Title:  Processing of Code-Multiplexed Coulter Sensor Signals

Committee: 

Dr. Sarioglu, Advisor    

Dr. Frazier, Chair

Dr. Anderson

Abstract:

The object of the proposed research is to investigate the implementation and application of code-multiplexed Coulter sensor networks. Lab-on-a-Chip devices have been applied in a variety of applications because of its capability to perform accurate microscale manipulations of cells for point-of-care diagnostics. On the other hand, such a result is not readily available from an LoC device, and typically still requires a post-inspection of the chip using traditional laboratory equipment such as a microscope. To solve this dilemma, the proposed research is mainly on developing portable and disposable bio-sensors for interfacing with and digitizing the information from an LoC system. Our sensor platform, integrated with multiple sensors, electrically monitors and tracks manipulated cells on an LoC device. The sensor platform compresses information from each sensor into a 1-dimensional electrical signal, and therefore, a further signal processing is required to recover the readout of each sensor. To achieve this multiplexing, we specifically design each sensor to produce a distinct sensor waveform and implement advanced signal processing techniques to extract information of detected cells like size, speed, and sensor identity. The proposed research project mainly focusses on designing, implementation, and potential applications of this sensing technology.