'Lab-on-Chip' tech designed to quickly diagnose diseases at low cost

Eletrical Engineering Assistant Professor Ava Hedayatipour, and her multidisciplinary team — Dr. Siavash Ahrar from Biomedical Engineering and Dr. Sara Moghtadernejad from Chemical Engineering — received a $400k grant from the National Science Foundation focusing on microchip technology titled “Global Access to Lab-On-Chip Through Additive Manufacturing.”

Dr. Hedayatipour describes the project in her own words:

Explaining the Grant

This grant is focused on developing a small, portable device that can diagnose diseases quickly and easily, much like having a tiny laboratory that fits in your pocket. Imagine if you could test for serious health conditions like heart attacks or cancer cells without needing to go to a hospital or see doctors. This device uses advanced technology to make it affordable and simple to use, especially in places where medical resources are scarce. By using special methods to create these devices, we aim to help people in low-income countries get the medical care they need without the high costs and complexities usually involved.

Project Goals

With this project, we aim to achieve several important goals. First, we want to develop a portable, low-cost device that can diagnose diseases quickly and easily, making healthcare more accessible to people in low-income countries. This device will help save lives by providing timely and accurate diagnoses, even in areas with limited medical resources. Second, we hope to train the next generation of scientists and engineers by involving them in this innovative research. By working on this project, students will gain valuable experience and skills that will prepare them for successful careers. Finally, we aim to create new methods and guidelines for making these devices, which can be used by other researchers and organizations in the future. This will help to advance the field of biomedical diagnostics and improve healthcare worldwide.

Impact on Students

Our students will be significantly impacted by this project as it provides them with hands-on experience in cutting-edge technology and research. They will have the opportunity to learn about advanced topics such as 3D printing, microchips, and artificial intelligence, which are crucial in today’s technological landscape. This project will also allow them to work on real-world problems, giving them practical skills and knowledge that will be invaluable in their future careers in science and engineering. Additionally, being part of a team that is making a tangible difference in global health will be incredibly rewarding and inspiring for them, fostering a sense of purpose and motivation.