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3D Printing of a Microelectrode Array for Neural Applications
3D printing is a family of emerging techniques for fabrication of functional devices. Here, we make use of basics of electrochemistry and scanning probe methods to deliver metal ions locally and transform them into solid metal features. This is achieved by using glass capillaries with ultrasmall opening diameters with dimensions down to a few nanometers.
Currently we are exploring the fabrication of 3D printed functional biomedical devices. We are aiming to fabricate sensing units for biomedical technology, such as electrodes used for neuroscience. The current standard for electrophysiological recordings is the Utah Array, a high-density microelectrode array. It aims for long-term recording and stimulation of chronic neurological diseases. However, as for any implant, one of the major bottlenecks is the tissue damage upon implantation, causing fibrotic encapsulation of the implanted device and thereby impairing the functionality of the device. To tackle the problem of tissue damage and device malfunctioning, we propose to, with our printing set-up, fabricate Utah Array-like microelectrode grids with nanometer sized pillars to lessen the initial tissue damage and thereby lowering or even opposing the chances of a foreign body response.In this project you will focus on many aspects of 3D printing and biomedical engineering: design of a microelectrode array, deposition of biocompatible materials, device connection and characterization with the state-of-the-art methods, all with the final goal of in vitro and in vivo recordings.
Currently we are exploring the fabrication of 3D printed functional biomedical devices. We are aiming to fabricate sensing units for biomedical technology, such as electrodes used for neuroscience. The current standard for electrophysiological recordings is the Utah Array, a high-density microelectrode array. It aims for long-term recording and stimulation of chronic neurological diseases. However, as for any implant, one of the major bottlenecks is the tissue damage upon implantation, causing fibrotic encapsulation of the implanted device and thereby impairing the functionality of the device. To tackle the problem of tissue damage and device malfunctioning, we propose to, with our printing set-up, fabricate Utah Array-like microelectrode grids with nanometer sized pillars to lessen the initial tissue damage and thereby lowering or even opposing the chances of a foreign body response.In this project you will focus on many aspects of 3D printing and biomedical engineering: design of a microelectrode array, deposition of biocompatible materials, device connection and characterization with the state-of-the-art methods, all with the final goal of in vitro and in vivo recordings.
Goals will be discussed based on individual expertise, experience and preferred project type (experimental/numerical, master/bachelor, thesis/semester project). Please write me an e-mail if you are interested and we can discuss this further in person.
Goals will be discussed based on individual expertise, experience and preferred project type (experimental/numerical, master/bachelor, thesis/semester project). Please write me an e-mail if you are interested and we can discuss this further in person.
Cathelijn van Nisselroy (vannisselroy@biomed.ee.ethz.ch)
Dr. Dmitry Momotenko (momotenko@biomed.ee.ethz.ch)
If you are interested in the project please write an email, which should include your CV, a statement of your motivation for this project and a description of your previous research experience.
Cathelijn van Nisselroy (vannisselroy@biomed.ee.ethz.ch) Dr. Dmitry Momotenko (momotenko@biomed.ee.ethz.ch)
If you are interested in the project please write an email, which should include your CV, a statement of your motivation for this project and a description of your previous research experience.