My research focuses on ultra-low power micro-electronics, bio-inspired circuits and systems, lab-on-chip technology and application of micro-electronic technology to create novel medical devices. I have a number of healthcare related projects for potential research students:
Distributed chemical sensing arrays for DNA sequencing – Semiconductor based DNA sequencing is now becoming an attractive alternative to conventional genome sequencing which uses optical techniques. Due to scaling of Moore’s law, ISFET based sensors can now be integrated in the millions to create large scale sensing arrays able to decode the human genome cheaply and reliably. This research focuses on designing next generation ISFET based DNA sequencing systems capable of real-time genome detection using distributed methods to improve performance, throughput and robustness.
Closed loop control of diabetes using low-power embedded systems – Type 1 diabetes results in the inability to produce insulin resulting in extremely high blood sugar. Current methods of control lead to many secondary complications such as blindness, nerve damage and heart disease. An artificial pancreas has the potential for control blood sugar continually through intensive insulin infusion improving quality of life of individuals and reducing adverse effects of diabetes. This research focuses on designing embedded systems using low-power microchip technology, which mimic the behaviour of the biological pancreas to provide safe and fault tolerant glucose control. The final aim is that these systems will be integrated in miniature insulin pumps to treat diabetes.
Bio-inspired glucose sensing systems – This research focuses on investigating the sensing mechanisms commonly found in metabolic cells of the human body in an effort to engineer more reliable and robust chemical sensing systems in CMOS. Specific ally we aim to create distributed glucose-sensing arrays inspired by biological function to improve accuracy and functionality in ambulatory applications for diabetes.
Further information on my research can be found at: http://www.imperial.ac.uk/people/pantelis/research