CHEMS Seminar: Micro and Nano Technologies for Biomedical Applications
Abstract
The advances taking place in nanotechnologies and MEMS have provided many opportunities in the bio-medical field ranging from micro/nano scaffolds for regenerative medicine; MEMS based smart miniaturized devices; nanoparticles for tissue targeting/drug delivery; microfluidic chips for diagnostics; nanocomposites for orthopedic implants; to implantable devices with micro/nano surfaces that enhance tissue fixation and/or host response. Drawing inspiration from nature we created unique micro & nano scale biomimetic surfaces and multi-layered structures from biomaterials that were both bio-degradable as well as bio-durable. These topographical features provide physical and biological responses that can be tailored for different device applications, often without chemical modifications of surfaces which would have added complexity in the regulatory pathways. Results from tissue fixation, modulation of protein binding for diagnostic chips, and controlling drug release from micro-well chips will be presented. Challenges in process scale-up and the development of micro/nano imprinting as a scalable and cost effective technology will be presented.
