Design and simulation of a surface acoustic wave sensor for blood disorder detection

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Download the internship proposal

Type of internship

Masters M2

Internship date or duration

Application deadline: January 30, 2026
Flexible internship period: February – July 2026

Context

Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) is a severe genetic disease characterized by the deformation of red blood cells (RBCs), which become rigid and crescent-shaped. These abnormal cells have reduced deformability, leading to increased blood viscosity, blockages in microvessels, and numerous complications, including vaso-occlusive crises, severe anemia, and organ damage. Despite its severity, SCA remains underdiagnosed in many regions of the world. In France, the prevalence is estimated at approximately 29.7 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, making this country the most affected in Europe. The development of rapid, reliable, and low-cost tools for early diagnosis therefore represents a significant public health challenge. In this context, the internship aims to develop a Point-of-Care (PoC) detection device based on a microfluidic sensor integrating surface acoustic waves on a LiNbO₃ substrate, a piezoelectric material widely used in Micro Electromechanical Systems (MEMS). During the internship, a new microfluidic structure will be designed and simulated. The results will help to define the dimensions and specifications of the proposed chip, which will be fabricated in a cleanroom. The intern may, if desired, participate in the fabrication process.

Objective

The objective of this internship project is to design a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor dedicated to analyzing the hydrodynamic and mechanical behavior of healthy and sickle red blood cells. It aims to study the interaction between SAW and the cells in order to identify mechanical and dynamic signatures specific to sickle cell disease. The work will focus on determining the key parameters of the device, such as the frequency and phase of the waves, as well as the geometry and positioning of the transducers.

Missions

The internship mission consists of contributing to the development of an innovative diagnostic device for sickle cell disease based on MEMS surface acoustic wave sensors integrated into a microfluidic system. The student will participate in the design and numerical modeling of the sensor on a piezoelectric substrate (LiNbO₃) to analyze the hydrodynamic and mechanical behavior of healthy and sickle red blood cells. The work will include multiphysics simulations (COMSOL) of acoustic wave–cell interactions to optimize the geometry, frequency, and phase of the interdigitated transducers. The student can optionally involve in microfabrication steps in a cleanroom and in the microfluidic integration of the device. Finally, experimental tests will be conducted on biological samples to validate the sensor’s ability to discriminate sickle red blood cells, with a view toward developing a point-of-care diagnostic tool.

The internship aims to contribute to the development of an innovative diagnostic device for sickle cell disease, based on MEMS surface acoustic wave, SAW sensors, coupled with a microfluidic system. The student will study the hydrodynamic and mechanical behavior of healthy and sickle red blood cells subjected to ultrasonic waves generated on a piezoelectric Lithium Niobate (LiNbO₃) substrate. A significant part of the work will involve modeling and simulating, using COMSOL Multiphysics, the interaction between SAW, microfluidic flow, and blood cells. The objective will be to identify the key parameters of the device, such as wave frequency, phase, amplitude, and the geometry of the microfluidic channels, in order to highlight specific signatures of sickle red blood cells. The intern will analyze the influence of cellular mechanical properties on their acoustic response and flow dynamics. The expected results will help evaluate the sensor’s potential for reliable and early detection of sickle cell disease. There may be an opportunity to participate in the fabrication process, but this step is not mandatory. The project is conducted in collaboration between three laboratories, including two laboratories from Sorbonne University and a famous Belgian research center (imec). An initial version of the simulation for a simple microscale structure has already been prepared. The intern will have access to this file as well as the results obtained.

Skills

  •  Master’s level education (M2) in Electronics, Sensors and Instrumentation, Mechanics, or Biomedical Engineering.
  • Knowledge of numerical simulation (COMSOL), MEMS, microfluidics, or piezoelectric devices (appreciated).
  • Good command of scientific English (reading and writing)

Compensation

Internship compensation

Contacts

Reza ASKARI MOGHADAM: Associate Professor in Electronics at Sorbonne University, Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging (LIB)
reza.askari_moghadam[at]sorbonne-universite.fr

Guy GOROCHOV: Professor at Sorbonne University, Head of departement and director of Centre of Immunology and Infectious Diseases (CIMI), Sorbonne University, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital
guy.gorochov[at]sorbonne-universite.fr

Alexey PODKOVSKIY: Researcher at imec (Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre).
alexey.podkovskiy[at]imec.be