Ultrafast Acoustofluidic Mixers for Nanoparticle Assembly and Cell Lysis

Rapid mixing of fluids in controlled time scales is crucial for synthesis of new materials, assembly of organic and inorganic nanoparticles and diagnostic applications. This thesis focuses on ultra-high throughput, ultra-fast acoustofluidic mixers and their applications in nanoparticle assembly and cell lysis where the presence of ultrasound contribute to faster mixing times. The devices rely on vibrating silicon-based microstructures embedded within 3D microfluidic channels to rapidly and effectively perturb the fluid flow, generate extremely high shear stresses and homogenise solutions without compromising its throughput.