Abstract

In this lecture, the speaker will describe the use of microfluidic technology to control and manipulate drops whose volume is about one picoliter. These can serve as reaction vessels for biological assays. These drops can be manipulated with very high precision using an inert carrier oil to control the fluidics, ensuring the samples never contact the walls of the fluidic channels. Small quantities of other reagents can be injected with a high degree of control. The drops can also encapsulate cells, enabling cell-based assays to be carried out. The use of these devices for biotechnology and diagnostic applications will also be described.

About the speaker

Prof David Weitz received his PhD in Physics from Harvard University in 1978. He joined the Exxon Research and Engineering Company as a physicist afterwards and moved to University of Pennsylvania in 1995 as the Professor of Physics. In 1999, he returned to Harvard and is currently the Mallinckrodt Professor of Physics and Applied Physics.

Prof Weitz’s research focuses on physics of soft condensed matter, materials easily deformed by external stresses, electric, magnetic or gravitational fields, and even thermal fluctuations. These materials typically possess structures much larger than atomic or molecular scales; the structure and dynamics at these mesoscopic scales determine the macroscopic physical properties.

Prof Weitz was elected a member of the US National Academy of Sciences and American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He was also elected a fellow of the UK Royal Society of Chemistry and the American Physical Society.

For attendees’ attention

		The lecture is free and open to all. Seating is on a first come, first served basis.
		Light refreshments will be served from 11:00 to 11:30 am.

HKUST Jockey Club Institute for Advanced Study
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