Micro/Nano/Biotechnology Device Integration for Addressing Gastrointestinal Health

Institute of Microengineering - Distinguished Lecture

Campus Lausanne SV 1717 (live)
Campus Microcity MC B0 302 (video)
Zoom Live Stream: https://epfl.zoom.us/j/108318318

Abstract: The development of integrated systems for investigating gut health continues to be a major focus of biomedical research. While our understanding of gastrointestinal (GI) health has advanced more than ever, a lack of comprehensive tools hinders our ability to explore gaps in knowledge to improve evaluation and management strategies. Through ongoing innovations in micro- and nano-electronics, next-generation integrated devices are emerging to sample and sense GI fluids by providing real-time monitoring of biochemical and bacterial behavior and its impact on GI cancer development and gut-brain signaling. Our group focuses on developing and integrating new technologies into ingestible capsule systems for in vivo navigation and biochemical sensing of GI contents. This includes hybrid packaging strategies for sampling select GI regions through integrating microelectronics modules for wireless transmission of sensor signals to mobile receivers. To understand sensing and analysis in in vivo environments, we are developing in vitro models to monitor cellular behaviors underlying both the gut-microbiome-brain-axis (GMBA) and bacterial biofilm formation. Our GMBA model consists of an in vitro cell-sensor-interfaced 3D-printed platform, tailored to monitor gut epithelial cell growth and serotonin secretion, providing information about in vivo interactions between bacteria and gut cells. Bacterial biofilms, a major cause of infection both in the gut and on virtually all hydrated surfaces, may be grown and monitored in our flexible platform for real-time in situ sensing and treatment in a wide range of vulnerable regions. Due to the need for our sensors to exhibit selective, sensitive, and clinically viable functions, we are exploring bio-functionalization of sensor electrodes with virus-based macromolecules, specifically Tobacco Mosaic Virus, to enhance device performance required to detect relevant biomarkers in poorly accessible GI tissues and regions.

Bio: Reza Ghodssi is the Herbert Rabin Distinguished Chair in Engineering and Director of the MEMS Sensors and Actuators Lab (MSAL) in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) and the Institute for Systems Research (ISR) at the University of Maryland (UMD). Dr. Ghodssi's research interests are in the design and development of micro/nano/bio devices and systems for chemical and biological sensing, small-scale energy conversion and harvesting with a strong emphasis toward healthcare applications. Dr. Ghodssi was director of the Institute for Systems Research (ISR) for eight years (2009-2017). During this time, he launched a number of interdisciplinary initiatives such as the Maryland Robotics Center (MRC) and the Brain and Behavior Initiative (BBI), aimed at enhancing the impact of ISR research efforts on society while building a more interactive faculty, staff and student community across different disciplines in the institute. Dr. Ghodssi is a University of Maryland Distinguished Scholar-Teacher, a Fellow of IEEE, AVS, and ASME, has over 150 journal publications and 325 refereed conference papers, and is the co-editor of the MEMS Materials and Processes Handbook published in 2011. He is an associate editor for the Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems (JMEMS) and Biomedical Microdevices (BMMD). He has obtained eight U.S. patents, with another seven pending. 

Note: The Seminar Series is eligible for ECTS credits in the EDMI doctoral program.