Self-rolled-up microtube technology for cellular outgrowth guidance and monitoring

The evolution and optimization of self-rolled-up membranes (s-RuM) has been taking place over the past two decades at a fervent pace. This progress has culminated in a rolled-up structure that is not only insulating, but transparent and biocompatible, allowing it to be integrated into conductance, photonics, and strain-based sensor systems. These microtube-forming membranes are easily fabricated and can be integrated into a microfluidic channel (or become the channel itself) which can be easily integrated into an intravenous or catheter tube for diagnostics. In this dissertation, the advantages of silicon nitride (SiNx) based s-RuMs are investigated and outlined, showing that insulting properties allow conductance-based and capacitance-based biosensors to be easily integrated into the same channel. In addition, the metal added to this structure can act as a surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) sensor. Further, analyte size exclusion is possible via diameter variation and surface functionalization, adding another degree of precision. Extending this platform beyond sensing to cellular growth guidance, we find properties unique to this material system and superior to existing platforms. The SiNx s-RuM platform can be used for potential applications ranging from sensing to culturing, from disposable electronics to implants, and from brain-computer interfaces to stem-cell functionalized stints.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Electrical & Computer Engr

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2018

Author dc:creator

• Froeter, Paul Joseph

Contributors dc:contributor

• Li, Xiuling
• Eden, James G.
• Lyding, Joseph W.
• Gillette, Martha U.

• Strained membrane
• Microtube
• Self-rolled-up membrane (s-RuM)
• Neuron
• Biosensor
• Photonics
• Microelectromechanical system (MEMS)

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2017 Paul Froeter

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/99212

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/99212