The large dimensional mismatch between conventional macro instrumentation and biological cells/cell organelles creates impediments to the most basic studies of biological systems. At MISL, microsystems and microinstrumentation are created to bridge the dimensional gap and facilitate research in the biological sciences. The goal is a better understanding of cellular processes.
Microcytology Workstation
A microcytology workstation for the examination, analysis, sorting, and physical manipulation of biological cells and cell organelles is currently under development at MISL.
Microscopy Visualization & Storage
MISL provides unique solutions in the visualization and storage of microorganisms. A simple microfabricated "bugbox" used to confine and store microscope specimens is shown here.
Electrochemical Luminescence
ECL is a well known technique for detection and quantification of biomolecules.
Bipotential Measuring Arrays
Several, microfabricated electrode arrays are in the early stages of development at MISL in collaboration with bioscience researchers. The arrays are designed for monitoring of µV biopotential signals.
Micro NMR
In collaboration with the UCD Medical School NMR facilities, a program is in the early stages of developing micro NMR probes for biological testing.
Fluidic MicroChannel Arrays
A first generation prototype of a modular, microfabricated separation and detection microsystem capable of parallel chemical separation and analysis of analytes is presented.
Contact Pressure-Sensing Array
The goal of this project is to create a two-dimensional contact stress-sensing array (CSSA) to measure intra-articular stress distributions in the human knee. This transducer will be used in future studies to evaluate the biomechanical performance of meniscal replacements implanted in the knee.
Micro-instrumentation for Endothelial Cell Research
Endothelial cells (ECs) line the inner surfaces of arteries and affect the attachment of arteriosclerosis-causing plaque. Elongated ECs are resistant to plaque attachment, while rounded ECs are more prone to development of the disease. Therefore, there is a critical need for elucidating the potential role of shape in regulating EC function.
Microfluidic Interconnection Technology
A new approach to realize silicon based microfluidic systems has been integrating mutli-level fluidic "circuit boards" with versatile geometries.
DNA Quantification using an ECL Instrument
The detection and quantification of DNA strands using an electrochemilumescence (ECL) instrument with microfabricated excitation/detection cell is presented.
The Micro Instruments & Systems Laboratory
part of the Laboratory for Surface Science & Technology
A Member of the University of Maine System
