Experimental and numerical investigations of liquid flows in the microchannels (50 150 μm) have been carried out for straight and serpentine geometry. CFD-ACE+ is used as numerical tool for analyzing flow through channels with designed roughness elements. μ-PIV is used for characterizing the flow through straight and serpentine sections of the channels. Such laser-based non-intrusive measurement technique is also used to characterize a microfluidic device meant for detection of multiple species. This device is fabricated from a mask using Excimer laser and species detection is achieved by balancing the pressure driven flow with the applied electric field. This device can be used for separation of biological species. In a parallel effort, experimental and numerical investigation of mechanics of affinity cantilevers for biosensor application has been carried out. A new model based on electrostatic repulsion between charged antigens has been proposed. Fabrication of biosensor is carried out on our Excimer laser. A characterization tool, micromap 5010, is used to measure static displacements resulting from bioactivity. A microfabrication facility to fabricate three-dimensional microstructures based on microstereolithography principles has been developed here. This facility will be useful for fabrication and further analysis (using μ-PIV) of flow through complex biological structures. Overall the SMAμL has a solid foundation laid for investigation of complex microchannel flow, heat transfer, biosensors and other MEMS devices.

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