Microfluidics originally employed expensive silicon fabrication techniques. Over time simpler, less expensive, more easily fabricated approaches have been developed including those employing glass, hard polymers and soft polymers. This evolution of alternative substrate materials has resulted in the emergence of the currently topical field of ‘paper microfluidics'.

In each technological case a new fabrication approach has led to the development of novel fluid control and manipulation functionalities such as mixing, pumping, valving etc.  exploiting the new technology's unique properties. The objective of this project is to develop such new functionalities by researching and employing alternative substrate materials for microlitre-scale analytical sample preparation and analysis, both of which are emerging requirements for chemical and biological target detection.

The students will work with an experienced microfluidics team conducting bio-detection research for funders and partners including the BBSRC and the UK Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (dstl) for whom the group have developed self-contained, stand-alone microfluidic systems.

The strongly experimentally based work will be facilitated by open access to most necessary facilities including a class 1000 microfabrication cleanroom and various polymer deposition equipment all of which, in addition to microbiology and analytical and fabrication tools, are located within the dedicated Group laboratory staffed by a full time research team.

Essential skills and characteristics:

• a strong interest in experimentally based research.
• a desire to conduct multidisciplinary research.
• an ability to work within a team whilst also being self-motivated and proactive.