Microdevice Technologies for Neuroscience
Wesley Chang, PhD
Postdoctoral Researcher
Programs in Neuroscience and Bioengineering
University of California, San Francisco
Abstract:
Given the broad efforts to develop MEMS technologies for serving biology, new clinical
and research capabilities are becoming available in specialties such as neuroscience. In
our own work, we have used novel, MEMS-based microsurgical tools to explore the
possibility of repairing nerves by directly reconnecting individual axons, the slender
projections from nerve cells that carry signals throughout the nervous system. This
capability can only be developed with tools that can operate with microns-scale precision
and perform numerous tasks within a confined volume and may provide an important
alternative nerve repair strategy to conventional approaches based on stimulating
regeneration, which have only seen limited successes. As we continue to develop MEMS-based
nerve repair as a clinical application, we have also identified another essential use
for microfabrication technology in support basic research in neuroscience. By employing
thin film deposition and batch microfabrication methods, we have developed specialized
cell culture substrates that can be mass-produced with reliable, high-resolution
micropatterning to provide neuroscientists with well-organized neuron cultures that can
be arranged into efficient arrays for high-throughput experimentation. While bioengineers
have demonstrated numerous methods for micropatterning of cell culture over the years,
our new method is user-friendly and can potentially permit widespread adoption of cell
micropatterning among biologists and non-engineers. My talk will discuss both of these
applications of microtechnology to neuroscience.
Given the broad efforts to develop MEMS technologies for serving biology, new clinical
and research capabilities are becoming available in specialties such as neuroscience. In
our own work, we have used novel, MEMS-based microsurgical tools to explore the
possibility of repairing nerves by directly reconnecting individual axons, the slender
projections from nerve cells that carry signals throughout the nervous system. This
capability can only be developed with tools that can operate with microns-scale precision
and perform numerous tasks within a confined volume and may provide an important
alternative nerve repair strategy to conventional approaches based on stimulating
regeneration, which have only seen limited successes. As we continue to develop MEMS-based
nerve repair as a clinical application, we have also identified another essential use
for microfabrication technology in support basic research in neuroscience. By employing
thin film deposition and batch microfabrication methods, we have developed specialized
cell culture substrates that can be mass-produced with reliable, high-resolution
micropatterning to provide neuroscientists with well-organized neuron cultures that can
be arranged into efficient arrays for high-throughput experimentation. While bioengineers
have demonstrated numerous methods for micropatterning of cell culture over the years,
our new method is user-friendly and can potentially permit widespread adoption of cell
micropatterning among biologists and non-engineers. My talk will discuss both of these
applications of microtechnology to neuroscience.
Bio:
Wesley Chang is a postdoctoral researcher in the laboratory of Dr. David Sretavan in the
Departments of Ophthalmology and Physiology and Programs in Neuroscience and
Bioengineering at UC San Francisco. He received both his Ph.D. and B.S. degrees in
Mechanical Engineering at UC Berkeley. Dr. Chang is also a founder of Aperys LLC, a
new company that develops research tools for neuroscience and biology.
Wesley Chang is a postdoctoral researcher in the laboratory of Dr. David Sretavan in the
Departments of Ophthalmology and Physiology and Programs in Neuroscience and
Bioengineering at UC San Francisco. He received both his Ph.D. and B.S. degrees in
Mechanical Engineering at UC Berkeley. Dr. Chang is also a founder of Aperys LLC, a
new company that develops research tools for neuroscience and biology.
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