On-chip detection of cellular activity

The use of on-chip cellular activity monitoring for biological/chemical sensing is promising for environmental, medical and pharmaceutical applications. The miniaturization revolution in microelectronics is harnessed to provide on-chip detection of cellular activity, opening new horizons for miniature, fast, low cost and portable screening and monitoring devices. In this chapter we survey different on-chip cellular activity detection technologies based on electrochemical, bio-impedance and optical detection. Both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell-on-chip technologies are mentioned and reviewed.

Sub-Half Micron Electroless Cu Metallization

Electroless Cu metallization has been fabricated by blanket electroless Cu deposition into the trenches in SiO2 dilectric layer on sputtered Cu seed layer with Ta diffusion layer and Al protection layer. Chemical-mechanical polishing of copper has been used to planarize the structure. Selective electroless CoWP layer has been deposited to protect inlaid Cu metallization.

Behavioral rehabilitation of the eye closure reflex in senescent rats using a real-time biosignal acquisition system

In this paper the replacement of a lost learning function of rats through a computer-based real-time recording and feedback system is shown. In an experiment two recording electrodes and one stimulation electrode were implanted in an anesthetized rat. During a classical-conditioning paradigm, which includes tone and airpuff stimulation, biosignals were recorded and the stimulation events detected. A computational model of the cerebellum acquired the association between the stimuli and gave feedback to the brain of the rat using deep brain stimulation in order to close the eyelid of the rat. The study shows that replacement of a lost brain function using a direct bidirectional interface to the brain is realizable and can inspire future research for brain rehabilitation.