Electrospray deposition/printing is a powerful technique for creating highly conformal thin films of metals, semiconductors, and polymers. We are exploring the important role electric change plays in governing the physics of this process. Our work on electrospray supports applications in microelectronics manufacturing and packaging.

Membrane vesicles are spherical structures comprised of a single lipid bilayer encircling an aqueous cavity, or lumen. In nature, these structures carry out many important functions in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. Membrane asymmetry, where the lipid composition in each leaflet of the bilayer is different, is an important (but difficult to obtain) feature as it is a characteristic of nearly all natural membranes. We have created a strategy to engineer synthetic asymmetric vesicles at high-throughput using a combination of novel microfluidic techniques. Using the precise flow control offered by microfluidic devices, we have built asymmetric vesicles with controlled membrane composition, size, and luminal content. 

We are exploring the interfacial transport of evaporating sessile droplets with uniform and non-uniform curvature by delivering nano- and micro- scale particles to the droplet surface using electrospray. Along with capillary forces and the effect of Marangoni flow, the use of electrospray means that electric charge also plays an important role in governing the transport and ordering of the particles. Upon evaporation, the sessile droplet interface is mapped to the underlying substrate. Ordered particle arrays are useful for sensing and optics applications.

We are performing numerical and experimental studies of fluid transport in (and out of) the brain. Applications of this work are associated with serious conditions include Alzheimer's disease and hydrocephalus. An improved understanding of cerebral transport may contribute to improved treatment options.