X-Phoresis

Our research focuses on the controlled manipulation of particulate matter for a wide range of applications, including healthcare, materials processing, manufacturing, and environmental monitoring. By integrating experimental, theoretical, and computational approaches, we study how particles can be precisely sorted, separated, and transported within various unit operations. A central goal is to develop robust and scalable techniques for particle handling that enable improved performance in diagnostics, therapeutics, and advanced manufacturing systems.

The research cluster represents a conglomeration of expertise in the use of energy fields for particulate manipulation: acoustic (Saylor), electric (Xuan, Martinez-Duarte), magnetic (Xuan), hydrodynamic (Tallapragada, Xuan), and mechanical (Bostwick).

Research Focus

Key research thrusts center on field-driven particulate manipulation, leveraging acoustic, electric, magnetic, hydrodynamic, and mechanical forces to control particle behavior across scales. This includes investigations into microfluidic and field-induced transport phenomena, where external energy fields enable precise positioning and sorting of particles, as well as capillary and hydrodynamic stability, which governs particle-laden interfaces and flows.

Additional efforts explore acoustic levitation and contactless handling, such as ultrasonic drop levitation, to enable non-invasive manipulation of sensitive materials. Together, these efforts aim to advance fundamental understanding and practical capabilities for particle-based systems.

Capillary and Hydrodynamic Stability (Bostwick)

Field-induced Microfluidic Manipulation of Particles (Xuan)

Ultrasonic Drop Levitation (Saylor)