Trapped Microbubbles in Polymer MEMS Microcapsules as a Novel Pressure Sensing Principle Based on Electrochemical Impedance Transduction

学术优势：本提案的目标是研究和开发新型基于微泡的压力传感器，该传感器由聚合物微机电系统和基于电化学阻抗的检测实现。这种新的微传感方式是基于微气泡可以对压力变化做出即时响应的原理。该方法解决了压力传感领域面临的两个主要挑战：(1)基于微泡的压力传感的小型化和自动化；(2)缺乏安全可靠的植入式压力传感器。基于气泡的传感提供了一套独特的优势，包括在潮湿环境中操作，无需专门的包装，简单的实施，生物相容性结构，极小的占地面积和低功耗操作。影响基于微泡的压力传感器性能以及微泡响应的基本因素将被研究，从而证明这种转导方法在体内应用的潜力。在柔性基板上实现新的传感器结构、制造工艺和传感器阵列。电化学和环境条件会影响传感器的性能。将演示在模拟体内条件的潮湿环境中的瞬时和实时压力测量。这些紧凑的低功耗传感器有潜力为远程医疗和远程患者监测提供先进的无线健康监测功能，因此，慢性压力传感可以为循证护理提供信息，从而提高生活质量。更广泛的影响：微泡技术的成功演示将提供一种新的压力传感模式，并使未来的创新无线应用成为可能，例如监测与疾病风险因素有关的生理压力，提供即时访问可操作的压力数据，以推动及时的治疗干预。这项研究工作将为研究生和本科生提供有关聚合物微加工，新型传感器技术和生物医学传感应用的新研究机会。重点是征聘和参与代表性不足的群体。所有级别的学生都将接受培训，通过本地和国际会议的演讲分享研究成果，并在评审期刊上发表他们的成果。学生还将根据新的传感模式，通过生成适合广泛教育背景的实验室演示模块和实验室练习，协助研究和教育的整合。将使用现场和数字格式，以便这些教育产品可以在当地和全国范围内传播。这些研究成果将被纳入一门本科课程和一本生物医学微型装置教科书。这项多方面的研究和教育计划将为STEM学生提供多学科培训。

PI: Meng, EllisInstitution: University of Southern CaliforniaIntellectrual Merit: The objective of this proposal is the investigation and development of novel microbubble-based pressure transducers enabled by polymer microelectromechanical systems and electrochemical impedance-based detection. The new microsensing modality is based on the principle that microbubbles can respond instantaneously to pressure variations. This approach addresses two major challenges in pressure sensing: (1) miniaturization and automation of microbubble-based pressure sensing, and (2) lack of safe and reliable implantable pressure sensors. Bubble-based sensing offers a unique set of advantages including operation in wet environments without specialized packaging, simple implementation, biocompatible construction, extremely small footprint, and low power operation. Fundamental factors that affect microbubble-based pressure sensor performance as well as microbubble response will be investigated and thereby demonstrate the potential of this transduction method for in vivo applications. New sensor structures, fabrication processes, and sensor arrays on flexible substrates will be achieved. Electrochemical and environmental conditions that affect sensor performance will be investigated. Instantaneous and real-time pressure measurement in wet environments simulating in vivo conditions will be demonstrated. These compact, low power sensors have the potential to provide advanced wireless health monitoring capability for telemedicine and remote patient monitoring and thus, thus chronic pressure sensing can inform evidenced-based care resulting in improved quality of life.Broader Impacts: Successful demonstration of microbubble technology will provide a new pressure sensing modality and enable future innovative wireless applications such as monitoring of physiological pressures implicated as disease risk factors, providing immediate access to actionable pressure data to drive timely therapeutic interventions. This research effort will provide new research opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students pertaining to polymer microfabrication, novel sensor technologies, and biomedical sensing applications. Emphasis is placed on the recruitment and involvement of underrepresented groups. Students at all levels will be trained to share research results through local and international conference presentations and write up their results in refereed journal publications. Students will also assist in the integration of research and education by generating laboratory demonstration modules and laboratory exercises suitable for a broad range of educational backgrounds based on the new sensing modality. Both live and digital formats will be used such that these educational products can be disseminated both locally and nationwide. These research products will be incorporated into an undergraduate course and a textbook on biomedical microdevices. This multifaceted research and educational program will provide multidisciplinary training to STEM students.