Dr Guido Bolognesi

PhD - Theoretical and Applied Mechanics

  • Visiting Fellow in Bioengineering

Background:

Guido completed his Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Rome “La Sapienza” in 2008. He obtained an international joint PhD in “Theoretical and Applied Mechanics” in 2012 at the University of Rome “La Sapienza” and University Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (UCBL). His PhD research focussed on the characterization of single/multi-phase micron-scale flows and colloidal particles by means of a number of optical techniques, such as digital holographic microscopy, optical trapping, micro-particle image velocimetry, confocal and fluorescent microscopy. He also carried out both independently, and in collaboration, atomistic and continuum numerical simulations to describe light-matter interaction and dynamics of fluid flows and colloidal systems.

In December 2011, he joined the Membrane Biophysics Group in the Chemistry Department at Imperial College as a post-doctoral research associate to work on an EPSRC-funded project, titled “Optical Control of Emulsion Drops for Nanofluidics and Microfabrication”. This project explored the fundamental science behind the optical manipulation of ultralow interfacial tension droplets and was developed in collaboration with the Chemistry Department of Durham University and the Central Laser Facility at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.

In October 2016, he has joined the Department of Chemical Engineering at Loughborough University as Lecturer in Bioengineering. Together with Dr Vladisavljević, he co-founded the Particle Microfluidics Group. The group research focuses on the production and manipulation of functional particles in micron-scale flows for the investigation of their fundamental properties and behaviour as well as for the development of new applications in the healthcare, food and energy sectors.

In 2018, he won an EPSRC New Investigator Award on "Particle Filtration and Accumulation by Solute-driven Transport (FAST) for bio-analysis in microfluidic devices".

Qualifications:

 

  • 2019 PGCert in Academic Practice (Loughborough University)
  • 2012 PhD in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (University of Rome “La Sapienza” and University Claude Bernard Lyon 1)
  • 2008 MSc in Mechanical Engineering (University of Rome “La Sapienza”)
  • 2005 BSc in Mechanical Engineering (University of Rome “La Sapienza”)

 

Outline of main research interests

Guido's research interests lie in the experimental investigation of the physicochemical behaviour of soft matter (i.e. colloids, lipid membranes) and fluid flows at the micrometer length scale for bio-engineering applications. His research work has an interdisciplinary approach based on expertise in mechanics, micro-/nano-fluidics, microfabrication techniques, optics, interfacial and colloidal science. His main research activities are:

  • Colloidal particle manipulation in microfluidic devices
  • Ultralow interfacial tension systems
  • Manufacturing of advanced particle and particle-based materials by means of microfluidic and optical methods
  • Experimental/numerical investigation of single-phase and two-phase micron-scale flows

Grants and contracts

As Principal Investigator:

  • Particle Filtration and Accumulation by Solute-driven Transport (FAST) for bio-analysis in microfluidic devices, 2018-2021, EPSRC (New Investigator Award)
  • Flow and particle transport in soft nanofluidic networks, 2018-2019, Royal Society
  • Mass transfer in flexible nanoconduits, 2017-2018, STFC
  • Microfluidic devices for ultra-sensitive and rapid diagnostics for AMR, 2017, AMR Research Initiative, Loughborough University
  • Fluorescent probes for interfacial properties characterisation, 2016-2017, STFC

As Co-Investigator:

  • Integrated atomic force and confocal fluorescence lifetime imaging microscope with fibre-coupled infrared detector for materials research, 2019-2022, EPSRC
  • Microfluidic technologies for ultradeformable droplets, 2015-2016, EPSRC

Selected publications:

Bolognesi, G., Friddin, M.S., Salehi-Reyhani, A., Barlow, N.E., Brooks, N.J., Ces, O., Elani, Y. (2018) Sculpting and fusing biomimetic vesicle networks using optical tweezers. Nature Communications, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-04282-w

Karamdad, K., Hindley, J.W., Bolognesi, G., Friddin, M.S., Law, R.V., Brooks, N.J., Ces, O., Elani, Y. (2018) Engineering thermoresponsive phase separated vesicles formed: Via emulsion phase transfer as a content-release platform. Chemical Science, 9(21). https://doi.org/10.1039/c7sc04309k

Trantidou, T., Friddin, M.S., Gan, K.B., Han, L., Bolognesi, G., Brooks, N.J., Ces, O. (2018) Mask-Free Laser Lithography for Rapid and Low-Cost Microfluidic Device Fabrication. Analytical Chemistry, 90(23). https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.8b03169

Barlow, N.E., Bolognesi, G., Haylock, S., Flemming, A.J., Brooks, N.J., Barter, L.M.C., Ces, O. (2017) Rheological Droplet Interface Bilayers (rheo-DIBs): Probing the Unstirred Water Layer Effect on Membrane Permeability via Spinning Disk Induced Shear Stress. Scientific Reports, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-17883-0

Barlow, N.E., Bolognesi, G., Flemming, A.J., Brooks, N.J., Barter, L.M.C., Ces, O. (2016) Multiplexed droplet Interface bilayer formation. Lab on a Chip, 16(24). https://doi.org/10.1039/C6LC01011C

Chan, C.L., Bolognesi, G., Bhandarkar, A., Friddin, M.S., Brooks, N.J., Seddon, J.M., Law, R.V., Barter, L.M.C., Ces, O. (2016) DROPLAY: laser writing of functional patterns within biological microdroplet displays. Lab on a Chip, 16(23). https://doi.org/10.1039/C6LC01219A

Bolognesi, G., Cottin-Bizonne, C., Pirat, C. (2014) Evidence of slippage breakdown for a superhydrophobic microchannel. Physics of Fluids, 26(8). https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4892082

External collaborators:

External roles and appointments: