Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Rosalba Moretta, Luca De Stefano, Monica Terracciano, Ilaria Rea
Summary: This review summarizes the leading advancements in porous silicon (PSi) optical-biosensors achieved over the past five years, highlighting the cost-effective fabrication process, high internal surface area, tunable pore size, and photonic properties. Different optical PSi biosensors are classified into four classes based on the biorecognition elements immobilized on the surface, with discussions on PL signal modulation and effective refractive index changes as the main optical transduction mechanisms. Additionally, common approaches for chemically stabilizing and functionalizing the PSi surface are described.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Kai-Xin Xie, Qian Liu, Shu-Shu Jia, Xiu-Xian Xiao
Summary: The introduction of a hollow plasmonic structure led to enhanced surface plasmon-coupled emission (SPCE), resulting in significant fluorescence signal enhancements. This was primarily attributed to the unique hot-spot plasmonic structure between GNS and gold substrate, the intense electromagnetic field of GNSs, and the strong coupling interactions between fluorescence and surface plasmons.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xinzhao Xu, Benjamin J. Bowen, Rebecca E. A. Gwyther, Mark Freeley, Bella Grigorenko, Alexander V. Nemukhin, Johnas Eklof-Osterberg, Kasper Moth-Poulsen, D. Dafydd Jones, Matteo Palma
Summary: The study presents the construction of nanoscale protein-based sensing devices, demonstrating the ability to modulate the conductance gating effect by controlling the presentation of proteins. Furthermore, experimental results show that local electrostatic properties act as the key driving force for electrostatic gating.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Shuangming Li, Venkat R. Bhethanabotla
Summary: This study introduces a method of fabricating nanostructures through rapid thermal annealing of thin silver films to enhance fluorescence signals, which can reduce detection limits and increase sensitivity. Utilizing these optimized structures, antibody-antigen immunoassays demonstrated a nearly 19-fold increase in fluorescence intensity, with the enhanced immunofluorescence sensor being nearly 13 times more sensitive than the non-enhanced version. The results show promising potential for quantifying biomarkers at low concentrations.
IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Ijaz Gul, Wang Le, Zhou Jie, Fang Ruiqin, Muhammad Bilal, Lixia Tang
Summary: Halogenated compounds are significant pollutants that pose serious threats to human health and the environment, requiring rapid and accurate detection methods. Biosensors based on dehalogenating enzymes (halocarbon biosensors) have made substantial progress in environmental applications, demonstrating ongoing development and potential for addressing challenges in the field.
TRAC-TRENDS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Keying Guo, Maria Alba, Grace Pei Chin, Ziqiu Tong, Bin Guan, Michael J. Sailor, Nicolas H. Voelcker, Beatriz Prieto-Simon
Summary: This study explores layered carbon-stabilized pSi nanostructures as an electrochemical biosensor, demonstrating its excellent electrochemical properties and high sensitivity for DNA detection. The biosensor achieves a detection limit of 0.4 pM for a 28-nucleotide DNA sequence, two orders of magnitude lower than any other pSi-based electrochemical DNA sensors reported to date.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Clara Whyte Ferreira, Roselien Vercauteren, Laurent A. Francis
Summary: A robust fabrication method for stable mesoporous silicon membranes was developed using standard microfabrication techniques, passivated through atomic layer deposition of different metal oxides for biosensing applications, demonstrating selective optical detection capabilities for Bacillus cereus bacterial lysate.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rakshith Boranna, Chandrika Thondagere Nataraj, Shivananju Bannur Nanjunda, Suman Pahal, Raviprasad Kogravalli Jagannath, Gurusiddappa R. Prashanth
Summary: Layer-by-layer self-assembled polyelectrolyte multilayer films are a simple and elegant way to create films at the nano-microscale. This technology has been widely used as a universal functionalization technique on various substrates. In this study, a blend of conventional metal enhanced fluorescence technology and polyelectrolyte multilayer film was incorporated as a dielectric spacer and functionalized film on an aluminum tape-based substrate. The resulting device showed significant fluorescence signal enhancement compared to traditional coating techniques and demonstrated potential for low-cost and high-throughput lab-on-chip diagnostic applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Daniel Petrovszki, Sandor Valkai, Lorand Kelemen, Laszlo Nagy, Vivechana Agarwal, Szilvia Krekic, Laszlo Zimanyi, Andras Der
Summary: We created a composite photonic structure by using porous silicon microcavities doped with the photochromic protein, photoactive yellow protein (PYP). The incorporation of protein molecules into the pores was confirmed by a 30 nm shift in resonance dip and observable changes in device reflectance due to the protein photocycle. Model calculations and estimation of the degree of protein incorporation were consistent with previous research on the protein's nonlinear optical properties. The successful results are discussed in terms of potential practical applications in the future.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Da-Qian Feng, Wenfeng Zhang, Wei Wang, Guoliang Liu
Summary: A label-free sensing method for multiplexed detection of virus DNA is developed using smart flared-nanokites. The flared-nanokites consist of silver nanoclusters beacons immobilized on gold nanoparticles. The close proximity of silver nanoclusters to gold nanoparticles leads to quenching of fluorescence, but upon target binding, the release of silver nanoclusters results in fluorescence enhancement. Multicolor flared-nanokites for multichannel DNA detection have been successfully constructed, demonstrating their promising application in accurate diagnosis and treatment.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mohsen Ghiasi Tarzi, Fereshteh Rahimi, Ali Abouei Mehrizi, Moloud Jalili Shahmansouri, Bahman Ebrahimi Hoseinzadeh
Summary: This study developed a fluidic optical nanobiosensor based on reflectometric interferometry Fourier transform spectroscopy for real-time detection of growth hormone. The sensor showed linear responses to growth hormone in both PBS buffer and human serum, with high specificity.
APPLIED PHYSICS A-MATERIALS SCIENCE & PROCESSING
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiajun Song, Hong Liu, Zeyu Zhao, Peng Lin, Feng Yan
Summary: Flexible and stretchable biosensors are increasingly utilized for acquiring high-fidelity signals in emerging applications. Organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) are ideal candidates for flexible and stretchable biosensing due to their soft nature, amplification function, biocompatibility, functionalization ease, low cost, and device diversity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the advancements in flexible-OTFT-based biosensors, discussing their features, functionalization strategies, applications in wearable, implantable, and portable electronics, as well as neuromorphic biointerfaces. Special attention is given to emerging stretchable organic transistors and their engineering routes for achieving stretchability, along with their implementations in e-skin and smart textiles. The remaining challenges and future opportunities in this field are also summarized.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Xin Yi Wong, Daniel Quesada-Gonzalez, Sivakumar Manickam, Kasturi Muthoosamy
Summary: A nanobiosensor using FA-rGO-RNase A/AuNCs for detecting sodium and potassium ions based on fluorescence turn-off/turn-on is presented. The fabrication of RNase A/AuNCs and the activity of RNase A protein after formation were studied. The nanobiosensor showed excellent sensing performance and has the potential to be used as a metal ion sensor.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Peisheng Tang, Qing Wang, Qiuyan Tan, Kun Huang, Bingxin Du, Lijuan Liang
Summary: In this study, a terpyridyl functionalized rhodamine dye (TRMe) was designed and prepared, which selectively enhances fluorescence response to viscosity in water-glycerol mixtures and can respond to viscosity enhancement over a wide pH range. Furthermore, TRMe demonstrates excellent mitochondria-targeted performance and can be used as a tracer for viscosity imaging in living cells.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yichen Sun, Ran Leng, Xinjie Ma, Jiangping Zhang, Bing Han, Guixia Zhao, Yuejie Ai, Baowei Hu, Zhuoyu Ji, Xiangke Wang
Summary: A dual-functional adsorbent, amidoxime-functionalized non-porous beta-cyclodextrin polymer (AONPCDP), is developed for simultaneous detection and adsorption of U(VI). The adsorbent exhibits selective and efficient quenching of U(VI), resulting in an ultra-low detection limit of 10.3 nM in deionized water. It also shows high sensitivity in detecting U(VI) ions in natural water systems with detection limits of 63.5 nM, 22.2 nM, and 17.6 nM for lake water, seawater, and tap water, respectively. The adsorbent can be easily regenerated and maintains a high reusability of 95.8% after multiple adsorption-desorption cycles.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
I. Montes-Zavala, D. L. Zapata-Tello, E. Perez, J. A. Gonzalez-Calderon
Summary: This research focuses on improving the colloidal stability of titanium dioxide (TiO2) through surface chemical modification using variable chain dicarboxylic acids. The organic coating was characterized using various techniques, and the integration of modified nanoparticles was found to improve regardless of the chain length of the coating. The study also evaluated the dispersion, rheological behavior, and colloidal stability using light techniques and mathematical models.
JOURNAL OF DISPERSION SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
V Martinez-Aguilar, P. Coral Carrillo-Sanchez, M. Del Angel-Monroy, G. Sanchez Balderas, N. L. Flores-Martinez, E. Perez, J. A. Gonzalez-Calderon
Summary: The surface of titanium dioxide was chemically modified using cinnamon essential oil, and the modified particles were added to a polymeric matrix. The modified particles showed antioxidant capability and improved the properties of the polymer films, including reduced water vapor permeability and increased flexibility.
Article
Thermodynamics
Jose Amir Gonzalez Calderon, Adrian Austria Gutierrez, Gregorio Sanchez, Mariana Gisela Pena Juarez, David Contreras Lopez, Elias Perez, Javier Vallejo Montesinos
Summary: This work presents the surface functionalization of titanium dioxide nanoparticles with 1H-1-carboxylate of isopropyl-imidazole and 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane. The functionalization improves the dispersibility of titanium dioxide in polymeric matrices such as polylactic acid, and exhibits excellent thermal stability, inhibiting the degradation of the polylactic acid composite.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2022)
Review
Nuclear Science & Technology
Meenu Sethu, Bhavya Kotla, Darrell Russell, Mahboubeh Madadi, Nesar Ahmed Titu, Jamie Baalis Coble, Ronald L. Boring, Klaus Blache, Vivek Agarwal, Vaibhav Yadav, Anahita Khojandi
Summary: Human factors and ergonomics have made a significant impact on the safety and performance of operators in the nuclear energy industry. This critical review explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can mitigate human errors and enhance operators' safety and performance in nuclear power plants (NPPs). The review discusses the introduction of AI in different operator support systems and identifies its limitations and challenges for future research directions.
NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
M. G. Pena-Juarez, L. O. Sanchez-Vargas, L. A. Flores-Gonzalez, A. Almendarez-Camarillo, E. J. Gutierrez-Castaneda, J. Navarrete-Damian, E. Perez, J. A. Gonzalez-Calderon
Summary: This study evaluated the mechanical, antibacterial, and non-cytotoxic performance of isotactic polypropylene nanocomposites filled with silanized TiO2-Ag nanoparticles. The research found that the nanocomposites prepared using the one-step method with dietary supplement quercetin had the highest antibacterial activity and showed improved mechanical properties. Additionally, the nanocomposites were non-toxic to cells, suggesting potential industrial and commercial applications.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Norma Daniela Gonzalez Enriquez, Rosalba Patino-Herrera, Rafael Catarino-Centeno, Gabriela Palestino, Armando Almendarez Camarillo, Elias Perez
Summary: This study aimed to address environmental pollution by replacing a portion of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with human or bovine hair. By chemically treating the hair surface, the adhesion between hair and HDPE was improved, leading to enhanced composite properties. The study demonstrated the improved interfacial interaction and chemical affinity between hair and polyethylene.
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ileana Garcia-Silva, Miguel Olvera-Sosa, Benita Ortega-Berlanga, Victor Ruiz-Rodriguez, Gabriela Palestino, Sergio Rosales-Mendoza
Summary: In this study, hybrid polyacrylic acid and Schizochytrium sp. microalgae (PAA/Schizo) microgels were synthesized using the cell wall fraction as crosslinker. The physicochemical characterization showed that the microgels were stable, negatively charged, and not toxic to cells. The microgels demonstrated efficient loading of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and showed potential as antigen delivery vehicles for immunotherapy development.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Athanasios Ioannis Arvanitidis, Vivek Agarwal, Miltiadis Alamaniotis
Summary: Due to concerns over climate change and energy sustainability, there is a growing push for a transition to a modern energy sector that can reduce environmental impact while promoting social and economic growth. Sustainable energy solutions, including renewables and low-carbon sources like nuclear energy and natural gas, have the potential to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, improve air and water quality, and foster energy independence. However, there are numerous challenges to achieving a sustainable energy industry, such as governmental and regulatory obstacles, technological and economic limitations, and societal acceptability concerns.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Daniel Hernandez-Rivera, Pablo Hernandez-Ramires, Ernesto Suaste-Gomez, Vivechana Agarwal
Summary: This study presents a novel approach to sensing temperature using a porous silicon (PSi) Fabry-Perot interferometer with a polymeric nanocomposite of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and carbon dots (CDs). The temperature changes induce refractive index variations in PVDF, altering the effective refractive index of the PSi hybrid. The dual temperature sensing is achieved by monitoring the redshift of the Fabry-Perot interference fringes and the intensity of the reflectance spectrum at a specific wavelength. The proposed silicon-based temperature sensor, which is compatible with very large-scale integration (VLSI), opens up possibilities for the development of freestanding PSi/PVDF-CDs films as biocompatible micro temperature sensors.
Article
Polymer Science
M. del Angel-Monroy, V. Escobar-Barrios, M. G. Pena-Juarez, L. E. Lugo-Uribe, J. Navarrete-Damian, E. Perez, J. A. Gonzalez-Calderon
Summary: Interest in the use of composites based on natural fibers and polymeric matrix is growing in diverse industrial sectors. Chemical modification of coconut fibers using different silanes agents was carried out to enhance the interaction with poly (lactic acid) (PLA). The results showed that silanization of the fibers improved their thermal stability and increased the interfacial interactions with PLA chains, leading to higher crystallinity and elastic modulus of PLA composites. The incorporation of silanized fibers also expanded the application window of the polymer.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Lorenzo Antonio Miranda Yanez, Rosalba Patino-Herrera, Rafael Catarino-Centeno, Eleazar Escamilla Silva, Luis Alejandro Alcaraz Caracheo, Elias Perez
Summary: The composition and preparation of PVC adhesives greatly affect their performance, including the resin concentration, type of co-solvent, and the use of fillers. These factors can impact the adhesive bond strength and viscosity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADHESION AND ADHESIVES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Daniel Petrovszki, Sandor Valkai, Lorand Kelemen, Laszlo Nagy, Vivechana Agarwal, Szilvia Krekic, Laszlo Zimanyi, Andras Der
Summary: We created a composite photonic structure by using porous silicon microcavities doped with the photochromic protein, photoactive yellow protein (PYP). The incorporation of protein molecules into the pores was confirmed by a 30 nm shift in resonance dip and observable changes in device reflectance due to the protein photocycle. Model calculations and estimation of the degree of protein incorporation were consistent with previous research on the protein's nonlinear optical properties. The successful results are discussed in terms of potential practical applications in the future.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
J. D. Hernandez Velazquez, G. Sanchez-Balderas, A. Gama Goicochea, E. Perez
Summary: The effective solid-liquid interfacial tension (SL-IFT) between pure liquids and rough solid surfaces was studied using coarse-grained simulations. The roughness of the solid phase was characterized by Wenzel's roughness factor and its effect on the calculation of gamma'(sl) was measured. It was found that surface roughness changes the structure of the liquid near the solid, leading to an increase in the effective SL-IFT. Additionally, the effective SL-IFT was found to be directly proportional to the magnitude of the solid-liquid repulsion strength.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
James A. Smith, Vivek Agarwal
Summary: This article presents a methodology for processing acoustic signals using recursive short-time fast Fourier transform (STFFT) in a nuclear reactor environment. The methodology generates diverse and complementary signatures from pump vibration data, which can be used as inputs for predictive data analytics using machine learning algorithms. The intuitive nature of the information and signatures obtained from recursive STFFT processing can enhance the interpretation capabilities of machine learning and predictive data analytic techniques.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INSTRUMENTATION AND MEASUREMENT
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Koushik A. Manjunatha, Vivek Agarwal, Andrea L. Mack, David Koester, Douglas E. Adams
Summary: This paper presents a condition-based maintenance approach to detect corrosion in secondary piping structures of nuclear power plants using distributional features extracted from accelerometer signals. Machine learning algorithms are utilized for prediction, achieving high accuracy rates. The method provides an effective solution for managing aging issues in passive structures of nuclear power plants.