Microfabricated arrays of thermoelectric coolers for highly localized control of temperature in biological systems

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

12-1-2005

Abstract

This work is a part of an on-going research effort to develop an array of micro thermoelectric coolers (TECs) for highly localized control of temperature at the cellular (microscale) level. The ability to control the temperature locally (microscale) promises to advance many diverse areas of applications, including electronic packaging and cryobiology. Prefabrication experimentation and modeling were carried out to understand the behavior of the proposed device. Mathematical models were used to identify important device parameters and optimal device dimensions. Preliminary experiments have shown that it is feasible to produce the TECs through electrodeposition of bismuth and telluride on modules produced using a modified multi-step LIGA (Lithographie, Galvanoformung and Abformung) technique [1-3]. The prototype device to be fabricated will consist of an array of 100 TECs that will be formed by electrodeposition of the proper materials (bismuth, Bi and telluride, Te). Within the array, the coolers will be interspersed to enable each one to be individually addressable and with each individual TEC having an n-type and p-type leg elements. These arrays of TECs will be embedded in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) matrix to improve insulation and will be situated under the tissue system to be cooled. PMMA sheet will provide an interface between the cooler and the embedded cells. PMMA was chosen as it is a commonly used X-Ray resist in microfabrication and is also biocompatible. The development and characterization of the proposed TECs would enable the bioengineer highly localized control of temperature in a native or artificial tissue system. Thus enabling further usage of low temperatures in biological systems for both destructive (cryosurgical) and beneficial (cryopreservation) procedures.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Proceedings of the 2005 Summer Bioengineering Conference

First Page

23

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