CNSE’s Dr. Brainard talks artificial organs via nanotech

Dr Robert Brainard of the Colleges of Nanoscale Science and Engineering speaks in the Utica campus Student Center Theater on how nanotech is used to create artificial organs.

Those curious to learn more about how nanotechnology is being used to create artificial organs received a primer at the Student Center Theater in Utica on Monday, March 13 as College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering Professor of Nanoscience Dr. Robert Brainard discussed Bio Roll-Ups – self assembling nano sheets for three-dimensional cell growth.

Dr. Brainard’s primary research is concerned with the design, synthesis and characterization of new molecules and polymers for their use in nanotechnology. His projects are equally divided between those involving the synthesis of new compounds and those involving characterizing the functionality of these new materials in chemical systems relevant to nanotechnology.

Much of this research is focused on applications important to the electronics industry: Photoresists, Photoacid Generators, Shrink Technology, Acid Amplifiers. Since the 1970s, this fast-paced industry has been able to double the speed of computers every eighteen months. These technological advances are only made possible by the equally rapid pace of invention and discovery in these important chemical systems.