Optical & micro electrode arrays for interfacing with biological tissues and cells - UHasselt

Novel materials and devices employing cross-disciplinary nanotechnology principles are expected to lead to important innovation in the area of nanomedicine, targeting the needs of biotech industries working in health-care applications. This research topic focuses on bio-based devices where the artificial part mimics the bio/physico/chemical properties that living cell and tissues experience in vivo. With emphasis on neurological aspects, we concentrate on development of novel Micro Electrode Arrays  (MEAs), working both on electrical but also on optical contactless principles of detection. Important material used in MEA application are nanodiamond thin films that are highly biocompatible, exhibit zero biofouling, simple and stable surface chemistry and superlative electrochemical performance. From these reasons are ND film interesting for wide variety of biological applications. The objective is to address and fabricate by nanotechnological principles devices able to replace and repair (dys)functions of the central nervous system and peripheral nervous systems for a variety of diverse therapeutically approaches, starting from post-operation traumas or accidents to treatment of several neurodegenerative, studying also both motoneuron and sensory function in close collaboration with international and national partners.