Biomicrofluidic Engineering introduces the theoretical, computational, and experimental foundations of microfluidics for biomedical applications. The course focuses on fluid dynamics at the microscale, transport phenomena, microfluidic circuit design, and biomedical applications including lab-on-chip and organ-on-chip systems. During the course, which intergrates theoretical lectures, computational modeling, and laboratory activities, students will learn how to design, simulate, fabricate, and characterize microfluidic devices and biomedical microchips. The course also covers microfluidic components such as micro mixers, micro valves, micro pumps, and microbioreactors, together with fabrication techniques and experimental biomedical applications. Laboratory activities will provide practical experience in CAD design, CFD simulations, visualization tools, and microchip prototyping.

At the end of the course, students will be able to: - Understand fluid dynamic phenomena at the microscale; - Analyze transport phenomena in microfluidic systems; - Apply theoretical models for low Reynolds number flows; - Design biomedical microchips and microfluidic test bench; - Model and simulate microfluidic devices using CFD tools; - Understand the principles of organ-on-chip and lab-on-chip technologies; - Apply microfabrication strategies for biomedical devices; - Use SolidWorks, ANSYS Fluent, and ParaView for CAD, simulation, and post-processing activities; Design and prototype a microfluidic device for biomedical applications.

Knowledge of biofluid mechanics, as covered in the first year of the MSc program in Biomedical Engineering. Basic knowledge of transport phenomena.

Fundamentals of biomicrofluidics and microscale transport phenomena. Fluid dynamics in microfluidic systems: Navier–Stokes equations, low Reynolds number flows, pulsatile flows, diffusion, and transport phenomena. Surface tension effects, capillary phenomena, droplet and bubble dynamics in microfluidic devices. Electrokinetic phenomena in microfluidics: electrophoresis, Debye layer, and dielectrophoresis. Computational techniques for the design and characterization of microfluidic systems using CFD methodologies. Design and analysis of microfluidic components, including micro mixers, micro valves, micro pumps, and microbioreactors. Organ-on-chip, lab-on-chip, and cellular applications of biomedical microdevices. Microfabrication techniques and prototyping strategies for biomedical microchips. Laboratory activities will enable students to focus on the computational, experimental, and practical design of microfluidic systems and biomedical microdevices using CAD and CFD tools.

Lectures (30 hours) + laboratories (30 hours). Attendance at laboratory sessions is not mandatory for eligibility for the final exam but is strongly recommended. Topics covered during seminars and laboratory activities will be included in the examination.

Slides, scientific articles and lab texts provided by the lecturer. Experimental data and images provided during lab sessions. Manuals and basic examples of application of CAD and CFD codes and equipments adopted in the laboratory.

Slides; Dispense; Esercitazioni di laboratorio; Strumenti di simulazione;

Modalita di esame: Prova scritta (in aula); Elaborato progettuale in gruppo;

Exam: Written test; Group project;

... The examination is designed to assess the knowledge of the topics included in the course syllabus and the ability to apply theoretical, computational, and experimental methodologies to biomicrofluidic applications. Grades are given in thirtieths, and the examination is passed if the final grade is at least 18/30. The final grade is obtained as the average of two evaluations: - a group project evaluation, based on a written report describing the context, methods, results, and discussion of the group project activities. The project is graded out of 30; - a written examination consisting of 12 multiple-choice questions and 2 open-ended questions covering the theoretical, computational and laboratory topics included in the course syllabus. The maximum score of the written examination is 32 points. Honors (cum laude) are awarded when the final overall score is strictly greater than 30.5/30. The written examination is designed to verify the understanding of microscale fluid dynamics, transport phenomena, microfluidic systems, and biomedical applications, as well as the ability to apply theoretical principles and computational methods to biomedical engineering problems. The duration of the written test is 1 hour. During the examination, notebooks, books, lecture notes, exercise sheets, and electronic devices may not be consulted unless explicitly authorized by the instructor. Exam results are communicated through the official teaching portal.

Gli studenti e le studentesse con disabilita o con Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento (DSA), oltre alla segnalazione tramite procedura informatizzata, sono invitati a comunicare anche direttamente al/la docente titolare dell'insegnamento, con un preavviso non inferiore ad una settimana dall'avvio della sessione d'esame, gli strumenti compensativi concordati con l'Unita Special Needs, al fine di permettere al/la docente la declinazione piu idonea in riferimento alla specifica tipologia di esame.