Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Jiukai Tang, Guangyu Qiu, Xiaole Zhang, Jing Wang
Summary: A 3D-cascade-microlens optofluidic chip was fabricated for RI sensing, demonstrating adjustable sensitivity through different configurations of cascaded microlenses. The seven-microlens configuration achieved excellent sensitivity and resolution with a narrow linear dynamic range, whereas the single-microlens configuration had an extended linear dynamic range but lower sensitivity and resolution. The chip was also examined for real-time salinity sensing and urine specific gravity analysis.
Article
Polymer Science
Lorena Saitta, Emanuela Cutuli, Giovanni Celano, Claudio Tosto, Giovanna Stella, Gianluca Cicala, Maide Bucolo
Summary: In this study, a quadratic polynomial regression model was developed to determine the refractive index value of transparent 3D printable photocurable resins used for micro-optofluidic applications. An experimental setup was proposed for collecting transmission measurements of 3D printed samples. The model was further used to determine the refractive index value of novel photocurable resins for manufacturing micro-optofluidic devices.
Article
Optics
Xuyang Zhao, Yi Zhou, Yuxiang LI, Junhong Guo, Zhiran Liu, Man Luo, Zhihe Guo, Xi Yang, Meng Zhang, You Wang, Xiang Wu
Summary: This study proposes an ultrasensitive optofluidic coupled Fabry-Perot (FP) capillary sensor based on the Vernier effect for refractive index (RI) sensing and biomolecular detection. The sensor demonstrates a high RI sensitivity and low detection limit, making it suitable for practical and low-cost applications.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Jaroslaw Judek, Konrad Wilczynski, Jerzy K. Piotrowski
Summary: This paper constructs and analyzes the strict optical model of a quartz cuvette filled with investigated liquid commonly used in spectrophotometry. The study evaluates the impact of popular approximations on the calculation accuracy and demonstrates the validity of a method involving standardizing transmittance for calculations.
Article
Optics
Rafael Navarro, Sergio Baquedano, Ana Sanchez-Cano
Summary: A new type of lens with two gradients of refractive index and curvature is introduced, resembling the structure of an onion with each layer being a meniscus lens. The internal distribution adapts to the external geometry, with consideration of a constant gradient of the curvature radius.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Wenjie Li, Yinping Miao, Tuan Guo, Kialiang Zhang, Jianquan Yao
Summary: The optofluidic system based on photothermal spectroscopy combines molecular photothermal effect with Nb2CTx MXene-tilted fiber Bragg grating for the detection of organophosphorus pesticides with temperature compensation. The sensitivity reaches 1.8 pm/ppm with a limit of detection of 0.35 ppm, demonstrating the potential of this system in various fields such as medicine, chemistry, and environmental monitoring.
BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS
(2021)
Article
Optics
Ruowei Yu, Caoyuan Wang, Wei Jiang, Zihao Shen, Zhengyu Yan, Yang Hao, Yuzhi Shi, Fei Yu, Ping Hua, Gerhard Schoetz, Ai Qun Liu, Limin Xiao
Summary: The proposed tapered hollow-core MOF structure confines both light and fluid inside the central hole, achieving high efficiency in optofluidic interactions. The optical modal properties, effective sensitivity, and nonlinearity characteristics of the structure were investigated, leading to promising applications in subwavelength-scale optical devices. The miniature optofluidic waveguide demonstrates exceptional performance with a maximum power fraction inside the core at 99.7%.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Fatemeh Sadeghikia, Kazem Zafari, Mohammad-Reza Dorbin, Mohamed Himdi, Ali Karami Horestani
Summary: This article focuses on the application of plasma technology to develop microwave lens antennas with controllable radiation gain. The design of a biconcave lens based on plasma dielectric material is presented, along with the procedure and electrical characteristics of a plasma lens antenna with a pyramidal horn feed. The experimental results validate the design procedure and confirm that adjusting the plasma frequency can dynamically control the radiation gain of the lens antenna.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Optics
Xuyang Zhao, Yuxing Chen, Zhihe Guo, Yi Zhou, Junhong Guo, Zhiran Liu, Xiangchao Zhang, Limin Xiao, Yiyan Fei, Xiang Wu
Summary: This article introduces a tunable optofluidic microbubble lens made using the fuse-and-blow method. The optical focusing properties of the lens can be adjusted by changing the refractive index of the liquid inside, with better focal spot size and focal length than other lenses. The experimental results demonstrate that the lens has good focusing properties and imaging capability for various applications.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Zoran Djinovic, Milos Tomic, Agnes Kocsis
Summary: This paper presents a method that combines micromachined optofluidic platforms with fiberoptic sensing configuration for simultaneous measurement of the refractive index of liquids and autocalibration. The method is based on low-coherence interferometry and an algorithm is used to calculate the refractive index from raw interference signals.
Article
Optics
Otavio A. Capeloto, Vitor S. Zanuto, Vinicius G. Camargo, Gabriel A. S. Flizikowski, Flavia A. P. Morais, Gustavo V. B. Lukasievicz, Leandro S. Herculano, Marcos P. Belancon, Nelson G. C. Astrath, Luis C. Malacarne
Summary: The mode-mismatched dual-beam thermal lens technique is widely used to study the optical and thermo-physical properties of solids and liquids, and investigate transient acoustic waves. A semi-analytical model was developed in this study to describe the transient acoustic waves and evaluate the physical properties of fluid samples, such as piezo-optic coefficient and sound speed for different mixtures of ethanol and water.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Joao M. Leca, Yannis Magalhaes, Paulo Antunes, Vanda Pereira, Marta S. Ferreira
Summary: This work presents a 3D-printed optofluidic fiber sensor that can measure refractive index in real time. By combining a microfluidic system with an optical fiber extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer, a microfluidic chip platform was developed using 3D printing. The sensor showed good stability and sensitivity when characterized using different concentrations of glucose solutions.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Ruopeng Yan, Xun Liu, Shuang Zhao, Chi Zhang, Liang Wang, Yaxiaer Yalikun, Du Wang, Cheng Lei
Summary: Edible oil plays an important role in the global diet and its quality directly affects our health. However, current available detection methods are expensive and not suitable for underdeveloped areas. In this study, a disposable sensor was designed and fabricated to detect edible oil by measuring the refractive index, providing high sensitivity and efficiency.
IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Yong Liang, Qilong Tan, Wen Zhou, Xia Zhou, Ziang Wang, Guiyao Zhou, Xuguang Huang
Summary: A dielectric gradient metasurface composed of lossless silicon nanopillars can convert incident circularly polarized light partially and the polarization conversion efficiency varies sensitively with the refractive index of surrounding media. The proposed metasurface achieves an average sensitivity of 16.134 dB/RIU at a wavelength of 1550 nm.
JOURNAL OF LIGHTWAVE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Changxu Li, Yi Liu, Changpeng Lang, Yonglai Zhang, Shiliang Qu
Summary: In this paper, a microcantilever structure was fabricated on the tip of an optical fiber using femtosecond laser direct writing technology, enabling real-time detection of the concentration and temperature of input fluid. By integrating it with a microfluidic chip, an on-chip optofluidic sensing platform with high stability and sensitivity was developed.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kimberley Clack, Narshone Soda, Surasak Kasetsirikul, Rabbee G. G. Mahmudunnabi, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Muhammad J. A. Shiddiky
Summary: Liquid biopsy is a significant advancement in the early detection of cancer, as it offers painless sampling through easily accessible bodily fluids and eliminates the need for specialized equipment or trained staff. Nanotechnology and microfabrication have enabled the development of highly precise chip-based platforms, which can detect multiple cancer biomarkers simultaneously and overcome detection limitations. This review highlights the major advances in portable and semi-portable micro, nano, and multiplexed platforms for circulating cancer biomarker detection, discusses the merits and drawbacks of these platforms, and addresses the challenges and future directions in terms of device portability.
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Xiangxun Chen, Yuao Wu, Van Thanh Dau, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Hang Thu Ta
Summary: Biological drugs (BDs) have become increasingly important in treating various diseases, but their effectiveness is limited by challenges in administration, delivery, stability, and degradation. Nanotechnology, specifically polymeric nanomaterials, is being used to overcome these limitations. This review examines recent articles on manufacturing methods for encapsulating BDs in polymeric materials and analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of different strategies, such as emulsification, nanoprecipitation, self-encapsulation, and coaxial electrospraying. The impact of critical synthesis parameters on BD activity, such as sonication, is also explored, along with future challenges and perspectives for scale-up production and clinical translation.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Aditya Vashi, Kamalalayam Rajan Sreejith, Nam-Trung Nguyen
Summary: Gravity is crucial for the development of life on earth. Reduced gravity experiments are usually conducted in the International Space Station, but its challenges have led to the development of ground-based devices and methods. However, more attention and research are still needed for the advantages of space conditions in developing new drugs, vaccines, and chemical applications.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Bishal Boro, Ratul Paul, Hui Ling Tan, Quang Thang Trinh, Jabor Rabeah, Chia-Che Chang, Chih-Wen Pao, Wen Liu, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Binh Khanh Mai, John Mondal
Summary: In this study, a unique metalated porous organic polymer was synthesized using a cost-effective approach, and it exhibited superior catalytic performance for low-temperature reactions in water. The polymer addressed some drawbacks of conventional catalytic systems.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Cong Thanh Nguyen, Dinh Gia Ninh, Tuan-Hung Nguyen, Trung-Hieu Vu, Dang D. H. Tran, Braiden Tong, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Van Thanh Dau, Dzung Viet Dao
Summary: This paper presents a new self-powered mechanical sensing technology based on vertical piezo-optoelectronic coupling. By applying mechanical stress or strain to the 3C-SiC/Si heterojunction, the photogenerated voltage can be changed. Experimental results demonstrate a highly linear relationship between strain and vertical photovoltage, increasing under tensile strain and decreasing under compressive strain. The proposed technology exhibits significantly larger strain sensitivities compared to lateral piezo-optoelectronic couplings reported in literature. The enhancement in strain sensitivity opens up possibilities for the development of ultra-sensitive and self-powered mechanical sensors.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Thanh-An Truong, Tuan Khoa Nguyen, Xinghao Huang, Aditya Ashok, Sharda Yadav, Yoonseok Park, Mai Thanh Thai, Nhat-Khuong Nguyen, Hedieh Fallahi, Shuhua Peng, Sima Dimitrijev, Yi-Chin Toh, Yusuke Yamauchi, Chun Hui Wang, Nigel Hamilton Lovell, John Ashley Rogers, Thanh Nho Do, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Hangbo Zhao, Hoang-Phuong Phan
Summary: A stamping-free micromachining process is used to realize 3D flexible and stretchable wide bandgap electronics. Photolithography is applied on both sides of free-standing nanomembranes to create flexible structures directly on standard silicon wafers, allowing control over optical transparency and mechanical properties. The detachment and controlled mechanical buckling of the devices transform 2D wide bandgap semiconductors into complex 3D structures. This advancement in wide bandgap materials with 3D architectures will greatly facilitate the development of advanced 3D bio-electronics interfaces.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Helena H. W. B. Hansen, Haotian Cha, Lingxi Ouyang, Jun Zhang, Bo Jin, Helen Stratton, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Hongjie An
Summary: Nanobubbles, suspended gaseous entities in liquids, have versatile biomedical applications such as aiding in drug delivery, serving as imaging agents, and allowing controlled and targeted delivery. This review provides an overview of their preparation, characterization, current research focuses, and their potential impact on the future of biomedicine.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Vinay Kumar, Van Thanh Dau, Zia Javanbakht, Andrew Seagar, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Peter Woodfield
Summary: The magnetic body force is crucial for modeling convection in ferrofluids, but there is no consensus on the formulation of this term in recent literature. We present an updated derivation of the body force directly from the Lorentz force and Maxwell's equations. By comparing with other formulations, we find that the calculated body force differs by a factor of about four for a susceptibility of the order of 1, greatly affecting thermomagnetic convection predictions for a heated microwire.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Tanzena Tanny, Mohamed Sallam, Narshone Soda, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Mobashwer Alam, Muhammad J. A. Shiddiky
Summary: The CRISPR/Cas system is an effective diagnostic tool for agricultural pathogens, providing high sensitivity, specificity, and rapid assay time. It is suitable for diagnosing plant pathogens and identifying genetically modified crops.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cong Minh Nguyen, Mohamed Sallam, Md Sajedul Islam, Kimberley Clack, Narshone Soda, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Muhammad J. A. Shiddiky
Summary: Playing a critical role in fetal growth and development, the placenta serves as the interface between fetal and maternal circulation. Placental exosomes, small membrane-bound extracellular vesicles released by the placenta during pregnancy, contain biomolecules that can potentially be biomarkers for maternal diseases. Numerous studies have demonstrated the usefulness of placental exosomes in diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes, suggesting their potential as new biomarkers in liquid biopsy analysis. This review provides an overview of the biological function of placental exosomes, their potential as biomarkers for maternal diseases, and the current barriers and future directions in exosome isolation, characterization, and detection techniques. Additionally, microfluidic devices for exosome research are discussed.
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Akriti Nepal, Huong D. N. Tran, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Hang Thu Ta
Summary: In traumatized patients, uncontrollable continuous bleeding and unexpected intraoperative bleeding are the primary causes of mortality, increasing the risk of complications and surgical failure. Haemostatic sponges, with their high liquid absorption ratio, are an effective clinical practice for treating various types of wound bleeding. When in contact with blood, they can cause platelet adhesion, aggregation, and thrombosis, achieving the goal of wound bleeding control.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Binura Perera, Yuao Wu, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Hang Thu Ta
Summary: Atherosclerosis, the main cause of cardiovascular diseases, is difficult to effectively treat in the later stages. Nanomaterials and nanoparticle-mediated therapies provide a targeted and controlled release of therapeutics, which can effectively resolve atherosclerotic plaque.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Haotian Cha, Yuchen Dai, Helena H. W. B. Hansen, Lingxi Ouyang, Xiangxun Chen, Xiaoyue Kang, Hongjie An, Hang Thu Ta, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Jun Zhang
Summary: Inertial microfluidics utilizes fluid inertia to manipulate particles and cells in a simple and precise manner. This study introduces an innovative way to adjust inertial focusing by embedding asymmetrical obstacle microstructures, resulting in unilateral focusing. The influence of obstacle size and asymmetrical patterns on unilateral inertial focusing is characterized, and this approach is successfully applied for the separation of particles and cancer cells from white blood cells.
CYBORG AND BIONIC SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Fariba Malekpour Galogahi, Melody Christie, Ajeet Singh Yadav, Hongjie An, Helen Stratton, Nam-Trung Nguyen
Summary: In this study, a core-shell particle was developed as a protective framework for DNA, with potential applications in digital PCR. Liquid beads, specifically core-shell particles with liquid cores, were generated using a high-throughput and facile flow-focusing microfluidic device, providing precise control over process parameters and particle characteristics. The experimental results demonstrated that the liquid beads formulated using this technique can amplify encapsulated DNA and be used for digital PCR without interfering with the fluorescence signal.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nhat-Khuong Nguyen, Du Tuan Tran, Ann Chuang, Pradip Singha, Gregor Kijanka, Michele Burford, Chin Hong Ooi, Nam-Trung Nguyen
Summary: This paper demonstrates the use of a transparent liquid marble as a micro-photobioreactor for microalgal culture, showing significant improvement in culture yield compared to conventional culture flasks. The liquid marble platform provides a 30-fold increase in maximum cell density, opening up new possibilities for various applications.
REACTION CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
