Mechanical Engineering ETDs

Publication Date

Summer 7-28-2026

Abstract

The development of high selectivity and sensitivity acoustofluidic based microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device is essential for improving the anti-fouling capabilities, particularly in applications that require the detection of low concentration of biomarkers such as lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) traces (1.3-50 µm) in stage 1 ovarian cancer. This research focuses on incorporation of separating particles based on size using acoustofluidics actuator (selectivity) and mass-loading acoustic biosensor to detect change in mass (sensitivity) that aims to address the limitations in selectivity and the lack of low-cost point-of-care (POC) screening techniques. The study employs a combination of simulation and experimental techniques, including interdigitated transducer (IDT) design, impedance matching and tensile testing, to characterize and evaluate the performance of the fabricated piezoelectric devices under the influence of various factors. The results demonstrate that the two-port SAW device were able to detect low concentration nano-particles. Additionally, acoustofluidics device separates micro-sized particles of different sizes which improves the anti-fouling capabilities. This innovative design can be applied to develop future biosensors to be used as a POC diagnosis of cancers, and future biomarkers as they are discovered.

Keywords

SAW sensor, Acoustofluidic Devices, Microfluidic, Biosensor, Particle Separation, Size-based separation

Degree Name

Mechanical Engineering

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Mechanical Engineering

First Committee Member (Chair)

Dr. Nathan Jackson

Second Committee Member

Dr. Tito Busani

Third Committee Member

Dr. Yu-Lin Shen

Fourth Committee Member

Dr. Matthias Pleil

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

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Available for download on Friday, July 28, 2028

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