Title: Encoding Regulatory Responses Using Nanostructured Semiconductor Thin Films

Abstract: The talk will highlight representative studies, challenges and opportunities towards utilization of charge, conductivity, photoconductivity, polarity and surface chemistry in biomolecular interfaces.
The talk will explore how GaN, GaOOH and Ga2O3 nanostructured materials can be used to encode and decode physiological responses during in vitro studies. The semiconductor materials can be functionalized with different surface chemistries and characterized via X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Photocurrent Measurements, Atomic Force Microscopy and Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy. UV light can be utilized to induce persistent photoconductivity that results in charge accumulation on the surface. The morphological, chemical and electronic properties of the nanostructured films can be employed to activate the cell wall integrity pathway or stimulate cells. The encoded cell responses are induced by the semiconductor interfacial properties associated with the surface chemistry, nanoscale topography and the accumulation of charge on the surface that promotes the build-up of oxygen species. The semiconductor interfaces can also alter the membrane voltage of cells or the amount of intracellular calcium produced. The results thus define a strategy for bioelectronics communication where the roughness, surface chemistry and charge of the wide band gap semiconductor’s thin film surface initiate the encoding of the cell response.