Jurga Jeršovaitė, a Master's graduate and employee at the Laser Research Center, recently attended the International Conference on Micro- and Nano Engineering (MNE) 2024, held in Montpellier, France. The event, a key gathering for micro- and nano-technology experts, is celebrating its 50th edition this year. Since its inception in Cambridge in 1975, the MNE conference has grown into the flagship event for the International Society for Micro- and Nano-technology (iMNEs), with previous editions held in Rhodes (2019), Turin (2021), Leuven (2022), and Berlin (2023).
Jurga presented a poster titled "Light-assisted microfabrication of orthogonal and hexagonal lattices influencing neuronal processes and growth cone morphology" in the BIO: Micro-Nano Engineering for Life or Analytical Sciences track, which focuses on applications in life sciences. Her research was conducted during an Erasmus+ traineeship in Angelo Accardo's group at the Technical University of Delft and explored how substrate topography and mechanical properties affect neuronal cell behavior. The study used multi-scale nanopillar arrays, fabricated through Multiphoton Lithography (MPL), to investigate how topographical and mechanical cues influence I3N neuronal networks and the morphology of Neuronal Growth Cones (NGCs).
We are pleased to announce that Jurga's work earned her the Best Poster Award in the BIO track, a significant achievement given that only one poster per scientific track was awarded this honor.
The MNE conference, known for its impact on micro- and nano-engineering research, provides participants with the opportunity to engage with diverse fields. The five scientific tracks at MNE2024 include:
- T1 – Methods & Processes: Micro/Nano Fabrication Methods and Processes
- T2 – Structures & Devices: Fabrication and Integration of Micro/Nano Structures and Devices
- T3 – Systems: Micro/Nano Systems for computing, communication, sensing, and quantum applications
- T4 – BIO: Micro/Nano Engineering for Life or Analytical Sciences
- T5 (New) – Sustainability: Energy efficiency and environmental applications in Micro/Nano Engineering
The BIO track, where Jurga's poster was presented, covers bio-inspired technologies, bio-mimetic surfaces, lab-on-a-chip devices, and applications in biology, health, and medicine. Her research on neuronal processes aligns with these themes, highlighting the significance of biomaterial rigidity and topography for neuronal cell studies.
MNE2024 brought together experts from diverse areas of micro- and nano-fabrication, with a particular emphasis on fostering young talent, as reflected in Jurga's award. Her recognition highlights the Laser Research Center's ongoing commitment to advancing research in micro/nano engineering and its applications in life sciences.
For more information about the MNE conference and its exhibits, please visit the MNE2024 website.