Microfluidic Platforms for Cellular Biomechanics as Diagnostic Tools

William C. Tang, Ph.D.

Professor, Biomedical Engineering Department

Professor, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Director, Microbiomechanics Laboratory

Henry Samueli School of Engineering

University of California, Irvine, USA

9/29/2015, Tuesday, 1400-1600

Place: Room 108, Eng. I Building

Abstract

This presentation focuses on the use of the mechanical properties of cells as a way to diagnose disease states with microfluidic platforms. Two examples will be discussed. First, a microfluidic platform to isolate and study avian red blood cells (RBCs) infected to various degrees by malaria parasite will be presented. The experimental findings point to the feasibility of using the morphological changes on the surface of the malaria infected red blood cells as biomarkers for diagnosis. Second, the design, theory, fabrication, and preliminary results of microfabricated platforms for capturing circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from whole blood will be discussed. By combining different complementary approaches, the ultimate goal is to develop a platform that reaches close to 100% efficiencies in isolating and capturing CTCs.

CV of Prof. Tang

William C. Tang received his BS, MS, and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences from the University of California at Berkeley in 1980, 1982, and 1990, respectively. His seminal thesis work and invention on the electrostatic comb drive was, and continues to be recognized internationally as one of the most influential and foundational work. Since his graduation, he continued his contribution to the MEMS field first in the automotive industry and later leading the pursuit of MEMS technology for space applications. In 1999, he served as the Program Manager for MEMS at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), being responsible for the single largest funding source for MEMS technology at the time. Since 2002, he has been appointed as professor with the Biomedical Engineering Department and the EECS Department at the University of California, Irvine. His research interests include microfluidics for decease diagnostics, single-cell biomechanics, and micro-implantable devices.

• Contact: Prof. Da-Jeng Yao, Institute of NanoEngineering and MicroSystems (iNEMS), NTHU

• Tel: (03) 574-2850, Email: djyao@mx.nthu.edu.tw  

主辦單位：國立清華大學 奈米工程與微系統所/動力機械工程學系