Breakthrough In Micro-device Fabrication Combines Biology And Synthetic Chemistry

This study's newly invented approaches for the low-cost massproduction of micro-devices could yield unprecedented breakthroughs ingenetically engineered microdevices (GEMs) for biomedical, computing,environmental cleanup, defense and numerous other applications.

Conventional microfabrication processes, similar to methods used tomake computer microchips, are expensive (i.e., capital equipmentintensive) and not well-suited for directly producing large numbers ofcomplex, three-dimensional, nanostructured devices with a wide varietyof chemistries and properties. Nature, on the other hand, providesspectacular examples of micro-organisms that synthesize microscopicnanostructured shells with well-controlled and highly-reproducible 3-Dshapes and features currently unattainable by manmade processes.However, the naturally occurring diatom microshells do not have thespecific properties needed for device applications, such as electricalconductivity, biocompatibility, thermal stability, and chemicalcompatibility.

According to the study's lead author, Kenneth Sandhage, "Bydemonstrating that biologically derived structures can be chemicallymodified without changing the starting shapes or fine features, we haveopened the door for new research and development in the processing andapplication of many devices that would otherwise be very difficult orexpensive to produce."

This study is published in the International Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology. 

Ken H. Sandhage, PhD. is the B. Mifflin Hood Professor of CeramicEngineering and Director of the Biologically Enabled AdvancedManufacturing Center at the School of Materials and ScienceEngineering, and the Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences,Georgia Institute of Technology.

About the Journal
The International Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology publishescutting edge applied research and development work focused oncommercialization of engineered ceramics, products and processes. Thepublication also explores the barriers to commercialization, design andtesting, environmental health issues, international standardizationactivities, databases, and cost models. Designed to get high qualityinformation to end-users quickly, the peer process is led by aneditorial board of experts from industry, government, and universities.Each issue focuses on a high-interest, high-impact topic plus includesa range of papers detailing applications of ceramics.

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The American Ceramic Society (ACerS) is a 100-year-old non-profitorganization that serves the informational, educational, andprofessional needs of the international ceramics community. TheSociety's more than 7,500 members comprise a wide variety ofindividuals and interest groups that include engineers, scientists,researchers, manufacturers, plant personnel, educators, students,marketing and sales professionals, and others in related materialsdisciplines. ACerS provides members and subscribers in 80 countrieswith access to periodicals and books, meetings and expositions, andon-line technical information. Find more information at www.ceramics.org.

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