Imaging flow cytometers combine the resolution of fluorescence microsopy with the throughput of flow cytometry, allowing researchers to analyze physical features of tens of thousands of cells or EVs in a few minutes. However, building an imaging flow cytometer requires more complex optics and higher performance fluidics than traditional flow cytometers. As a mechanical engineering on the R&D team, I helped to develop the next generation of this technology for Luminex.
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Luminex imaging flow cytometers work by hydrodynamically focusing cell samples into a single-file line and take high-resolution fluorescent images at rates of 1000+ cells/second
Design
Mathematical Modeling / CAD / Architecture and System Design
I was responsible for the development of the fluidic system. I developed mathematical models and used them to develop system architectures to hit performance targets. I worked with suppliers to find pumps, valves, and sensors for those architectures and design components in SolidWorks to connect them together and manage flow control.
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Drawing of the heart of flow cytometer: the flow cell. Tightly controlled sheath flow focuses the sample flow to permit individual cells to be imaged.
Testing
Test Design / Test Systems / Analysis
As part of my role I ran characterization and analysis of system fluidics, and construct test systems running LabView to run tests I developed. I analyzed the resulting data using Python in Jupyter notebooks.
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Flow cell and condenser of the Luminex ImageStream X Mk2
Manufacturing
Design Transfer / Manufacturing Verification
I have developed drawings and written manufacturing instructions for dozens of components and assemblies to enable transfer to manufacturing, and built a pump characterization tool to verify performance on the manufacturing line.