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Welcome to Warkiani Lab
At the Warkiani Lab, we are at the forefront of developing cutting-edge microfluidic technologies with a focus on commercialization. Our mission is to harness the power of microfluidics to address critical challenges in biomedical research, from sorting rare cells to creating innovative organ-on-a-chip models. Our vision is to transform the landscape of healthcare and diagnostics through pioneering technologies that improve the accuracy and efficiency of medical interventions. We are committed to bridging the gap between groundbreaking research and practical applications, driving advancements that have a real-world impact. Research Areas
1- Inertial Microfluidic Assisted Cell Sorting (IMACS) 2- Micro-physiological Systems 3- Reproductive Bioengineering & VF Technologies 4- Exosomes Engineering & Longevity Science |
Inertial Microfluidic Assisted Cell Sorting (IMACS)
Particle and cell sorting is essential for a range of applications, from stem cell research to cancer therapy. Recent advancements in microfluidic platforms have greatly enhanced the isolation and fractionation of cells. Efficient, high-throughput cell enrichment is a crucial preparatory step in many chemical and biological assays, driving the development of innovative microscale separation techniques. In our lab, we have led the way in developing inertial microfluidic platforms for diverse applications. These include the separation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from blood and urine, concentration of algae cells for biofuel production, purification of yeast cells for biotechnology, and fractionation of stem cells (MSCs) and normal blood cells for regenerative medicine. Our platforms leverage the principles of inertial and passive sorting to achieve high precision and efficiency. We utilize a combination of advanced modeling and experimental techniques to investigate the inertial migration of particles in microchannels, exploring a wide range of parameters. This research enables us to design and optimize microfluidic devices with superior separation efficiency. Our innovations have broad applications, including bioprocessing, hemodialysis, and exosome therapy, and hold the potential to transform various fields by improving the accuracy and scalability of cell and particle sorting processes.
Micro-physiological Systems
Microfluidic platforms are creating powerful tools for cell biologists to control the complete cellular microenvironment, leading to new questions and new discoveries. In our group, we are using advanced microfabrication techniques to build simple to use microfluidics devices to mimic live organ physiology. We recently developed a temporarily sealed microfluidic stamping device (2D) which utilizes a novel valve design for patterning various cell types to study cell-cell interactions in a multitude of applications. Using the same concept, we developed a new platform to generate hundreds of uniform stationary droplets for single cell culture and analysis. Our method offers a new approach to easily capture, image and culture single (or multiple) cells in a chemically isolated microenvironment for high-throughput single-cell assays. We are also developing novel 3D microfluidic devices (organ-on-a-chips or Microphysiological Systems) to quantify behavior of cells within mixed, structurally complex populations and systems. Such devices, methods, and associated computational analysis of timelapsed responses can aid in creating in vitro assays that more accurately mimic conditions in vivo.
Reproductive Bioengineering & IVF Technologies
Our lab is advancing next-generation IVF technologies through an integrated platform that combines microfluidic sperm sorting, AI-driven analysis, and emerging exosome biology to better replicate natural reproductive processes. We have developed microfluidic systems that mimic the biophysical and biochemical conditions of the female reproductive tract, enabling sequential motility and biological selection to isolate high-quality sperm with improved DNA integrity. Complementing this, our AI-powered platform, SpermSearch, leverages advanced algorithms to accurately identify, rank, and evaluate sperm based on multiple parameters, reducing operator variability and enhancing selection precision. This framework is further integrated with single-cell analysis and cryopreservation workflows to support deeper molecular profiling and long-term fertility preservation. In parallel, we are exploring the role of exosomes in reproductive biology, including their contribution to sperm function, embryo development, and endometrial receptivity, with the aim of developing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for infertility. Through this multidisciplinary approach, we aim to improve IVF outcomes and enable more precise, scalable, and clinically relevant reproductive technologies.
Exosomes Engineering and Longevity Science
Our lab is advancing exosome engineering for longevity and regenerative medicine by integrating scalable microcarrier-based bioreactor systems with physiologically relevant testing platforms. We have developed three-dimensional microcarrier cultures that recreate native cellular microenvironments, enhancing cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions to produce exosomes with improved yield, consistency, and functional potency compared to conventional two-dimensional systems. These bioreactor platforms allow precise control over culture conditions, enabling reproducible manufacturing of high-quality exosomes. To ensure translational relevance, we couple this approach with microfluidic skin-on-a-chip models that mimic human tissue architecture and dynamic physiological conditions, allowing real-time and non-invasive evaluation of exosome activity in processes such as collagen remodeling, inflammation modulation, angiogenesis, and cellular senescence. In parallel, we apply comprehensive characterization workflows including particle sizing, molecular profiling, and functional potency assays to define exosome quality and mechanism of action. By bridging engineering, biology, and clinical translation, this integrated pipeline establishes a robust framework for developing next-generation exosome therapeutics with strong potential for applications in skin longevity, regenerative medicine, and precision health.
