The Rame-Hart system is a critical tool in the laboratory for all of our research involving droplets. It consists primarily of a 5-axis stage (x-y-z-pitch-roll), fiber optic illuminator backlight, and a CCD camera. Along with the Rame-Hart DROPimage Advanced software, the system is capable of measuring contact angles, surface energies, surface tensions, and interfacial tensions.
The AmScope SM-4TZ is a trinocular microscope, allowing for both eyepiece viewing by the user as well as imaging with a mounted camera. Using this feature, we can utilize this microscope to capture overhead images and videos of our experiments while magnifying them for ease of viewing.
The NE-1000 and NE-4000 (pictured) are single and double, respectively, syringe pumping systems. They are capable of continuous, programmable dispensing of fluid. We utilize the two pumps simultaneously in a microreactor assembly to produce our polymer gel beads.
The PXI-1033 chassis is used for high performance data acquisition and device manipulation. This gives us a central device to control the majority of our elecitrcally actuated experimental testing. The chassis is equipped with the following expansion cards:
The PZD700A is a high-voltage DC-stable piezo driver/amplifier. The signals generated by the PXI-5402 Function Generator are amplified by this system for our high-voltage actuated experiments.
Originally developed in the Wheeler lab, the DropBot system is an open-source project that works towards making digital microfluidic devices more accessible. We first visited the Wheeler lab at the University of Toronto to learn about the project, and are now pursuing building, testing, and improving the system.
The D1008 is a single speed centrifuge used for quick spin downs and particle dilution work.
The Branson 1800 is an ultrasonic bath that can be used for cell separation, sample preparation and degassing of liquids. It is commonly used in our lab to ensure any colloidal suspensions are as homogeneous as possible prior to further dilution or experimentation.
The DMFL lab also has the following assorted equipment.