Combining Cells and Silicon
Nicholas Carter, Department of Electrical and Computing Engineering
Geoffrey Dahl, Department of Animal Sciences, Environmental Physiology and Management,
Gregory Timp, Department of Electrical and Computing Engineering
Matthew Wheeler, Director, Transgenic Animal Facility at the UIUC Biotechnology Center
From drug design to environment monitoring, many of the critical challenges facing the research community lie at the boundaries between the traditional disciplines of biology and engineering. To overcome these challenges, new techniques must be developed that allow biological processes to be observed, analyzed and manipulated at the cellular level. In this proposal a program of research is outlined that will develop systems that combine nanoscale integrated cirucuits and living cells to directly interact with biological phenomena, leading to a revolution in biological and chemical sensing, new experimental platforms that allow fine-grained control of cellular development and implantable monitoring devices that protect food supplies from chemical contamination and disease.