NSF Org:	ECCS Division of Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems
Recipient:	DOHENY EYE INSTITUTE
Initial Amendment Date:	April 24, 2003
Latest Amendment Date:	September 1, 2004
Award Number:	0243329
Award Instrument:	Continuing Grant
Program Manager:	Rajinder P. Khosla ECCS  Division of Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems ENG  Directorate for Engineering
Start Date:	October 1, 2001
End Date:	December 31, 2004 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount:	$329,348.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date:	$329,348.00
Funds Obligated to Date:	FY 1999 = $1,890.00 FY 2000 = $327,458.00
History of Investigator:	Mark Humayun (Principal Investigator) humayun@usc.edu
Recipient Sponsored Research Office:	Doheny Eye Institute 150 N ORANGE GROVE BLVD PASADENA CA  US  91103-3534 (323)342-6600
Sponsor Congressional District:	30
Primary Place of Performance:	Doheny Eye Institute 150 N ORANGE GROVE BLVD PASADENA CA  US  91103-3534
Primary Place of Performance Congressional District:	30
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI):	YM8RKEGJ5UN1
Parent UEI:
NSF Program(s):	INTEGRATIVE SYSTEMS, Engineering of Biomed Systems
Primary Program Source:	app-0100  app-0199
Program Reference Code(s):	0000, 1602, OTHR
Program Element Code(s):	151900, 534500
Award Agency Code:	4900
Fund Agency Code:	4900
Assistance Listing Number(s):	47.041

ABSTRACT

This project will study interactions between three distinct systems: (1) photovoltaic molecules and/or membrane structures derived from green plants and artificial photosynthetic systems, (2) micron-scale electrode arrays formed by metal wires in microchannel glass, and (3) the retina. The proposed research will provide a knowledge and technology base necessary to integrate these systems towards the successful development of a novel, energy-efficient retinal prosthesis with a micron scale spatial resolution. More specifically, these objectives will be pursued:
- Investigate interactions between natural and artificial photoactive structures and microchannel glass electrode arrays and to determine methods of attaching the structures to individual microwires.
- Develop methods for depositing conductors throughout the entire length of the microchannels.
- Determine the optimal size and shape for a retinal stimulating electrode.
- Test the biocompatibility of the microchannel glass and photoactivated microchannel glass.
Results of this research are likely to have broader application through improved understanding of metal/molecular interfaces, imaging technology, novel microfabrication techniques, and biological interfacing and testing.

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