Electronic and Biological Nanostructures
Virginia M. Ayres | ayresv@msu.edu | www.egr.msu.edu/ebnl
The Electronic and Biological Nanostructures Laboratory has, as its name implies, two major research efforts in nanoelectronics and in biological nanostructures. In Nanoelectronics, we explore novel theories and fabrication for a new generation of nanodevices based on nanomaterials and/or quantum architectures to be applied in extreme environments where traditional devices fail. This research is performed in collaboration with NASA and with the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL) at Michigan State University. In Biological Nanostructures, we focus on the nanoscale physical cues provided by synthetic tissue scaffolds and native extracellular matrices to attaching cells. Until recently, biomaterials and scaffolds have been mainly viewed as passive delivery vehicles for cell and pharmacological therapies. Recent research including ours strongly indicates that they are capable of supplying directive physical cues in their own right that work in conjunction with ambient biochemical cues and produce a jointly-directed outcome. Our current focus is on injury repair for the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), a very challenging situation for both patients and care-givers.
