Fabrication of Micro Scale Arrays of Thermoelectric Actuators for Cryobiological Applications: This research work is aimed to design and fabricate actuators, based on the Peltier effect. Mathematical model is used to identify important device parameters and dimensions. The organization of the proposed device will be an array of 100 (10x10) microscale (~10 μm) thermoelectric actuators, each of which will be separated by a distance of 50 μm center-to-center and dimensioned so that each device will measure or modulate the temperature in the neighborhood of a single cell. The prototype devices are being fabricated with a modified multi-step LIGA ((Lithographie, Galvanoformung and Abformung) technique wherein a patterned photoresist, PMMA, mask defines the geometry of the device. This will enable high-density wiring required for the device. Signals from individual rows of micro-devices will be multiplexed to reduce the size of the supporting electronics. The actuators will be embedded in Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) matrix to improve insulation.An artificial tissue (AT) system composed of Normal Human Dermal Fibroblat (NHDF) cells from stem cells will be grown on the device for experimentation wherein a PMMA sheet will act as an interface between the cooler and the embedded cells. The thermoelectric micro device thus developed will result in the unique capability of temperature manipulation and control on cellular scales (micrometers).

Publications & Presentations:

Journal Papers:

 "Modeling of a Bio-Thermo-Electric Micro-Cooler", A. Prabhakar, M.C. Murphy and R.V. Devireddy.The Open Biotechnology Journal;  1:1-8 (2007)

Refereed Conference Papers:

A. Prabhakar, D. Patterson, E.J. Podlaha-Murphy, M.C. Murphy and, R.V. Devireddy. "Modeling, Fabrication and Characterization of A Microthermoelectric Device For Highly Localized Cooling of Biological Cells". ASME IMECE, Chicago, 2006, IL, CD-ROM Publication.

A. Prabhakar, E.J.  Podlaha- Murphy, M.C. Murphy and R.V. Devireddy. "Microfabricated Arrays of Thermoelectric Coolers for Highly Localized Control of Temperature in Biological Systems".    ASME Summer Bioengineering Meeting 2005, Vail, CD-ROM Publication.

A. Cygan, A. Prabhakar, E.J. Podlaha-Murphy, M.C. Murphy and R.V. Devireddy. "Fabrication of Micro Scale Arrays of Thermoelectric Sensors and Actuators for Cryobiological Applications".  ASME IMECE 2004, Anaheim, CA, CD-ROM Publication

A. Prabhakar, E.J. Podlaha-Murphy, M.C. Murphy and R.V. Devireddy. "Electrodeposition Characteristics of Bismuth-Telluride Films". Proceedings of the MRS Fall Meeting 2004, Boston, MA. Vol. 845, pp. AA5.25.1-AA5.25.6.