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Bouhid de Aguiar I, Schroën K. Microfluidics Used as a Tool to Understand and Optimize Membrane Filtration Processes. MEMBRANES 2020; 10:E316. [PMID: 33138236 PMCID: PMC7692330 DOI: 10.3390/membranes10110316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Membrane filtration processes are best known for their application in the water, oil, and gas sectors, but also in food production they play an eminent role. Filtration processes are known to suffer from a decrease in efficiency in time due to e.g., particle deposition, also known as fouling and pore blocking. Although these processes are not very well understood at a small scale, smart engineering approaches have been used to keep membrane processes running. Microfluidic devices have been increasingly applied to study membrane filtration processes and accommodate observation and understanding of the filtration process at different scales, from nanometer to millimeter and more. In combination with microscopes and high-speed imaging, microfluidic devices allow real time observation of filtration processes. In this review we will give a general introduction on microfluidic devices used to study membrane filtration behavior, followed by a discussion of how microfluidic devices can be used to understand current challenges. We will then discuss how increased knowledge on fundamental aspects of membrane filtration can help optimize existing processes, before wrapping up with an outlook on future prospects on the use of microfluidics within the field of membrane separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabella Bouhid de Aguiar
- Membrane Science and Technology—Membrane Processes for Food, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands;
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Ehrlich K, Parker HE, McNicholl DK, Reid P, Reynolds M, Bussiere V, Crawford G, Deighan A, Garrett A, Kufcsák A, Norberg DR, Spennati G, Steele G, Szoor-McElhinney H, Jimenez M. Demonstrating the Use of Optical Fibres in Biomedical Sensing: A Collaborative Approach for Engagement and Education. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 20:E402. [PMID: 31936827 PMCID: PMC7014119 DOI: 10.3390/s20020402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
This paper demonstrates how research at the intersection of physics, engineering, biology and medicine can be presented in an interactive and educational way to a non-scientific audience. Interdisciplinary research with a focus on prevalent diseases provides a relatable context that can be used to engage with the public. Respiratory diseases are significant contributors to avoidable morbidity and mortality and have a growing social and economic impact. With the aim of improving lung disease understanding, new techniques in fibre-based optical endomicroscopy have been recently developed. Here, we present a novel engagement activity that resembles a bench-to-bedside pathway. The activity comprises an inexpensive educational tool (<$70) adapted from a clinical optical endomicroscopy system and tutorials that cover state-of-the-art research. The activity was co-created by high school science teachers and researchers in a collaborative way that can be implemented into any engagement development process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katjana Ehrlich
- EPSRC IRC Hub in Optical Molecular Sensing & Imaging, Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK; (A.K.); (D.R.N.); (H.S.-M.)
| | - Helen E. Parker
- EPSRC IRC Hub in Optical Molecular Sensing & Imaging, Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK; (A.K.); (D.R.N.); (H.S.-M.)
| | - Duncan K. McNicholl
- Scottish Universities Physics Alliance (SUPA), Institute of Photonics and Quantum Science, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, UK;
| | - Peter Reid
- College of Science and Engineering Engagement Team, King’s Buildings, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK; (P.R.); (M.R.)
| | - Mark Reynolds
- College of Science and Engineering Engagement Team, King’s Buildings, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH9 3BF, UK; (P.R.); (M.R.)
| | - Vincent Bussiere
- James Watt School of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering Division, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8LT, UK; (V.B.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (M.J.)
| | | | | | - Alice Garrett
- James Watt School of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering Division, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8LT, UK; (V.B.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (M.J.)
| | - András Kufcsák
- EPSRC IRC Hub in Optical Molecular Sensing & Imaging, Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK; (A.K.); (D.R.N.); (H.S.-M.)
| | - Dominic R. Norberg
- EPSRC IRC Hub in Optical Molecular Sensing & Imaging, Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK; (A.K.); (D.R.N.); (H.S.-M.)
| | - Giulia Spennati
- James Watt School of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering Division, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8LT, UK; (V.B.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (M.J.)
| | - Gregor Steele
- Scottish Schools Education Research Centre (SSERC), Dunfermline KY11 8UU, UK;
| | - Helen Szoor-McElhinney
- EPSRC IRC Hub in Optical Molecular Sensing & Imaging, Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK; (A.K.); (D.R.N.); (H.S.-M.)
| | - Melanie Jimenez
- James Watt School of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering Division, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8LT, UK; (V.B.); (A.G.); (G.S.); (M.J.)
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Rackus DG, Riedel-Kruse IH, Pamme N. "Learning on a chip:" Microfluidics for formal and informal science education. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2019; 13:041501. [PMID: 31431815 PMCID: PMC6697029 DOI: 10.1063/1.5096030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics is a technique for the handling of small volumes of liquids on the order of picoliters to nanoliters and has impact for miniaturized biomedical science and fundamental research. Because of its multi- and interdisciplinary nature (i.e., combining the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering), microfluidics offers much potential for educational applications, both at the university level as well as primary and secondary education. Microfluidics is also an ideal "tool" to enthuse and educate members of the general public about the interdisciplinary aspects of modern sciences, including concepts of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics subjects such as (bio)engineering, chemistry, and biomedical sciences. Here, we provide an overview of approaches that have been taken to make microfluidics accessible for formal and informal learning. We also point out future avenues and desired developments. At the extreme ends, we can distinguish between projects that teach how to build microfluidic devices vs projects that make various microscopic phenomena (e.g., low Reynolds number hydrodynamics, microbiology) accessible to learners and the general public. Microfluidics also enables educators to make experiments low-cost and scalable, and thereby widely accessible. Our goal for this review is to assist academic researchers working in the field of microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip technologies as well as educators with translating research from the laboratory into the lecture hall, teaching laboratory, or public sphere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darius G. Rackus
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Nicole Pamme
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Hull, Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed:; ; and
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Jimenez M, Miller B, Bridle HL. Efficient separation of small microparticles at high flowrates using spiral channels: Application to waterborne pathogens. Chem Eng Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2015.08.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Morton JAS, Bridle H. Student-led microfluidics lab practicals: Improving engagement and learning outcomes. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2016; 10:034117. [PMID: 27375822 PMCID: PMC4902809 DOI: 10.1063/1.4953448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Microfluidics has shown rapid growth in both research and development and offers significant commercialisation potential for biomedical and diagnostic applications in particular. However, there is a lack of awareness of microfluidics outside the field of study, and few dedicated educational programmes are available. While many topics incorporate microfluidics teaching, reported initiatives in the literature have not yet taken a problem based learning (PBL) approach to the delivery of practical sessions. The educational approaches already reported typically focus upon production and testing of pre-determined device designs for specific applications, using a "recipe" style of lab teaching. Here, we report on a newly designed lab section of a microfluidic teaching component utilising problem based learning (PBL) to involve the students in all aspects of design, manufacture, and performance characterisation of microfluidic solutions. Details of the lab design and development are given enabling others to replicate the lab structure described here or use it as a basis for the design of similar PBL microfluidics teaching labs. A key focus of the work has been the evaluation of the student experience, and the results of a survey indicate a high degree of student satisfaction and skills development due to the PBL approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A S Morton
- Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences, Heriot-Watt University , Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, United Kingdom
| | - H Bridle
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Heriot-Watt University , Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AS, United Kingdom
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Esfahani MMN, Tarn MD, Choudhury TA, Hewitt LC, Mayo AJ, Rubin TA, Waller MR, Christensen MG, Dawson A, Pamme N. Lab-on-a-chip workshop activities for secondary school students. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2016; 10:011301. [PMID: 26865902 PMCID: PMC4744233 DOI: 10.1063/1.4940884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2016] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The ability to engage and inspire younger generations in novel areas of science is important for bringing new researchers into a burgeoning field, such as lab-on-a-chip. We recently held a lab-on-a-chip workshop for secondary school students, for which we developed a number of hands-on activities that explained various aspects of microfluidic technology, including fabrication (milling and moulding of microfluidic devices, and wax printing of microfluidic paper-based analytical devices, so-called μPADs), flow regimes (gradient formation via diffusive mixing), and applications (tissue analysis and μPADs). Questionnaires completed by the students indicated that they found the workshop both interesting and informative, with all activities proving successful, while providing feedback that could be incorporated into later iterations of the event.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark D Tarn
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hull , Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Tahmina A Choudhury
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hull , Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Laura C Hewitt
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hull , Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Ashley J Mayo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hull , Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Theodore A Rubin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hull , Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Mathew R Waller
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hull , Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Martin G Christensen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hull , Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Dawson
- School of Biological, Biomedical and Environmental Sciences, University of Hull , Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Nicole Pamme
- Department of Chemistry, University of Hull , Cottingham Road, Hull HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
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