Synergistic acoustic-electrostatic-inertial separation of microplastics from blood: concept and development
Investigate novel separation techniques combining acoustic, electrostatic, and inertial forces to remove microplastics from blood. Develop innovative biomedical devices with potential clinical applications to reduce health risks from microplastic contamination.
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Project Description
Project Overview
The health risks associated with microplastics in blood include cerebral thrombosis, endothelial dysfunction, accelerated cardiovascular diseases progression and systemic inflammation. Techniques for separating microplastics from blood are being explored as an intervention strategy. Current bulk filtering methods are inefficient and impractical clinically. Recent in vitro experiments show surface acoustic waves can generate force to isolate microplastics from blood flow.
This research builds upon these studies to explore more effective strategies for separation, including surface acoustic waves, functionalised surfaces exploiting electromechanical properties of microplastics, and hydrodynamic forces based on microplastic size and mass.
What You Will Do
You will work in a multidisciplinary team investigating and developing devices that apply synergistic acoustic, electrostatic, and inertial mechanisms to separate microplastics from blood. Your work will involve experimental studies around surface acoustic waves, functionalization methods, 3D printing, microfluidics, and acoustics.
Expected Outcomes
This research may lead to the development of clinically usable devices for removing microplastics from blood, potentially reducing risks of cerebral thrombosis, cardiovascular diseases, and systemic inflammation. The outputs will contribute to integrated strategies in microplastics research across biomedical engineering and fluid mechanics.
Why This Matters
Separating microplastics from blood can significantly reduce their harmful health effects. Current methods are insufficient, so innovative acoustic and electrostatic separation techniques offer a transformative approach to intervention strategies for microplastic contamination in human health.
Entry Requirements
How to Apply
Eligibility
Supervisor Profile
Dr Ajay Achath Mohanan is a researcher at Monash University Malaysia specializing in acoustic engineering, microfluidics, and biomedical engineering. His work focuses on developing innovative methods integrating surface acoustic waves and electromechanical properties to address biomedical challenges involving microplastics. He leads multidisciplinary projects targeting practical clinical interventions.