Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

There is always an ever growing demand for miniaturized devices called Lab on Chips (LOC) that can do multiple functions such as sample handling, sample preparation and diagnosis, in a more efficient and economical way. In addition, these LOCs are expected to be sensitive, fast responsive, bio compatible, disposable and portable. Hence, this proposal aims to develop technologies and methods that will enable realization of such devices, through systematic research supported by analytical and experimental methodologies followed by device development. The critical requirements of being highly sensitive and quickly responsive will be addressed by developing integrated microsystems.Integrated microsystems provide an answer to the problem of rapid pathogenic detection by integrating photonics and nano features. However, there are some critical issues associated with biophotonics, such as miniaturization and portability. The portability of the device is required for in-situ medical detections, while miniaturization is essential for handling smaller sample volumes in order to achieve high throughput. Another bottleneck is the integration of nano features with microdevices in order to enhance the performance. These conditions cannot be satisfied unless a technology to integrate microsystems with microphotonics and nano features is developed. Hence, this grant proposes to develop the field of microphotonics and nano integrated Bio Microsystems which will have vast potential for drug delivery, medical diagnosis, lab-on-a-chip, biodefense, biosensors, point-of-care diagnostic applications, therapeutic micro/nano technologies, microarrays and biochips, bioassays, etc. that would be of great benefit to our society. On considering the above possibilities, one could anticipate that there will be a great demand for sensors and other devices in high volume at low cost with multi-domain needs. This also makes the present proposal of developing integrated microsystems on silicon and polymer platforms highly relevant. The objective of realizing low cost, efficient and reliable integrated microsystems for various applications through this grant will definitely enhance knowledge in many multi-disciplinary areas such as microfabrication, microphotonics, optical microsystems, micromechanics, bio sensing, microfluidics, etc.The understanding of influence of material and optical properties in relation to process and design limitations is fundamentally critical to the realization of micro-nano integrated devices for biological, cellular and chemical studies. This proposal will also provide opportunities to do research in multi-disciplinary areas involving engineers, physicists and biologists. The proposed research will also open possibilities for cell sorting, cell trapping, micromechanical and optical cellular studies.In addition to the creation of research knowledge on various aspects such microphotonics, nano integration, bio-optical integration and suspended microfluidics, process development required for microphotonic elements, in-situ and ex-situ nanosynthesis, micro-nano integration, and Bio Mcrosystems by combining biological and engineering expertise, this research will attract strong interest from industries. In summary, the development of integrated microsystems that covers a wide spectrum of applications including, aerospace, space, communication, biology, medicine, security, etc., will definitely sophisticate the quality of Canadian life in every possible way, increase the global competitiveness in the product differentiating micro and nano technologies, create new products and possibilities for venture development, and finally increase the economic activities of Canada, through innovation, HQP training and industrial collaboration.