Biological Interfaces

Current Projects:

Electrofluidic Interfaces:

Neural interfaces to date have been in large part limited to electrical modalities for both recording and stimulation.  The integration of microfluidics with microelectrode technology is being explored to create hybrid neural interfaces that enable spatial and temporal control of both electrical and chemical inputs/outputs to culture cells and tissue.

The objective of this proposal is to develop novel biocompatible microsystems for achieving seamless interfaces between engineered devices and biological systems. Biological systems communicate via exchange of both electrical and chemical signals. Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) consisting of integrated microelectrodes and microfluidics will be developed that mimic cellular communication at biological spatial and temporal scales. These integrated systems allow multi-channel bi-directional electrochemical interaction with cells and tissue at a level of sophistication not possible with existing instrumentation. Devices will incorporate polymer construction to address biofouling and bioreactivity.

(funding source: NSF CAREER award)

Electromechanical Interfaces:

under construction

(funding source: NSF BMES ERC)