20-minute thesis presentations by IMB-CNM predoctoral researchers Marc Navarro Pons and Pablo Rodríguez Núñez
AlN-based piezoelectric resonant microdevices for electrical cell stimulation
This presentation showcases an AlN-based MEMS microresonator array fabricated on SOI for wireless electrical cell stimulation. Under ultrasound actuation within diagnostic safety limits, the devices generate localized electric fields at the electrode–cell interface through direct piezoelectric transduction, without external circuitry. Biological validation confirmed cytocompatibility and spatially selective calcium activation in osteoblast-like cells.
- By Marc Navarro Pons
- Thesis supervisor: Gonzalo Murillo
About Marc Navarro
Marc Navarro (Tortosa, 1995) obtained his BSc degree in Electronic Engineering and Telecommunications from the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) and his MSc degree in Biomedical Engineering from both the Universitat de Barcelona (UB) and the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC). He is, since 2021, working at the IMB-CNM (CSIC) pursuing his PhD in Biomedical Engineering by designing resonant microelectromechanical systems for bioelectronic microdevices and electroceuticals at the NEMESYS group, under the supervision of Gonzalo Murillo.
Silk Fibroin for Advanced Biomaterial Applications
Silk fibroin is a versatile biomaterial with strong potential for advanced applications because it combines biocompatibility, tunable structure, good mechanical properties, and the ability to interact with and stabilize biomolecules. In this talk, I would present how silk fibroin can be engineered into different formats and used as a platform for applications in medicine, the environment, and energy.
- By Pablo Rodríguez Núñez
- Thesis supervisors: Xavi Muñoz Berbel, Sara Santiago Malagón and Borja Sepúlveda Martínez
About Pablo Rodríguez
Pablo Rodríguez is a biotechnologist from the University of Cádiz, with a Master's degree in Advanced Biotechnology from the UAB. Currently developing his thesis in the Chemical Transducers Group (GTQ).