Research 

The strategic design of 3-dimensional microenvironments is crucial to understanding cell-material interactions and reducing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) sensitivity for neural electrodes.  Among 3D structures, we focus on vertically standing high-aspect-ratio structures, which can penetrate the cytosol of cells with minimal perturbation to cells/tissues. 

The high-aspect-ratio structures can further be integrated with conductive electrode devices such as microelectrode array (MEA), providing an interfacial layer between a live cell and an electrical instrument and enabling us to record and even stimulate the biointerfaces. 

The major disadvantage of standard devices for biomedical applications comes from interfacial mismatch because most of the devices are made of metals, metal alloys, and silicon-based materials, which are rigid. This negatively affects foreign body reactions to the sensitivity and functionality of the implanted devices.

To minimize these, we are aimed to introduce nanosized coatings synthesized via initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) to tailor the surface properties. These nanocoatings can serve primary functions such as surface protection and anti-corrosions but can also be used for additional purposes, including drug delivery, growth factor immobilization, etc. 

Their environmental stability should be guaranteed for flexible, lightweight organic electronics to be used in biomedical applications. At the same time, their high operational voltage, which disturbs ion concentration gradients and induces action potentials, needs to be reduced. We aim to achieve these requirements by introducing novel, hybrid insulating layers. 

The mechanical robustness of the device and the whole circuitry will be secured by studying interfacial adhesions between layers. Conjugation of DNA, antibodies, and nanoparticles directly onto the device's top surface will be investigated to increase sensors’ sensitivity and specificity.