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Surdo S, Barillaro G. Voltage- and Metal-assisted Chemical Etching of Micro and Nano Structures in Silicon: A Comprehensive Review. Small 2024:e2400499. [PMID: 38644330 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202400499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Sculpting silicon at the micro and nano scales has been game-changing to mold bulk silicon properties and expand, in turn, applications of silicon beyond electronics, namely, in photonics, sensing, medicine, and mechanics, to cite a few. Voltage- and metal-assisted chemical etching (ECE and MaCE, respectively) of silicon in acidic electrolytes have emerged over other micro and nanostructuring technologies thanks to their unique etching features. ECE and MaCE have enabled the fabrication of novel structures and devices not achievable otherwise, complementing those feasible with the deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) technology, the gold standard in silicon machining. Here, a comprehensive review of ECE and MaCE for silicon micro and nano machining is provided. The chemistry and physics ruling the dissolution of silicon are dissected and similarities and differences between ECE and MaCE are discussed showing that they are the two sides of the same coin. The processes governing the anisotropic etching of designed silicon micro and nanostructures are analyzed, and the modulation of etching profile over depth is discussed. The preparation of micro- and nanostructures with tailored optical, mechanical, and thermo(electrical) properties is then addressed, and their applications in photonics, (bio)sensing, (nano)medicine, and micromechanical systems are surveyed. Eventually, ECE and MaCE are benchmarked against DRIE, and future perspectives are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Surdo
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione, Università di Pisa, via G. Caruso 16, Pisa, 56122, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Barillaro
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Informazione, Università di Pisa, via G. Caruso 16, Pisa, 56122, Italy
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2
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Assogba Onanga F, Chandrahalim H. Optofluidic passive parity-time-symmetric systems. R Soc Open Sci 2024; 11:231200. [PMID: 38298392 PMCID: PMC10827440 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.231200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
This research introduces a novel methodology of harnessing liquids to facilitate the realization of parity-time (PT)-symmetric optical waveguides on highly integrated microscale platforms. Additionally, we propose a realistic and detailed fabrication process flow, demonstrating the practical feasibility of fabricating our optofluidic system, thereby bridging the gap between theoretical design and actual implementation. Extensive research has been conducted over the past two decades on PT-symmetric systems across various fields, given their potential to foster a new generation of compact, power-efficient sensors and signal processors with enhanced performance. Passive PT-symmetry in optics can be achieved by evanescently coupling two optical waveguides and incorporating an optically lossy material into one of the waveguides. The essential coupling distance between two optical waveguides in air is usually less than 500 nm for near-infrared wavelengths and under 100 nm for ultraviolet wavelengths. This necessitates the construction of the coupling region via expensive and time-consuming electron beam lithography, posing a significant manufacturing challenge for the mass production of PT-symmetric optical systems. We propose a solution to this fabrication challenge by introducing liquids capable of dynamic flow between optical waveguides. This technique allows the attainment of evanescent wave coupling with coupling gap dimensions compatible with standard photolithography processes. Consequently, this paves the way for the cost-effective, rapid and large-scale production of PT-symmetric optofluidic systems, applicable across a wide range of fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franck Assogba Onanga
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH 45433, USA
| | - Hengky Chandrahalim
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, OH 45433, USA
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3
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Belwanshi V, Rane K, Kumar V, Pramanick B. Design Guidelines for Thin Diaphragm-Based Microsystems through Comprehensive Numerical and Analytical Studies. Micromachines (Basel) 2023; 14:1725. [PMID: 37763887 PMCID: PMC10536382 DOI: 10.3390/mi14091725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents comprehensive guidelines for the design and analysis of a thin diaphragm that is used in a variety of microsystems, including microphones and pressure sensors. It highlights the empirical relations that can be utilized for the design of thin diaphragm-based microsystems (TDMS). Design guidelines developed through a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) limit the iterative efforts to fabricate TDMS. These design guidelines are validated analytically, with the assumption that the material properties are isotropic, and the deviation from anisotropic material is calculated. In the FEA simulations, a large deflection theory is taken into account to incorporate nonlinearity, such that a critical dimensional ratio of a/h or 2r/h can be decided to have the linear response of a thin diaphragm. The observed differences of 12% in the deflection and 13% in the induced stresses from the analytical calculations are attributed to the anisotropic material consideration in the FEA model. It suggests that, up to a critical ratio (a/h or 2r/h), the thin diaphragm shows a linear relationship with a high sensitivity. The study also presents a few empirical relations to finalize the geometrical parameters of the thin diaphragm in terms of its edge length or radius and thickness. Utilizing the critical ratio calculated in the static FEA analysis, the basic conventional geometries are considered for harmonic analyses to understand the frequency response of the thin diaphragms, which is a primary sensing element for microphone applications and many more. This work provides a solution to microelectromechanical system (MEMS) developers for reducing cost and time while conceptualizing TDMS designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinod Belwanshi
- CSIR-National Metallurgical Laboratory, Jamshedpur 831007, India
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Kedarnath Rane
- National Manufacturing Institute Scotland Renfrew, Renfrew PA4 9PA, UK
| | - Vibhor Kumar
- School of Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Bidhan Pramanick
- School of Electrical Sciences, Center of Excellence in Particulates Colloids and Interfaces, Indian Institute of Technology Goa, Ponda 403401, India
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4
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Ma J, Quhe R, Zhang W, Yan Y, Tang H, Qu Z, Cheng Y, Schmidt OG, Zhu M. Zn Microbatteries Explore Ways for Integrations in Intelligent Systems. Small 2023:e2300230. [PMID: 36938705 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202300230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
As intelligent microsystems develop, many revolutionary applications, such as the swallowing surgeon proposed by Richard Feynman, are about to evolve. Nonetheless, integrable energy storage satisfying the demand for autonomous operations has emerged as a major obstacle to the deployment of intelligent microsystems. A reason for the lagging development of integrable batteries is the challenge of miniaturization through microfabrication procedures. Lithium batteries, generated by the most successful battery chemistry, are not stable in the air, thus creating major manufacturing challenges. Other cations (Na+ , Mg2+ , Al3+ , K+ ) are still in the early stages of development. In contrast, the superior stability of zinc batteries in the air brings high compatibility to microfabrication protocols and has already demonstrated excellent practicability in full-sized devices. To obtain energy-dense and high-power zinc microbatteries within square-millimeter or smaller footprints, sandwich, pillar, and Swiss-roll configurations are developed. Thin interdigital and fiber microbatteries find their applications being integrated into wearable devices and electronic skin. It is foreseeable that zinc microbatteries will find their way into highly integrated microsystems unlocking their full potential for autonomous operation. This review summarizes the material development, configuration innovation, and application-oriented integration of zinc microbatteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiachen Ma
- Research Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN), Chemnitz University of Technology, 09126, Chemnitz, Germany
- State Key Laboratory of Information Photonics and Optical Communications and School of Science, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, 100876, P. R. China
- Material Systems for Nanoelectronics, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09107, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Ruge Quhe
- State Key Laboratory of Information Photonics and Optical Communications and School of Science, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, 100876, P. R. China
| | - Wenlan Zhang
- Research Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN), Chemnitz University of Technology, 09126, Chemnitz, Germany
- Material Systems for Nanoelectronics, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09107, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Yaping Yan
- Research Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN), Chemnitz University of Technology, 09126, Chemnitz, Germany
- Material Systems for Nanoelectronics, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09107, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Hongmei Tang
- Research Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN), Chemnitz University of Technology, 09126, Chemnitz, Germany
- Material Systems for Nanoelectronics, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09107, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Zhe Qu
- Research Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN), Chemnitz University of Technology, 09126, Chemnitz, Germany
- Material Systems for Nanoelectronics, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09107, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Yapeng Cheng
- Research Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN), Chemnitz University of Technology, 09126, Chemnitz, Germany
- Material Systems for Nanoelectronics, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09107, Chemnitz, Germany
| | - Oliver G Schmidt
- Research Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN), Chemnitz University of Technology, 09126, Chemnitz, Germany
- Material Systems for Nanoelectronics, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09107, Chemnitz, Germany
- School of Science, Dresden University of Technology, 01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Minshen Zhu
- Research Center for Materials, Architectures and Integration of Nanomembranes (MAIN), Chemnitz University of Technology, 09126, Chemnitz, Germany
- Material Systems for Nanoelectronics, Chemnitz University of Technology, 09107, Chemnitz, Germany
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5
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Aceti P, Rosso M, Ardito R, Pienazza N, Nastro A, Baù M, Ferrari M, Rouvala M, Ferrari V, Corigliano A. Optimization of an Impact-Based Frequency Up-Converted Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Harvester for Wearable Devices. Sensors (Basel) 2023; 23:1391. [PMID: 36772429 PMCID: PMC9920959 DOI: 10.3390/s23031391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This work presents a novel development of the impact-based mechanism for piezoelectric vibration energy harvesters. More precisely, the effect of an impacting mass on a cantilever piezoelectric transducer is studied both in terms of the tip mass value attached to the cantilever and impact position to find an optimal condition for power extraction. At first, the study is carried out by means of parametric analyses at varying tip mass and impact position on a unimorph MEMS cantilever, and a suitable physical interpretation of the associated electromechanical response is given. The effect of multiple impacts is also considered. From the analysis, it emerges that the most effective configuration, in terms of power output, is an impact at the cantilever tip without a tip mass. By changing the value of the tip mass, a sub-optimal impact position along the beam axis can also be identified. Moreover, the effect of a tip mass is deleterious on the power performance, contrary to the well-known case of a resonant energy harvester. A mesoscale prototype with a bimorph transducer is fabricated and tested to validate the computational models. The comparison shows a good agreement between numerical models and the experiments. The proposed approach is promising in the field of consumer electronics, such as wearable devices, in which the impact-based device moves at the frequencies of human movement and is much lower than those of microsystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Aceti
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Polytechnic of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Department of Aerospace Science and Technology, Polytechnic of Milan, 20156 Milano, Italy
| | - Michele Rosso
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Polytechnic of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Raffaele Ardito
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Polytechnic of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Nicola Pienazza
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Brescia, 251121 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Nastro
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Brescia, 251121 Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Baù
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Brescia, 251121 Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Ferrari
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Brescia, 251121 Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Vittorio Ferrari
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Brescia, 251121 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alberto Corigliano
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Polytechnic of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy
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6
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Simone G. Trends of Biosensing: Plasmonics through Miniaturization and Quantum Sensing. Crit Rev Anal Chem 2023:1-26. [PMID: 36601882 DOI: 10.1080/10408347.2022.2161813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Despite being extremely old concepts, plasmonics and surface plasmon resonance-based biosensors have been increasingly popular in the recent two decades due to the growing interest in nanooptics and are now of relevant significance in regards to applications associated with human health. Plasmonics integration into point-of-care devices for health surveillance has enabled significant levels of sensitivity and limit of detection to be achieved and has encouraged the expansion of the fields of study and market niches devoted to the creation of quick and incredibly sensitive label-free detection. The trend reflects in wearable plasmonic sensor development as well as point-of-care applications for widespread applications, demonstrating the potential impact of the new generation of plasmonic biosensors on human well-being through the concepts of personalized medicine and global health. In this context, the aim here is to discuss the potential, limitations, and opportunities for improvement that have arisen as a result of the integration of plasmonics into microsystems and lab-on-chip over the past five years. Recent applications of plasmonic biosensors in microsystems and sensor performance are analyzed. The final analysis focuses on the integration of microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip with quantum plasmonics technology prospecting it as a promising solution for chemical and biological sensing. Here it is underlined how the research in the field of quantum plasmonic sensing for biological applications has flourished over the past decade with the aim to overcome the limits given by quantum fluctuations and noise. The significant advances in nanophotonics, plasmonics and microsystems used to create increasingly effective biosensors would continue to benefit this field if harnessed properly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Simone
- Chemical Engineering, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
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7
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Deng HT, Wen DL, Feng T, Wang YL, Zhang XR, Huang P, Zhang XS. Silicone Rubber Based-Conductive Composites for Stretchable "All-in-One" Microsystems. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2022; 14:39681-39700. [PMID: 36006298 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c08333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Wearable electronics with development trends such as miniaturization, multifunction, and smart integration have become an important part of the Internet of Things (IoT) and have penetrated various sectors of modern society. To meet the increasing demands of wearable electronics in terms of deformability and conformability, many efforts have been devoted to overcoming the nonstretchable and poor conformal properties of traditional functional materials and endowing devices with outstanding mechanical properties. One of the promising approaches is composite engineering in which traditional functional materials are incorporated into the various polymer matrices to develop different kinds of functional composites and construct different functions of stretchable electronics. Herein, we focus on the approach of composite engineering and the polymer matrix of silicone rubber (SR), and we summarize the state-of-the-art details of silicone rubber-based conductive composites (SRCCs), including a summary of their conductivity mechanisms and synthesis methods and SRCC applications for stretchable electronics. For conductivity mechanisms, two conductivity mechanisms of SRCC are emphasized: percolation theory and the quantum tunneling mechanism. For synthesis methods of SRCCs, four typical approaches to synthesize different kinds of SRCCs are investigated: mixing/blending, infiltration, ion implantation, and in situ formation. For SRCC applications, different functions of stretchable electronics based on SRCCs for interconnecting, sensing, powering, actuating, and transmitting are summarized, including stretchable interconnects, sensors, nanogenerators, antennas, and transistors. These functions reveal the feasibility of constructing a stretchable all-in-one self-powered microsystem based on SRCC-based stretchable electronics. As a prospect, this microsystem is expected to integrate the functional sensing modulus, the energy harvesting modulus, and the process and response modulus together to sense and respond to environmental stimulations and human physiological signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Tao Deng
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Dan-Liang Wen
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Tao Feng
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Yi-Lin Wang
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Xin-Ran Zhang
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
| | - Peng Huang
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 611731, China
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8
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Lee KY, Loh HX, Wan ACA. Systems for Muscle Cell Differentiation: From Bioengineering to Future Food. Micromachines (Basel) 2021; 13:71. [PMID: 35056236 PMCID: PMC8777594 DOI: 10.3390/mi13010071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In light of pressing issues, such as sustainability and climate change, future protein sources will increasingly turn from livestock to cell-based production and manufacturing activities. In the case of cell-based or cultured meat a relevant aspect would be the differentiation of muscle cells into mature muscle tissue, as well as how the microsystems that have been developed to date can be developed for larger-scale cultures. To delve into this aspect we review previous research that has been carried out on skeletal muscle tissue engineering and how various biological and physicochemical factors, mechanical and electrical stimuli, affect muscle cell differentiation on an experimental scale. Material aspects such as the different biomaterials used and 3D vs. 2D configurations in the context of muscle cell differentiation will also be discussed. Finally, the ability to translate these systems to more scalable bioreactor configurations and eventually bring them to a commercial scale will be touched upon.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrew C. A. Wan
- Singapore Institute of Food and Biotechnology Innovation, 31 Biopolis Way, #01-02, Nanos, Singapore 138669, Singapore; (K.-Y.L.); (H.-X.L.)
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9
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Abstract
Pain remains a global health challenge affecting approximately 1.5 billion people worldwide. Pain has been an implicit variable in the equation of human life for many centuries considering different types and the magnitude of pain. Therefore, developing an efficacious drug delivery system for pain management remains an open challenge for researchers in the field of medicine. Lack of therapeutic efficacy still persists, despite high throughput studies in the field of pain management. Research scientists have been exploiting different alternatives to curb the adverse side effects of pain medications or attempting a more substantial approach to minimize the prevalence of pain. Various drug delivery systems have been developed such as nanoparticles, microparticles to curb adverse side effects of pain medications or minimize the prevalence of pain. This literature review firstly provides a brief introduction of pain as a sensation and its pharmacological interventions. Second, it highlights the most recent studies in the pharmaceutical field for pain management and serves as a strong base for future developments. Herein, we have classified drug delivery systems based on their sizes such as nano, micro, and macro systems, and for each of the reviewed systems, design, formulation strategies, and drug release performance has been discussed.
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10
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Abstract
Introduction: Developing a new and innovative acupuncture technique to deal with acute and chronic pain is a considerable undertaking in itself as many barriers must be overcome. Designing the technique and gaining acceptance is even more daunting and challenging across a large system of medical facilities such as the Department of Defense and the Veterans Administration. Such was the case of Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA), a 5-needle placement in each external ear into specific auricular points to treat acute and chronic pain. Discussion: This technique geared for military deployment is rapid, safe, and easily reproducible without side effects because it uses a choice acupuncture microsystem, namely the ear. Acquiring acupuncture practical skills is the prerequisite before designing the technique and then taking into consideration, neurophysiology data, and actual clinical experience to finally focus development is demanding. Conclusions: The benefits of BFA that was promulgated in a Joint Incentive Fund for $5.4 million resulted in thousands of trained health care providers and eventually many clinical trials to help validate the technique. Process improvement data were beneficial and important for its sustainment. There are 5 steps recommended for overcoming the barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard C Niemtzow
- Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center, Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine Center, Joint Base Andrews, MD, USA.,The opinions and assertions contained herein are the private views of the author and are not to be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the United States Air Force Medical Corps, the Air Force at large, or the Department of Defense. The author indicates that he does not have any conflicts of interests
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Abstract
In-vivo sensors yield valuable medical information by measuring directly on the living tissue of a patient. These devices can be surface or implant devices. Electrical activity in the body, from organs or muscles can be measured using surface electrodes. For short term internal devices, catheters are used. These include cardiac catheter (in blood vessels) and bladder catheters. Due to the size and shape of the catheters, silicon devices provided an excellent solution for sensors. Since many cardiac catheters are disposable, the high volume has led to lower prices of the silicon sensors. Many catheters use a single sensor, but silicon offers the opportunity to have multi sensors in a single catheter, while maintaining small size. The cardiac catheter is usually inserted for a maximum of 72 h. Some devices may be used for a short-to-medium period to monitor parameters after an operation or injury (1-4 weeks). Increasingly, sensing, and actuating, devices are being applied to longer term implants for monitoring a range of parameters for chronic conditions. Devices for longer term implantation presented additional challenges due to the harshness of the environment and the stricter regulations for biocompatibility and safety. This paper will examine the three main areas of application for in-vivo devices: surface devices and short/medium-term and long-term implants. The issues of biocompatibility and safety will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paddy French
- Laboratory for Bioelectronics, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science, TU Delft, Mekelweg 4, 2628CD Delft, The Netherlands
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12
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Dumitrescu C, Minea M, Costea IM, Cosmin Chiva I, Semenescu A. Development of an Acoustic System for UAV Detection. Sensors (Basel) 2020; 20:E4870. [PMID: 32872231 DOI: 10.3390/s20174870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the possibility of developing and using an intelligent, flexible, and reliable acoustic system, designed to discover, locate, and transmit the position of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Such an application is very useful for monitoring sensitive areas and land territories subject to privacy. The software functional components of the proposed detection and location algorithm were developed employing acoustic signal analysis and concurrent neural networks (CoNNs). An analysis of the detection and tracking performance for remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPASs), measured with a dedicated spiral microphone array with MEMS microphones, was also performed. The detection and tracking algorithms were implemented based on spectrograms decomposition and adaptive filters. In this research, spectrograms with Cohen class decomposition, log-Mel spectrograms, harmonic-percussive source separation and raw audio waveforms of the audio sample, collected from the spiral microphone array—as an input to the Concurrent Neural Networks were used, in order to determine and classify the number of detected drones in the perimeter of interest.
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13
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Campos-Gil JA, Ortega-Andeane P, Vargas D. Children's Microsystems and Their Relationship to Stress and Executive Functioning. Front Psychol 2020; 11:996. [PMID: 32848959 PMCID: PMC7406639 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Microsystems are described as contexts formed by a subject, their roles, their interactions, and a specific physical space and time, such as housing and the school environment. Although several studies suggest the importance of studying this type of environment and its repercussion on children's development, in a Latin American context, few studies integrate the interaction of two primary settings in the development of executive functioning. The present study explores the effects of the quality of housing and school environments on the perception of stress, decision making, and planning among children. A total of 114 children (43% girls and 57% boys, M age = 10.57) from a primary school located in a community classified as poor participated in the study. The following was measured: the environmental quality of classrooms, housing, stress, and executive functioning of children. The results reveal a model linking environmental quality levels in children's homes and schools and executive functioning. We also obtain a mediating role of stress between microsystems and performance, finding a deficit in executive performance when children experienced higher levels of stress as a result of poor environmental quality both in their homes and in their schools.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Delfino Vargas
- University Program of Development Studies, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
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14
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Beardslee LA, Banis GE, Chu S, Liu S, Chapin AA, Stine JM, Pasricha PJ, Ghodssi R. Ingestible Sensors and Sensing Systems for Minimally Invasive Diagnosis and Monitoring: The Next Frontier in Minimally Invasive Screening. ACS Sens 2020; 5:891-910. [PMID: 32157868 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.9b02263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ingestible electronic systems that are capable of embedded sensing, particularly within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and its accessory organs, have the potential to screen for diseases that are difficult if not impossible to detect at an early stage using other means. Furthermore, these devices have the potential to (1) reduce labor and facility costs for a variety of procedures, (2) promote research for discovering new biomarker targets for associated pathologies, (3) promote the development of autonomous or semiautonomous diagnostic aids for consumers, and (4) provide a foundation for epithelially targeted therapeutic interventions. These technological advances have the potential to make disease surveillance and treatment far more effective for a variety of conditions, allowing patients to lead longer and more productive lives. This review will examine the conventional techniques, as well as ingestible sensors and sensing systems that are currently under development for use in disease screening and diagnosis for GI disorders. Design considerations, fabrication, and applications will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke A. Beardslee
- Institute for Systems Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - George E. Banis
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Sangwook Chu
- Institute for Systems Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Sanwei Liu
- Institute for Systems Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Ashley A. Chapin
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Justin M. Stine
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
| | - Pankaj Jay Pasricha
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, United States
| | - Reza Ghodssi
- Institute for Systems Research, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742, United States
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Bartelink N, van Assema P, Kremers S, Savelberg H, Gevers D, Jansen M. Unravelling the Effects of the Healthy Primary School of the Future: For Whom and Where Is It Effective? Nutrients 2019; 11:E2119. [PMID: 31492048 PMCID: PMC6770282 DOI: 10.3390/nu11092119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The 'Healthy Primary School of the Future' (HPSF) aims to integrate health and well-being within the whole school system. This study examined the two-year effects of HPSF on children's dietary and physical activity (PA) behaviours at school and at home and investigated whether child characteristics or the home context moderated these effects. This study (n = 1676 children) has a quasi-experimental design with four intervention schools, i.e., two full HPSF (focus: nutrition and PA), two partial HPSF (focus: PA), and four control schools. Measurements consisted of accelerometry (Actigraph GT3X+) and questionnaires. Favourable effects on children's dietary and PA behaviours at school were found in the full HPSF; in the partial HPSF, only on PA behaviours. Children in the full HPSF did not compensate at home for the improved health behaviours at school, while in the partial HPSF, the children became less active at home. In both the full and partial HPSF, less favourable effects at school were found for younger children. At home, less favourable effects were found for children with a lower socioeconomic status. Overall, the effect of the full HPSF on children's dietary and PA behaviours was larger and more equally beneficial for all children than that of the partial HPSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Bartelink
- Department of Health Promotion, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Health Promotion, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- Academic Collaborative Centre for Public Health Limburg, Public Health Services, P.O. Box 33, 6400 AA Heerlen, The Netherlands.
| | - Patricia van Assema
- Department of Health Promotion, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Health Promotion, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Stef Kremers
- Department of Health Promotion, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Hans Savelberg
- Department of Nutritional and Movement Sciences, Nutrition and Translational Research Institute Maastricht (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Dorus Gevers
- Department of Health Promotion, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Maria Jansen
- Academic Collaborative Centre for Public Health Limburg, Public Health Services, P.O. Box 33, 6400 AA Heerlen, The Netherlands.
- Department of Health Services Research, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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van den Brink B, Alijani F, Ghatkesar MK. Experimental Setup for Dynamic Analysis of Micro- and Nano-Mechanical Systems in Vacuum, Gas, and Liquid. Micromachines (Basel) 2019; 10:E162. [PMID: 30813623 PMCID: PMC6471390 DOI: 10.3390/mi10030162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
An experimental setup to perform dynamic analysis of a micro- and nano-mechanical system in vacuum, gas, and liquid is presented. The setup mainly consists of a piezoelectric excitation part and the chamber that can be either evacuated for vacuum, or filled with gas or water. The design of the piezoelectric actuator was based on a Langevin transducer. The chamber is made out of materials that can sustain: vacuum, variety of gases and different types of liquids (mild acids, alkalies, common alcohols and oils). All the experiments were performed on commercial cantilevers used for contact and tapping mode Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) with stiffness 0.2 N/m and 48 N/m, respectively, in vacuum, air and water. The performance of the setup was evaluated by comparing the measured actuator response to a finite element model. The frequency responses of the two AFM cantilevers measured were compared to analytical equations. A vacuum level of 0.6 mbar was obtained. The setup has a bandwidth of 10⁻550 kHz in vacuum and air, and a bandwidth of 50⁻550 kHz in liquid. The dynamic responses of the cantilevers show good agreement with theory in all media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bram van den Brink
- Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, 2628CD Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Farbod Alijani
- Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, 2628CD Delft, The Netherlands.
| | - Murali Krishna Ghatkesar
- Department of Precision and Microsystems Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, 2628CD Delft, The Netherlands.
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Alfadhel A, Ouyang J, Mahajan CG, Forouzandeh F, Cormier D, Borkholder DA. Inkjet Printed Polyethylene Glycol as a Fugitive Ink for the Fabrication of Flexible Microfluidic Systems. Mater Des 2018; 150:182-187. [PMID: 30364619 PMCID: PMC6197481 DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2018.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This paper demonstrates a novel and simple processing technique for the realization of scalable and flexible microfluidic microsystems by inkjet-printing polyethylene-glycol (PEG) as a sacrificial template, followed by embedding in a structural layer (e.g. soft elastomers). The printing technology allows production of an array of PEG droplets simultaneously, reducing cost and manufacturing time. The PEG can be removed through heating above its phase-change temperature after the formation of the structural layer, with hydraulic flow removing the material. The developed technique allows easy modulation of the shape and dimensions of the pattern with the ability to generate complex architectures without using lithography. The method produces robust planar and multilayer microfluidic structures that can be realized on wide range of substrates. Moreover, microfluidics can be realized on other systems (e.g. electrodes and transducers) directly without requiring any bonding or assembling steps, which often limit the materials selection in conventional microfluidic fabrication. Multilayer Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic channels were created using this technique to demonstrate the capability of the concept to realize flexible microfluidic electronics, drug delivery systems, and lab-on-a-chip devices. By utilizing conductive liquid metals (i.e. EGaIn) as the filling material of the channels, flexible passive resistive components and sensors have been realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Alfadhel
- Microsystems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623, USA
| | - Jing Ouyang
- Microsystems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623, USA
| | - Chaitanya G. Mahajan
- Industrial and Systems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623, USA
| | - Farzad Forouzandeh
- Microsystems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623, USA
| | - Denis Cormier
- Industrial and Systems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623, USA
| | - David A. Borkholder
- Microsystems Engineering, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623, USA
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18
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Wei L, Yan W, Ho D. Recent Advances in Fluorescence Lifetime Analytical Microsystems: Contact Optics and CMOS Time-Resolved Electronics. Sensors (Basel) 2017; 17:E2800. [PMID: 29207568 PMCID: PMC5751615 DOI: 10.3390/s17122800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescence spectroscopy has become a prominent research tool with wide applications in medical diagnostics and bio-imaging. However, the realization of combined high-performance, portable, and low-cost spectroscopic sensors still remains a challenge, which has limited the technique to the laboratories. A fluorescence lifetime measurement seeks to obtain the characteristic lifetime from the fluorescence decay profile. Time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC) and time-gated techniques are two key variations of time-resolved measurements. However, commercial time-resolved analysis systems typically contain complex optics and discrete electronic components, which lead to bulkiness and a high cost. These two limitations can be significantly mitigated using contact sensing and complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) implementation. Contact sensing simplifies the optics, whereas CMOS technology enables on-chip, arrayed detection and signal processing, significantly reducing size and power consumption. This paper examines recent advances in contact sensing and CMOS time-resolved circuits for the realization of fully integrated fluorescence lifetime measurement microsystems. The high level of performance from recently reported prototypes suggests that the CMOS-based contact sensing microsystems are emerging as sound technologies for application-specific, low-cost, and portable time-resolved diagnostic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Wei
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China.
| | - Wenrong Yan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China.
| | - Derek Ho
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China.
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Gillin N, Taylor R, Walker S. Exploring the concept of "caring cultures": A critical examination of the conceptual, methodological and validity issues with the "caring cultures" construct. J Clin Nurs 2017; 26:5216-5223. [PMID: 28425629 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.13858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To critically examine the conceptual, methodological and validity issues with the "caring cultures" construct. BACKGROUND Post the Francis Report, "caring cultures" and alternative terminology such as "culture/s of care/caring/compassionate care" have gained prominence in the literature, especially within a UK policy context. However, in order to understand the value these "caring cultures" hold in terms of clinical practice, the concept itself first needs to be understood. DESIGN A discussion and critical examination of the concept of "caring cultures" and associated terminology. METHODS Grey literature, database, library and reference list searches were conducted. RESULTS It is implied that "caring cultures" influence patient care. However, evidence which verifies this assertion is limited. In this article, the concept of "caring cultures" is deconstructed and its validity explored. An alternative to "caring cultures" is proposed in terms of research, whereby the concept of culture is instead explored in detail, on a microsystem level, using appropriate methodology. CONCLUSION The concept of "caring cultures", although attractive in terms of its apparent simplicity, is not considered the most useful nor appropriate phrases in terms of advancing research. Instead, research which examines the established concept of "culture" in relation to outcomes such as patient care, doing so with an appropriate methodology, is viewed as a more suitable alternative. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Clarifying concepts and terminology relating to "caring cultures" is essential for research to progress and the impact of culture on clinical practice to be better understood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ruth Taylor
- Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, UK
| | - Susan Walker
- Primary and Intermediate Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, UK
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20
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Johnson DG, Borkholder DA. Towards an Implantable, Low Flow Micropump That Uses No Power in the Blocked-Flow State. Micromachines (Basel) 2016; 7:E99. [PMID: 30404274 PMCID: PMC6189832 DOI: 10.3390/mi7060099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Low flow rate micropumps play an increasingly important role in drug therapy research. Infusions to small biological structures and lab-on-a-chip applications require ultra-low flow rates and will benefit from the ability to expend no power in the blocked-flow state. Here we present a planar micropump based on gallium phase-change actuation that leverages expansion during solidification to occlude the flow channel in the off-power state. The presented four chamber peristaltic micropump was fabricated with a combination of Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) techniques and additive manufacturing direct write technologies. The device is 7 mm × 13 mm × 1 mm (<100 mm³) with the flow channel and exterior coated with biocompatible Parylene-C, critical for implantable applications. Controllable pump rates from 18 to 104 nL/min were demonstrated, with 11.1 ± 0.35 nL pumped per actuation at an efficiency of 11 mJ/nL. The normally-closed state of the gallium actuator prevents flow and diffusion between the pump and the biological system or lab-on-a-chip, without consuming power. This is especially important for implanted applications with periodic drug delivery regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean G Johnson
- Rochester Institute of Technology, Microsystems Engineering, Rochester, NY 14623, USA.
| | - David A Borkholder
- Rochester Institute of Technology, Microsystems Engineering, Rochester, NY 14623, USA.
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21
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Elettro H, Neukirch S, Vollrath F, Antkowiak A. In-drop capillary spooling of spider capture thread inspires hybrid fibers with mixed solid-liquid mechanical properties. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:6143-7. [PMID: 27185930 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1602451113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
An essential element in the web-trap architecture, the capture silk spun by ecribellate orb spiders consists of glue droplets sitting astride a silk filament. Mechanically this thread presents a mixed solid-liquid behavior unknown to date. Under extension, capture silk behaves as a particularly stretchy solid, owing to its molecular nanosprings, but it totally switches behavior in compression to now become liquid-like: It shrinks with no apparent limit while exerting a constant tension. Here, we unravel the physics underpinning the unique behavior of this "liquid wire" and demonstrate that its mechanical response originates in the shape-switching of the silk filament induced by buckling within the droplets. Learning from this natural example of geometry and mechanics, we manufactured programmable liquid wires that present previously unidentified pathways for the design of new hybrid solid-liquid materials.
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22
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Abstract
Biosensors first appeared several decades ago to address the need for monitoring physiological parameters such as oxygen or glucose in biological fluids such as blood. More recently, a new wave of biosensors has emerged in order to provide more nuanced and granular information about the composition and function of living cells. Such biosensors exist at the confluence of technology and medicine and often strive to connect cell phenotype or function to physiological or pathophysiological processes. Our review aims to describe some of the key technological aspects of biosensors being developed for cell analysis. The technological aspects covered in our review include biorecognition elements used for biosensor construction, methods for integrating cells with biosensors, approaches to single-cell analysis, and the use of nanostructured biosensors for cell analysis. Our hope is that the spectrum of possibilities for cell analysis described in this review may pique the interest of biomedical scientists and engineers and may spur new collaborations in the area of using biosensors for cell analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, California 95616;
| | - Kyungjin Son
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, California 95616;
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, California 95616;
| | - Alexander Revzin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, California 95616;
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23
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Abstract
As we move towards the miniaturization of devices to perform tasks at the nano and microscale, it has become increasingly important to develop new methods for actuation, sensing, and control. Over the past decade, bio-hybrid methods have been investigated as a promising new approach to overcome the challenges of scaling down robotic and other functional devices. These methods integrate biological cells with artificial components and therefore, can take advantage of the intrinsic actuation and sensing functionalities of biological cells. Here, the recent advancements in bio-hybrid actuation are reviewed, and the challenges associated with the design, fabrication, and control of bio-hybrid microsystems are discussed. As a case study, focus is put on the development of bacteria-driven microswimmers, which has been investigated as a targeted drug delivery carrier. Finally, a future outlook for the development of these systems is provided. The continued integration of biological and artificial components is envisioned to enable the performance of tasks at a smaller and smaller scale in the future, leading to the parallel and distributed operation of functional systems at the microscale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rika Wright Carlsen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
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24
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Mirzaei M, Sawan M. Microelectronics-based biosensors dedicated to the detection of neurotransmitters: a review. Sensors (Basel) 2014; 14:17981-8008. [PMID: 25264957 PMCID: PMC4239957 DOI: 10.3390/s141017981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2014] [Revised: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of neurotransmitters (NTs) in the human body are related to diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The mechanisms of several neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, have been linked to NTs. Because the number of diagnosed cases is increasing, the diagnosis and treatment of such diseases are important. To detect biomolecules including NTs, microtechnology, micro and nanoelectronics have become popular in the form of the miniaturization of medical and clinical devices. They offer high-performance features in terms of sensitivity, as well as low-background noise. In this paper, we review various devices and circuit techniques used for monitoring NTs in vitro and in vivo and compare various methods described in recent publications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Mirzaei
- Polystim Neurotechnologies Laboratory, Electrical Engineering Department, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T1J4, Canada.
| | - Mohamad Sawan
- Polystim Neurotechnologies Laboratory, Electrical Engineering Department, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T1J4, Canada.
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25
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Affiliation(s)
- David R. S. Cumming
- School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, James Watt South Building, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Stephen B. Furber
- School of Computer Science, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Douglas J. Paul
- School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, James Watt South Building, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
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26
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Liu X, Suk JW, Boddeti NG, Cantley L, Wang L, Gray JM, Hall HJ, Bright VM, Rogers CT, Dunn ML, Ruoff RS, Bunch JS. Large arrays and properties of 3-terminal graphene nanoelectromechanical switches. Adv Mater 2014; 26:1571-6. [PMID: 24339026 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201304949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Large arrays of 3-terminal nanoelectromechanical graphene switches are fabricated. The switch is designed with a novel geometry that leads to low actuation voltages and improved mechanical integrity, while reducing adhesion forces, which improves the reliability of the switch. A finite element model including non-linear electromechanics is used to simulate the switching behavior and to deduce a scaling relation between the switching voltage and device dimensions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinghui Liu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
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27
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Likosky DS. Clinical microsystems: a critical framework for crossing the quality chasm. J Extra Corpor Technol 2014; 46:33-37. [PMID: 24779117 PMCID: PMC4557508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Patients, payers, and the public have increased expectations concerning the quality, safety and costs of our health care delivery systems. Whether or not to redesign our complex delivery systems is no longer in question. In order to succeed in optimizing care and outcomes (clinical and financial) for our stakeholders, we must design and evaluate tests of change. This journey will require a fundamental shift in our traditional thinking about healthcare delivery systems, including how: (1) each of us relates (effectively or not) to one another, and (2) the value of our patient's care is impacted accordingly. With this challenge in mind, this article will provide insight to the reader concerning clinical microsystems, small groups of professionals who work together on a regular basis to provide care to discrete populations of patients. The reader will learn how to leverage these microsystems to meet our stakeholders' expectations, namely to optimize the quality, safety and costs of our health care delivery systems.
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28
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Washe AP, Lozano P, Bejarano D, Katakis I. Eletrochemically actuated stop-go valves for capillary force-operated diagnostic microsystems. Chemphyschem 2013; 14:2164-73. [PMID: 23592401 DOI: 10.1002/cphc.201300042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Lateral-flow immunosensing devices continue to be the most successful commercial realization of analytical microdevices. They owe their success to their simplicity, which significantly depends on the capillary-driven flow and versatile technological platform that lends itself to fast and low-cost product development. To compete with such a convenient product, microsystems can benefit from simple-to-operate fluid manipulation. We show that the capillary-driven flow in microchannels can be manipulated with electrochemically activated valves with no moving parts. These valves consist of screen-printed electrode pairs that are transversal to the flow. One of the electrodes is solvent-etched to produce a superhydrophobic surface that provides passive stopping and facilitates low-voltage (~1 V) actuation of the flow via electrowetting. The operation of such valves in the stop-go mode, with a response time between 2 and 45 sec depending on the type and concentration of salt, is demonstrated. Mechanistic investigations indicated that the response depends on at least three phenomena that contribute to electrocapillarity: the electrochemical double-layer capacitance, specific counterion adsorption, and possible electrohydrodynamic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alemayehu P Washe
- Bioengineering and Bioelectrochemistry Group, Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Avinguda Països Catalans, 26, 43007, Tarragona, Spain
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Muthuswamy J, Anand S, Sridharan A. Adaptive movable neural interfaces for monitoring single neurons in the brain. Front Neurosci 2011; 5:94. [PMID: 21927593 PMCID: PMC3168918 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2011.00094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2011] [Accepted: 07/14/2011] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Implantable microelectrodes that are currently used to monitor neuronal activity in the brain in vivo have serious limitations both in acute and chronic experiments. Movable microelectrodes that adapt their position in the brain to maximize the quality of neuronal recording have been suggested and tried as a potential solution to overcome the challenges with the current fixed implantable microelectrodes. While the results so far suggest that movable microelectrodes improve the quality and stability of neuronal recordings from the brain in vivo, the bulky nature of the technologies involved in making these movable microelectrodes limits the throughput (number of neurons that can be recorded from at any given time) of these implantable devices. Emerging technologies involving the use of microscale motors and electrodes promise to overcome this limitation. This review summarizes some of the most recent efforts in developing movable neural interfaces using microscale technologies that adapt their position in response to changes in the quality of the neuronal recordings. Key gaps in our understanding of the brain-electrode interface are highlighted. Emerging discoveries in these areas will lead to success in the development of a reliable and stable interface with single neurons that will impact basic neurophysiological studies and emerging cortical prosthetic technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jit Muthuswamy
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University Tempe, AZ, USA
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30
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Abstract
Food and environmental virology has become a very important and interesting area of research because of food safety and public health concerns. During the last few decades, increasing foodborne diseases and environmental generated illnesses are considered to be highly challenging issues. Biosensor technology holds great promise for the healthcare market, and the security sector. Similar to clinical diagnostic tools, biosensors are being developed for the rapid, reliable, yet inexpensive identification and enumeration of pathogenic viruses which are adulterating environment, food and feed commodities. In this modern era, bio-and nano-technologies play a pivotal role in virological diagnostics of food industry, environmental and veterinary samples. This review covers the recent advances and future prospects of nanotechnology-based bioanalytical microsystems for food and environmental virology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Yadav
- Department of Bio and Nano Technology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, 125001 Haryana India
| | - Sadhana Dwivedi
- Department of Bio and Nano Technology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, 125001 Haryana India
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Division of Biochemistry, Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research, ICAR, Sewar, Bharatpur, 321303 Rajasthan India
| | - Ashok Chaudhury
- Department of Bio and Nano Technology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, 125001 Haryana India
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