Bioelectronics
We build wearable and implantable electronic systems.
Bidirectional interfacing with the nervous and muscular systems for the treatment of diseases or replace lost function has gained increasing interest over the last decade. We have a long track of technical innovations in fabricating high-density neural probes as well as building electronic readout and drive circuits.
Device Nanofabrication
We fabricate various kinds of electrodes and substrates to interface with the peripheral and central nervous systems. Most of these are done at SMC (Scottish Microelectronics Centre), our in-house fabrication facility. Silicon-based devices can be fabricated with integrated CMOS electronics for improved signal quality and smaller form-factor. Non-silicon and flexible substrates can be fabricated for better adherence to tissue morphology.
Circuits and Systems
We develop circuit and system platforms for various implantable and wearable bioelectronics applications. Example innovations include:
Active Projects
We develop ultra-low power, low-noise and high precision analogue front-end (AFE) circuits for implanted and wearable applications.
Integrated circuits developed by team members have been licenced to the medical electronics industry. Similar AFEs were used for very successful ultra-high-density neural probes used in multiple labs across the world.
Our vision is to transform the diagnosis of peripheral muscle and nerve diseases and to radically enhance the efficacy of motor rehabilitation after stroke, spinal cord injury or limb loss. A key challenge is the development of effective methods for the measurement of muscle activity that offer high spatial and temporal resolutions. Muscle activity can be recorded electrically but many shortcomings have impeded its wide clinical adoption. Another approach is to measure muscle activity magnetically, but this has remained a technical challenge for over four decades.
We are working to develop, for the first time, an integrated spintronic sensor array for the measurement of the MMG signals in the < 50 pT/√Hz range. Addressing the technical challenges related to the sensor size and detection range of the magneto-resistive sensors can enable the use of MMG signals in neurotechnology systems, neurophysiology, neuroscience, and movement science.
If you are interested in learning more about magnetomyography, please see the following papers or contact Dr Kia Nazarpour.
We develop lean circuits and systems for electromyography. These systems are typically based on Arduino or in-house embedded electronic systems. We apply these systems in prosthetics or other movement-related research, for example in ageing.
Collaborators
| Hadi Heidari | University of Glasgow |
| Dario Farina | Imperial College London |
| Annette Pantall | Newcastle University |
AI-enabled Portable Incontinence Management Device
ESRC (2021-2022)
Symbiotic Intrabody Arrangements for Bioelectronic Therapeutic
EPSRC (2021-2022)
RISE-WELL: cRitIcal Solutions for Elderly WELL-being
European Union (2021-2024)
Design and integration of sensor electronics for smart stents
MRC (2019-2020)
Impedimetric detection and electromediated apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle using microfabricated biosensors for diagnosis and therapeutic intervention in cardiovascular diseases
Advanced Science 7(18):1902999, 2020
Miniaturized magnetic sensors for implantable magnetomyography
Advanced Materials Technologies 5 (6):2070033, 2020
Real-time measurement of tumour hypoxia using an implantable microfabricated oxygen sensor
Sensing and Biosensing Research 30:100375, 2020
W:Ti flexible transversal electrode array for peripheral nerve stimulation: A feasibility study
IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering 28(10):2136-2143, 2020
Scottish Microelectronics Centre (SMC)
We have access to extensive cleanroom facilities. It offers us full semiconductor and MEMS fabrication toolset. Located at the University of Edinburgh's Science and Engineering campus (The King's Buildings), SMC comprises approximately 250m2 of class 10 cleanroom space.
Scottish Microelectronics Centre