Abstract

Functional nanomaterials can be integrated into force sensing devices using advanced nanofabrication and microscale additive manufacturing techniques to create a range of versatile sensors, including those aimed at biomedical and clinical applications. For example, a combination of aerosol-jet printing and 3d printing can be used to fabricate both bio-piezoelectric interfaces for sensing and stimulation of cells, as well as functionalised conformable microfluidic force sensors for precision joint replacement surgery. The ability to control properties at the nanoscale through processing allows for subsequent integration into functional devices through additive manufacturing. To illustrate this, I will focus of two specific case studies, namely mechanosensing in cell biology using nanostructured polymer surfaces, and microfluidic force sensing to enable precision orthopaedic surgery. In the first example, I will discuss how biocompatible poly l lactic acid (PLLA) nanotubes can provide a suitably ‘soft’ surface for cell culture with controllable electromechanical properties, and the implications this has for the field of mechanobiology. In the second example, I will discuss the development of novel conformable microfluidic force sensors that aid in soft tissue balancing and implant positioning during total hip arthroplasty, thereby increasing the longevity of hip replacements.

The seminar will be held in LR5 , Baker Building, Department of Engineering, and online (zoom): https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87986687566?pwd=MGJScmMwd2lwT0tVMHNmWmxSa05XZz09