The aim of the course is to provide an overview of the issues and use of so-called Bio-microelectromechanical systems (BioMEMS) and lab-on-chip devices for use in the field of biological sciences and sciences bordering on biology. These technologies, which blend microscale structures with biological components and enable precise fluid manipulation, offer valuable methods for exploring cellular dynamics, biomolecular processes, and innovative diagnostics. By engaging with these topics, students will acquire interdisciplinary skills crucial for addressing complex biological inquiries, designing lab-on-chip devices, and contributing to advancements in genomics, proteomics, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. This integration prepares students to contribute meaningfully to the ongoing developments in personalized healthcare, biotechnology, and related fields. The main objective is to equip students with essential knowledge and practical experience in the field at the intersection of biology, engineering, and nanotechnology. Students will become familiar with the importance of miniaturization for the development of biological experimental methods and, through practical examples, will gain an overview of the possibilities of using Bio-MEMS in applications with different orientations (e.g., cultivation of cell cultures, manipulation of cells, creation of concentration gradients for experiments, surface modifications for immobilization of bioactive substances, preparation of microarrays, etc.). During the course, students will become familiar with the theoretical principles and at the same time practically master selected techniques from the workflow of Bio-MEMS production using a combination of ion technologies (EBL lithography in the production of masks and in polymer modification, FIB lithography for the finalization of silicon masters and deposition processes, deep reactive ion etching processes (DRIE), optical lithography (UV photolithography, laser lithography), plasma chemical deposition techniques and soft lithography (e.g., NIL) and will perform selected experiments related to the given topic. The course is divided into the theoretical part and the practical exercise. Theoretical part - Origin and development of microfluidic systems, introduction to terms: microfluidic systems, ?TAS, Lab-on-a-chip, BioMEMS, - Production techniques and materials for the preparation of microfluidic devices with an emphasis on the application of ion technologies, - Basic functional principles of microfluidic systems and selected areas of use in bioapplications. Laboratory exercises The practical part will be focused on mastering selected specific Bio-MEMS preparation protocols and subsequent simple experiments performed in devices that will be partially or completely prepared by students. Laboratory protocols will be focused on demonstrating work procedures that are part of the workflow of manufacturing and testing microfluidic systems, e.g.: - Preparation of system/equipment design - work with modelling/graphics program, - Preparation of masks for the production of microfluidic devices by electron lithography and laser lithography, - Preparation and surface modification of substrates for production processes (e.g., plasma modification) and/or for biopatterning, - Production of templates (forms) for soft lithography using deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) technology, - Preparation of nanostructures on a silicon master using FIB lithography, - Preparation of a polymer cast using the NIL method (nanoimprint lithography), - Finalization of the microfluidic device by controlled bonding processes, - Simple experiments and tests in prepared devices. The practical part of the production of the microfluidic chip will be implemented in the Clean Room Laboratory of the Faculty of Science UJEP. Testing will then be carried out in the Tissue Culture Laboratory and the Optical Microscopy Laboratory at UJEP.
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