Paper-based Microfluidic Devices

Harvard ENSC E-155
Professor Fawwaz Habbal & professor Anas Chalah
Student name: Ayoub Qanir

March 19th, 2012 | Rapid prototyping of paper-based microfluidics with wax for low cost


(1) Main Goal of the paper
How to fabricate paper-based microfluidic devices for low cost usage, high portability and mobility?
The authors share with us a gripping break down and a meticulous walk-through the process of fabricating paper-based microdevices. The paper also shares important variables, such as waxing versus patterning with SU-8 or PDMS, making the paper-based devices more attractive in limited-resources regions.


(2) The Application
- The paper discusses Whitesides’ paper microfluidic diagnostic platform with the capability to perform multiplexed assays and realize inexpensive on-site analysis.


(3) Strong and Weak Points
Strong Points
- the paper brings up a previous paper-based example that would still be much less cost-effective compared to the one discussed in the paper—with the main difference being patterning with wax versus patterning with SU-8 or PDMS.
- The paper does a great job walking a non-professional fabricator through the step by step process to building paper-based devices.
- The many alternatives to fabricating the paper-based devices is clearly dissected.
- The paper specifically targets non-professional users in limited-resources regions which seems to be the main goal of fabricating low-cost paper-based devices.
-The paper phenomenally breaks down the three main variables making paper-based devices more attractive; The production process, production speed, cost effectiveness and environment awareness.

Weak points
- The paper vaguely discusses actual testing ground where paper-based microfluidic devices made a difference.


(4) My Suggestion
- I understand the paper-based devices are a novel manner of fabrication, though it would have given the process even more credibility and confidence of usability if the authors were able to bring up a real life contamination event or testing ground where the testers chose to fabricate paper-based device instead of testing with a more conventional microfluidic devices.


(5) Possible Future Applications
- The further development and dissemination of paper-based microfluidic devices in developing countries with high risk of malignant propagation could truly revolutionize the concept of medecine and allow for faster, more efficient defense response to any kind of disease. We could be designing paper-based devices in the developed countries sharing the design via web with any developing region, ground-zero of any contamination, where tests could be performed by non-proficient users in remote areas..


(6) My Final Decision
Great paper with stunning break-down with a smooth information processing.
Grant: Approved

Fri, Apr 27, 2012  Permanent link

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Valveless Flow Control for Lab-on-a-chip Device

Harvard ENSC E-155
Professor Anas Chalah & professor Fawwaz Habbal
Student name: Ayoub Qanir

April 10th, 2012


(1) Main Goal of the paper
What are the design possibilities for valve and valveless-based flow control for lab-on-a-chip devices and what are the manufacturing methods associated therein?
The paper breaks down various design possibilities of flow cells with valves as well as with valveless-based flow for disposable use that support PCR. The paper also discusses the necessary materials and fabrication methods that would simplify the standard microarray-based analysis and render it cost-effective.


(2) The Application
The main application discussed in the paper is DNA testing—The microarray diagnostic testing of genetic sequences from a single sample. The paper also brings up the valveless PCR-microarray based testing used for MRSA identification.


(3) Strong and Weak Points
Strong Points
The paper brings up the faulty maneuvers that could/tend to occur during a standard DNA microarray testing, resulting in contamination of the sample. Therefore the use of sealed integrated devices limits the possibilities of erroneous results. What’s more, the authors discuss the economical and technical advantages of using the sealed lab-on-a-chip devices.
The paper also discusses many different approaches to fabricating micro valves as well as valveless flow control and how each affect the diagnostic process.
The authors choose to also describe a new valveless PCR-microarray flow that uses a staircase design and does not need any custom instrumentation used for MRSA identification.
An example of a flow cell assembly is described (Fig.1) and detailed steps with results are illustrated and discussed
Cases of imbibtion of liquids from the reaction chamber are discussed and further detailed.
Advantages of the hydrophilic top film in the analysis are discussed
Weak points
The paper fails to illustrate more of the dense data into reader-friendly images hence limiting the digestion and comprehension of the material.


(4) My Suggestion
I strongly suggest more illustrations and imagery going hand-in-hand with the progression of the narrative in order for the reader to better assimilate and digest the new material.


(5) Possible Future Applications
A cost-effective and fault-proof valveless, sealed integrated devices could come of great use in remote locations. Additionally in developing countries where DNA testing is of essence to contain and limit propagation of malignant infectious agents such as HIV in gabo and Ethiopia.


(6) My Final Decision
The study was certainly worth publishing.
Grant: Approved

Fri, Apr 27, 2012  Permanent link

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Daughter Bubble Cascades by Folding

Harvard ENSC E-155
Professor Fawwaz Habbal & professor Anas Chalah
Student name: Ayoub Qanir

March 5th, 2012 | Daughter Bubble Cascades Produced by Folding of Ruptured thin Films


(1) Main Goal of the paper
What are the dynamics of daughter bubbles and how certain parameters impact their formation and dispersion?
The paper meticulously breaks down the process of daughter bubbles’ formations and their transportation process. Also, the authors identify the main variables, Reynolds and capillary numbers, which impact their formation.


(2) The Application
-The transmission of diseases via aerosol droplets from bursting bubbles, in pools and hot tubs.
- The ability to suppress the formation of daughter bubbles by tuning the Reynolds and Capillary numbers.
-The gas carrying bubbles rupturing in the vast oceans and their impact on our climate.


(3) Strong and Weak Points
Strong Points
-The paper is supported by gripping video material operated at micro-scale—allowing the reader to better digest the data and have a great visual reference of the study.
-The dynamics and step by step formation of the bubble cascades are very well broken down.
-Great deduction from the experimental simulation—breaking down the specific conditions affecting how much gas is entrapped in daughter bubbles after burst.
-The paper breaks down the importance of Reynolds and capillary numbers and their impact on daughter bubbles’ formation.
Weak points
-The paper fails to further develop everyday-life encounters with he daughter bubbles formations.


(4) My Suggestion
-It would have been great if the paper also targeted a less proficient audience and walked the reader through a bit of an introduction into the studies and research of daughter bubbles.
-A real life example of pool diseases’ transmission was brought up, though not developed further enough.
Real life examples and references given as support materials to the findings tend to help readers retain more information.


(5) Possible Future Applications
If we are able to develop and produce environmental-friendly micro-devices that we could release into the ocean—These devices would constantly sense, identify then report (via integrated sensors and signaling mechanism) back to databases where we would study specific levels of mercury propagation via bubbles bursting or any other specific chemical element or micro-organism. These methods could potentially assist us in oceanographic studies as well as understanding climate evolution and sanitation.

(6) My Final Decision
Great paper with strong shoulder material—A fascinating series of visuals coupled with solid mathematical simulations—certainly worth publishing.

Grant: Approved

Fri, Apr 27, 2012  Permanent link

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The Origins and The Future of Microfluidics

Harvard ENSC E-155
Professor Fawwaz Habbal & professor Anas Chalah
Student name: Ayoub Qanir

Feb. 27th, 2012 | The Origins and The Future of Microfluidics (George M. Whitesides)

(1) Main Goal of the paper
How to further develop and ultimately better commercialize the young Mircrofluidics field to make it a more essential and integral element of future technologies and solutions?
Whitesides describes thoroughly the initial steps of Microfluidics and the major forces that have stimulated its initiation and further development. In his paper, Whitesides also discusses future possibilities of Microfluidic solutions and their potential applications in all facets of future scientific and medical endeavors.

(2) The Application
One of the many applications Whitesides brings up in his paper and a primary one is the use of Microfluidics in micro analytics—the ability of separation and detection within fluids at micro scale with high resolution and sensibility.

(3) Strong and Weak Points
Strong Points
1. Whitesides does a distinct job breaking down the emergence of Microfluidics, its ambitious potential whilst still bringing up its realistic and humble limitations within the timeline and maturity of the field. Past-Present-Future.
2. The paper states general issues of introducing new technologies, which I find extremely useful for new researchers and new tech developers—as it certainly helps in focusing on more pragmatic approaches to the new field. Whitesides also breaks down what a technological revolution entails, its need of integration into complete and functional systems and that real technologies are only applicable and commercially viable when non-expert user can comfortably operate them.
3. Great statement and breakdown of times when Universities based inventions are priced too high for any interested entrepreneurial party to acquire the rights.
9. Essential mention that Microfluidics are the optimum choice for anticipatory health-care seemingly the most natural path.
Weak Points
Whitesides does not offer any solutions as to how to improve commercialization of Microfluidic solutions.
1. Whitesides fails to develop his idea of how to better commercialize Mircofluidics; as he stops short when he says “I have no idea why it’s not everywhere”..or simply stating that “corporations must take on the task of making appropriate systems widely inexpensive and available”.

(4) My Suggestion
I would have appreciated to see the paper enter the realm of technological commerce, a bit deeper—Whitesides could have offered potential solutions as to how can Microfluidics’ labs and research departments attract more tech-entrepreneurs. Additionally, how can Microfluidics get exposed at a more main-stream level; tech-expo’s and conferences where concept Microfluidics could be shared with wider audiences—helping bring up the notion of the field into the forefront of society’s interest in progress.

(5) Possible Novel Applications
Paper-based Microfluidic devices for use in poor, under-developed Africa where HIV is a major cause of death
These devices would benefit from easibility of fabrication making it possible to carry out a range of analytical protocols simply and inexpensively.

(6) My Final Decision
I enjoyed reading Whitesides’ overview on the emergence of Microfluidics and its promising and revolutionary future where other fields will fully adopt Microfluidic solutions into any and all of their processes.

I strongly believe the paper does a phenomenal job carrying the reader through the life line of Microfluidics, a breakdown of its emerging forces as well as its current and pressing limitations.

YES! The study was definitely worth publishing

Grant: Approved

Fri, Apr 27, 2012  Permanent link

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Life at Low Reynolds Number

Harvard ENSC E-155
Professor Fawwaz Habbal & professor Anas Chalah
Student name: Ayoub Qanir

Feb. 8th, 2012 | Life at Low Reynolds number (E.M. Purcell)

(1) Main goal of the paper
How do microorganisms swim at low Reynolds number?
Purcell describes the instinctive abilities and motor techniques microorganisms utilize to swim at typical speeds of 30 um/sec, at low Reynolds number such as 10-4 or 10-5.

(2) The application
Purcell specifically identifies the motion behavior of microorganisms such as E. Coli. By doing so, along with separating their propulsion techniques, we could fabricate a (lab-on-a-chip) device able to detect a specific malignant mutated microorganism through its unique swim, then potentially treating the infection by sabotaging the microorganism’s motion mechanics—slowing down its swim and propagation.

(3) Strong and weak points
Weak points
.Purcell wanders around his topic for most of his introduction and within a few others parts.
Strong points : Overall great delivery and gradual breakdown
.Purcell discusses three real microorganisms; E. Coli, Chromatium Okenii and Spirllum Volutans and their successful swimming methods.
. Purcell gives a great human-size reference of the same dynamics and physical conditions which helps explain the micro environment.
. Purcell describes the true definition of swimming—the ability to deform your body in a cyclical motion inside a liquid.
. Great description of oar torque and the difference between the flexible oar and the corkscrew and how they impact swimming.
. Purcell describes how some microorganisms move strategically to amass a maximum amount of compressed energy with the least amount of swimming while still outrunning diffusion.

(4) My suggestion
I would strongly avoid bringing up any irrelevant elements such as Viki or what school Norman Ramsey attended, as Purcell did throughout his presentation. I felt it only weakened the delivery of his message and did not allow for the reader to focus on the scientific deductions and hypothesis.

(5) Possible future applications
Having defined how certain organisms swim—propagate, it is only natural to think about ways to minimize their movement or diminish their possibilities for growth by eliminating their acquisition of energy molecules.
And by honing in on the microorganism's source of propulsion and specific positioning of the flagellum and the rotary joint on certain bugs we are able to have laser aim at their Achilles’ heal.

Novel future application
Subsequently, we could potentially fabricate a nano lab-on-a-chip device able to easily penetrate blood stream, test DNA, identify the specific malignant organism and potentially release materials (medicine) with the power to attack the motor and propulsion mechanisms of said organism, obstructing them from swimming and therefore from collecting energy—leaving the bug(s) no choice but to stay still.

(6) My final decision
The study and observations were certainly worth publishing but a better editing and polishing of the findings and scientific deductions is essential for the reader to better absorb and digest the material.

Fri, Apr 27, 2012  Permanent link

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LEMON MAGAZINE

Editor-in-chief & Creative Director : Kevin Grady
Publisher & Creative Director : Colin Metcalf
Brand Developer & Interactive Creative Director : Ayoub Qanir



LEMON [FIRST ISSUE] - 2005






LEMON [ESPIONAGE] - 2007





LEMON [CLOCKWORK] - 2008






LEMON [HEROES] - 2009






LEMON [KING OF POP] - 2011

Wed, Jun 22, 2011  Permanent link

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WE ARE BRANDS

Part I
[viral campaign by Ayoub Qanir]





[pattern + poster design by Ayoub Qanir]
[excerpt from research thesis]

Wed, May 18, 2011  Permanent link

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STASIS TO MOTION: info-technology and the evolving story of man

[words and pattern design by Ayoub Qanir]
[excerpt from research paper]

“New advancements equal new perceptions. Newtonian mechanics gave birth to the metaphor of the heart as a pump. A generation ago, with the advent of cybernetics and information science, we began to think of the brain as a computer.” _The Third Culture: Beyond The Scientific Revolution

Having relentlessly gazed at the universe with the utmost curiosity and marvel, Humans have delicately and diligently organized themselves into this world—For millions of years, we have populated the earth; digging, exploring and most of all observing all of the wondrous that envelops us. What seems to have differentiated us from other organisms, was essentially the early discovery of our ability to re-create the observed into organized intelligence. Our species has been predominantly and continuously innovating to transcend, in other words, we are compelled to organize in order to evolve.

Throughout our emergence we have found cures to diseases, designed structures of heavy metal orbiting in outer space but most of all have unceasingly sought after the translation of our surroundings. And as we move through time, we master the skill of dissecting and organizing sensed information into easily retrievable knowledge. Today, our advancements in information technology, nanotechnology and integrated circuitry are serving us store vaster amounts of data in ever smaller space. Ergo, we have exponentially improved our data digesting process and sped up our journey through this information-made universe.

The question then remains, if the nervous system is where all the fundamental psychological machinery is located, then how is it absorbing the constant influx of information, organizing it and later retrieving it?

Much like the way the digestive system breaks down intakes of foods, extracting actual nutrients, the Human brain goes through thousands of kilowatts of information daily, breaking down the data into recognizable patterns. Once the extraction process is complete, the brain then begins labeling and storing the patterns into separate micro-clusters within vaster clusters, ready for retrieval at the sense of alert.
Speaking in computational intelligence, the brain is an information system whose main task is pattern extraction and storage; A learning machine that is consistently inputting value—data stimuli through biological sensory— to then organize it into one of a given set of classes, resulting in interacting clusters of information, aka memory retrievable in the form of stories.

Then, if this accumulated information that we have been able to learn and evolve from is extensively essential and vitally valuable, what are we doing, as a species, to safeguard and protect it from any system failures or external stimuli, to one day tell the greatest story of man?

Mon, May 2, 2011  Permanent link

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EVOLUTION MECHANISM

Mon, Mar 14, 2011  Permanent link
Categories: evolution, art, growth

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BEYOND THE BOND

"The further life emerged and gained intelligence on earth, the further it yearned to connect; seeking deeper and more intricate bonds within itself and its surrounding organisms, as part of its chemical composition and livelihood." _Benjamin Colmes.

Summary
It is 2155. A young man's ship crashes into the golden dunes of the Moroccan desert. Unconscious, 27-year-old Caleb Mann is taken to a nearby Berber village where he awakes inside a somber clay hut, attended by the twelve wise men of Touggana. Caleb is pursued by an unusual dark force that is out to snuff him and the rest of life on Earth. He must embark on a perilous journey across a futuristic, unfamiliar world where he is compelled to battle a ruthless cult bent on remaking the world.

Author
Ayoub Qanir
Storyboard
Ayoub Qanir
Illustrations
Alex Andreyev






Short Story (Excerpt)
Desert of Touggana, Morocco
Spring, 2155
Caleb drifted in and out of consciousness, his skin tingling clammily beneath a cool sheen of perspiration. As he passed between worlds, between the present and the past, he struggled to keep her in his mind's eye.



He could feel the Earth's magnetic pulse, the tranquil hum beckoning to him. But for every alpha wave bathing his spirit in endorphins there existed a disconcerting echo. Blissful melody. Then dissonance. Music, followed by static. He was lost. Could he ever find her. He clung desperately to her small mouth, grinning, to the tiny wrinkles at the corners of her eyes, also smiling, to her narrow wrists and her dainty hands, dancing in time with her hips. Her soft, bronze-colored skin shone in the murky twilight.
She's here. She has always been here.



A jolt of pain brought him upright as he gazed down at his flight suit, which was streaked with blood and flecks of black soot. He looked up and saw nearby the rumpled remains of a parachute still tethered to his torso. Several dozen meters beyond that lay the smoldering hulk of a ship he'd never seen before. Or had he? Sleek. Angular. A dark projectile blazing against the ashen sky. The machine looked built for speed. Built for war.
The greatest power lies in the connection of all matter.



The phrase did not belong to him but came unbidden, from someplace else. He frowned up at the strangely luminescent sky, searching his memory. Whose words were these?
He tried to take his feet, but a wave of nausea sent him to the ground, and as he struggled to regain his equilibrium, a sickly feeling, a sound inside his head, pulled him violently downward, like a synthesized note plummeting toward the depths. Swarming, shrieking stars rushed at him from his peripheral vision, and the leaden sky shrunk to a tiny dot before being swallowed whole by darkness.
Adele.

Sat, Mar 12, 2011  Permanent link

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