The versatile development of nano and micro engineering techniques originally based on classical lithographic semiconductor production techniques can nowadays be used to manufacture micro channels with very small and precise geometries. The cluster ‘Smart micro channel technology’ is related to the use of these new engineering techniques for the construction of single nozzle and tube devices, but also of more complex nozzle and tube array structures with typical channel diameters in the order of 0.1 and 10 micron and channel lengths in the order of 1 - 100 micron.
Potential applications of special designed micro channel structures cover a broad spectrum of science, such as atomisation, drop on demand techniques, micro filtration, mixing and separation, fractionation, catalysis, microbiology, controlled drug delivery, micro patterning, micro contact printing, cross flow emulsification, etc. Smart coatings may be applied in and on the channels to obtain better functional properties depending on the application.
A focus point in this cluster is the use of different micro engineering and micro moulding techniques to fabricate micro channel structures. The main objective of the SMACT cluster is to build a platform on micro channel technology in which universities, small enabling companies and large industries will work together and respect each others goals and competences. Smart micro channel demonstrators will be designed, modelled and built showing the potential of a number of applications. In the process participants in a number of other Clusters will expectedly be involved.
Dr. A.M. Versluis (m.versluit@utwente.nl)
The WP consists of 8 different projects that address a
broad range of topics in the area. There are two main
research lines: Particles in Particles (Monodisperse
particles containing a dispersed phase of particles), and
Ultra-High Througput Aerosols (Monodisperse charged
aerosols at high throughput rates).
Prof. dr. E. van der Linden (erik.vanderlinden@wur.nl)
The partners in this WP focus on various approaches of
(self assembly of microstructures: microspinning of
fibrillar protein aggregates, electro-rheology, structured
oil shells, structured water-in-water dispersions, 2D
structured interfaces for encapsulation, and the
development of food applications, materials and
microdevices.
Dr. ir. M.A. Jongsma (maarten.jongsma@wur.nl)
The WP covers various topics connected to micro-sensing,
e.g. photopatterning of silicon surfaces, various Field
Effect Transistor (FET) designs, Peptide receptors and
antibodies for sensor applications, preconcentration and
integration into micro channel devices.
Prof. dr. P.M. Sarro (p.m.sarro@tudelft.nl)
This WP is focused on development and production techniques
for microsieves for fractionation of various suspensions,
a.o. milk.
Ir. R. Zwikker (rini.zwikker@demcon.nl)
The partners investigate new design options for micro
coriolis flow sensors, new material combinations, and new
and intelligent measurement techniques for small
displacements, expected in the sensor.
Prof. dr. ir. J. Westerweel (j.westerweel@tudelft.nl)
Topics range from Bio-Chips, Optical flow diagnostics,
Polymeric micro-arrays, Control issues, Surface plasmon
resonance devices, to Engineering and reference
instrumentation and Instrument development
Prof. dr. ir. J.C. Schouten (j.c.schouten@tue.nl)
The WP contains the aspects of catalyst (support)
development and fabrication, studies on different reactor
materials, fluid channels and interfacing design, micro
reactor design and fabrication.
Prof. dr. ir. R.M. Boom (remko.boom@wur.nl)
The main themes are: Particles in Particles (Monodisperse
particles when the dispersed phase contains particles),
Small Sized Particles (Monodisperse emulsions with very
small droplet sizes < 1 mm), and High Througput
Emulsions (Monodisperse emulsions at high throughput
rates).