4 - Nanowires for biomedical applications

Abstract

Silicon nanowires (SiNWs) have found broad potential applications because of their nanosized features, intrinsic properties, and versatile fabrication techniques. In this chapter, we provide an overview on their recent development in biomedical and clinical applications. At first we give a summary of the various fabrication processes and biocompatibility of the nanowires. Then we review their application in neural interface; tissue engineering; and force sensing for minimally invasive surgery.