Abstract: A microelectromechanical device and method for neuroprosthetics comprises microactuators and microelectrodes. The microelectrodes are to be positioned in a nerve bundle and bonded with the microactuators through an interconnect. The position of each of the microactuators can be individually tuned through control signals so that the microelectrodes are implanted at desired positions in the nerve bundle. The control signals are transmitted to the microactuators and generated with a open-loop or closed-loop control scheme that uses signals acquired by the microelectrodes from the nerve bundle as feedback.

Abstract: A system and method for modulating optogenetic vagus neurons in a noninvasive and transcutaneous manner is disclosed. The system and method comprises a two-dimensional array of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), a voltage-generating unit, a control unit, and a feedback loop. The array is placed on a subject's outer ear. Because the array is flexible, it can be closely placed on the skin of the outer ear. The array can deliver optical therapy and monitor heart rate variability (HRV) of the subject simultaneously, and the pixels of the array can be individually addressed. The voltage-generating unit generates pulsed voltage to the OLEDs. The control unit is connected to the array and controls the array and therapeutic patterns. The feedback loop uses the HRV to identify the therapeutic patterns.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions for high efficiency transfection of siRNA into a cell population. Such methods and compositions utilize a low voltage pre-conditioning pulse to modulate the efficiency of siRNA transfection. In some embodiments, the methods and compositions permit spatial and temporal control of siRNA transfection efficiency within a population of cells. The disclosed methods and compositions, in some embodiments, are amenable to high throughput applications such as siRNA library-based phenotypic screening.

Abstract: Interconnect and/or reflow methods of the present disclosure achieve high aspect ratio interconnects, for example interconnects having an aspect ratio as high as 4, in addition to wider interconnect height tolerances among interconnects (for example, interconnects having a height variability of up to about 30%) while still achieving reliable electrical connections. Moreover, flip-chip interconnects configured in accordance with principles of the present disclosure can provide improved z-axis spacing between die-to-die and/or die-to-substrate flip chip stacks, for example z-axis spacing as large as 600 ?m. In this manner, additional spacing can be achieved for MEMS devices and/or similar components that are extendable and/or deformable out of the die plane.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions for high efficiency transfection of siRNA into a cell population. Such methods and compositions utilize a low voltage pre-conditioning pulse to modulate the efficiency of siRNA transfection. In some embodiments, the methods and compositions permit spatial and temporal control of siRNA transfection efficiency within a population of cells. The disclosed methods and compositions, in some embodiments, are amenable to high throughput applications such as siRNA library-based phenotypic screening.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the present disclosure provide for three-dimensional stacks of microelectromechanical (MEMS) systems, such as sensors. The stacks may be encapsulated and sealed, and can be positioned within biological tissue, for example to monitor biological signals within the volume of the sensor, provide stimulating signals to a brain, and so forth.

Abstract: Acoustic impedance immunosensors are disclosed that are capable of real-time measurement of GABA in a buffer solution. Several embodiments include a bio-specific recognition layer on a quartz crystal surface, where the bio-recognition layer is formed by molecular self-assembly on a gold electrode surface. Various real time measurements can be made by examining the impedance parameters of the quartz crystal on which the bio-specific recognition layer is located as it interacts with GABA. In one embodiment, the invention includes an electrochemical cell that possesses a working electrode. The working electrode including a layer of piezoelectric material, at least one electrode layer fixed to the piezoelectric material and a bio-specific recognition layer formed on the electrode layer and including anti-GABA. In addition, an electrochemical workstation is connected to at least one electrode of the electrochemical cell and an impedance analyzer is connected to the working electrode.