Examining 2D Concentration Landscapes Generated by Biased Mixers in a Microfluidic Chamber
Faculty Mentor
Dragos Amarie
Location
Russell Union 2075
Type of Research
On-going
Session Format
Oral Presentation
College
College of Science & Mathematics
Department
Biochemistry, Chemistry, Physics
Abstract
Motivation: Ovarian cancer is a malignant gynecologic cancer that predominantly impacts women in later stages of life. This cancer is difficult to detect in early stages of metastasis; late-stage detection allows for diverse genetic phenotypes from unchecked mutation and spread, leading to higher mortality rates. One explanation for the occurrence of ovarian cancer has to do with the reflow of menstrual blood and frequent ovulation. When the uterus contracts, very often the menstrual blood flows upwards through the fallopian tubes and into the peritoneal cavity, presenting the fimbrial endings with elevated levels of reactive oxygen species, including iron and peroxide, known to induce genetic mutations in the fimbria’s epithelial cells.
Current Focus: We aim to replicate the uterine environment using microfluidic devices and observe how ovarian cancer cells behave in a controlled flow environment. A successful project would require detailed investigations of the microfluidic device that generates the 2D concentration landscape. For simplicity, we use fluorescein sodium salt (100% input) and a borate buffer (0% control) to characterize the chemical’s dynamics in the chamber. Our concentration landscape is generated by diffusion under flow at low Reynolds numbers (Re < 0.01). Fluorescence intensity is quantified using grayscale analysis by checking the balance, measuring the flow rates at 15, 45, 70, 100, and 150 μm/s, and taking photos at different benchmarks. We achieved high precision (~1%) in tuning the flow rate and the Y-mixers'.
Program Description
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Start Date
4-23-2026 10:15 AM
End Date
4-23-2026 10:30 AM
Recommended Citation
Ramcharan, Alyssa, "Examining 2D Concentration Landscapes Generated by Biased Mixers in a Microfluidic Chamber" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 105.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026/2026/105
Examining 2D Concentration Landscapes Generated by Biased Mixers in a Microfluidic Chamber
Russell Union 2075
Motivation: Ovarian cancer is a malignant gynecologic cancer that predominantly impacts women in later stages of life. This cancer is difficult to detect in early stages of metastasis; late-stage detection allows for diverse genetic phenotypes from unchecked mutation and spread, leading to higher mortality rates. One explanation for the occurrence of ovarian cancer has to do with the reflow of menstrual blood and frequent ovulation. When the uterus contracts, very often the menstrual blood flows upwards through the fallopian tubes and into the peritoneal cavity, presenting the fimbrial endings with elevated levels of reactive oxygen species, including iron and peroxide, known to induce genetic mutations in the fimbria’s epithelial cells.
Current Focus: We aim to replicate the uterine environment using microfluidic devices and observe how ovarian cancer cells behave in a controlled flow environment. A successful project would require detailed investigations of the microfluidic device that generates the 2D concentration landscape. For simplicity, we use fluorescein sodium salt (100% input) and a borate buffer (0% control) to characterize the chemical’s dynamics in the chamber. Our concentration landscape is generated by diffusion under flow at low Reynolds numbers (Re < 0.01). Fluorescence intensity is quantified using grayscale analysis by checking the balance, measuring the flow rates at 15, 45, 70, 100, and 150 μm/s, and taking photos at different benchmarks. We achieved high precision (~1%) in tuning the flow rate and the Y-mixers'.
