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Breakthrough In Micro-device Fabrication Combines Biology And Synthetic Chemistry

Date:
September 20, 2005
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
Summary:
Nanostructured micro-devices may be mass produced at a lower cost, and with a wider variety of shapes and compositions than ever before, for dramatic improvements in device performance by utilizing very small biologically produced structures. These entirely new biologically-enabled approaches are detailed in the current issue of the International Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology, published on behalf of The American Ceramic Society.
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ATLANTA, Ga. (Sept. 20, 2005) -- Nanostructured micro-devices may bemass produced at a lower cost, and with a wider variety of shapes andcompositions than ever before, for dramatic improvements in deviceperformance by utilizing very small biologically produced structures.These entirely new biologically-enabled approaches are detailed in thecurrent issue of the International Journal of Applied CeramicTechnology, published on behalf of The American Ceramic Society.

This study's newly invented approaches for the low-cost massproduction of micro-devices could yield unprecedented breakthroughs ingenetically engineered microdevices (GEMs) for biomedical, computing,environmental cleanup, defense and numerous other applications.

Conventional microfabrication processes, similar to methods used tomake computer microchips, are expensive (i.e., capital equipmentintensive) and not well-suited for directly producing large numbers ofcomplex, three-dimensional, nanostructured devices with a wide varietyof chemistries and properties. Nature, on the other hand, providesspectacular examples of micro-organisms that synthesize microscopicnanostructured shells with well-controlled and highly-reproducible 3-Dshapes and features currently unattainable by manmade processes.However, the naturally occurring diatom microshells do not have thespecific properties needed for device applications, such as electricalconductivity, biocompatibility, thermal stability, and chemicalcompatibility.

According to the study's lead author, Kenneth Sandhage, "Bydemonstrating that biologically derived structures can be chemicallymodified without changing the starting shapes or fine features, we haveopened the door for new research and development in the processing andapplication of many devices that would otherwise be very difficult orexpensive to produce."

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This study is published in the International Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology. 

Ken H. Sandhage, PhD. is the B. Mifflin Hood Professor of CeramicEngineering and Director of the Biologically Enabled AdvancedManufacturing Center at the School of Materials and ScienceEngineering, and the Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences,Georgia Institute of Technology.

About the Journal
The International Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology publishescutting edge applied research and development work focused oncommercialization of engineered ceramics, products and processes. Thepublication also explores the barriers to commercialization, design andtesting, environmental health issues, international standardizationactivities, databases, and cost models. Designed to get high qualityinformation to end-users quickly, the peer process is led by aneditorial board of experts from industry, government, and universities.Each issue focuses on a high-interest, high-impact topic plus includesa range of papers detailing applications of ceramics.

About the Society
The American Ceramic Society (ACerS) is a 100-year-old non-profitorganization that serves the informational, educational, andprofessional needs of the international ceramics community. TheSociety's more than 7,500 members comprise a wide variety ofindividuals and interest groups that include engineers, scientists,researchers, manufacturers, plant personnel, educators, students,marketing and sales professionals, and others in related materialsdisciplines. ACerS provides members and subscribers in 80 countrieswith access to periodicals and books, meetings and expositions, andon-line technical information. Find more information at www.ceramics.org.

About Blackwell Publishing
Blackwell Publishing is the world's leading society publisher,partnering with more than 600 academic and professional societies.Blackwell publishes over 750 journals annually and, to date haspublished close to 6,000 text and reference books, across a wide rangeof academic, medical, and professional subjects.


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Blackwell Publishing Ltd.. "Breakthrough In Micro-device Fabrication Combines Biology And Synthetic Chemistry." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 20 September 2005. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/09/050920075123.htm>.
Blackwell Publishing Ltd.. (2005, September 20). Breakthrough In Micro-device Fabrication Combines Biology And Synthetic Chemistry. ScienceDaily. Retrieved October 6, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/09/050920075123.htm
Blackwell Publishing Ltd.. "Breakthrough In Micro-device Fabrication Combines Biology And Synthetic Chemistry." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/09/050920075123.htm (accessed October 6, 2024).

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