报告题目：Microsystems for Biology and Healthcare 
报告人：英国卢瑟福实验室 S. E. Huq教授

报告时间：4月30日上午9：50—10：50

报告地点：西5学术报告厅
报告内容：This seminar will include an overview of the Science and Technology Facilities Council [STFC] in the UK and a technical presentation on MNT for life sciences.
 
Progress in micro/ nano electromechanical systems, microelectronics, microfabrication and micromachining have enabled the development of a new class of technology, applied to life-sciences, 
known as BioMEMS. The inherent characteristics of BioMEMS promise the production of miniature, smart, and low-cost biomedical devices that could revolutionize biomedical investigation and 
clinical practice. Such devices and associated micro and nanotechnology are being explored for applications such as biochemical sensors for blood analysis, flow and pressure sensors, immunosensors,
 on-chip capillary electrophoresis, surgical instruments, tissue repair, artificial organs, diagnostic tools, and drug delivery systems. Advantages include: greater functionality, miniaturisation of the total 
system, high performance based on parallel processing, high speed based on direct data processing and cost reduction.
 
Taking advantage of the expertise in micro and nano technologies at the Central Microstructure Facility (CMF) at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, our mission is to create and develop new 
technologies and innovative solutions for life sciences and healthcare that will further improve medical diagnosis and treatment and create new market opportunities. 

Using state of the art micro/nano fabrication techniques in a variety of materials, application specific microcantilevers are being developed in different materials to detect biomolecules from solution. 
Specific binding events on one surface of a microcantilever create a differential stress resulting in measurable deflection which forms the basis of studying, for instance protein-protein interactions. 
Microcantilevers are also being exploited to determine coagulation time of whole blood – a clinical diagnostic for a number of disorders. 
 
For robust operation of these miniaturised devices, of crucial importance is their characteristic structure, thermal properties, elasticity and dynamic behaviour. Through simulation and rigorous tests these 
properties are being investigated. In addition to MEMs type systems, modified field effect transistors and electro impedance spectroscopic techniques are also being developed to detect DNA hybridisation 
and protein immobilisation. The ultimate objective is to produce mobile phone like hand-held devices to detect various types of diseases.
 
Micro/nanotechnologies are also being applied to stem cell studies and the development of neurosurgical probes in biocompatible polymer materials for 
advanced brain surgery. There is also considerable interest in tissue engineering, particularly for bone replacement applications.
欢迎广大师生参加。 
材料科学与工程学院
                                                                             2008年4月28日