Instrumentation and Systems Development Study Section – ISD

Topics

• Analytical instrumentation: novel methods for improving throughput and/or reducing sample volumes in analytical techniques; optical methods; photonics; spectroscopy; lasers; acoustics; microfluidics; MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical-systems); microarrays; chemical methods, hardware and computer systems.
• Sensing technologies: detection and sensing of single cells; biomarkers; environmental and toxic chemicals; biomedically relevant compounds and molecules; devices (e.g., implantable, ingestible, wearable); pre-clinical “lab-on-a-chip” sensing technology, and point-of-care diagnostics.
• Separation technologies: improvements and variations to classical techniques such as electrophoresis and chromatography; mass spectrometry; cell separations; DNA sequencing, microfluidics; nanotechnology.
• Automation and integration: design and development of both individual instrumentation modules and integrated systems for biological research or diagnostics.
• Bioelectronic component technologies: integrated circuits, flexible electronics, power harvesting, wireless communication for point-of-care devices or analytical instrumentation
• Micro/nanofabrication: Microfabricated and/or nanostructured devices and systems for use in biological research or diagnostics, and development of microdevices (e.g., implantable, ingestible, wearable).
• Development and application of microscope platforms, systems, and instrumentation

Shared Interests and Overlaps

There are shared interests with Biomaterials and Biointerfaces (BMBI). Applications that focus on device and biosensor development/fabrication are assigned to ISD. Applications that focus on the biocompatibility of implanted devices and biosensors are typically assigned to BMBI.

There are shared interests in MEMS and/or microfluidic devices, microdialysis technology, biosensors with Bioengineering and Tissue Engineering for Neuroscience (BTEN). Applications that focus on these areas outside of a neurological context are reviewed in ISD. Applications that emphasize working with neural cells/tissues or in the contexts of nervous system function/repair are reviewed in BTEN. 

There are shared interests with Bioengineering, Technology, and Surgical Sciences (BTSS). Applications that have a substantial engineering or hardware component development are typically assigned to ISD. Applications that focus on developing and/or testing medical instrumentation, sensors, and tools in a clinical setting are typically assigned to BTSS.

In the area of microfluidics, there are shared interests both with Cellular and Molecular Technologies (CMT) and Enabling Bioanalytical and Imaging Technologies (EBIT). Applications with a dominant microfluidic component, particularly engineered chip or point-of-care devices, may be assigned to ISD. Applications having a microfluidic component, which are more strongly focused on assay methods development and process optimization may be assigned to EBIT. Applications that use microfluidics to sort or capture cells may be assigned to CMT, particularly if an appreciation of cell or molecular biology is important.

There are shared interests with Enabling Bioanalytical and Imaging Technologies (EBIT). Applications with a focus on methods development and process optimization of analytical tools for bioanalytical, chemical, or biophysical processes are reviewed in EBIT. Applications that focus on instrumentation and device development/fabrication with a significant hardware or engineering component are typically assigned to ISD. 

There are shared interests with disease and organ-based IRGs. Applications that focus on the application rather that the development of tools and instruments to a disease or organ specific issue could be assigned to the relevant organ or disease IRG.

There are shared interests in biosensing development with Innovations in Nanosystems and Nanotechnology (INN). Applications that emphasize developing biosensing or other technologies that are more device-based are reviewed in ISD. Applications that emphasize developing biosensing or other technologies involving the development of novel nanostructures or functionalized nanoparticles are reviewed in INN.