Abstract: Biological systems are organized hierarchically, with unique characteristics and functionalities spanning multiple length scales; some examples include collagen matrix, metabolic networks, and chromosome organization. Therefore, it is important to select the right organizational length scale for device and biointerface construction. In the case of sub-cellular organization, this length scale is on the order of tens to hundreds of nanometers. In this talk, I will present a few chemical strategies for three-dimensional silicon-based material synthesis and lithography. The materials have been tested with extra- and intracellular components (i.e., phospholipid bilayer, and cytoskeleton) with an initial emphasis on mechanical interactions or optical control. These studies will deepen our understanding of the fundamental limits of physical and biological signal transduction between subcellular components and synthetic systems. At the end of my talk, I will discuss future opportunities in materials science toward seamless biointegration.
Bio: Bozhi Tian received his Ph.D. degree in physical chemistry from Harvard University in 2010. His Ph.D. research with Professor Charles Lieber included new nanowire materials synthesis, the fundamental study of high performance nanowire photovoltaics and the application of novel nanowire devices in cells and tissue. He worked with Professors Robert Langer and Daniel Kohane as a postdoctoral scholar in tissue engineering. He is now an assistant professor at the University of Chicago, working on semiconductor-based cellular biophysics. Dr. Tian’s accolades from his independent career include Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), 2016 ONR young investigator award, 2016 Sloan fellowship, 2015 AFOSR young investigator award, 2013 NSF CAREER award, 2013 Searle Scholar award, and 2012 TR35 honoree.
For more information, go to the Tian lab website.