Technologies

Current Projects

In-Vitro Chip based Human Investigational Platform (iCHIP)—A biocompatible platform for maintaining the human phenotype for extended periods
Bioprinting multicellular, 3-D microvasculature for maintaining thick tissue survival and function
Tissue interfaces—Nontoxic, noninvasive measurements for real-time assessment of biochemical and electrical signatures indicative of tissue health
Implantable neural interface to record and stimulate neurons to treat disorders of the human nervous system such as neuropsychiatric, memory, hearing, vision, sensory feedback, and other neurologic disorders

LLNL's multifunctional array contains strategically placed electrodes, chemical sensors, and a microfluidic channel for sustaining and testing live tissue.

This inexpensive blast sensor developed by the Livermore team includes a plastic peak-pressure display and is designed for a single use.

The Center for Bioengineering includes over 1500 square feet of dedicated laboratory space for the development and characterization of next-generation brain technologies.

"As humans we can identify galaxies light-years away, we can study particles smaller than an atom.
But we still haven't unlocked the mystery of the three pounds of matter that sits between our ears."

~ President Barack Obama,
introducing the Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Nanotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative
April 2, 2013

Expertise

Design, fabrication, and characterization of biological micro- and nanosystems
Packaging and integration of micro- and nanosystems
High-density interconnect technologies
Long-term implantable biomedical devices
Electrode material development and characterization
Electrochemical characterization
Chemical functionalization of microelectrode arrays
3-D fabrication technologies and 3-D bioprinting
Dynamic systems and controls

After microfabrication of polymer multielectrode arrays,
LLNL engineers characterize each electrode for
functionality and performance.

Facilities

Dedicated medical device foundry in a certified Class 100 cleanroom facility (approx. 4,000 sq. ft.) equipped to handle polymers, metals, and dielectrics with tools for deposition, photolithography and patterning, web and dry etching, integration and assembly, and metrology
Characterization lab for neural interface characterization, electrode and sensor development, and electrical, chemical, and mechanical lifetime testing
Other LLNL technologies including machine shops, electronics shops, high-resolution metrology centers, additive manufacturing and 3D printing tools, metal joining labs, and polymer fabrication facilities

Next-generation 3D electronics packaging is performed
in a Class 100 clean room regulated for biocompatible
materials and biomedical devices.

Academic Alliances

Mayo Clinic — University of California, San Francisco
New York University — University of California, Los Angeles
Stanford University — University of California, Berkeley
Emory University — University of Pennsylvania
Case Western Reserve University

Director — Sat Pannu

Sat is the Director of the Center for Bioengineering and the Section Leader for the Center for Micro- and Nanotechnology. His research focuses on the development of neuromodulation systems including the Artificial Retina, development of ex-vivo human systems, development of autonomous systems for the detection and identification of chemical and biological agents, and novel technologies for micro- and nanofabrication.