Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Elias Ferreiro-Vila, Juan Molina, Lukas M. Weituschat, Eduardo Gil-Santos, Pablo A. Postigo, Daniel Ramos
Summary: This study demonstrates a new method for high-resolution room temperature thermal measurement using nanomechanical resonator-free standing silicon nitride membranes, achieving unprecedented results. In a high vacuum environment, the heat transfer mechanisms of the devices are limited to thermal conductivity and radiation.
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Fei Long, Ta-Min Meng, Jiunn-Jyh Wang, Chia-Hsiang Menq
Summary: This article presents the Hall-sensor-based magnetic force modeling and inverse modeling for the hexapole electromagnetic actuation. By directly measuring magnetic flux, the accuracy of force modeling is improved, which is experimentally validated.
IEEE-ASME TRANSACTIONS ON MECHATRONICS
(2022)
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Fei Long, Ta-Min Meng, Jiunn-Jyh Wang, Chia-Hsiang Menq
Summary: This article introduces the Hall-sensor-based magnetic force modeling and inverse modeling for hexapole electromagnetic actuation, experimentally validates the accuracy of force modeling, and enables active control.
IEEE-ASME TRANSACTIONS ON MECHATRONICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jesus Sot, Aritz B. Garcia-Arribas, Beatriz Abad, Sara Arranz, Kevin Portune, Fernando Andrade, Alicia Martin-Nieto, Olaia Velasco, Eunate Arana, Itziar Tueros, Carla Ferreri, Sonia Gaztambide, Felix M. Goni, Luis Castano, Alicia Alonso
Summary: This study explores the physical properties of red blood cell membranes in obese adults, revealing increased fluidity in the membrane interface related to changes in lipid composition. Lipidomic data demonstrate an increase in the cholesterol/phospholipid mole ratio and a decrease in sphingomyelin contents in obese membranes. Omega-3 fatty acids are less prevalent in obese patient RBCs, while omega-6 fatty acids are increased.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rafal Babilas, Katarzyna Mlynarek-Zak, Adrian Radon, Wojciech Lonski, Mariola Kadziolka-Gawel, Tymon Warski, Darya Rudomilova, Edyta Wyszkowska, Lukasz Kurpaska
Summary: This study utilized thermodynamic approach to design and study new complex compositional Al-Ni-Fe(Cr,Cu) alloys based on aluminum. The objective was to understand microstructure changes during rapid solidification process and evaluate the anticorrosion and nanomechanical properties of the developed alloys. Prediction of chemical composition was done by optimizing thermodynamic parameters like configurational entropy and Gibbs free energy. Two cooling methods were used, slow cooling for ingots and fast cooling using high-pressure die-casting method for plates. Quasicrystalline decagonal phase D-Al71Ni24Fe5 was found in Al72Ni24Fe4 alloy along with crystalline phases Al3Ni, Al3Ni2, and Al9Ni1.3Fe0.7. Al72Ni24Fe2.5Cr1.5 alloy showed the best electrochemical parameters. Local galvanic microcells were formed due to large potential differences (>50 mV) between Al-Ni and Al-Ni-Fe phases in the studied alloys. Al72Ni24Fe4 alloy showed the highest average indentation hardness values of 9.98 ± 1.75 GPa after normal and rapid solidification. Al72Ni24Cr1.5Fe2.5 alloy exhibited higher ductility compared to Al72Ni24Fe4 and Al72Ni24Cu1.5Fe2.5 alloys, as confirmed by the lowest average hardness and Young's modulus values.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Miles F. Beaux, Reuben J. Peterson, Igor O. Usov
Summary: Atomic force microscopy was used to map the topography and qualitative mechanical characteristics of gallium-stabilized delta-phase plutonium coupons. The initial rough and heterogeneous surface of plutonium was observed, along with distinct striation patterns in qualitative nanomechanical mapping. Investigation suggested that the striations were not measurement artifacts or plutonium-specific features, and were influenced by mechanical working of the surface.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Robotics
Haojin Yang, Zhengxin Yang, Dongdong Jin, Lin Su, Kai-Fung Chan, Kelvin Kam-Lung Chong, Chi Pui Pang, Li Zhang
Summary: This study designed and constructed a magnetic micro-driller system for nasolacrimal duct (NLD) recanalization as a minimally invasive alternative to conventional treatment. The guide-wired microrobot can navigate through the NLD phantom and remove the blockage automatically, providing a microrobot-assisted endoluminal solution for NLD recanalization with improved safety.
IEEE ROBOTICS AND AUTOMATION LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Robotics
Wesley Roozing, Zeyu Ren, Nikos G. Tsagarakis
Summary: This study introduces a novel three-degree-of-freedom compliantly actuated leg called eLeg, employing efficient actuation design and control strategies. Experimental results demonstrate significant improvements in electrical energy consumption compared to traditional actuation configurations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ROBOTICS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Physics, Applied
Xusheng Hui, Jianjun Luo, Xinliang Wang, Rong Wang, Hao Sun
Summary: This paper presents a bimorph electrothermal micro-gripper that combines rapid response and low power consumption, and achieves precise manipulation through optimized circuit design. The micro-gripper has potential applications in robotics and biomedical fields.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
David W. Collinson, Richard J. Sheridan, Marc J. Palmeri, L. Catherine Brinson
Summary: Over the past two decades, atomic force microscopy (AFM) has evolved from an experimental technique for probing simple surface topography to a technology capable of spatially mapping nanoscale material properties with high sensitivity and resolution, especially in extracting nanoscale elastic and viscoelastic data from polymers and other soft materials. However, the lack of clarity on best practices for interpreting nanoscale mechanical data on polymers, along with the presence of multiple phases in samples, poses limitations on the quantitative accuracy of AFM methods and interpretation of mechanical data.
PROGRESS IN POLYMER SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Hossein Darban
Summary: The study investigates the size-dependent free transverse vibration of micro- and nanocantilever mass sensors. The analysis considers a general case of a sensor with arbitrary attached particles. By dividing the domain into segments at the locations of the particles and describing the displacement fields based on the Bernoulli-Euler beam theory, the size effect is incorporated by assuming the constitutive equation of the stress-driven nonlocal theory of elasticity. The eigenvalue problem is generated by solving the equation of motion in each sensor segment and imposing variationally consistent and higher-order constitutive boundary and continuity conditions. Analytical analysis is performed to examine the natural frequencies and their sensitivity to the attachment of a small mass. Numerical simulations are conducted to investigate the effect of size dependency on the frequency shifts of the first four vibration modes when the sensors are loaded with one to three particles. It is revealed that neglecting the size effect may lead to incorrect mass detections of the attached particles.
MECHANICAL SYSTEMS AND SIGNAL PROCESSING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Nathalie Barroca, Liam J. Collins, Brian M. Rodriguez, M. Helena V. Fernandes, Paula M. Vilarinho
Summary: This article reports the fabrication of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) thin films with mechanical stress-responsive behavior. Local electrical polarization was generated by applying mechanical stress using an AFM tip, and the magnitude of polarization could be manipulated by varying the thickness or crystallization state of the films. These mechanically responsive PLLA films exhibit potential for energy harvesting, sensor applications, and physiological force sensing.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Jinan Liu, Yiqiang Fu, Xiongjun Liu, Haihui Ruan
Summary: In this work, a bar-joint model based on the corrected resistive force theory (CRFT) is proposed to study artificial flagellated micro-swimmers (AFMSs) propelled by acoustic waves. The CRFT model significantly reduces the deviation in terminal velocity compared to the classical resistive-force theory for 3D cylindrical flagellum. A correction factor K is introduced in the CRFT for accurate prediction of 2D locomotion of an acoustically actuated AFMS with a rectangular cross-section. Detailed comparisons and a numerical demonstration of the CRFT model are presented, showcasing its reliability and potential for future precision therapy.
BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Zhongxiang Yuan, Zhengguang Zhang, Lizhan Zeng, Xiaoqing Li
Summary: This paper reviews the key technologies used in active microvibration isolation systems (AMISs), including systematic dynamics methodology, sensing, actuation, and controller design. The study finds that smart material actuators and advanced control algorithms like fuzzy logic and neural networks will be popular research topics in the future.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Longchang Ni, Maarten P. de Boer
Summary: By implementing tantalum thermal actuators, a new microelectromechanical test platform is created for testing the mechanical properties of various metals. The platform is suitable for measuring creep of thin films, with excellent specimen alignment and simple robust handling procedures.
JOURNAL OF MICROELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Nikolaj Kofoed Mandsberg, Wenting Liao, Yoshihiro Alexander Yamanouchi, Anja Boisen, Hirotaka Ejima
Summary: The study shows that metal-phenolic networks can successfully encapsulate green algae, delaying cell proliferation, adsorption, and enhancing harvest efficiency, providing new possibilities for surface engineering applications of green algae.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jian Zhang, Mickael L. Perrin, Luis Barba, Jan Overbeck, Seoho Jung, Brock Grassy, Aryan Agal, Rico Muff, Rolf Bronnimann, Miroslav Haluska, Cosmin Roman, Christofer Hierold, Martin Jaggi, Michel Calame
Summary: The rapid localization and characterization of nanomaterials is crucial for quality control and industrial adoption. This study presents a high-throughput method for quickly identifying nanomaterials using high-speed Raman imaging and deep learning analysis, along with an optimized scanning strategy.
MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Markus Piller, Johannes Hiesberger, Elisabeth Wistrela, Paolo Martini, Niklas Luhmann, Silvan Schmid
Summary: Researchers investigated NEMS trampoline resonators made of silicon nitride as thermal IR detectors and found that they have an enhanced responsivity compared to state-of-the-art SiN drums. The characterized NEMS trampoline IR detectors showed a sensitivity in terms of noise equivalent power (NEP) of 7 pW/v Hz and a thermal response time as low as 4 ms. The detector area featured an impedance-matched metal thin-film absorber with a spectrally flat absorption of 50% over the entire mid-IR spectral range from 1 to 25 μm.
IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Philip H. R. Carlsen, Rolf Bech Kjeldsen, Gabriel K. Pedersen, Dennis Christensen, Line Hagner Nielsen, Anja Boisen
Summary: Oral vaccination has gained attention recently due to patient compliance and logistics. However, developing oral subunit vaccines is challenging. Micro technology, such as Microcontainers (MCs), can be used to overcome these challenges by facilitating protection and effective delivery of vaccine components in the gastrointestinal tract. The study tests MCs for oral delivery of the C. trachomatis vaccine candidate CTH522, and finds that alpha-GalCer is the most efficient adjuvant for the oral vaccine. The study also suggests that larger animals should be used in future trials with MCs due to potential clearance issues in mice.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tijana Maric, Vaios Adamakis, Zhongyang Zhang, Carmen Milian-Guimera, Lasse Hojlund Eklund Thamdrup, Eugen Stamate, Mahdi Ghavami, Anja Boisen
Summary: For macromolecules and poorly permeable drugs, oral drug delivery often suffers from low bioavailability and absorption. To address this issue, a cascade delivery device comprising Magnesium-based Janus micromotors (MMs) inside microscale containers (MCs) has been proposed. This device aims to facilitate targeted drug delivery by allowing MMs to lodge within the intestinal mucosa. Loading MMs into MCs can potentially enhance drug absorption through increased proximity and unidirectional release. The concept of dual-acting cascade devices holds great potential in applications that require proximity to the epithelium and deep mucus penetration.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Tijana Maric, Amalie Lovind, Zhongyang Zhang, Jiayue Geng, Anja Boisen
Summary: In this study, gold-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles are developed as nanomotors driven by near-infrared light. These nanomotors can propel themselves through biofilms and disperse them through photothermal effect. The velocities of the nanomotors are found to increase with increasing laser power, and they show excellent capabilities to eradicate Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms even under short irradiation time. This study holds great promise for overcoming challenges in bacterial biofilm eradication.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Tien-Jen Chang, Rolf Bech Kjeldsen, Juliane Fjelrad Christfort, Eduard Marzo Vila, Tommy Sonne Alstrom, Kinga Zor, En-Te Hwu, Line Hagner Nielsen, Anja Boisen
Summary: This study investigates the use of microscale stereolithography 3D printing to fabricate radiopaque microcontainers with enhanced mucoadhesive geometries, aiming to improve bioavailability. The results show that microcontainers with adhering features exhibit increased mucoadhesion. In vivo studies using imaging techniques reveal the time-dependent gastrointestinal location and spatial dynamics of microcontainers.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hendrik Kaehler, Holger Arthaber, Robert Winkler, Robert G. West, Ioan Ignat, Harald Plank, Silvan Schmid
Summary: One challenge in nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) is the efficient transduction of tiny resonators. In this study, an electromechanical transduction method based on surface acoustic waves (SAWs) is presented, which successfully transduces freestanding nanomechanical platinum-carbon pillar resonators in the first-order bending and compression mode.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Niklas Luhmann, Robert G. West, Josiane P. Lafleur, Silvan Schmid
Summary: We propose a new method for quantitatively analyzing mixtures of semivolatile chemical compounds by integrating thermal desorption with nano electromechanical infrared spectroscopy (NEMS-IR-TD). In this technique, the analyte mixture is deposited on the surface of a NEMS sensor via nebulization and then desorbed under vacuum using heating. The desorption process is monitored in situ via infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis, enabling selective identification and analysis of the mixture.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Haipeng Li, Elodie Dumont, Roman Slipets, Thomas Thersleff, Anja Boisen, Georgios A. Sotiriou
Summary: Pesticide residues in food products are a concern for human health, and their rapid and easy detection is necessary. The surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technique can detect pesticide residues quickly and reliably, but its application in food safety diagnostics is limited by its high cost, low scalability, and low reproducibility of necessary sensors. In this study, we have developed a low-cost, large-scale, and highly reproducible method for fabricating SERS nano-sensors, based on the direct deposition of plasmonic core-shell structured Ag-SiO2 nanoparticles produced in the gas phase on temperature-controlled inexpensive glass substrates. Our highly sensitive SERS substrates can rapidly and quantitatively detect pesticide residues in fresh orange, demonstrating their practical applicability for food safety diagnostics.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mahdi Ghavami, Jesper Pedersen, Rolf Bech Kjeldsen, Aage Kristian Olsen Alstrup, Zhongyang Zhang, Vasiliki Koulianou, Johan Palmfeldt, Thomas Vorup-Jensen, Lasse Hojlund Eklund Thamdrup, Anja Boisen
Summary: In this study, researchers developed a new generation of medical devices called self-unfolding proximity enabling devices, which can orally deliver macromolecules without perforating the intestine. These devices protect the macromolecules from harsh conditions in the stomach and release their active pharmaceutical ingredients near the intestinal epithelium. One version of the device, a self-unfolding foil, was used to deliver insulin and nisin to rats and pigs, resulting in a significant increase in absorption.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Kostas Kanellopulos, Robert G. West, Silvan Schmid
Summary: Understanding light-matter interaction at the nanoscale is crucial, and this study presents a nanomechanical photothermal sensing platform for analyzing individual nanoabsorbers. The absorption properties of gold nanorods are resolved, including their surface plasmon resonances. The analysis reveals the role of electron scattering and the interaction between nanoabsorbers and nanoresonators, highlighting the exceptional sensitivity of nanomechanical photothermal spectroscopy.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Laura Serioli, Lina Gruzinskyte, Giulia Zappala, En Te Hwu, Trygvi Zachariassen Laksafoss, Peter Lunding Jensen, Danilo Demarchi, Anette Mullertz, Anja Boisen, Kinga Zor
Summary: The CMoD platform is a compact centrifugal device that utilizes artificial intelligence software for real-time monitoring of cell culture and drug interaction under flow conditions. It can accurately analyze cell images and provide data on cell viability and toxicity.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Carmen Milian-Guimera, Reece Mccabe, Lasse Hojlund Eklund Thamdrup, Mahdi Ghavami, Anja Boisen
Summary: Oral dosage forms are the preferred solution for systemic treatment and prevention of diseases, but traditional forms face challenges. Research on novel formulation strategies for oral drug delivery has bloomed in the last decade to overcome these challenges, with approaches based on drug release and mucus interfacing showing promising results in personalized medicine and improved bioavailability.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Pi Westi Bondegaard, Anders Meyer Torp, Priscila Guerra, Katja Ann Kristensen, Juliane Fjelrad Christfort, Karen Angeliki Krogfelt, Line Hagner Nielsen, Kinga Zor, Anja Boisen, Martin Steen Mortensen, Martin Iain Bahl, Tine Rask Licht
Summary: The use of microcontainers did not provide a competitive advantage for the probiotic E. coli Nissle in colonizing the gut of mice. Alternative approaches are needed to enhance the competitive capacity of EcN in the gut.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
