Bionics Research Program   

 The Bionics program utilises advances in nanotechnology to develop a more effective Biology-Electronic interface. This approach is applicable to the development of next generation wearable and implantable devices. This includes the development of wearable human movement monitoring systems for diagnostics and rehabilitation and artificial muscle structures that assist movement or for medical treatments.

Implantable systems are being developed to promote specific control of the cell/tissue systems-interface for targeted applications such as new generation cochlear implants, next generation stents, nerve and muscle repair, bone regeneration, stem cell therapies and epilepsy detection and control.

The Bionics Program is coordinated by Associate Professor Robert Kapsa (rmik@unimelb.edu.au); phone: +61 (3) 92883344.

The Associate program leader is Associate Professor Simon Moulton.

Take some time and spend '5 Mins with Simon Moulton'

Biology-Electronic Interface

The Bionics program utilises advances in nanotechnology to develop a more effective Biology-Electronic interface. This approach is applicable to the development of next generation wearable and implantable devices. This includes the development of wearable human movement monitoring systems for diagnostics and rehabilitation and artificial muscle structures that assist movement or for medical treatments.

Implantables

Implantable systems are being developed to promote specific control of the cell/tissue systems-interface for targeted applications such as new generation cochlear implants, next generation stents, nerve and muscle repair, bone regeneration, stem cell therapies and epilepsy detection and control.

Next Generation Stents

In collaboration with Boston Scientific, our researchers are engaged in the development of novel strategies to control the biodegradation of stent materials. The project involves the use of novel polymeric structures to achieve appropriate biodegradation reactions and to control the time frame over which they occur.

Bionic Muscles

We have developed polymer-based artificial muscles capable of producing significant movement at impressive speed and now seek to develop new polymer fibre constructions to improve the efficiency of the actuators so they can mimic human muscle. These wearable structures will be utilised in prosthetic devices to assist human movement (e.g. rehabilitation glove) and for medical treatments (e.g. lymphoedema sleeve). Biocompatible actuators also have use in steerable cochlear implants. In a recent breakthrough we have demonstrated very large and fast rotational type artificial muscles based on carbon nanotubes that may one day be used to propel micro-bots (Science 334 (2011): 494).

Nerve and Muscle Regeneration

Damaged nerves and spinal cord cause considerable disability to many people around the world. The integrity of neurons can be maintained and regenerative re-sprouting achieved through delivery of electrical charge using new polymer based technologies. Similar platforms can be used to facilitate muscle cell development. Current research is aimed at integrating these materials into 3D implants for nerve and muscle regeneration.

Epilepsy Detection & Control

Polymer structures capable of providing triggered in vivo drug delivery systems will greatly impact neural disorders. Delivered directly into the brain at the site of seizure focus, these novel controlled release systems will reduce the quantity of toxic substances in the body and improve patient outcome. Conducted in collaboration with Professor Mark Cook, a neurologist and Chair of Medicine at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, the possibility of coupling this release to epilepsy-related brain signals, is at the stage of preclinical trials.

Underlying Capacities

Each of the above clinical applications requires the following:

Biofabrication

We require the ability to fabricate 3D devices with control over polymer composition and structure in the micro- to nano- domain. We have implemented an innovative research program to develop the hardware and software necessary to achieve the required biofabrication capabilities, including new printing technologies and fibre spinning, knitting and weaving capability, and nano-patterning techniques such as dip pen nanolithography.

Nanoscale Characterisation

The continued optimisation of nanostructured materials for bionics requires an understanding of the biological entities encountered at the cellular-device interface. We have initiated an ambitious program to develop nanoscale probing techniques such as Bio-Atomic Force Microscopy to collect topographical, chemical, mechanical and electrical information with nanodomain (single molecule) resolution in biologically relevant environments.

Bioenergy

Bionic devices by their nature consume energy. For wearable devices we have made significant progress in the development of flexible light-weight battery systems. For implantable devices we have implemented a research program focused on the development of energy generation (biofuel cells) and biodegradable batteries.

Wireless Communications

For bionic applications there is a need to develop innovative communication tools that relay information in an effective manner to the user, carer and/or clinician. This requires expertise in electronics and information science.

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