Bio-Environmental Soft Matter Physics

Microorganisms have long been the object of study of life science disciplines. However, in recent years there has been evidence that simple physical and chemical processes govern many biological systems. In our lab, we study the complex interactions between microorganisms and their environment, using tools of microfluidics and quantitative video microscopy, to investigate the transport of microorganisms in complex environments, like viscoelastic and anisotropic liquids and complex geometries. This understanding is necessary to address practical problems like the transport of microorganisms in the environment, and the prevention and treatment of medical conditions.

Undergraduate research and PhD positions are available in the lab for working on problems for preventing microorganism-borne medical conditions, developing novel live materials and utilizing microorganisms for cleaning the environment. If interested, please reach out to Dr. Figueroa by email.

Research in Focus

 

Lagrangian real time 3D tracking of bacteria. A free swimming E. coli is kept in focus at all times as it swims near a glass slide and later takes off for the bulk. (Left) Fluorescence image and (Right) corresponding 3D position.

Upstram swimming of E. coli bacteria. The flow speed is 80um/s from right to left. E coli bacteria swim from the left at 20um/s, managing to migrate upstream close to the edges of microfluidic channels.  Science Advances 13 Mar 2020