S2E8
Episode 8 (November 22, 2020)
Yueting Sun
University of Birmingham
Yi Zhang
University of Connecticut
Engineering Metal-organic Frameworks for Mechanical Energy Absorption
Soft bioelectronics and microfluidics for the interrogation of neural function
Abstract:
High-performance mechanical energy absorption has been pursued to protect personnel and important infrastructures and devices. This talk will introduce our recent work on the mechanical energy absorption leveraging the liquid intrusion of Metal-Organic-Frameworks (MOFs). It is found that during the intrusion of non-wetting liquids into the nanoscale pores under mechanical pressure, substantial mechanical energy can be absorbed by generating huge liquid-solid interfaces. This talk will present some latest research on its physical mechanism and potential engineering applications.
Abstract:
Neuroscience studies using optogenetics have greatly improved our understanding of brain circuits. Advances in the combined use of optogenetics and pharmacology to further probe important neurochemical signals has lagged, however, in large part due to the inconvenience of conventional cannulated approaches, as well as the difficulty in controlling, powering, and manufacturing optofluidic devices that are reliable and scalable for distribution to the neuroscience community. In this talk, I will present a battery-free, wireless,
lightweight optofluidic device that allows adjustable infusion rates, hands-free operation, and unlimited power supply, and is compatible with existing near-field communication (NFC) technology. I will also present a wireless, battery-free device that integrates a microscale inorganic light-emitting diode and an ultralow-power microfluidic system with an electrochemical pumping mechanism in a soft platform that can be mounted onto target peripheral nerves for programmed delivery of light and/or pharmacological agents in freely moving animals. The developed technology has potential for large-scale manufacturing and broad distribution to the neuroscience community, with capabilities in targeting specific neuronal populations in freely moving animals. In addition, the same platform can easily be adapted for a wide range of other types of passive or active electronic functions, including electrical stimulation.