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Dr. Bonnie Gray
Simon Fraser University - Engineering Science
Polymer composites for biosensors, microfluidics and wearable devices
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
C9000 @ 3:30 p.m.
Host: Dr. Gary Leach
Abstract
The performance of many microfluidic, biosensor, and wearable devices is intricately intertwined with the materials employed to fabricate them. Functional nanomaterials may be employed for devices and instruments with new principles of operation, improved performance, or improved portability. One area of focus is the development of highly flexible polymer composites with different functionalities, and their application to microfluidics, biomedical microelectromechanical systems (BioMEMS), and wearable sensors. We investigate how such materials can be designed to improve the performance of small actuators for microfluidics devices; to develop highly flexible biosensors and sensor systems; or to perform other functionality, such as self-sterilization or gas sensing. Magnetic polymer composites based on permanently-magnetizable hard magnetic particles are developed to yield improved performance in microfluidic cantilever, cilia, and membrane type actuators. Such actuation is integral to the operation of magnetically actuated valves, pumps, and mixers, and feature high volume stroke, easy manufacture, and self-aligning interconnect structures. Conductive polymer composites are developed to act as electronic interconnect and biosensor electrodes on flexible and wearable substrates, including textiles. Highly flexible materials based on silver nanoparticles result in non-polarizable electrode surfaces for improved frequency response that is essential for bioelectric and biochemical sensors. Other composite materials are developed that detect biomarkers in perspiration; detect ammonia gas; or are antimicrobial. We present on-going development of these materials, and the devices, sensors, and systems that employ them, highlighting collaborative work with faculty members in SFU Chemistry.