Professor Jim McGrath receives HSCCI Grant
Professor Jim McGrath has received a Health Sciences Center for Computational Innovation (HSCCI) Grant for his project, “Database of Fluid Flow in Nanomembrane-based Microdevices.” This project seeks to build a database of computational 3D flow profiles for microfluidic devices featuring the laboratory’s silicon nanomembranes. Nanomembranes are ultrathin porous membranes with orders of magnitude higher permeability than conventional membranes. A two-channel, microfluidic device with a 5.4 mm square membrane ‘chip’ separating the channels has become a standard format for multiple projects in the McGrath laboratory. Specifically, the device format is used for: 1) benchtop evaluations of toxin clearance in hemodialysis, 2) capture of exosomes from raw biofluids in tangential flow, 3) a ‘tissue-chip’ mimetic of the microvasculature. Future microfluidic applications of this device include: 1) enhancement of DNA detection by a novel dual membrane system, and 2) an electrodialysis system for desalinization.
The Health Sciences Center for Computational Innovation (HSCCI) facilitates access to high-performance computational resources for biomedical research. HSCCI is the result of a partnership between the ÌìÃÀÊÓƵ, IBM, and New York State. The University seeks to develop the center further through corporate partnerships, institutional support, federal research grants, and New York State programs.
