BIOTECHNOLOGY AND LAB-ON-A CHIPModule Mod. Lab-on-a-chip Design
Academic Year 2026/2027 - Teacher: EMANUELA CUTULIExpected Learning Outcomes
1. Knowledge and understanding
Acquire knowledge of the principles of microscale fluid dynamics, transport phenomena in microchannels, and single-phase and two-phase flows. Understand the fundamentals of CFD modelling and techniques for microfabrication, detection, and monitoring in Lab-on-a-Chip devices.
2. Applying knowledge and understanding
Design microfluidic devices and set up CFD simulations by defining geometry, fluid properties, mesh, and boundary conditions. Identify appropriate fabrication and monitoring techniques consistent with application requirements.
3. Making judgements
Assess the suitability of design solutions and the reliability of numerical and experimental results, recognising the differences between simulation assumptions and experimental conditions and interpreting results based on the theoretical knowledge acquired.
4. Communication skills
Describe the geometric and functional characteristics of microfluidic devices, justify design choices, and present simulation and analysis results using appropriate technical terminology and graphical representations.
5. Learning skills
Apply fundamental knowledge of microfluidic systems to independently explore phenomena, methodologies, and Lab-on-a-Chip applications not explicitly covered in the course by consulting scientific literature and technical documentation.
Course Structure
The course includes lectures for the acquisition and knowledge required and the carrying out of practice activities (software design).
Should teaching be carried out in mixed mode or remotely, it may be necessary to introduce changes with respect to previous statements, in line with the programme planned and outlined in the syllabus.
Required Prerequisites
Basic knowledge regards:
- Advanced level on physics and math
- Intermediate level on Linear systems theory and control
- Intermediate level on programming languages
No preparatory requests for passing other courses are required.
Attendance of Lessons
Attendance is not mandatory, although it is necessary to carry out the final project.
Detailed Course Content
CFD Modeling and Simulation: Fundamentals of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for modeling, simulating, and predicting fluid dynamics behavior in microfluidic systems; geometry, fluid properties, mesh, and boundary conditions; simulation examples of single- and two-phase microfluidic flows.
Microfabrication methods: Microfluidic device fabrication techniques, including photolithography, soft lithography, laser cutting, and 3D printing, with applications to the fabrication of silicon, glass, and polymeric devices.
Detection and monitoring methods: optical, electrical, electrochemical, and mass spectrometry detection techniques; image acquisition and analysis methods for the characterization and monitoring of two-phase microfluidic processes.
Examples of microfluidic devices for Lab-on-a-Chip applications: Applications for cell and particle analysis, with examples of characterization and monitoring of microfluidic processes.
Textbook Information
COURSE TEXTBOOKS
T1) Paul C. H. Li - Microfluidics lab-on-a-chip for chemical and biological analysis and discovery- CRC Taylor and Francis
Suggested Readings
T2) P. Tabelling, Introduction to microfluidics, Oxford
T2) J. L. Semmlow, B. Griffel, Biosignal and Medical Image Processing, CRC Press, Taylor & Francis.
Course Planning
| Subjects | Text References | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Microfluidics flow (8 h) | T2 (chs.1-3-4) |
| 2 | CFD Modeling and Simulation (5 h) | T1 (ch.3) |
| 3 | Micromachining methods (5 h) | T1 (ch. 2) |
| 4 | Detection and Monitoring Methods (6 h) | T1 (ch. 7) |
| 5 | Microfluidics device for lab-on-chip applications (5 h) | T1 (ch.8) |
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
Two exam modalities are possible (one excludes the other):
1) oral exam, including all the topics in the program
2) practical test and its discussion, the course attendance is required.
Learning assessment may also be carried out online, should the conditions require it.
The practical test consists of a case study based on the design of a micro-system for the analysis of biological and chemical samples. The essay must be submitted by the end of the course. The final evaluation will be determined by its discussion.
The evaluation will be based on: the description of the case study, the methodology adopted, and the results obtained in correlation with the course contents. Knowledge of the contents, the relevance of the answers to the asked questions, the ability to use technical language, and the ability to make connections between the contents of the program will be considered.
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
• Describe the main fluid dynamic phenomena characterizing microscale flows and discuss the differences from macroscopic systems.
• Describe the main transport, diffusion and mixing mechanisms in microfluidic systems.
• Illustrate the main microfabrication techniques of Lab-on-a-Chip devices and discuss their advantages and limitations.
• Describe the main detection and monitoring methods used in microfluidic systems.
• Set up a CFD model of a microfluidic device, defining geometry, fluid properties, initial and boundary conditions, and discussing simulation results.
• Describe the main issues related to the modeling and simulation of single-phase and two-phase microfluidic flows.
• Describe and apply image acquisition and processing methods for monitoring and characterizing microfluidic processes.
• Design a Lab-on-a-Chip device for a specific biological or chemical application, identifying the most appropriate geometry, materials, manufacturing technique, actuation modes and detection method.