Micro Implants – a New Branch of Next Generation Biomedical Devices

My field of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) has advanced tremendously for the last 20 years. Most commercially noticeably, MEMS has successfully advanced from pressure sensors to micro physical sensors, such as accelerometers and gyros, for handheld electronics applications. Less noticeably, however, is MEMS’ contribution to the miniaturization of biomedical implants, especially micro implants. Why micro implants? Our body tissues (especially neurons), once severely damaged, do not repair or regenerate easily, and often leave behind permanent debilitating deficits. Implant technologies to interface intact tissues and/or replace defective functions continues to be a main solution for many diseases. As our world is facing more severe population aging problems, significant growth in new body implants is predicted. In fact, even currently commercial implants also have a lot of room for improvement. For example, cardiovascular and cochlear implants are still bulky, mechanically rigid, power hungry, and functionally limited for delicate and small organs. This talk will discuss our research experience on applying microtechnologies to develop a new generation of micro implants that feature miniaturization, flexibility, ease of use and complex functionality. Examples will be given to include retinal implant, spinal cord implant, Glaucoma drainage device, accommodating intraocular lens, etc. Related materials including materials, biomechanics and biology will also be included.

Speaker Details

Yu-Chong Tai has over 12 years of experience in micromachines and/or Micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) research. His interests include MEMS technology, microsensors, microactuators, microstructure, MEMS systems, and MEMS science to name a few. He successfully developed MEMS devices such as pressure sensors, shear-stress sensors, hot-wire anemometers, magnetic actuators, microphones, microvalves, micromotors, and and more. System-level MEMS research projects have included integrated M3 (microelectronics + microsensors + microactuators) drag-reduction smart surface, flexible smart skin for the control unmanned aerial vehicles, and micro fluid delivery systems. He is also interested in MEMS sciences such as MEMS material (mechanical and thermal) properties, micro fluid mechanics, and micro/nano processing issues.

Dr. Tai built the Micromachining Laboratory at Caltech, which is an 6,200 sq. ft. facility completely designed for MEMS research. This facility has a clean-room lab (2,500 sq. ft), CAD lab, and a measurement/metrology lab. It is currently supporting more than 20 researchers (mainly graduates and postdocs) with various MEMS research projects . Examples include micro scanning mirrors, neural chips, micro electromagnetic relays, field-emission tips, etc. For the last few years, he has extensively worked on MEMS devices for active fluid sensing and control. Successfully developed MEMS devices include flexible sensor skins, rubber-balloon actuators, etc. In addition, he also has research on integrated MEMS systems such as MEMS for delta-wing aerodynamic control, and MEMS-maneuvered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Since seven years ago, he has initiated a major effort on microfluidics and labs-on-a-chip. He has built devices like micro channels, membrane filters, micro valves, pumps, and bioreactors for bio-medical applications. He has an extensive and collaborative research program with USC Medical School on retinal implants, including MEMS devices for eye applications. He also has a significant research effort on nanotechnology for artificial muscle applications.

Date:
Speakers:
Yu-Chong Tai
Affiliation:
California Institute of Technology

Series: Microsoft Research Talks