Roles of Bioelectronics for Quality of Life

Abstract

Bioelectronics is an important technology in enhancing the quality of life, especially for those who are suffering from physiological difficulties. Novel biomimetic microelectronic systems will enable treatment of some of presently incurable human handicaps such as hearing loss, blindness (retinal prosthesis), paralysis (neuron-muscular prosthesis), and memory loss (cortical prosthesis). With advancement of bionanotechnology and quantitative medical research, the potential application of biomimetic systems is highly promising. In this paper we review the current status of biomimetic microelectronic systems and challenging issues in basic interface between electrodes and neuronal network, laboratory on a chip (LoC), and generation of power for implantable devices. For laboratory-on-a-chip (LoC), we examine a new way of detecting and sensing molecules on a chip with single molecule/particle sensitivity by fusing integrated optics with microfluidics, based on integrated hollow-core antiresonant reflecting optical waveguides (ARROW) waveguides. With multilayer dielectric confinement, the light is guided through hollow channels with cross sections of a few microns squared. We have demonstrated efficient light guiding in liquid-core ARROWs, single-molecule fluorescence sensitivity in fully planar beam geometry, surface-enhanced Raman scattering, fluorescence from live ribosomes in buffer solution, and electrical fluorescence control by applying a voltage between fluidic reservoirs connected to the waveguide channels. For electrical power sourcing of implantable biomimetic devices and systems, we illustrate the potential of the diffusion potential differences established between two half-cells of electrolyte solutions of different concentrations to generate directly an electric current. This concentration cell operates solely on a salt concentration gradient. The future advancement of biomimetic systems design will critically depend on computer aids as in VLSI developments. Thus we will present our view on the development of computer-aided analysis and synthesis tools. In particular, the development of CAD models and simulation tools for biological circuits, biomimetic systems and their hybrid structures