Precision Laser Micromachining System for Advanced Microneedle-Based Molecular-Level Physiological Monitoring
Abstract
A unique precision laser micromachining system in support of current and future DoD funding is requested. Initially, the tool will provide new capabilities that will enable our team to advance a wearable, real-time physiological monitoring system that relies on microneedle-based interfaces to gain access to relevant molecules in interstitial fluid. Our monitoring system leverages an electrochemical aptamer-based (EAB) sensing technology platform inspired by chemoperception systems found in nature and therefore possesses high selectivity when deployed in vivo. Furthermore, unlike conventional sensors, these EAB sensors do not depend on specific chemical reactivity of the target analytes but instead are generalizable to the monitoring of any molecule. The minimally-invasive, painless microneedle interface takes into account the challenging operational requirements faced by military personnel who often do not have the time for capability to perform finger pricks or use larger indwelling biosensing needles. This technology platform is therefore poised to provide an unprecedented, minute-to-minute window into health status at a molecular level that is unattainable with any other technology currently available. We believe that this futuristic capability would be truly game-changing for the DoD as it would support warfighter resiliency and performance under extreme operational conditions. In addition, there is potential for an even broader impact on society by providing advanced capability to monitor health, disease, and treatment.The precision laser micromachining system plays a critical role in allowing our collaborative team to rapidly prototype and develop the necessary microneedle sensor systems for the current ONR funded project and pending ONR proposal. Specifically, the configuration we have selected is a dual laser system (femtosecond and excimer) that provides three wavelengths: infrared, visible (green), and ultraviolet. The system includes both a scanner and fixed beam delivery, a rotary pneumatic gripper and xyz stage to allow processing of cylindrical and flat substrates, and zoom video microscope for alignment and inspection. This hybrid laser micromachining system enables new capabilities that include: (1) 2D or 3D rapid prototyping performed directly from a CAD file without requiring or being limited by planar lithographic processing, (2) direct control of dimensions and geometries and less dependency on the limitations of conventional planar microfabrication, (3) direct micromachining of or on cylindrical substrates, (4) micromachining of both 3D and topographical structures in the same process, (5) ability to structure a wide range of materials, and (6) avoidance of exposure to chemical baths or sources of potentially damaging ionizing radiation common in standard etching processes. The versatility of the specific tool configuration selected is unmatched by any other tool in a standard nanofabrication facility. Therefore, the laser micromachining system can also be used more broadly as a subtractive processing tool by other research labs on campus that already use micro- and nanofabrication. Although laser micromachining is an established methodology used in many industry sectors, it is not widely available in academic research facilities. In addition to the new research capabilities provided to current and future projects, a precision laser micromachining system would provide critical access and exposure to students and postdoctoral scholars during their training.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 05, 2021
- Source ID
- N000142112447
Entities
People
- Ellis Meng
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Southern California