Conventional DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) detection method using fluorescent dye is not always suitable for portable low-cost lab-on-a-chip applications. An alternative detection method using FET (Field Effect Transistor) which is applicable to detect the intrinsic charge of DNA is most attractive way to implement in lab-on-a-chip platforms. In this work, we will design a high sensitivity FET DNA sensor which consists of two dimensional arrays and includes differential detection circuit to be able to readout the current difference between the sensing and reference transistors.

In this project we develop a micro-platform for clonal analysis of muscle stem cells for possible clinical applications in therapeutic stem cell transplantation for various diseases, including muscular dystrophy, heart failure and urological dysfunction. We will find optimal conditions for muscle stem cell culture by using a multi micro-well chip with the capability of loading, culturing and monitoring stem cells in selected micro-wells. This microfluidic chip will be designed, fabricated and validated in this research.

Today, interface for mobile devices such as PDAs, cellular phones or portable music devices has become smarter than ever. Since the core technologies which enable their basic functions for those devices become mature and popular these days, the competitiveness of such products does not depends on core technologies only. Rather, design and interface technology are becoming more important as a key factor which determines market success. In this work, we explore new human interface schemes and related microsensors.

Damage to the nervous system can result in diverse disorders, ranging from headaches, Alzheimer, Parkinson, epilepsy, to multiple sclerosis. For millions of people who have suffered from any type of neurological disorders, the result is a definite degeneration in their quality of life. Treatments for neurological disorders would be very challenging and risky, but the reward would be great and there would always be a demand for them. In designing a treatment, first we need to understand the inner workings of the nervous system. The key to brain function is an understanding of how the brain processes information. We design a novel mechanism which will enable the simultaneous recording of hundreds of neurons simultaneously with sufficient resolution, and will transmit the signals wirelessly to a central intracranial way-station, in which low-power implementation is a key feature.