Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Elham Fakhri, Rodica Plugaru, Muhammad Taha Sultan, Thorsteinn Hanning Kristinsson, Hakon Orn Arnason, Neculai Plugaru, Andrei Manolescu, Snorri Ingvarsson, Halldor Gudfinnur Svavarsson
Summary: This study reports the results of a piezoresistance investigation on randomly distributed and interconnected silicon nanowire arrays for pressure sensing applications. The piezoresistance response of the arrays was analyzed by measuring their I-V characteristics under uniaxial and isostatic pressure. The interconnected nanowires exhibited higher mechanical stability compared to separated or periodic nanowires, enabling high-resolution pressure measurements.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tyler Albright, Jared Hobeck
Summary: This research explores a high-fidelity stochastic modeling framework to predict the electromechanical properties of conductive polymer composites (CPCs) at bulk scales. CPC dogbone specimens are manufactured and their properties are characterized through testing. The modeled predictions agree with experimental results and are compared to predictions from an analytical model.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Leonel Quinteros, Enrique Garcia-Macias, Emilio Martinez-Paneda
Summary: We propose a computational framework for simulating the electromechanical response of self-sensing carbon nanotube-based composites undergoing fracture. The framework combines finite element modeling of electrical-deformation-fracture with a mixed micromechanics formulation to estimate the constitutive properties of these composites. The results demonstrate the potential of the framework in evaluating the influence of defects on the electromechanical response of smart structures at the meso- and macro-scales.
COMPUTER METHODS IN APPLIED MECHANICS AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Nicolas Roisin, Thibault P. Delhaye, Nicolas Andre, Jean-Pierre Raskin, Denis Flandre
Summary: A strain sensor inspired by a Widlar self-biased current source topology has been developed to obtain a strain-dependent reference current with high supply rejection. The sensor relies on the piezoresistive effect in silicon MOS transistors to form the current reference circuit. Experimental measurements and analytical calculations have verified the device behavior and demonstrated its effectiveness in measuring strain and temperature, with the ability to tune sensitivity using a CMOS active load.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Noelle Gogneau, Pascal Chretien, Tanbir Sodhi, Laurent Couraud, Laetitia Leroy, Laurent Travers, Jean-Chistophe Harmand, Francois H. Julien, Maria Tchernycheva, Frederic Houze
Summary: The piezoelectric nanowires are considered promising nanomaterials for high-efficient piezoelectric generators, and understanding the relationship between their characteristics and piezoelectric conversion properties is crucial for device improvement. Using an advanced nano-characterization tool derived from AFM, researchers quantified the piezo-conversion properties of NWs compressed with controlled force, revealing a high electromechanical coupling coefficient of up to 43.4% for GaN NWs. The coefficient is influenced by the Schottky nano-contact formation and surface charge effects, particularly in sub-100 nm wide GaN NWs, providing a new foundation for enhancing NW-based nanogenerator devices.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Emmanuel Ricohermoso, Florian Klug, Helmut Schlaak, Ralf Riedel, Emanuel Ionescu
Summary: In this study, thin-film strain gauge element arrays were prepared using large-area silicon oxycarbide thin films and structured electrodes. The strain gauge elements exhibited giant piezoresistivity with excellent reversibility and short response times, indicating great potential for MEMS-related applications.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wenjie Yan, Huei-Ru Fuh, Yanhui Lv, Ke-Qiu Chen, Tsung-Yin Tsai, Yuh-Renn Wu, Tung-Ho Shieh, Kuan-Ming Hung, Juncheng Li, Duan Zhang, Cormac O. Coileain, Sunil K. Arora, Zhi Wang, Zhaotan Jiang, Ching-Ray Chang, Han-Chun Wu
Summary: The study presents a strategy to tune and enhance the gauge factor of strain sensors based on Van der Waals materials by adjusting carrier mobility and concentration. Results show this is a universal phenomenon and a record gauge factor of 3933 was achieved.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Syed M. N. Hasan, Weicheng You, Arnob Ghosh, Sharif Md. Sadaf, Shamsul Arafin
Summary: This work presents the selective area epitaxy of GaN nanostructures grown on Ga-polar GaN/sapphire substrates by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. Three types of nanostructures, namely nanowires, nanofins, and nanorings, are demonstrated on GaN-on-sapphire templates, with investigation on the control of their morphology and orientation. This study advances the understanding of selective area epitaxy for defining complex III-nitride nanostructures, which are important in the fields of nanotechnology and nanoscience.
CRYSTAL GROWTH & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Maribel Touron, Caroline Celle, Laurent Orgeas, Jean-Pierre Simonato
Summary: This article demonstrates the advantages of using directed assembly of nanomaterials to produce lightweight electrically conductive materials. Addition of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) leads to hybrid aerogels with improved mechanical properties and low resistivity. The molecular weight of CMC is shown to be a critical parameter for achieving good dispersion of silver nanowires and excellent performance.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Tao Li, Yulei Zhang, Jian Zhang, Yanqin Fu, Jie Li
Summary: A SiO2-SiC reticulated layer with SiC nanowires was pre-prepared on C/C composites to improve oxidation resistance and alleviate siliconization erosion during SiC coating preparation, resulting in a compact and homogeneous SiC coating.
JOURNAL OF THE EUROPEAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhina Razaghi, Dong Yue Xie, Ming-hui Lin, Guo-zhen Zhu
Summary: Ion beam irradiation can manipulate the composition and shape of nanowires by causing crystal defects and volume expansions. The bending effect is observed in nanowires with different diameters, but remains largely unknown in nanowires with complex shapes influenced by non-uniform irradiation. Investigating TiO2 nanowires with bead-like and prismatic shapes under a Ga+ ion beam reveals significant bending only in prismatic nanowires, which can be reversed by changing the ion beam direction. This finding suggests that ion irradiation can be used to tailor the composition and morphology of nanowires at the nanoscale.
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
A. Balam, Z. Valdez-Nava, V Bley, P. Ayuso-Faber, H. Carrillo-Escalante, A. Castillo-Atoche, F. Aviles
Summary: The effect of temperature on the electrical and electromechanical properties of carbon nanotube-polypropylene composite films is investigated. The electrical response to temperature is influenced by frequency and the sensitivity is higher in alternating current than in direct current. The piezoresistive response of the nanocomposites is also affected by temperature, with an increase in sensitivity at 50°C and a decrease at 100°C for small strains. This research has implications for the development of smart temperature-sensing materials and the calibration of piezoresistive/piezoimpedance responses for strain measurements.
SMART MATERIALS AND STRUCTURES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Abraham Balam, Raul Pech-Piste, Zarel Valdez-Nava, Fidel Gamboa, Alejandro Castillo-Atoche, Francis Aviles
Summary: The electrical and electromechanical responses of nanocomposite films consisting of carbon nanotubes and polypropylene were studied. The effects of alternating current and direct current on the electrical response were investigated. The results showed that the contribution of capacitance to the electrical response was significant at certain frequencies. The sensitivity of the piezoresistive response was higher for alternating current compared to direct current, and the sensitivity to strain was lower in the dielectric configuration.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiang He, Chen Chen, Lu Wang, Yunyun Gong, Rongmin Dun, Faqiang Zhang, Yanqiu Wu, Huarong Zeng, Yongxiang Li, Zhiguo Yi
Summary: In this study, a large electric-field-induced strain was discovered in the simplest bismuth layer-structured ferroelectric Bi2WO6. The strain is comparable to that of perovskite ferroelectrics and exhibits an intriguing asymmetric loop-like feature. It was found that this feature originates from the reversible bending deformation induced by asymmetric 90 degrees ferroelastic switching in the upper and lower surfaces. The textured Bi2WO6 ceramic shows a giant strain value and excellent cycling stability.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jin Yang, Jingbo He, Xiaobin Zou, Bo Sun, Yong Sun, Chengxin Wang
Summary: A new study reports a one-step method to achieve flexible and transparent silicon nanowires aerogel membrane, showcasing competitive carrier kinetics through the photoelectric performance.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yong Wang, Qian Zhang, Ran Tao, Jin Xie, Pep Canyelles-Pericas, Hamdi Torun, Julien Reboud, Glen McHale, Linzi E. Dodd, Xin Yang, Jingting Luo, Qiang Wu, YongQing Fu
Summary: The performance of zinc oxide (ZnO) thin-film surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices on flexible and bendable thin aluminum (Al) foils/sheets with various thicknesses was explored in this study. Theoretical calculations show that bending under strain levels up to 3000 mu epsilon causes minimal frequency shift and amplitude change, maintaining acoustofluidic performance. The study identified the optimal thickness range of the Al sheet for efficient microfluidic actuation and significant deformation of the substrate, providing a guide for device design. Efficient liquid transportation across a wide range of substrate geometries was demonstrated using a 200 mu m thick Al sheet SAW device.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ross Eaglesfield, Mary Ann Madsen, Suparna Sanyal, Julien Reboud, Anna Amtmann
Summary: The N-terminal hydrophobic domain of the model protein proteorhodopsin (PR) plays a critical role in recruiting ribosomes to the membrane and facilitating its insertion, offering a possible explanation for efficient membrane protein biogenesis in a pre-translocon era. Additionally, artificially attaching ribosomes to the membrane can restore the insertion of N-terminally truncated PR.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Jianguo Feng, Hanliang Zhu, Julius Lukes, Marie Korabecna, Zdenka Fohlerova, Ting Mei, Honglong Chang, Pavel Neuzil
Summary: A droplet-based differential microcalorimetric system was developed to monitor the energy balance of Paramecium caudatum in real-time. The study revealed that the defensive behavior of Paramecium consumed approximately 0.75 mJ of energy per cell, with a dissipated power of around 303.8 µW.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Haoqing Zhang, Zhiqiang Yan, Xinlu Wang, Martina Ganova, Honglong Chang, Sona Lassakova, Marie Korabecna, Pavel Neuzil
Summary: This study introduced a single-channel qPCR duplexing method using EvaGreen intercalating dye and FAM probe, offering a cost-effective alternative to probe-based qPCR. The method demonstrated the ability to determine detectable concentration ratios of targets and eliminate fluorescence overspilling, while confirming PCR product specificity through melting curve analysis. The approach was validated on a commercial thermal cycler, increasing its utility for researchers in need of a practical and economical molecular diagnostics tool.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Sheng Ni, Yang Bu, Hangliang Zhu, Pavel Neuzil, Levent Yobas
Summary: This paper presents a microchip for differential measurements of aqueous samples, featuring twin calorimetric arms with a sub-nL enclosed space. The long suspension beams in each arm ensure uniform temperature distribution across the membrane. The chip calorimeter is also demonstrated to be useful for measuring the photothermal transduction efficiency of plasmonic nanoparticles.
JOURNAL OF MICROELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Zhiqiang Yan, Haoqing Zhang, Xinlu Wang, Martina Ganova, Tomas Lednicky, Hanliang Zhu, Xiaocheng Liu, Marie Korabecna, Honglong Chang, Pavel Neuzil
Summary: This study developed an image-to-answer algorithm for the analysis of digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) chip results. By identifying partitions, rotating images, correcting positions, and addressing fluorescence non-uniformity, this algorithm provides a reliable alternative for statistical analysis of chip-based dPCR systems.
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Ye Wang, Hanliang Zhu, Jianguo Feng, Pavel Neuzil
Summary: This review discusses microcalorimetry-based techniques for measuring Delta P-M and its extended applications, including improving device performance, measurement in microorganisms and mammalian cells, and applications in metabolism research and drug testing. Measurement of Delta P-M at single-cell level is challenging but sheds light on cellular processes and enhances our knowledge in this field.
TRAC-TRENDS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Martina Ganova, Xinlu Wang, Zhiqiang Yan, Haoqing Zhang, Tomas Lednicky, Marie Korabecna, Pavel Neuzil
Summary: In this study, a non-contact method for measuring the temperature distribution in a microfluidic-based dPCR chip was proposed. By using a PCR solution with a known melting temperature as a temperature sensor, the temperature distribution was characterized. Compared to other non-contact temperature measurement methods, this method can determine the temperature distribution within the chip and is not affected by the photobleaching effect of fluorescein-based temperature measurement method.
Article
Materials Science, Coatings & Films
Hua-Feng Pang, Ran Tao, Jingting Luo, Xiaosong Zhou, Jian Zhou, Glen McHale, Julien Reboud, Hamdi Torun, Desmond Gibson, Kai Tao, Honglong Chang, Yong-Qing Fu
Summary: In this study, large-area and uniformly inclined piezoelectric ZnO films were successfully fabricated using a glancing angle deposition method. The films exhibited dual-mode surface acoustic waves, including Rayleigh waves and shear-horizontal waves. The Rayleigh waves enabled efficient acoustofluidic functions, while the shear-horizontal waves were utilized for biosensing. These findings are significant for lab-on-a-chip applications.
SURFACE & COATINGS TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gaolian Xu, Julien Reboud, Yunfei Guo, Hao Yang, Hongchen Gu, Chunhai Fan, Xiaohua Qian, Jonathan M. Cooper
Summary: Accelerating the design of nucleic acid amplification methods is challenging, but necessary for diagnosing diseases. This study presents a generalizable isothermal nucleic acid amplification methodology that can be applied to clinical settings, allowing for the detection of short miRNAs and difficult pathogenic targets.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yajuan Dong, Yongjuan Zhao, Shenwei Li, Zhenzhou Wan, Renfei Lu, Xianguang Yang, Guoying Yu, Julien Reboud, Jonathan M. Cooper, Zhengan Tian, Chiyu Zhang
Summary: This study reports a variant-tolerant diagnostic test for SARS-CoV-2 using loop-mediated isothermal nucleic acid amplification (LAMP) assay. The test shows excellent clinical performance and can detect a wide range of variants.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Haoqing Zhang, Sona Lassakova, Zhiqiang Yan, Xinlu Wang, Pavel Senkyrik, Martina Ganova, Honglong Chang, Marie Korabecna, Pavel Neuzil
Summary: The digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) technique allows for the quantification of specific DNA sequences using either a droplet-based or chip-based system. In this study, a single fluorescence channel-based dPCR duplexing method is proposed that combines a specific probe and intercalating dye to increase the difference in fluorescence values between two targets. The results demonstrate that this method enables the discrimination of two targets using a single-color fluorescent channel, making it suitable for simplified dPCR systems used for point-of-care applications.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Proceedings Paper
Optics
Victor J. Ochoa-Gutierrez, Mauro Pazmino Betancourth, Julien Reboud, Andrew R. Harvey, Jonathan M. Cooper
Summary: Research on the use of Mid-IR in developing future point of care tools aims to monitor health proxies in blood samples. FTIR analysis of heme groups was used to find spectral signatures for quantifying the redox state of haemoglobin. ATR spectroscopy revealed spectral differences between HbMet and Hb/HbO(2) in specific regions, showing potential for expanding optical tools in medical monitoring and diagnosis.
FRONTIERS IN BIOPHOTONICS AND IMAGING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yingxue Li, Xin Chen, Yongjuan Zhao, Zhenzhou Wan, Yi Zeng, Yingying Ma, Lianqun Zhou, Gaolian Xu, Julien Reboud, Jonathan Cooper, Chiyu Zhang
Summary: HIV remains a major burden on global public health, with rapid and sensitive point-of-care tests being crucial for disease control. The highly variable nature of the virus poses important challenges for diagnosis, but the new variant-tolerant HIV-1 RT-LAMP diagnostic test shows high sensitivity and specificity, demonstrating future potential for timely and cost-effective HIV diagnostics.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Gergely Simon, Caroline Busch, Marco A. B. Andrade, Julien Reboud, Jonathan M. Cooper, Marc P. Y. Desmulliez, Mathis O. Riehle, Anne L. Bernassau
Summary: This paper introduces an acoustic bandpass method that overcomes traditional limitations, utilizing a single transducer pair for stable continuous flow sorting of blood cells. The method demonstrates high purity and efficiency coefficients when sorting particles of various sizes, and is further validated for separating red blood cells, white blood cells, and smaller particles.
