CAREER: Soft 3D MEMS -- advanced biomaterials devices

摘要本研究的目的是开发一种构建生物相容性微机电系统（MEMS）的全新技术。该方法是使用软生物材料，如水凝胶（其宿主相容性已被广泛研究）作为在先进设备中构建MEMS元件的基础材料。植入式设备具有广泛的医疗用途，但传统MEMS材料最持久的挑战之一是抵抗生物污染。智力优势：本研究旨在开发一种新的连贯策略，使用生物材料作为构建MEMS器件的基础材料。该研究计划在空间复杂微结构的多周期制造、多个3D水凝胶组件的界面以及细胞封装微器件的构建方面具有创新意义。更广泛的影响：该项目将通过三种机制在哥伦比亚大学、纽约市地区和更广泛的社会产生更广泛的影响。1)哥伦比亚大学将开设一门新的生物医学系统本科课程。2)最新的MEMS研究将被纳入纽约市代表性不足的K-12学生的教育模块，并通过教师教育计划为纽约高中生提供教育模块。3)通过促进产业研究人员与大学生之间的互动，促进MEMS研究转化为造福社会的医疗产品。此外，MEMS研究项目将纳入国际合作，包括与亚洲和非洲的研究人员的合作。

AbstractThe objective of this research is to develop a fundamentally new technique for building biocompatible microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). The approach is to use soft biomaterials such as hydrogels (for which host compatibility has been widely studied) as the basis material for building MEMS components in advanced devices. Implantable devices have a wide range of medical use, but one of the most persistent challenges with conventional MEMS materials has been to resist biofouling. Intellectual merit: This research aims to develop a new coherent strategy for using biomaterials as the basis material for constructing MEMS devices. This research proposal is innovative in developing new techniques in multi-cycle fabrication of spatially complex microstructures, interfacing of multiple 3D hydrogel components, and construction of cell-encapsulated microdevices.Broader impact: This project will achieve broader impact at Columbia University, the New York City area, and broader society through three mechanisms. 1) A new undergraduate course at Columbia University on bioMEMS will be developed. 2) The latest MEMS research will be incorporated into educational modules for underrepresented K-12 students from New York City, and for New York high-school students through a teacher education program. 3) Translation of MEMS research into medical products that will benefit society will be promoted by fostering interactions between industrial researchers and undergraduate students. Also, MEMS research projects will be incorporated into international collaborations, including those with researchers from Asia and Africa.