Our mission is to advance the ability to measure, understand, and influence biological and engineered systems at the micro- and nanoscale. By combining automation and control engineering with microsystems and nanotechnology, we create innovative tools and functional systems that enable new scientific discoveries and practical applications.
Research focus and goals
Our core expertise includes:
- microfluidics
- microfabrication
- microsensors
- microrobotics
- automation and control
By integrating these disciplines, we develop technologies for the characterization, monitoring, control, and manipulation of microscale biological and engineered systems.
Our research focuses on two primary application areas:
- Microphysiological systems (MPS) including organ-on-chip devices
- Microrobotics characterization of fibrous materials
In MPS research, our research aims to develop methods and technologies for monitoring, controlling, and engineering the cellular microenvironment and cellular functions. We combine microfluidics, sensing and automation to create advanced in vitro platforms for biomedical research and drug development.
Our work includes:
- Microfluidic perfusion and targeted delivery systems
- Measurement and control of oxygen levels in 2D and 3D cell cultures
- Microelectrode arrays for monitoring and stimulating cellular activity in 2D and 3D
- Cell guidance and alignment technologies
- Uni- and equiaxial mechanical stimulation of cells
In material characterization, we develop automated and autonomous microrobotic technologies for characterizing and manipulating fibrous materials at the level of individual fibers. Our objective is to enable precise, repeatable, and high-throughput measurements that provide new insights into material properties and structure-function relationships.
Our research includes:
- Measurement of inter-fiber bonding strength in pulp-based materials
- Characterization of microfibril angle in cellulose fibers
- Determination of fiber-matrix interfacial shear strength in composite materials
- Development of autonomous microrobotic systems for microscale material characterization
Contact persons
Pasi Kallio
Professor
pasi.kallio [at] tuni.fi
+358 50 052 5546