Integrated Microsensors and Microdevices for Diagnostics and Prosthetics

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The proposed research program aims to develop sensors and microdevices for real-time biological and chemical monitoring for point-of-care diagnostics, chronic diseases, and traumatic medical conditions. These sensors and microdevices take advantage of several established and emerging integrative technologies including Complimentary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) microelectronics and photonics for signal detection and processing, nanostructured materials for high sensitivity detection, bio-/chemical- recognition elements for high specificity detection, micro-/nano- fabrication for sensor miniaturization, and microfluidics for world-to-sensor interfaces. The proposed research consists of three research themes: (1) integrated biological and chemical sensor microsystems, (2) biomedical microdevices and silicon carbide neural prosthesis, and (3) porous nanostructured materials enabled devices. In the proposed research, we will target sensors towards important issues being faced by large patient populations such as monitoring of metabolism for obesity, blood glucose level for diabetes, blood oxygen demand for hypoxia conditions, metabolic compounds related to aging and genetic disorders and infectious diseases due to pathogenic bacteria. We will research biomedical microdevices to measure various physiological conditions including blood pressure for stroke, ocular pressure for glaucoma, strain sensor to measure bladder volume in patients with urinary dysfunction, and acceleration sensor for cardiac pacing. We aim to develop ultra-long reinforced silicon carbide based neural electrode arrays as front-ends of Brain Machine Interfaces to help people suffering with paralysis to lead normal daily activities. The developed biological and chemical sensors and biomedical microdevices have the potential to play an important role in our personal wellbeing and social and economic growth and development. Further, the requested funding will allow train the next generation of bioengineers, well rooted and adept in design and production of bio-/chemical- sensors, biomedical microdevices, and nanostructured materials, needed to tackle complex challenges in health sciences.