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Measuring Surface Forces of Oil Droplets with a Fluidic Force Microscopy System
This project aims to establish a measuring system for the investigation of surface forces of oil droplets. The system is based on a combination of atomic force microscopy (AFM) and microfluidics, that enables the formation, reversible attachment and manipulation of oil droplets in the micrometre siz
The study of forces acting during the dynamic interaction of deformable colloids, like oil droplets in an aqueous solution, is interesting for many (bio-)chemical areas, such as surface sciences, emulsions and two-phase reactions, and membrane properties of cells.
While the AFM is the perfect tool to study these forces in the nano-Newton range, the attachment of the droplets to the cantilever has been a limitation in the past. However, the FluidFM, an AFM cantilever with an integrated microfluidic channel, facilitates the easy formation, reversible attachment and force-study of oil droplets.
We aim to apply the described system for the study of oil droplet stability, droplet-droplet fusion, the effect of different surfactants, and friction measurements of oil on differently functionalized surfaces. A possible biologically oriented application is the scanning of different regions of a cell for their hydrophilic/phobic properties. The presented system could also be transferred to investigate water droplets in a lipid environment, and air bubbles in liquid.
The study of forces acting during the dynamic interaction of deformable colloids, like oil droplets in an aqueous solution, is interesting for many (bio-)chemical areas, such as surface sciences, emulsions and two-phase reactions, and membrane properties of cells.
While the AFM is the perfect tool to study these forces in the nano-Newton range, the attachment of the droplets to the cantilever has been a limitation in the past. However, the FluidFM, an AFM cantilever with an integrated microfluidic channel, facilitates the easy formation, reversible attachment and force-study of oil droplets. We aim to apply the described system for the study of oil droplet stability, droplet-droplet fusion, the effect of different surfactants, and friction measurements of oil on differently functionalized surfaces. A possible biologically oriented application is the scanning of different regions of a cell for their hydrophilic/phobic properties. The presented system could also be transferred to investigate water droplets in a lipid environment, and air bubbles in liquid.
As a student in this project, next to general laboratory experience, you will learn:
- literature search on previous works on the topic
- the handling and operation of the FluidFM system
- basic AFM functions, such as the measurement of force-distance curves and friction coefficients
- the functionalization of surfaces with microcontact printing
- measuring of droplet-droplet and droplet-surface interactions
- the design of a flow chamber for easy exchange of the aqueous environment
- creation and study of droplets and air bubbles in different environments
The range and main focus of the project can be adapted to your interests and to your course requirements and abilities.
As this is a new project and you will be the one establishing this new measurement technique, this project requires a high level of motivation and independence. Creativity to find own ideas and solutions, and the ability to propose and plan reasonable experiments will be necessary. Experience with AFM and in material science is desirable.
As a student in this project, next to general laboratory experience, you will learn:
- literature search on previous works on the topic
- the handling and operation of the FluidFM system
- basic AFM functions, such as the measurement of force-distance curves and friction coefficients
- the functionalization of surfaces with microcontact printing
- measuring of droplet-droplet and droplet-surface interactions
- the design of a flow chamber for easy exchange of the aqueous environment
- creation and study of droplets and air bubbles in different environments
The range and main focus of the project can be adapted to your interests and to your course requirements and abilities.
As this is a new project and you will be the one establishing this new measurement technique, this project requires a high level of motivation and independence. Creativity to find own ideas and solutions, and the ability to propose and plan reasonable experiments will be necessary. Experience with AFM and in material science is desirable.
If you are interested in this project, do not hesitate to contact me at: luechtefeld@biomed.ee.ethz.ch.
Please also state your motivation to work on this project, mention relevant practical experiences and include your CV.
If you are interested in this project, do not hesitate to contact me at: luechtefeld@biomed.ee.ethz.ch. Please also state your motivation to work on this project, mention relevant practical experiences and include your CV.