The Development of an Organ-on-a Chip Platform

目的：本项目探讨一个面向对象的自动化平台，特别是自动化平台的设计，开发和制造过程。为了设计和开发低成本的器官芯片平台，将考虑使用Ultimaker 2 plus进行3D打印。该平台必须使用电池供电，因为它考虑在经常发生断电的第三世界国家使用。随后，设计过程将开始实施，计算分析，最后制造和基于参数的原型测试。关键研究问题：本节概述了我将在整个博士学位期间回答的研究问题。概述关键的研究问题是至关重要的，因为它设定了一个标准，以遵循，以实现最终产品。如何密封外壳，以确保5%的二氧化碳环境？由于尺寸限制，如何利用外壳内的空间来确保所有组件都适合，因为目标是使用Ultimaker 2 plus 3D打印机？研究各种方法/材料，以确保细胞可以在显微镜下分析。哪种编码平台将用于控制传感器和泵（Arduino或Raspberry Pi）？是否需要GUI（图形用户界面）来显示外壳内的周围环境或控制泵？将采用哪种动力系统，让平台连续续航超过30天？

Aim: This project explores an O-O-C automated platform, specifically the design, development and fabrication process of the automated platform. In order to design and develop a low cost Organ-On-a-Chip platform, 3D printing using an Ultimaker 2plus will be considered. This platform must be powered using batteries as it considers the use in 3rd world countries where power cuts may occur often. Subsequently, the design process will commence followed by embodiment, computational analysis and finally fabrication and parameter based testing of the prototype.Key research questions: This section outlines the research question that I will be answering throughout this PhD. Outlining the key research questions is vital as it sets a criterion to follow in-order to achieve the end product.How to seal the enclosure to ensure a 5% CO2 environment?How to utilize the space within the enclosure to ensure all components fit, due to the size constraint as the aim is to use an Ultimaker 2plus 3D printing machine?Investigate various methods/materials to ensure the cells can be analysed under a microscope.Which coding platform will be used to control the sensors and pump (Arduino or Raspberry Pi)?Will a GUI (Graphical User Interface) be needed to display the ambient environment within the enclosure, or to control the pump?Which power system will be used to allow the platform to last for more than 30 consecutive days?