Himayasri Rao Lekkala is a PhD student at the University of Hertfordshire, working on microfluidic devices. She holds an undergraduate degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from MITS, JNTU Anantapur, India. She developed expertise in microfabrication techniques, working in a class 1000 cleanroom, and developed energy-storing devices as part of her project during her master’s degree in Nanotechnology and Microfabrication at Bangor University, Wales, UK. 

What are you working on within the Hub?

My PhD focuses on developing microfluidic devices for isolating and characterizing Extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs are tiny particles released by cells in an organism, and they hold immense potential as biomarkers for early disease detection and personalized medicine. My work aims to overcome challenges in EV isolation methods using Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF) for greater efficiency and precision. The TFF devices are fabricated here at the University of Hertfordshire and are scalable and reusable, featuring an easy-to-assemble design. This research aligns with the Hub’s mission to advance cutting-edge healthcare technologies, and I am excited to contribute to biomedical engineering, driving innovation in diagnostics and therapeutics to transform disease detection and treatment.

What is the impact of your research so far?

I conducted extensive experiments with the TFF devices to optimise efficiency, purity, and reproducibility for EV isolation. Our scalable, cost-effective approach addresses a significant bottleneck in EV research, enabling reliable diagnostics. The devices UH have the potential for early disease detection in cancer and neurodegenerative diseases by making EV-based biomarkers more accessible for clinical use. While the full impact of my research is yet to unfold, these microfluidic devices lay the foundation for more accessible and reliable EV-based diagnostics. 

What has been the highlight of your research career to date?

A key highlight was fabricating picofarad-scale supercapacitors (3×3 mm, 1 µm thick) during my master’s project. Another is working on a prototype microfluidic device that isolates Extracellular vesicles (EVs) with greater efficiency and precision using Tangential Flow Filtration (TFF). So far, my research has been presented at MicroTAS-20, gaining recognition for its innovation, and has led to collaborations with clinical labs interested in testing these devices for patient samples.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, I love painting, baking, and journaling, which helps me develop patience and attention to detail. I also enjoy trying new recipes and interior designing. I also enjoy poetry, reading fictional novels, exploring new places, and trying cuisines. 

Lately, I’ve been exploring meditation for mindfulness and focus. I also hope to learn pottery, swimming, and Italian to build discipline and adaptability.