Conductive polymer composite sensors

This research focusses on the creation of an embedded sensor to obtain biometric data from changes in the environment. We will address physiological systems-sensing which is a fundamentally challenging topic due to the invasive procedures required to obtain real-time and realistic data. Although external sensors exist, from devices that can measure single sensory outputs to more robust multifunctional sensors, these often lack in sensitivity. This project aims to create a monolithic polymeric embedded sensor that will securely attach to the body to increase accuracy and reduce noise of collected information which is the case in most multi-component wearable sensors.
The device will record physiological data, such as respiration rate, heart-rate, and motion that can be correlated to the underlying biological functionalities. Data will be obtained from non-anaesthitised animal subjects to provide a more accurate output and better represent realistic conditions. We will make use of modern rapid proto- typing technology and novel multifunctional materials to create a single-component device, and mathematically model the relationship between the measured anatomical, cellular, and neuronal changes. By monitoring and understanding how these changes are addressed by nature we can begin to create sensitive devices for other purposes and thereby use nature as a template for more complex synthetic systems.

This project will be undertaken in the Department of Bioengineering at Imperial College London which has numerous research groups focusing on the detection and sensing of biomechanical and neural cues. The topic lies on the interface between three main research areas: \detection, devices, design", \biomechanics" and
eural engineering". The EPSRC DTP studentship provides funding for the project which follows closely a number of research areas in the Council's remit. Most importantly \vision, hearing and other senses" and \sensors and
nstrumentation" are the most relevant areas to the research proposed, although elements from a wide range of bioin- formatics, materials chemistry, microelectronics, and engineering design all t within the active research interests of the Council. Finally, my own research interests fall rmly within the areas of polymer chemistry, and the molecular design of active com-
ponents for multifunctional organic sensor devices, and semiconductor technologies. I have relevant skills in materials analysis and polymer synthesis, and have worked with
implantable devices with signicant experience in using advanced equipment. I look forward to getting involved in this highly multidisciplinary and collaborative research.