Novel Microfluidic Devices
Micro-Scale Sensing with Macro-Impact
We design novel microfluidic platforms that harness quantum sensors for chemical detection. A central focus is on monodisperse microdroplet emulsions—tiny, fast-moving picolitre containers that can carry analytes or even single cells. These droplets provide versatile testbeds for portable, high-sensitivity, and high-throughput measurements. Beyond droplets, we embed sensors into root-on-a-chip “ecofab” devices, where plants grow in controlled microenvironments. In this setting, quantum sensors probe chemical dynamics at the root–soil interface, creating powerful opportunities for discoveries in plant biology and environmental monitoring.
Microdroplets
-
![]()
Microdroplets are created and spaced out via two junctions
-
![]()
Adrisha and Zack present their work at a poster symposium on campus!
-
![]()
Microdroplets filled with nanodiamonds, the below fluorescence image shows ND distribution
-
![]()
Microfluidic chip with 4 tracks
-
![]()
Microdroplets filled with nanodiamonds
-
![]()
Brightfield image of yeast cells in a microdroplet with nanodiamonds being encapsulated inside
-
![]()
Chemical sensing with flowing droplets
RhizoSensing
-
![]()
Nanodiamonds fluorescing after being uptaken by plant roots
-
![]()
Grass root tip confocal image
-
![]()
Grass grown in a microfluidic soil chip
-
![]()
Sterile conditions are maintained through growth in vented boxes
-
![]()
Nanodiamonds fluorescing in plant root hair
-
![]()
Grass root growing through microfluidic soil chip
-
![]()
Drawing of how nanodiamonds are delivered to plant roots for uptake in microfluidic soil chip
Latest publications about this work
