Article
Polymer Science
Menghao Chai, Linlong Xu, Chuhan Gao, Yajun Zhang, Yiqiang Fan
Summary: This study proposes a method for the fabrication of cellulose acetate-based microfluidic devices using injection molded CA sheet and CO2 laser-ablated microchannel. The study also investigates the parameters of the laser-ablated microchannels. Biocompatibility, biodegradability, and spontaneous flow experiments were conducted with the fabricated CA-based microfluidic devices.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yin Yao, Yiqiang Fan
Summary: This study introduces a rapid and low-cost method for fabricating open-channel hydrogel-based microfluidic devices using CO2 laser ablation, with detailed investigation on the profiles of laser-ablated microchannels. Additionally, an easy-to-access storage method for hydrogel-based microfluidic devices is proposed.
BIOMEDICAL MICRODEVICES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Elisabetta Perrone, Maura Cesaria, Alessandra Zizzari, Monica Bianco, Francesco Ferrara, Lillo Raia, Vita Guarino, Massimo Cuscuna, Marco Mazzeo, Giuseppe Gigli, Lorenzo Moroni, Valentina Arima
Summary: This study demonstrates the fabrication of quartz micro-channels and micro-holes using pulsed CO2-laser ablation, showcasing the versatility and potential of this technique in microfluidics and biomedical applications. Specific applications include the creation of a microfluidic reactor and the fabrication of micro-pillars for 3D cell assembly, which show promise for Lab-on-a-Chip and Organ-on-a-Chip devices.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Heba Mansour, Emad A. Soliman, Ahmed M. Fath El-Bab, Yoshihisa Matsushita, Ahmed L. Abdel-Mawgood
Summary: CO2 laser ablation is a rapid and precise technique for machining microfluidic devices. Boric acid-doped epoxy resin was proposed to improve the thermal properties of ER-based microfluidics and eliminate the negative impacts of CO2 laser ablation on surface roughness and thermal defects. The quality of the microchannels engraved with a CO2 laser ablation machine was assessed and the B-doped ER-based microfluidics showed improved performance.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Adelina-Gabriela Niculescu, Cristina Chircov, Alexandra Catalina Birca, Alexandru Mihai Grumezescu
Summary: Microfluidics is an emerging field that combines principles from various disciplines to fabricate miniaturized chips with channels and chambers. These chips, made using diverse methods, can be utilized in nanoparticle preparation, cell analysis, and diagnosis, among other biomedical applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Abdulrahman Agha, Fadi Dawaymeh, Nahla Alamoodi, Eiyad Abu-Nada, Anas Alazzam
Summary: COC is a promising material for microfluidic applications due to its unique properties. A new fabrication process combining fabrication and bonding processes in a single step was implemented, utilizing COC's swelling behavior and chemical compatibility. The effect of immersion time on microchannel height was investigated, achieving a maximum height of 50 ± 3μm. Bonding quality was evaluated through leakage and tensile tests. Three diverse microfluidic applications were successfully executed, demonstrating the effectiveness of the process.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
M. Tahsin Guler
Summary: The study demonstrates that direct CO2 laser machining of microchannels onto PDMS slabs and plasma bonding for sealing provide the fastest method to fabricate PDMS microfluidic chips. The best laser settings have been determined, and water-in-oil droplet generation in the T-junction and microparticle focusing in viscoelastic fluid are examples of applications benefiting from precise direct laser machined microchannels.
JOURNAL OF MANUFACTURING PROCESSES
(2022)
Article
Physics, Applied
Yanli Gong, Bei Peng, Xuan Weng, Hai Jiang
Summary: Electrokinetics is a useful tool in microfluidics for fluid control, with recent developments in three-dimensional microelectrodes potentially solving issues with uniform electric field generation. Non-toxic liquid metal has been introduced as a material for electrodes in microfluidics, but its complex injection process requires optimization. This study successfully developed an optimized manufacturing method for liquid metal microelectrodes in microchips, paving the way for versatile applications of high-quality microelectrodes.
MODERN PHYSICS LETTERS B
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Pyeong An Lee, Ui Seok Lee, Dae Bo Sim, Bo Hyun Kim
Summary: In this paper, polycrystalline diamond tools were fabricated and used for the microgrinding process of fused silica. The effects of high feed rate and depth of cut on surface roughness and edge chipping were studied to improve productivity. Additionally, a toolpath for microchannels and a microfluidic chip array were successfully fabricated using this method.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Simon Scott, Zulfiqur Ali
Summary: Microfluidic devices have the potential to automate a wide variety of chemical and biological operations with higher efficiency and repeatability. Polymer-based devices offer advantages in terms of cost and biocompatibility. Different manufacturing approaches, including direct and replication methods, are described in this study.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Surajit Das, Ashok Kumar, Jitendra Singh, Mahesh Kumar
Summary: In this study, a p-NiO/n-SnO2 heterojunction-based formaldehyde (HCHO) sensor was fabricated by decorating the surface of pre-deposited SnO2 thin film with laser-ablated NiO nanoparticles. The gas sensing properties of the sensor were systematically investigated, and it showed a higher response towards 50 ppm HCHO compared to the pristine SnO2 sensor. The study demonstrated that laser ablation methods have great potential as a chemical-free surface decoration route for metal oxide heterojunction-based sensors.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rana Saad, Ahmed Gamal, Mohamed Zayed, Ashour M. Ahmed, Mohamed Shaban, Mohammad BinSabt, Mohamed Rabia, Hany Hamdy
Summary: Thin films of ZnO and ZnO/CNTs were prepared and used as CO2 gas sensors in this study. The ZnO/CNTs sensor showed higher sensitivity and stability to CO2 gas at high flow rates, with good selectivity compared to other gases. The prepared nanomaterials were characterized using XRD, FTIR, and UV/Vis, providing insights into their structural and optical properties.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Qiangqiang Tang, Xiaoyu Li, Chen Lai, Lei Li, Hongkai Wu, Yingjun Wang, Xuetao Shi
Summary: In this study, a microfluidic chip using HA as a component was developed to create a highly bionic bone environment, which was found to be more conducive to cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation compared to PDMS. The chip successfully generated a concentration gradient of model drug and determined the drug's IC50, showing great potential in high-throughput bone-related drug screening and research.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Optics
Wenling Chen, Chao Liu, Yuqi Zou, Zhihe Ren, Yuanzhuo Xiang, Fanchao Meng, Yinsheng Xu, Chong Hou, Sheng Liang, Lueyun Yang, Guangming Tao
Summary: This Letter presents a flexible omnidirectional reflective film made of polymer substrates and two types of chalcogenide glasses for CO2 laser protection. The optimal structure parameters of the device were determined through simulation. The reflector, fabricated by thermal evaporation, achieved a reflectivity of over 78% at 10.6 μm. This flexible reflective film provides a solution for full-angle CO2 laser protection and has potential applications in wearable laser protective clothing.
CHINESE OPTICS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Deividas Andriukaitis, Rokas Vargalis, Lukas Serpytis, Tomas Drevinskas, Olga Kornysova, Mantas Stankevicius, Kristina Bimbiraite-Surviliene, Vilma Kaskoniene, Audrius Sigitas Maruskas, Linas Jonusauskas
Summary: This study demonstrates how sub-micrometer surface roughness in glass microfluidic channels can be achieved through optimizing femtosecond burst mode ablation, and introduces a simple and cost-effective channel sealing methodology. The combination of these methods enables the production of functional Tesla valves.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
C. K. Chung, K. H. Ke
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2020)
Article
Materials Science, Coatings & Films
C. C. Lai, C. K. Chung
SURFACE & COATINGS TECHNOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
C. K. Chung, C. A. Ku, Z. E. Wu
Summary: A high-performance humidity sensor was fabricated using commercial large-area low-purity aluminum 1050 alloy through hybrid-pulse anodization in 0.3 M oxalic acid at 20 V at 25 degrees C. The sensor exhibited high response, quick response-recovery time, low cost, short fabrication time, and high capacitance.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Lin Lin, Chen-Kuei Chung
Summary: PDMS is widely used in various fields due to its unique properties, including transparency, flexibility, biocompatibility, and hydrophobicity. However, issues with hydrophobic recovery on its surface limit its applications in capillary microchips. The dual-tone PDMS-to-PDMS casting and the use of PDMS in TENG are crucial for addressing these challenges.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
C. Y. Yu, C. K. Chung
Summary: In this study, a new SERS substrate based on irregular nanopore anodic aluminum oxide with platinum-metal-film coating was proposed. The SERS mechanism was explained by the peripheral plasmonic mechanism of the substrate. Experimental results showed that the substrate achieved high enhancement factor and low limit of detection for detecting pollutants and sanitizing water.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Kai-Hong Ke, Lin Lin, Chen-Kuei Chung
Summary: A cost-effective method using graphite micro-powders to modify PDMS for enhanced TENG performance was proposed in this study. The addition of 0.1g GP micro-powders resulted in a significant improvement in output performance of APGP-TENG, reaching 2.67 and 3.25 times enhancement compared to pure PDMS-TENG. Through experiments, it was found that APGP-TENG could maintain stable output during 13,000 cycles and power up to 102 LEDs, demonstrating potential applications in self-powered digital devices and pressure sensor switches for environmental IoT.
JOURNAL OF THE TAIWAN INSTITUTE OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Chen-Kuei Chung, You-Jun Huang, Tun-Kai Wang, Yu-Lung Lo
Summary: This article introduces a novel fiber-based mechanical energy harvester (FTENG) using flexible micro-needle-structured polydimethylsiloxane (MN-PDMS) along with commercially available 2D-polyester fibers and electroless nickel-plated cotton cloth. The device exhibits promising performance and can be used for applications such as human motion control of robots.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Chin-An Ku, Chen-Kuei Chung
Summary: With the advancement of technology revolution and industrialization, the development of humidity nanosensors has become crucial for various applications such as industry production line, food preservation, chemistry, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. Extensive research has been carried out on the design and synthesis of nanomaterials to enhance sensor performance, especially humidity sensing. Different nanomaterials including ceramics, polymers, semiconductors, sulfides, carbon-based materials, triboelectrical nanogenerators, and MXene have been studied for humidity sensing with various nanostructures. This review focuses on the sensing mechanism, fabrication methods, nanomaterial geometry, and recent advances in humidity nanosensors. Capacitive, resistive, and optical humidity nanosensors are discussed, and the similarities and differences in humidity-sensitive mechanisms of different materials are summarized. Future advancements include applications in IoT, environmental monitoring, and human-body monitoring.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
C. K. Chung, C. Y. Yu
Summary: A new type of SERS substrate is proposed, which does not require the use of metal nanoparticles. The substrate is fabricated by electrochemically micromachining aluminum foil to create a roughened surface with randomly-distributed 3D over-etched cavities and nanopores of anodized aluminum oxide (AAO). This SERS substrate demonstrates high analytical enhancement and low detection limit, making it suitable for rapid detection of substances such as methylene blue.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
You-Jun Huang, Chen-Kuei Chung
Summary: This article introduces a TENG insole based on PET and PDMS elastomer with micro-needle structure to enhance performance and maintain stability and flexibility. The three-layer TENG insole converts human stepping force into electric energy and serves as a self-powered force sensor. When combined with a micro-control unit, it can detect the user's motion force at different parts of the foot and trigger corresponding devices.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Chen-Kuei Chung, Chin-An Ku
Summary: A simple and effective resistive-type alcohol vapor sensor using one-step anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) is proposed in this study. The sensor has advantages of fast manufacturing and good detection limits, and can quickly distinguish whether the subject is drinking in a human breath test.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Ding-Yan Lin, Chung-Yu Yu, Chin-An Ku, Chen-Kuei Chung
Summary: Sustainable and safe food is a global concern, but traditional chemical methods of food safety testing have drawbacks such as high cost and long testing time. Current food safety analysis relies on various methods that require extensive training. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has emerged as a promising tool for food safety testing, offering portability, non-destructiveness, and lower cost.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chin-An Ku, Chung-Yu Yu, Chia-Wei Hung, Chen-Kuei Chung
Summary: This review focuses on the fabrication methods, pore geometry modification, and recent advances of nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO), as well as its sensor applications. The pore geometry of AAO can be adjusted by controlling factors such as material composition, applied voltage mold, electrolyte type, temperature, and anodizing time. The sensors based on AAO can be divided into electrical sensors and optical sensors, with their performance influenced by the sensing material and pore geometry.
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Van-Long Trinh, Chen-Kuei Chung
Summary: Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are sustainable and renewable technology that generate electricity from wasted mechanical energy. TENGs have outstanding applications in energy generation, human care, medicinal, biomedical, and industrial fields. The performance of TENGs can be enhanced by utilizing special materials or advanced structural designs. This review comprehensively examines recent advancements in TENG technologies and discusses improving output performance, stable operation, prolonged usage, and efficient energy management.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
V. L. Trinh, C. K. Chung
Summary: Traditional electricity production from fossil fuels has caused heavy environmental pollution, while renewable energy is a key solution for sustainable and green energy. This article reviews current techniques in converting renewable energy, particularly focusing on the application of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) for self-powered devices and portable electrical consumption. It also emphasizes the importance of a globalization strategy for renewable energy to achieve green and sustainable development goals.
CLEANER ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)