidic devices, integrated processes
The subject is taught in programs
Objectives and competences
The basic educational aim is gaining theoretical and practical knowledge for independent development and execution of bioanalysis, bioprocesses and/or bioseparations in microfluidic devices, as well as in integrated lab-on-a-chip systems.
Teaching and learning methods
- Lectures
- Preparation of seminar work and oral presentation within regular journal club meetings of the research group (discussion and critical evaluation of selected scientific papers).
- Laboratory work with microfluidic devices – observation of fluid flow within microchannels, separation processes and miniaturised integrated systems.
Expected study results
The intended learning outcomes consider knowledge about technologies for fabrication of microfluidic devices, fluid flow within them and surface modifications. Besides, understanding of benefits of using microfludic devices in bioanalysis, drug development and production, in other bioprocesses and in biomedicine is intended. Gaining of expertise in microbioreactors, basics of bioseparations in microfluidic devices and in lab-on-a-chip systems.
Basic sources and literature
Izbrana poglavja iz: Hessel, V., Renken, A., Schouten, J.C., Yoshida, J.-I., Eds., Micro Process Engineering: A Comprehensive Handbook, Vol. 1-3, Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim, Germany, 2009
Izbrana poglavja iz: Dietrich, T.R., Ed., Microchemical engineering in practice, John Wiley & Sons, Hoboken, 2009
Izbrana poglavja iz: Wirth, T., Ed., Microreactors in Organic Chemistry and Catalysis, 2nd Ed.,
Completely Revised and Enlarged Edition, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, 2013
Izbrana poglavja iz : Li, X., Zhou, Y., Eds., Microfluidic devices for biomedical applications, Woodhead Publishing, 2013
Tekoča znanstvena periodika./ Papers from current scientific journals.
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University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Electrical Engineering Tržaška cesta 25, 1000 Ljubljana