Microfabrication technologies for soft and bio materials and their applications

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Over the past 50 years, several microfabrication technologies have been developed for hard materials such as Silicon and glass that have enabled synthesis of complex microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). The next grand challenge in microfabrication is to assemble and build complex biomimetic structures using soft polymers, gels and biological materials for use in applications such as diagnostics, drug discovery, implantation into the body or to build tissue like structures that can function like artificial organs. The microfabrication technologies used in biological MEMS (BioMEMS) are still in their infancy as many of the techniques used in MEMS cannot be directly adapted. My research program focuses on development of fabrication technologies that can handle biologically relevant materials and use it to build bioMEMS devices. We have combined various additive and conventional fabrication methods to build complex 3D microstructures using biological and soft materials. We have developed methods capable of fabricating dense 3D constructs of cells in the form of tubes, rods, sheets and other shapes. In parallel, we have also created new fabrication methods to construct large area polymeric membrane devices that can function as artificial lungs to perform gas exchange. Building on our recent successes, the aim of this research program is to investigate the fundamental science behind the biofabrication processes that underpin the formation of tissue like architecture from biomaterials. In particular, we will focus on recreating the microarchitecture of the in-vivo tissue, in-vitro by providing the right biochemical and biophysical cues at appropriate times to allow the cellular biomaterial to self organize and produce complex biological organization with functional tissue characteristics. Another focus is the fabrication of 3D, large area, compact yet ultrathin membrane architectures are important for bioMEMS devices such as artificial lungs and kidneys. We will explore new additive manufacturing approaches for fabricate such membrane architectures that are very difficult to realize currently. Using these technologies, we will fabricate bioMEMS devices with applications as artificial organs and biological 3D neural networks. We will develop 3D silicone artificial lungs with biomimetic vascular network that would be able to exchange sufficient oxygen to rescue adults in respiratory distress. We will also use biofabrication methods to fabricate tissue based biohybrid lungs that combine gas exchange and pumping. Finally, we will also recreate the layered architecture of the brain tissue and integrate external electrodes to create bioartificial neural network. This research program will provide a rich training opportunity for students in micro/biofabrication, microfluidics and bioMEMS. Through the innovative ideas and track record of successful implementation, the program aims to make a definitive impact on the bioMEMS research worldwide.