Bio-MEMS : Technologies and Applications

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are evolving into highly integrated technologies for a variety of application areas. Add the biological dimension to the mix and a host of new problems and issues arise that require a broad understanding of aspects from basic, materials, and medical sciences in addition to engineering. Collecting the efforts of renowned leaders in each of these fields, BioMEMS: Technologies and Applications presents the first wide-reaching survey of the design and application of MEMS technologies for use in biological and medical areas. This book considers both the unique characteristics of biological samples and the challenges of microscale engineering. Divided into three main sections, it first examines fabrication technologies using non-silicon processes, which use materials that are appropriate for medical/biological analyses. These include UV lithography, LIGA, nanoimprinting, injection molding, and hot-embossing. Attention then shifts to microfluidic components and sensing technologies for sample preparation, delivery, and analysis. The final section outlines various applications and systems at the leading edge of BioMEMS technology in a variety of areas such as genomics, drug delivery, and proteomics. Laying a cross-disciplinary foundation for further development, BioMEMS: Technologies and Applications provides engineers with an understanding of the biological challenges and biological scientists with an understanding of the engineering challenges of this burgeoning technology.