Dr. Charalampos (aka Babis) Pitsalidis is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Physics at Khalifa University and a visiting scholar at Cambridge University. He is also director of the Laboratory of Biosystems and Bioelectronics on Chip (Lab BBC).
Dr. Pitsalidis received his BSc in Physics from the University of Crete (Greece) and his MSc in Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), Greece. He was then awarded a PhD Scholarship (Heraclitus II) at AUTh, where he completed his PhD in Physics (2014). He then carried out three postdoctoral appointments: Institut Fresnel (2015), Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Saint-Étienne (2016-2017) and University of Cambridge (2017-2021).
His research at Khalifa University aims to use organic and hybrid electronic materials for the development of biomimetic structures and devices for monitoring and controlling biological systems at different length scales and complexity levels.
SENSE-MS (Self-Energy Harvesting Sensors for Enhanced Monitoring of Multiple Sclerosis)
The primary objective of this research project is to design, develop, and validate a wearable sensory system utilizing triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) for real-time monitoring and analysis of multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms. The proposed platform aims to address the current limitations in MS monitoring by creating a self-powered, lightweight, and flexible wearable device capable of capturing a wide range of biomechanical and physiological signals associated with MS symptoms, including gait irregularities, muscle weakness, tremors, and balance disorders. This research will focus on engineering the TENG-based sensors to ensure sensitivity, durability, and comfort for daily wear, enabling them to accurately detect subtle movement and muscle activity changes. In addition, data processing algorithms and machine learning will be employed to analyze the complex signal profiles generated by the wearable TENGs, providing clinicians and patients with precise insights into symptom fluctuations and disease dynamics. Human-based motion motifs will be tested to evaluate the system's accuracy, reliability, and user adaptability.
BioTENG (Bio-derived Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs): Harnessing Natural Materials for Sustainable Energy Harvesting)
The pursuit of sustainable energy technologies has propelled the evolution of a new class of energy harvesters to the forefront of research, namely Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs). TENGs represent devices that can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy based on the triboelectric effect and electrostatic induction. This project will provide an in-depth exploration of the potential of various bio-derived materials (i.e., cellulose-based, chitin, chitosan), in the fabrication of high-performance and environmentally friendly TENGs. In this pursuit, we aim to replace conventional plastic substrates with biopolymers combined with solution-processable electrodes (i.e., graphene, Mxene) and biodegradable active materials. The incorporation of this technology can substantially reduce electronic waste, as the proposed devices can decompose naturally at the end of their life cycle, minimizing the detrimental impacts on landfills and ecosystems. This shift towards bioderived TENGs (bio-TENGs) not only aligns with global sustainability goals but also opens avenues for applications in biomedicine, smart/wearable electronics, and more, underlining the fusion of performance with environmental responsibility.
A 3-D In Vitro Bioelectronic Colorectal Cancer Model to Monitor Tumor Growth Progression
The proposed CRC model will be integrated with the scaffold platform. This rather new platform is compatible with typical multiwell plate assays, while it allows compartmentalization and the use of multiple cell types. It is based on an electroactive scaffold that serves both as a biomimetic support for the cell cultures and as a separation membrane between the endothelium and the epithelium. It is removable, allowing both in situ and ex-situ (i.e., optical, electronic) dynamic data acquisition. Contrary to flat separation membranes used in conventional OoCs, our membrane offers a 3D sponge-like morphology, which promotes the formation of a biomimetic stromal layer. The project is separated into three work packages (WP) that reflect the primary objectives and collectively highlight the advancements of the proposed CRC model. The work packages are outlined below, including preliminary results, challenges, and risk mitigation.
Laboratory of Bioelectronics & Biosystems on Chip (LAB-BBC)
We are an interdisciplinary group working at the interface between electronics and biology. We focus on developing technological solutions to unmet clinical needs by taking a multilevel approach that combines the triad of engineering, interfacing, and translating. We interface manmade devices with biology at multiple length scales, spanning from subcellular to multicellular systems, to even directly interfacing with the human body.
Recent Publications
