Overview
My research interests lie in the general areas of fluid dynamics and optics. I have engaged so far in a number of research topics such as droplet microfluidics, micron-scale flow visualization, laser trapping, microrheology, holographic microscopy and CFD.
In my current research project, I am developing microfluidic technologies for manufacturing and characterizing micron-sized ultralow interfacial tension droplets. I use microfluidic devices to generate monodisperse populations of ultradeformable droplets with accurate control over size and composition. I use digital video microscopy combined to microfluidic techniques to determine the physico-chemical properties of those soft particles (e.g. size, shape, interfacial tension, surfactant monolayer bending rigidity, etc.). Finally, I use optical traps to control the shape of these ultradeformable droplets and create complex 2D / 3D networks of droplets connected by stable threads of oil few nanometers across. I am using this networks to perform and investigate chemical reactions on the attolitre scale. Such microparticles have potential applications in medical devices, drug delivery, micromechanical systems, photonic materials and ion sources.
COLLABORATORS
- FLUMACS , University of Rome, La Sapienza - Superhydrophobic Surfaces and Micron-scale Flows
- Prof. Colin Bain, University of Durham - Optonanofluidics Project
- Prof. Mark Neil, Imperial College London - Optonanofluidics Project
- Dr. Andy Ward, Central Laser Facility, STFC - Optonanofluidics Project
- Dr. Christophe Pirat, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 - Superhydrophobic Surfaces
- Dr. Cécile Cottin-Bizonne, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 - Superhydrophobic Surfaces