Controlling the mixing of droplets leads to a better understanding of biological processes
- Academic lead
- Nikil Kapur, Mechanical Engineering, n.kapur@leeds.ac.uk
- Co-supervisor(s)
- Rob Kay, Mechanical Engineering, r.w.kay@leeds.ac.uk , Stephen Muench, Biological Sciences, s.p.muench@leeds.ac.uk, Louie Aspinall, Biological Sciences, l.p.aspinall@leeds.ac.uk
- Project themes
- Advanced Manufacturing, Computational & Analytical Tools, Experimental Techniques, Fundamental, Health, Multiphysics & Complex Fluids
Understanding of biological molecules such as proteins and viruses supports the development of modern medicines to treat (for example) cancer and viral infections [10.1016/j.bmcl.2020.127524]. One method of analysis is using cryo-Electron microscopy (such as the one in Astbury that is part of this project (fig 1a)) which cost in the region of £20M and offer an unprecedented level of performance). However, much of the work is carried out on biological molecules in ‘steady state’ – we could understand behaviours so much better if we were able to capture the dynamics of these processes. One way to do this is rapidly change the environment around the biological molecule by mixing in a second fluid (for example to change the salt content, or pH).
This project will draw upon the science behind droplet dynamics to create real devices that controllably and rapidly (<100ms) mix droplets together. We envisage experimentation using high speed imaging will form the core of phase 1 of the work allowing a range of energy sources to augment the mixing to be analysed. This will be supported from the analytical frameworks (e.g. maps of mixing regimes) from relevant literature. Through this, you build a fundamental understanding of droplets and how these might be manipulated for rapid, controllable mixing. It will also see you designing and building practical devices using this knowledge , and working with biologists to test your devices on biological systems of real interest. You will use your devices to evaluate time-courses of a biological processes (e.g. rapidly mixing and then quenching the reaction at different time points by plunging into a cryogen) and demonstrate the practical utility of your approach. You will advance fluid mechanic knowledge, but also by working on this cross-disciplinary project you support the discovery of new understanding about biological systems.