Current Projects

Functionalized inks and process optimization


Pad printing is an additive manufacturing process able to print patterned layers of thickness down to a few microns on almost any material of different shapes. It can be used as a step in the fabrication chain or as a post-process. The preparation of appropriate inks allows different useful functions (e.g. for electronics, sensing microsystems, microfluidics, etc.) with few fabrication steps. This opens new avenues for low-cost or disposable microsystem devices. This project aims at optimizing the conductive ink formulation with its printing and use performances (resolution, repeatability, adhesion, fast drying, low conductivity).

Biosensors

Biosensors technology allows the precise electronic measurement of a biomarker level from a blood sample to inform the patient or the practitioner about a relevant health parameter. Pocket size glucometers are the first widely used devices of this category. They significantly help patients with diabetes. The extension of this technology in the form of a handheld device for other biomarkers in biofluids is still facing a series of challenges not yet met for reaching the market. It comprises sensitivity, specificity, reliability, miniaturization, and manufacturability to cite only a few. Recently pad printing has been demonstrated as a promising technique to fabricate biosensors able to measure pg/ml levels of a tuberculosis biomarker. We are currently studying the effect of biosensor miniaturization with its limits.

Strain gauges

The Internet of Things with smart products is playing a significant role in the on-going digital revolution. Pad-printing, a versatile additive manufacturing process with functional inks, is expected to contribute in a valuable manner to the needed functional densification. The goal of this project is two-fold, to create a strong mentored learning environment for two undergraduate students, and to make an impact in studying how to overcome remaining limitations in this new process. This will be done by printing and characterizing test patterns of conductive lines with different inks, geometries, and different short thermal treatments. A strain gauge pattern will also be tested for a study on the parameters of significance to achieve optimal pad-printed gauge factors. The expected results will include better quality of pad-printed circuits and sensors, especially strain gauge sensors for smart products.

Emergency drug administration devices

This project addresses the unmet need for the availability of intramuscular emergency drug injection devices in many low-income regions of the world. The main objective of this project is to develop a reliable device that reduces risks and simplifies the self-administration process of prefilled syringes, simple to manufacture, and appropriate for all countries. More specifically, our design aims at using 3D printers in fabrication laboratories (FabLabs) associated with hospitals around the world to allow for the high-quality manufacturing of this new device. Its diffusion method will use decentralized manufacturing channels based on a “medical open-source-like” principle. A proof-of-concept prototype is being developed and refined at BYU. The project includes the study to control the geometrical parameters and mechanical functions with the appropriate tolerances needed for the function of this device.

Test benches for engineering education in STEM

Test benches are essential for quality control in manufacturing. They consist of high precision instruments to measure relevant parameters of the process or of the manufactured element. Engineering education on instrumentation and measurement, including the manufacturing thereof, depends on access to appropriate examples of experimental benches used in the labs of a given course. Such benches are generally not found on the market and are the fruit of in-house