A simple way of mixing small volumes (microliters or milliliters) of reagents is by repeatedly dispensing and withdrawing solution from a microwell or tube. In this case study, we used a two-phase multiphysics simulation with coupled fluid flow and mass transfer to analyze the efficacy of this active mixing process.
Efficient ventilation can reduce a building’s energy consumption and minimize airborne pathogen transmission in hospital rooms. Veryst used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to simulate ventilation in a hospital room as well as the dispersion of particles and droplets.
Fast mixing of reagents in microfluidic channels and devices is important for DNA sequencing, mRNA vaccine production in small-batch pharmaceutical processes, and point-of-care diagnostics. In this case study, Veryst used computational fluid dynamics simulations to evaluate the mixing performance of three commonly used microfluidic mixers.
Removing reagents or sample from a previous processing step via a wash cycle is a common challenge in microfluidic assays used in diagnostic, genomic, biomedical, pharmaceutical and other applications. This case study shows how finite element simulations may be used to predict and optimize wash cycle performance.
Controlling spatial variations in chemical concentration is important for designing and operating many microfluidic devices across a wide range of industries and applications including diagnostics, genomics, and pharmaceutics. In this case study, we show how simulations may be used to quantify and control concentration gradients in microfluidic devices.
Solvent bonding, although an effective way to join thermoplastics, can pose process challenges that reduce bond strength. Veryst uses FTIR microscopy to characterize the interface structure of solvent bonds, obtaining a “chemical image” of the solvent-bonded interface. The result is a full understanding of the bond and ways to improve its strength and reliability.
Controlling the size of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) in small-batch pharmaceutical processes is critical for delivery efficiency in mRNA vaccines, cancer therapies, and point-of-care diagnostics. In this case study, Veryst simulated solvent mixing and LNP self-assembly kinetics in a microfluidic mixer to predict the size distribution of LNPs across a range of process flow conditions.
Veryst developed a coupled CFD mass transfer model to predict a microfluidic mixer configuration appropriate for mixing pure and salt water channels.
Flash nanoprecipitation (FNP) is a novel method to produce nanoparticles for a variety of applications, including mRNA vaccine manufacturing. This case study demonstrates the high-fidelity prediction of micromixing rates, which are critical to controlling the size distribution of nanoparticles created using FNP.
Oxygen transport is a key factor in the design of cell culture systems such as organs-on-a-chip, microphysiological systems, and bioreactors. In this case study, we use multiphysics simulation to analyze oxygen transport and cellular uptake in a model microchannel bioreactor.
Manufacturing medical diagnostic kits involves drying reagents to be reconstituted later, during use. For this project, Veryst simulated reagent dry-down of a small volume of liquid in a microwell to investigate the effect of process parameters including oven temperature and humidity.
Understanding the movement and behavior of droplets a person emits by breathing is essential for infectious disease control. Veryst modeled the trajectory of particles from an individual running at a moderate pace with another runner in their slipstream, while both are exhaling without wearing a mask.
Scaling chemical reactions from the lab to pilot or production requires a detailed understanding of the physical system, which frequently involves heat transfer, mass transfer, reaction kinetics, and fluid flow. This case study illustrates how multiphysics simulations can support design decisions involved in scaling up chemical reactors.
Veryst developed a diffusion model accounting for the different layers of the human skin in order to predict the drug concentration profile of a transdermal drug delivery process.
Permeation enhancers are used to improve drug delivery through the skin by altering the structure and dynamics of the skin. Veryst developed a finite element model of drug diffusion from an adhesive patch that accounts for the effect of permeation enhancers.