Development of a Microscope-Compatible Flow Cytometry Cuvette
About the role
Development of a Microscope-Compatible Flow Cytometry Cuvette
Key information
This sandwich placement will be based in the Flow Cytometry STP supervised by Andy Riddell.
Project summary
This project is based in the Flow Cytometry STP and collaborates with the Biophotonics lab and the Making Lab STP. This collaboration is generating cutting edge technology with world leading scientists. Thus, allowing the applicant to gain experiences in each of these disciplines and access to develop a wide range of techniques.
The aim of this project is to design and build a low-cost flow cytometry cuvette that can be mounted directly onto a standard laboratory microscope. The device will enable the observation and analysis of particles or cells flowing through a transparent microchannel, combining aspects of flow cytometry, microscopy, optics, and microfluidics into a single experimental platform.
The proposed system will consist of a transparent flow cell fabricated from glass, acrylic, or a 3D-printed housing with optical windows. The design will be compact enough to fit on a microscope stage while maintaining a controlled flow path for particles suspended in liquid. A syringe pump or pressure-driven flow system will be used to provide a stable and adjustable flow rate through the channel.
The microscope will serve as the primary imaging and detection system. Initial experiments will use brightfield imaging to observe and count microspheres flowing through the channel. The project will then be extended to include fluorescence detection by integrating LED or laser excitation sources and optical filters. Fluorescent microspheres or labelled biological samples can be used to evaluate the sensitivity and accuracy of the device.
Computer-aided design (CAD) software will be used to develop the flow cell geometry, while computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations may be performed to optimise flow behaviour and minimise particle dispersion.
The final outcome will be a functional prototype capable of performing basic flow cytometry measurements.
The project provides valuable experience in optical engineering, fluid mechanics and instrumentation. It also offers opportunities for biological cell characterisation, making it a strong multidisciplinary engineering or physics project for a sandwich-year student interested in biological applications.
Candidate background
The post holder should embody and demonstrate the Crick ethos and ways of working: bold, open and collegial. The candidate must be registered at a UK Higher Education Institution, studying in the UK and must have completed a minimum of two years’ undergraduate study in a relevant discipline, and on track to receive a final degree grade of 2:1 or 1. In addition, they should be able demonstrate the following experience and key competencies:
- This project would suit a candidate studying engineering or physics
- Good knowledge in relevant scientific area(s)
- Good written and spoken communication skills
- Ability to work independently and also capable of interacting within a group
References
1. Mir, M.A. and Tirumkudulu, M.S. (2022)
A low-cost flow cell for flow cytometry.
Biosensors & Bioelectronics 211: 114334. PubMed abstract
2. Telford, W.G. (2023)
Flow cytometry and cell sorting.
Frontiers in Medicine 10: 1287884. PubMed abstract