~Non-Genetic “Optogenetics”: Silicon Based Bio-Interfaces for Multi-scale Optical Modulation
Menahem (Hemi) Rotenberg, PhD
Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Technion, IIT
Silicon based micro- and nanostructures are widely used for many
biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility and tunable
electrical and mechanical properties. As such, their ability to
transduce optical illumination to electrical current made them a
potential candidate for nongenetic optical modulation. In this talk, I will
present our recent studies of developing new approaches for biointerfaces using silicon micro- and nanostructures for non-genetic
optical modulation, spanning from sub cellular interrogation with extremely high spatial
resolutions to whole organ optical modulation. These materials can help answer
fundamental question in bioelectrical basic research, as well as open new opportunities
for biomedical application such as cardiac pacing and neurogenerative treatments.
