Biomedical Microdevice Research at Purdue

Babak Ziaie, Ph.D.
School of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Birck Nanotechnology Center
Purdue University


Abstract

My laboratory at Purdue University is involved in several projects geared towards clinical applications of biomedical microdevices with a particular emphasis in: 1) integration of glucose sensitive hydrogels with passive transponders for wireless subcutaneous glucose measurement, 2) novel drainage devices for the treatment of glaucoma, 3) a wireless transponder for continuous measurement of intra-ocular pressure, 4) trackable dosimeters for radiation therapy, and 5) an implantable micro-oxygen generator for treatment of hypoxia in solid tumors.  In this talk, I will briefly describe these projects and highlight our major accomplishments in each area. In addition to the abovementioned clinically relevant projects, we also develop low cost technologies for a variety of lab on a chip and medical applications. These projects which constitute about 25-30% of research in my lab are done mostly by undergraduates requiring very little material and supply except occasional visit to the local Wal-Mart or hardware store.  I will also describe a few on such projects at the end of my talk.

Biography

Babak Ziaie received the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, in 1994. His dissertation was related to the design and development of an implantable single channel microstimulator for functional neuromuscular stimulation.  From 1995 to 1999, he was a Postdoctoral Fellow and an Assistant Research Scientist with the Center for Integrated Microsystems, University of Michigan. He was subsequently with the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, as an Assistant Professor, from 1999 to 2004. Since January 2005, he has been with the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, where he is currently a Professor. His research interests are related to the biomedical applications of microelectromechanical systems and microsystems (BioMEMS). These include implantable wireless microsystems, smart polymers for physiological sensing and control, micromachined interfaces for the central nervous system, and biomimetic sensors and actuators.