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Characterization of Membranes for Microfluidic Biomarker Monitoring
Join our research on developing a non-invasive microfluidic device for continuous biomarker monitoring in preterm infants to eliminate the need for blood sampling. This project focuses on optimizing a probe's membrane permeability through in vitro diffusion experiments to improve microdialysis technique and neonatal healthcare.
Keywords: diffusion, mass transport, microfluidics, semi-permeable membranes, glucose, biomarkers, infants
Continuous monitoring of biomarkers is needed for preterm infants, as deviations can indicate risks of long-term impairments. Current methods rely on frequent blood sampling, which is invasive and poses significant health risks. Microdialysis, a minimally invasive sampling technique, offers a potential solution by enabling continuous biomarker extraction from interstitial fluid through a semi-permeable membrane.
Because the premature infants have underdeveloped skin, biomarkers can be extracted transdermally from interstitial fluid, eliminating the need for blood draws. At BORL, we are developing a non-invasive microdialysis probe to facilitate this process. The probe is covered with a semi-permeable hydrogel-based membrane, fabricated in-house, which allows on-skin sampling and tunable permeability.
In this project, you will improve the microfluidic monitoring system by evaluating the permeability of different membranes to optimize biomarker transport efficiency and:
- Perform permeability experiments in vitro using Franz diffusion cells
- Characterize the transport of critical biomarkers through various semi-permeable membranes
- Compare commercial and in-house fabricated membranes
- Investigate the influence of molecular properties (size, charge, hydrophobicity) on diffusion
**Expected Outcomes:**
- Identification of optimal membrane materials for neonatal biomarker extraction
- Estimation of permeability coefficients for key biomarkers
- Contribution to the development of a continuous, non-invasive neonatal monitoring system
Continuous monitoring of biomarkers is needed for preterm infants, as deviations can indicate risks of long-term impairments. Current methods rely on frequent blood sampling, which is invasive and poses significant health risks. Microdialysis, a minimally invasive sampling technique, offers a potential solution by enabling continuous biomarker extraction from interstitial fluid through a semi-permeable membrane.
Because the premature infants have underdeveloped skin, biomarkers can be extracted transdermally from interstitial fluid, eliminating the need for blood draws. At BORL, we are developing a non-invasive microdialysis probe to facilitate this process. The probe is covered with a semi-permeable hydrogel-based membrane, fabricated in-house, which allows on-skin sampling and tunable permeability.
In this project, you will improve the microfluidic monitoring system by evaluating the permeability of different membranes to optimize biomarker transport efficiency and:
- Perform permeability experiments in vitro using Franz diffusion cells - Characterize the transport of critical biomarkers through various semi-permeable membranes - Compare commercial and in-house fabricated membranes - Investigate the influence of molecular properties (size, charge, hydrophobicity) on diffusion
**Expected Outcomes:**
- Identification of optimal membrane materials for neonatal biomarker extraction - Estimation of permeability coefficients for key biomarkers - Contribution to the development of a continuous, non-invasive neonatal monitoring system
Investigate permeabilities of key neonatal biomarkers (glucose, lactate, pyruvate, bilirubin) through semi-permeable membranes to optimize a non-invasive microdialysis probe for microfluidic monitoring in preterm infants
**Qualifications:** Background in biomedical engineering, chemistry, materials science or related field
Investigate permeabilities of key neonatal biomarkers (glucose, lactate, pyruvate, bilirubin) through semi-permeable membranes to optimize a non-invasive microdialysis probe for microfluidic monitoring in preterm infants
**Qualifications:** Background in biomedical engineering, chemistry, materials science or related field
For more information please send your transcript of records and CV to oleksii.ustinov@uzh.ch
Supervisors:
Dr. Aldo Di Costanzo Mata
email: aldo.dicostanzomata@usz.ch
Oleksii Ustinov
email: oleksii.ustinov@uzh.ch
For more information please send your transcript of records and CV to oleksii.ustinov@uzh.ch
Supervisors: Dr. Aldo Di Costanzo Mata email: aldo.dicostanzomata@usz.ch
