Abstract:
Innovating electronic materials and related process technologies are critical in building next generation large scale, bio-electronic interface for biomedical implants and bio-tools.
In this talk, the influence of materials and process innovation will be discussed in the context of achieving two essential properties at the bio-electronic interface, bio conformality and bio stability. First, toreconcile the mechanic properties mismatch between soft, curvilinear organ surface and conventional rigid, planar electronics, Si nanomembrane enables bio conformal electronics from top down approach and advanced micro/nano fabrication on flexible substrates.  In the second part of the talk, I will discuss how to achieve long term bio-stability at the bio-electronic interface through an ultrathin hermetic thermal silicon dioxide layer from a special device fabrication process.  A capacitively coupled, bio-conformal sensing electronics with over 1,000 channels demonstrate the robustness of this encapsulation strategy. Together, these results form a realistic pathway towards bio compatible, bio conformal and bio stable electronic implants, with potential for broad utility, such as brain/heart activity mapping, brain-machine interface, and pharmaceutical screening.  At the end of my talk, I will show how we can leverage recent advancements in nano electronics into building next generation bio electronics and solve big problems in biology, especially in brain activity mapping.

Bio
Hui Fang received his B.S. degree (2009) from Tsinghua University, and Ph.D. degree (2014)from the University of California, Berkeley, both in Materials Science and Engineering.  Starting from August, 2016, Dr. Fang will be joining the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at Northeastern University as an Assistant Professor.  At Berkeley, Dr. Fang worked under the supervision of Prof. Ali Javey.  Currently he is a postdoctoral research associate in Professor John A. Rogers’ group at the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign.  Dr. Fang’s research interests include developing novel materials, devices and related process technologies for bio integrated electronics and nano electronics, as well as exploring new materials/device physics at the nanoscale. Dr. Fang is a recipient of the 2013 Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Self-financed Students Abroad.  His publication record can be found online at http://publish.illinois.edu/huifangnano/.