RheoDrop: a microfluidic platform for rheological measurements of biofluids and complex fluids

RheoDrop represents a groundbreaking advancement in rheometry, offering a faster, more affordable, and user-friendly approach to measuring crucial rheological parameters. This innovative technology leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and microfluidics to overcome the limitations of traditional rheometers.

Here's what sets RheoDrop apart:

• AI-powered Image Analysis:
  • RheoDrop captures images of droplet formation dynamics within a microfluidic platform.
  • Advanced AI algorithms analyze these images to accurately quantify key rheological properties, such as apparent viscosity, relaxation time, and power index.
  • This eliminates the need for complex mechanical measurements used in traditional rheometers.
• Reduced Cost and Increased Efficiency:
  • By replacing expensive mechanical parts with AI and microfluidics, RheoDrop significantly reduces hardware costs.
  • Microfluidic technology also minimizes sample requirements, allowing for faster and more cost-effective analysis.
• Faster Measurements:
  • RheoDrop offers exceptional measurement speed by manipulating flow regimes within the microfluidic platform.
  • By adjusting operational parameters, droplet generation timescales can be adjusted from microseconds to seconds.
• Simplified Image Capture:
  • RheoDrop eliminates the need for specialized high-speed cameras.
  • The technology effectively utilizes standard cameras, or even mobile phone cameras, for image detection, further reducing overall system complexity and cost.

Benefits for Potential Partners:

• Reduced Investment Costs: Lower hardware expenses compared to traditional rheometers.
• Faster Time to Results: Significantly faster measurements compared to traditional methods.
• Minimal Sample Requirements: Ideal for applications with limited sample availability.
• Simplified Operation: User-friendly technology with minimal training requirements.
• Broader Applicability: RheoDrop can be adapted to analyze a wide range of materials and applications.

Current development status

Laboratory prototypes

Applications

RheoDrop's unique capabilities open doors to a wide range of applications across various industries. Here are some potential areas where RheoDrop can make a significant impact: 1. Material Development and Research: • Formulation Optimization: Rapidly assess and optimize the rheological properties of new materials, from pharmaceuticals and cosmetics to coatings and adhesives. • Quality Control: Implement fast and reliable quality control checks for incoming materials or finished products. • Biomaterial Research: Analyze the rheological behavior of biomaterials like bioinks for tissue engineering and drug delivery applications. • Food Science: Characterize the rheology of food products, such as emulsions, to improve texture, stability, and processing efficiency. 2. Chemical and Petrochemical Industries: • Characterization of Fuels and Lubricants: Rapidly analyze the viscosity and flow properties of fuels and lubricants to improve performance and efficiency. • Emulsion Stability: Evaluate the stability of emulsions used in various applications, such as paints, personal care products, and pharmaceuticals. • Rheology of Suspensions: Analyze the rheology of suspensions for applications like drilling fluids, coatings, and inks. 3. Environmental Monitoring: • Characterization of Pollutants: Analyze the rheological properties of pollutants in water and soil samples for environmental monitoring and remediation efforts. • Waste Stream Management: Assess the rheology of waste streams to optimize waste treatment and disposal processes.

Desired business relationship

Patent licensing