| Proj No. | A2171-251 |
| Title | Impedance characterization and modelling of simulated and real biocomponents. |
| Summary | The project aims to use Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) to obtain variation vs frequency for the electrical properties of various samples of interest in biochips. The ultimate target of the project is to systematically characterize the electrical properties of various biocomponents (cells, scaffold) used for meat cultures. However, these bio-components are not easily available and work with them requires special conditions of culture and handling. Therefore, we shall begin by performing EIS measurements of suspension s of microbeads of different sizes and different materials, which can emulate different types of cells. The measurements will be performed in the frequency range 10 Hz-10 MHz in novel microfluidic biochips. The main effort in the project should be not so much on fabrication of the chips (which should already be fabricated and available) but on performing measurements. In a first step, separate measurements of a single type of bead will be performed. If successful, they will be continued with measurements of a mixture of 2 types of beads, and even 3 types of beads. The obtained measured data will be used to extract a simple equivalent model/circuit which can describe the observed behaviour. The values of the components in the equivalent circuit could then be used for identification and characterization of unknown samples. If initial measurements with microbeads are successful, actual biocomponents can be measured in the last stage. The student will be involved in the following areas/activities: 1) A short Literature Review to understand the background of the problem; 2) Learn how to operate the EIS machine and how to obtain equivalent circuits from the measured data; 3) If necessary, participate at the fabrication of a few simple polymer chips in which the samples will be placed, as well as contribute to the purchase efforts for acquiring necessary consumables; 4) Perform measurements, initially with solutions of various dilutions for 2 or 2 cell types. Analyze the resulting Bode plots and extract the equivalent circuits and investigate their dependence on physical parameters, e.g. cell size or concentration in suspension. In a subsequent phase, if all previous results are promising, measurements of mixtures of 2 or 3 types of cells may be performed as well; 5) If all previous measurements are successful, we can try to measure and monitor an actual 3D meat culture; 6) Report writing. Some knowledge in impedance measurement and simple circuits behaviour & simulation in SPICE would be most welcome. It is preferrable if the student is willing to start the work earlier (BEFORE the school starts), namely to gradually begin as soon as possible after the end of the exam session. |
| Supervisor | A/P Poenar Daniel Puiu (Loc:S2 > S2 B2A > S2 B2A 27, Ext: +65 67904237) |
| Co-Supervisor | - |
| RI Co-Supervisor | - |
| Lab | Photonics II (Loc: S1-B3b-16) |
| Single/Group: | Single |
| Area: | Microelectronics and Biomedical Electronics |
| ISP/RI/SMP/SCP?: |