SERS Microfluidic Assay for Cancer Biomarkers

Project summary

Microfluidics integrated with Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) is a powerful platform for point-of-care diagnostic applications. Recently, we discovered a physical phenomenon referred to as tunable “nanoshearing,” which allows precise control of nanoscopic fluid flow engendered within nanometers of an electrode surface. This discovery provides a new capability to capture and displace non-specifically bound species physically. This SERS microfluidic platform has already resulted in quantitative measurements of biomolecules in complex biological samples.

In this project, we aim to fabricate state of the art devices fabricated with microelectrodes, which allows for multiplexing capabilities with high specificity and sensitivity — all in one simple device. This novel diagnostic device will be used to test for different molecular biomarkers (i.e., cells, proteins, etc.) in biological & clinical samples. 

Students will achieve hands on experience in the design, nanofabrication, and application of microfluidic devices and SERS based systems and their applications in biotechnology.