Flow Focusing for Flow Cytometry

Our research group has been working on a flow cytometer that is used to detect small particles and cells using light scattering. The particles are focused along a thin streamline using hydrodynamic focusing. The goal of the project is to study the effect of viscoelastic liquids on flow focusing. Experiments will be performed using varying concentration of polymer solutions and its influence on flow focusing will be quantified. If time permits, simulations will be performed to model the observed flow dynamics. The proposed work will involve experiments with possible application of microfluidics.