BioMicroElectroMechanical Systems (Bio-MEMS) is an emerging technology that aims to provide miniaturized, sophisticated, clinical devices and research tools to the life science community. In this talk, I will describe two such novel micro-technologies: (i) a new generation of microfluidic devices that can manipulate whole micro-organisms (such as the worm C. elegans) and image in vivo their neuronal responses at the single neuron level. Functional imaging data from aged neurons from C. elegans indicate, for the first time, that neural degradation is affected by aging. These microfluidic devices can be further automated for use in high-throughput anti-aging drug screening applications, and (ii) a portable, Bio-MEMS platform for monitoring HIV-infected patients in resource-limited settings. Such a platfrom can reach the end-user wherever limited infrastructure is present and no access to a hospital or clinic is possible. The proposed technology will not only make it possible to monitor the efficacy of an individual's therapy in the developing world, but it will make more medicines available by identifying patients who need a treatment from patients who do not need it.
For forthcoming colloquia, please see: http://www.materials.uoc.gr/el/colloquia