Micro- and Nano-Systems Laboratory (MNSL)

 VISION:

To create innovative micro- and nano-systems for environmental and health applications, by integrating devices and components from cutting-edge, seemingly dissimilar technologies, through world-class interdisciplinary research and technology development.

 SUMMARY:

Our Research and Technology Development (RTD) program is geared towards the creation of miniaturized imaging and sensing systems for health and environmental applications. With the infrastructure and our proven expertise, we will integrate components and devices from seemingly dissimilar and cutting-edge technologies to create Micro- and Nano-Systems (MNS) to enhance functionality, reduce size and total fabrication cost without compromising performance. The components, devices and MNS will be fully characterized using the measurement suite of equipment. One example of an integrated MNS that combines electronic, photonics, optoelectronics, spectrometric, and mechanical components, is the fluorescence-based spectroscopic imaging system for non-invasive gastro-intestinal (GI) tract diagnosis. Its construction and characterization is only possible using the facility and the talents and proven capabilities of the team of applicants and their collaborators.

 SHORT DESCRIPTION:

This is a single research infrastructure facility in which materials, devices and components from dissimilar technologies can be combined to create fully integrated, miniaturized (e.g. pill-sized) and robust Micro- and Nano-Systems (MNS) for targeted applications in health and environmental sciences. The MNS Laboratory provides a unique opportunity for researchers to develop miniaturized, low-cost and easy-to-use prototypes for imaging and sensing.

·       Imaging systems being developed include biophotonic fluorescence (see below) and Ultra-Wide Band imaging systems for cancer cell detection and imaging of the human body organs.

Schematic representation of our biophotonic imaging system that involves integration of dissimilar technologies. Note that the packaging and encapsulation are not shown.

 

·       Sensing systems being developed include Bio-Field-Effect Transistor arrays and Nanowires based biosensors for label-free detection of food- and water-borne pathogens.

Schematic representation of our charge sensing system that involves integration of dissimilar technologies. Note that the packaging and encapsulation are not shown.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To create these exciting integrated MNS, a combination of dissimilar technologies based on semiconductors, DNA, nanowires and polymers is required. With the proven collective expertise of the research team in these technologies, innovative miniaturized electronic, photonic, sensing, imaging, mechanical and fluidic components are being fabricated. Then, individual components are being integrated into "smart systems” that will revolutionize the practices of screening and monitoring in health-care, as well as create unprecedented sensing systems for the detection, for instance, of food- and water-borne pathogens. The MNS Laboratory exploits the close relationship that exists between the Faculties of Engineering and Health Sciences with its affiliated Hospitals, located within 100m of each other on the McMaster campus, as well as with the Foodborne, Waterborne and Zoonotic Infections Laboratory of Public Health Agency of Canada, in nearby Guelph. These relationships are ensuring rapid application of our prototypes to their relevant clinical fields for the screening and diagnosis of relevant health problems in our society. The MNS Laboratory is also strengthening our existing world-class research in information and communications technologies, but more importantly, it is allowing for significant extension of current research strengths into health and environmental sciences.

 

 

The infrastructure for integration and characterization of MNS is unique in Canada, having at its heart a Nano-Bonding and Interconnect System (NBIS) for integration of components from seemingly incompatible technologies. The NBIS is being used to bond and package materials, wafers and components from diverse technologies at room temperature using a surface activated bonding method. The key advantage of the method is that this bonding process does not require applying external pressure, adhesive or heating. Therefore, the bonding, packaging and interconnection of delicate components will be possible with sub-micrometer alignment and placement, and three-dimensional integration of dissimilar materials, devices and circuits onto a single substrate is being achieved using the NBIS. A concise description of the equipment in MNSL is provided below.

·       The NBIS: a suite of advanced tools allowing atomic (nano-meter scale) bonding between different materials. This suite includes tools for cleaning, activation of surfaces, accurate alignment and bonding, all connected by a load-lock chamber; supporting systems for dicing, grinding and polishing of wafers; surface topography and wafer mapping; mechanical and structural testing; scanning electron microscopy with electron beam lithography for patterning; and film deposition.

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Also, new processing tools and characterization equipment are defined to support the research program in imaging and sensing micro- and nano-systems.

·       Imaging Systems: a suite of equipment for high-speed fluorescence and optical characterization; high-speed electro-optical testing; and ultra-wide-band transceivers.

·       Sensing Systems:  a suite of equipment for electrical, photonic and fluidic characterization.

·       Encapsulation and Sealing: a suite of equipment for depositing polymer films and their characterization.

The processing and integration tools is housed on the third floor of a new engineering building and it contains a large clean room and plus general laboratory space and a wet processing laboratory.

Infrastructure provided in MNSL will enable the research team to create miniaturized "smart systems” that can be tested in real environments. For instance, research in imaging and sensing systems are being combined with existing research capacity in information and communication technologies for the creation of innovative health diagnostics systems such as a wireless, non-invasive fluorescence imaging system. Based on the differences in the fluorescence characteristics among different cell types in the gastrointestinal tract, this system can be used to provide early detection of cancer cells, and abnormal and excessive inflammation or collagen deposition in the muscle wall, in a non-invasive manner. This information, obtained in real-time, is crucial to tailor appropriate medical intervention based on the underlying pathology, which currently is not feasible.

McMaster University is well-known for its long history of innovative and ground-breaking interdisciplinary research. Its strong traditions of outstanding inter-institutional research collaborations make it ideally positioned to house the proposed MNS Laboratory. McMaster is home to leading inter-university research institutes. Moreover, Engineering enjoys a close proximity and relationship with Health Sciences. The infrastructure is enabling researchers at McMaster and associated Canadian institutions to compete with major laboratories around the globe, working on sensing and imaging systems for health and environmental applications.

Thirty-two letters of support have been received from experts who endorsed the timeliness and utility of the MNS Laboratory. With this integration and characterization facility, the long sought after goal of engineers and scientists to work with medical practitioners to develop innovative, miniaturized, sensitive and low-cost instruments for critical health-care and environmental applications will become reality.

 LEAD APPLICANTS:

1.       M.J. Deen (Principal Investigator) , Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Information Technology, and internationally recognized for his research in microelectronics and optoelectronics.

2.       J.S. Aitchison, Nortel Institute Chair in Emerging Technology with world-class expertise in monolithic integration, planar silica technology and novel optical.

3.       S. Collins, Head of the Division of Gastroenterology at McMaster and the Glaxo-Wellcome Chair in Gastro-Intestinal (GI) Research.

4.       Q. Fang, CRC in Biophotonics, is an expert in developing fluorescence spectroscopy and imaging technologies specific for non-invasive clinical diagnosis. He has extensive experiences in collaborative clinical research projects and development of MOEMS based biophotonics systems.

5.       S. Hranilovic, an expert in wireless communications and ultra-wideband (UWB) technologies.

6.       V. Karanassios, a world authority in the field of spectroscopy and miniaturized chemical analysis shirt-pocket size micro-instruments and sample introduction for them.

7.       M. KARMALI, Clinical Microbiologist, Director-General, Laboratory for Foodborne Zoonoses, Public Health Agency of Canada, is internationally recognized for his identification of the E.coli 0157 strain as the cause of the often fatal hemolytic uremic syndrome that occurs following acute infection by this pathogen.

8.       R. LaPierre, whose research has addressed fundamental issues in semiconductor technologies for photonic devices, has significant industrial experience in the development of photonic components such as optical filters, attenuators and optical quality mirrors for MEMS devices.

9.       L. Liu, is a clinical gastroenenterologist and a recipient of a prestigious CIHR-Clinician Scientist Award. He brings a unique dimension to this collaboration as he is also an accomplished biomedical engineer (Ph.D.).

10.   S. Zhu, CRC in Polymer Science and Engineering, a world-renowned expert in polymer synthesis, biomaterials and interfacial engineering.

 

 

 

M. Jamal Deen  PhD  DEng-hc  FRSC  FCAE  FINAE  FIEEE  FAPS  FECS  FAAAS  FEIC

Professor and Senior Canada Research Chair in Information Technology

 

 

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Last updated August 2011 - Dr. Jamal Deen