To create new ways to diagnose disease, monitor health, and build enabling polymer electronics, the center merges new technologies from nanoscience, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), polymer and ambient intelligence with genomics and molecular biology. This fusion allows for the creation of novel sensor systems with a broad range of commercial applications. These sensors have application in drug and vaccine delivery systems and in clinical and biological reaction-control devices for diverse industrial settings.

The center strives to foster the vast potential of nanobioscience through the integration of interdisciplinary research developments in biologics and technological devices.
Its researchers apply their knowledge in the development of integrated microfluidic “lab-on-a-chip” platforms and advanced optical and electronic sensor arrays for the detection and analysis of biomolecules. This has application in the pharmaceutical, personal care and biodefense industries. A major goal for the center is for rapid commercialization of its research through productive interactions with the industrial and life sciences communities.

The center’s teams already have demonstrated considerable proficiency in:

* Biochips for genomics/proteomics
* Microfluidics and microanalytical technology
* Nanooptics and nanosensors
* Atomic and molecular technology
* Nanosystems design and fabrication
* Microscale fluid dynamics modeling
* Hybrid nanoelectronics processing and “labfab” prototyping

In addition, the center’s skills in bioassay development and polymer-based processing leverage its product development capabilities (for example, in Quality Systems, International Organization for Standardization and Food and Drug Administration compliance).