Brunel University – TechConnect Briefs

DNA Extraction, Purification and Quantification Using Micromachined Microfluidic Chip

Azimi S.M., Nixon G., Ahern J., Balachandran W., Brunel University, UK

This paper introduces a new DNA extraction and purification method from whole blood. Mixing and separation steps are performed using functionalised superparamagnetic beads suspended in cell lysis buffer in a circular chamber that is sandwiched [...]

DNA Extraction Chip Using Key-type Planar Electrodes

Azimi S.M., Balachandran W., Ahern J., Slijepcevic P., Newton C., Brunel University, UK

This paper presents a novel method of DNA extraction from whole blood using time varying magnetic field. The novelty of this chip is that both mixing and separation steps are performed in a single chamber [...]

The Nanomechanical Testing and Characterisation of Anti-viral Nano-structured Surface Coatings

Singh I., Allan P.S., Brunel University, UK

Surface coatings of nanoparticles that possess antiviral properties have been tested by a nano scratch method for their adhesive strength to metallic and polymeric substrates. The deformed coatings were observed in an SEM and values [...]

Nano-mechanical testing of Novel bioactive carbon nanotubes/HAP nano particles composite coatings

Singh I., Allan P., Brunel University, UK

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) is an important material for biomedical implants, as its chemical composition is similar to that of bone tissue. Synthetic HAP is a biocompatible prosthetic material, bonding strongly to the bone and promoting the [...]

A Microfluidic Mixer for Chaotic Mixing of Magnetic Particles

Zolgharni M., Azimi S.M., Bahmanyar M.R., Balachandran W., Brunel University, UK

Magnetic isolation of specific biological entities through utilizing super-paramagnetic micro-particles has been of great interest in both bench-top and microfluidic platforms. Since the magnetic particles and target entities are suspended in separate fluids, prior to [...]

Using Spiral Inductors for Detecting Hybridization of DNAs Labeled with Magnetic Beads

Azimi S.M., Bahmanyar M.R., Zolgharni M., Balachandran W., Brunel University, UK

This paper introduces an inductance-based sensor for detection of DNA hybridization and investigates its performance by means of computer simulation. In order to detect the occurrence of hybridization, single strand target DNA’s are tagged with [...]

The Dynamic Performance of a Micro-machined Coriolis Flow Meter

Clark C., Wang S., Cheesewright R., Brunel University, UK

The dynamic performance of micro-machined Coriolis flow meters Summary The performance of a prototype MEMS mass-flow meter developed by ISSYS was investigated using the Brunel University Virtual Coriolis Meter facility. The flow meter comprises a vacuum sealed [...]