Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dengning Xia, Rui Jin, Gaurav Byagathvalli, Huan Yu, Ling Ye, Chao-Yi Lu, M. Saad Bhamla, Chinglai Yang, Mark R. Prausnitz
Summary: The novel ePatch system enables low-cost, handheld DNA vaccination against SARS-CoV-2, inducing strong antibody responses with at least 10-fold dose sparing compared to conventional injection methods. The vaccination process is well tolerated with mild, transient effects on the skin, offering a portable and accessible approach for combating COVID-19 and other epidemics.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yilong Liu, Alex T. L. Leong, Yujiao Zhao, Linfang Xiao, Henry K. F. Mak, Anderson Chun On Tsang, Gary K. K. Lau, Gilberto K. K. Leung, Ed X. Wu
Summary: MRI is an important diagnostic tool in healthcare, but cost can be a barrier to access in many countries. Developing low-cost, efficient MRI technology is essential for meeting clinical needs worldwide.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Zhiqiang Dai, Kumuthini Rajendran, Jin Cao, Dongdong Zhang, Rungroj Chanajaree, Chengwu Yang, Peng Tan, Xinyu Zhang, Jiaqian Qin
Summary: By adding sodium gluconate (Ga) additive in a 2 M ZnSO4 electrolyte, the issues of severe Zn dendrites and harmful side reactions on the Zn surface during cycling have been resolved. The Ga additive forms a protective layer on the surface of the Zn metal anode, reducing corrosion reaction and promoting uniform deposition. Additionally, the strong adsorption capacity between Ga and Zn2+ in the electrolyte inhibits the generation of side reactions. As a result, stable cycling of Zn||Zn symmetric battery, ultrahigh stability of Zn||Cu half-battery, and improved cycle stability of Zn||AC battery have been achieved.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Pedro M. C. Inacio, Rui Guerra, Peter Stallinga
Summary: An ultra-low-cost RCL meter, developed for IoT applications, was able to measure electrical components using standard techniques without additional electronics. It showed high accuracy and range, making it suitable for various applications.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Lorenzo A. Buscaglia, Joao Paulo Carmo, Osvaldo N. Oliveira
Summary: This article introduces a portable and low-cost impedance analyzer called Simple-Z, which utilizes the AD5933 integrated circuit and peripheral circuits for precise signal generation and reading. The software implemented in Simple-Z allows for strategic register overflow, control of acquisition cycles, and iterative approximation for optimal response amplification and calibration. Results obtained with Simple-Z were comparable to those from commercial benchtop analyzers. The affordability and scalability of Simple-Z make it suitable for point-of-care diagnosis systems and teaching laboratories.
IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Yunren Sui, Zhixiong Ding, Chong Zhai, Haosheng Lin, Wei Wu
Summary: Absorption thermal batteries (ATBs) are crucial for balancing the mismatch between ultra-low-grade renewable/waste energy supply and building energy demand. This paper proposes the use of crystallization-free and low-cost deep eutectic solvents (DESs) for reliable and affordable ATBs, as conventional salt-based mixtures suffer from crystallization risks and ionic liquid-based mixtures are expensive. The study compares the energy storage performance and characteristics of different working fluids and identifies NH3/Glyceline as the most efficient and applicable solution for large-scale applications.
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jia Liang, Khushboo Soni, Jun Lou
Summary: The emergence of all-inorganic lead-based perovskite solar cells has attracted significant attention in the perovskite research community. However, the high toxicity of lead has posed challenges to their commercialization. This study demonstrates the successful fabrication of all-inorganic lead-free perovskite solar cells with environmental friendliness, low cost, and excellent stability.
MATERIALS TODAY ENERGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Sammy A. Perdomo, Viviana Ortega, Andres Jaramillo-Botero, Nelson Mancilla, Jose Hernando Mosquera-DeLaCruz, Drochss Pettry Valencia, Mauricio Quimbaya, Juan David Contreras, Gabriel Esteban Velez, Oscar A. Loaiza, Adriana Gomez, Jhonattan de la Roche
Summary: One critical step to solving the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is to stop its spread by detecting and isolating asymptomatic individuals infected with the virus. Unfortunately, current rapid testing tools lack the ability for early detection. SenSARS is an accurate, portable, and low-cost medical device that offers real-time diagnostics and viral load tracking capabilities.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INSTRUMENTATION AND MEASUREMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Khaled Humood, Heba Abunahla, Baker Mohammad
Summary: Recently, Memristor (MR) devices have gained significant attention in various applications, with electrical characterization and testing being one of the main challenges. A novel power-efficient, cost-effective, lightweight, and automated Arduino-based MR characterization platform named MemChar has been proposed, with excellent correlation to industry-standard device parameter analyzer tools. This user-friendly platform represents a significant milestone in utilizing MR devices for mobile, IoT, and sensing applications.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INSTRUMENTATION AND MEASUREMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Young Uk Cho, Ju Young Lee, Ui-Jin Jeong, Sang Hoon Park, Se Lin Lim, Kyung Yeun Kim, Je Wu Jang, Jong Ho Park, Hyun Woo Kim, Hyogeun Shin, Ho Jeong Jeon, Young Mee Jung, Il-Joo Cho, Ki Jun Yu
Summary: Transparent implantable devices combining neural recording and optical modalities have promising applications. The introduction of a PEDOT:PSS electrode array has advantages of being photoelectric artifact-free with superior optical, mechanical, and electrical characteristics. The device can assemble transparent neural interfaces more efficiently through a simple ethylene glycol immersing process.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Francois Dupont, Philippe Laurent, Francis Montfort, Herve Pierre, Leo Jeanne, Serguei Stoukatch, Samuel Dricot, Jean-Michel Redoute
Summary: This article presents a tamper detection sensor that complements cryptographic techniques to protect data from unauthorized access and falsification. The system is designed for portable devices and can be implemented using commercially available components and known manufacturing techniques. The tamper detection circuit is based on capacitive sensing and uses ultra-low-power electronic components, consuming less than 10μA of current. The system is able to detect at least a 1% variation in capacitance of the tamper layer, indicating an attempt to breach the outer shell and access sensitive data.
IEEE SENSORS JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Pawel Dunaj, Michal Dolata, Bartosz Powalka, Piotr Pawelko, Stefan Berczynski
Summary: The article presents the design of an ultra-light, axisymmetric, portable machine tool for in situ flange face milling, with the selection of the spindle supported by finite element analysis. Experimental verification showed good agreement with the real counterpart. Two general conclusions were formulated based on the findings.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Mangwei Cui, Jinbo Fei, Funian Mo, Hao Lei, Yan Huang
Summary: This study addresses the limited specific capacity and Zn dendrites issues in traditional aqueous Zn-ion batteries by utilizing a conversion-type Zn-S battery and low-cost deep eutectic solvent (DES). The optimized electrolyte enables the symmetrical Zn battery to cycle stably for over 3920 hours, achieving an ultrahigh specific capacity of approximately 846 mA h g(S)(-1) and energy density of 259 W h kg(-1) at 0.5 A g(-1). The conversion chemistry of S and ZnS contributes to superior anti-self-discharge behavior, solving long-standing problems in conventional Zn-ion batteries.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Subhanwit Roy, Yee Jher Chan, Nigel F. Reuel, Nathan M. Neihart
Summary: This article presents a simple, low-cost, and portable readout design based on coherent demodulation technique for spiral coil-based LC resonant sensors. The theoretical analysis establishes the relationship between the interrogation distance and other circuit parameters. The implemented readout system, using printed circuit board technology and off-the-shelf components, operates between I and 100 MHz and consumes 1.26 W. Experimental measurements demonstrate reliable and repeatable operation with interrogation distances up to 5 cm.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON INSTRUMENTATION AND MEASUREMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Andrew Teggert, Harish Datta, Stephen McIntosh, Barry Warden, Simon Bateson, Fathi Abugchem, Zulfiqur Ali
Summary: Absorption is a widely used technique with lower sensitivity compared to techniques like fluorescence. Optical cavity approaches can enhance sensitivity by increasing pathlength, but have not yet been widely used for analytical applications and point-of-care diagnostics.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
William Savoie, Harry Tuazon, Ishant Tiwari, M. Saad Bhamla, Daniel I. I. Goldman
Summary: This study examines the emergent properties of amorphous entangled systems and identifies the method of changing particle shape as the most effective way to improve tensile strength. The research also demonstrates the control of individual worm activity through dissolved oxygen, leading to complex emergent properties of the entangled collective.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Justin Y. Y. Lee, Yue Han, Mark P. P. Styczynski
Summary: Metabolomics, specifically the measurement of metabolites using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), provides valuable information for metabolic modeling. However, GC-MS metabolomics data are typically reported as relative abundances rather than absolute concentrations. In this study, a computational framework called MetaboPAC was developed to predict response factors that enable the translation between relative abundances and absolute concentrations. The results demonstrate that MetaboPAC performs significantly better than negative control approaches in predicting absolute concentrations from synthetic data, even when only 20% of kinetic terms are known a priori. This framework shows promise for inferring concentrations from time-course intracellular GC-MS metabolomics datasets, particularly for systems with partially known kinetic structures.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Brett R. Aiello, M. Saad Bhamla, Jeff Gau, John G. L. Morris, Kenji Bomar, Shashwati da Cunha, Harrison Fu, Julia Laws, Hajime Minoguchi, Manognya Sripathi, Kendra Washington, Gabriella Wong, Neil H. Shubin, Simon Sponberg, Thomas A. Stewart
Summary: Blinking, the occlusion of the eye by membranes, serves multiple functions and likely originated during the water-to-land transition. However, the origin of blinking has been limited by a lack of anatomical correlates in the fossil record. Through studying mudskippers, a clade of amphibious fishes that have evolved blinking, it was found that they did not evolve novel musculature or glands to blink. Mudskippers exhibit functional convergence with tetrapods in terms of blinking behavior and eye protection. This suggests that the origin of blinking is likely explained by selection for increasingly terrestrial lifestyles.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Carlos Floyd, Arthur T. Molines, Xiangting Lei, Jerry E. Honts, Fred Chang, Mary Williard Elting, Suriyanarayanan Vaikuntanathan, Aaron R. Dinner, M. Saad Bhamla
Summary: In nature, certain ciliated protists can achieve ultrarapid movements using protein assemblies called myonemes, which respond to calcium ions. Existing theories fail to accurately describe these systems, so models are needed to understand their mechanisms. In this study, we analyze the contractile movements observed in two ciliated protists and propose a mathematical model based on their mechanochemistry. Our model demonstrates three distinct dynamic regimes, revealing unique scaling behaviors and kinematic signatures. This research not only provides insights into calcium-powered myoneme contraction in protists, but also has implications for designing ultrafast bioengineered systems.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Vishal P. Patil, Harry Tuazon, Emily Kaufman, Tuhin Chakrabortty, David Qin, Jorn Dunkel, M. Saad Bhamla
Summary: Tangled active filaments are common in nature and understanding their collective topological transformations is important. By studying California blackworms, researchers developed a mechanistic model that explains their tangle formation and ultrafast untangling. These findings can provide guidance for designing topologically tunable active materials.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Megan A. McSweeney, Yan Zhang, Mark P. Styczynski
Summary: In this study, the compatibility of standard toehold switches with truncated triggers of 23 nucleotides was investigated. It was found that triggers with similar sequences reduced switch activation by 98.6%, and even seven mutations outside of the sensitive region could still induce a 5-fold activation. Additionally, a new approach using 18-22 nucleotide triggers as translational repressors was proposed, and the off-target regulation of this strategy was assessed.
ACS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemical Research Methods
Michael B. Sheets, Joshua T. Atkinson, Mark P. Styczynski, Emily R. Aurand
Summary: As engineering biology continues to have increasing impacts, it is crucial to introduce the field early on in an accessible manner. However, teaching engineering biology faces challenges such as limited representation in widely used scientific textbooks or curricula, as well as its interdisciplinary nature. To address this, we have developed an adaptable curriculum module that provides a versatile slide deck designed by engineering biology experts to cover the fundamental principles and applications of the field. Free and accessible through a public website, this module can be used independently or integrated into existing curricula, aiming to enhance the ease of teaching current engineering biology topics and promote public engagement with the field.
ACS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Udita Ringania, Robert J. Moon, M. Saad Bhamla
Summary: This study comprehensively examines the ultrasonic dewatering of cellulose nanofibril (CNF) suspensions, focusing on the role of fines content. The results show that CNF samples with higher fines content have longer drying times and higher water retention capacity. The stability of redispersed samples also differs depending on the fines content.
Article
Zoology
Harry Tuazon, Chantal Nguyen, Emily Kaufman, Ishant Tiwari, Jessica Bermudez, Darshan Chudasama, Orit Peleg, M. Saad Bhamla
Summary: In this study, the collecting efficiency of Lumbriculus variegatus was found to be proportional to the population size. Clumping behavior and reduced exploration were observed, possibly due to environmental stimulation. The simulation experiment showed that adding attractive forces between particles increased gathering efficiency. This research provides insights into the collecting-gathering behavior of L. variegatus and contributes to the understanding of ecological impacts of microplastics on benthic invertebrates.
INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Elio J. Challita, Prateek Sehgal, Rodrigo Krugner, M. Saad Bhamla
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Fernanda Piorino, Shelbe Johnson, Mark P. P. Styczynski
Summary: Hyperhomocysteinemia, characterized by high levels of homocysteine in the blood, is associated with various health conditions. However, there is currently no convenient and low-cost method to measure homocysteine in plasma. In this study, a cell-free biosensor utilizing the natural homocysteine sensing mechanism of E. coli bacteria was engineered for point-of-care and low-cost assessment of homocysteine status. The biosensor can detect physiologically relevant concentrations of homocysteine in plasma within 1.5 hours, providing a fast and convenient tool for point-of-use diagnosis and monitoring of hyperhomocysteinemia and related health conditions.
ACS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Fernanda Piorino, Alexandra T. Patterson, Yue Han, Mark P. Styczynski
Summary: Although cell-free protein expression has been widely used for synthesizing single proteins, cell-free synthetic biology has expanded to more complex applications such as prototyping complex genetic networks. However, expressing multiple proteins from multiple plasmids may lead to plasmid crosstalk, causing unexpected changes in protein expression levels. This study shows that plasmid crosstalk depends on the concentration of plasmids and the type of transcriptional machinery involved, which can significantly impact genetic circuitry function and experimental interpretation.
ACS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Jaeyoung K. Jung, Blake J. Rasor, Grant A. Rybnicky, Adam D. Silverman, Janet Standeven, Robert Kuhn, Teresa Granito, Holly M. Ekas, Brenda M. Wang, Ashty S. Karim, Julius B. Lucks, Michael C. Jewett
Summary: As the field of synthetic biology expands, the need to grow and train STEM practitioners is essential. However, the lack of access to hands-on demonstrations has led to inequalities of opportunity and practice. To address this, shelf-stable cell-free biosensing educational modules were developed, allowing students to create their own bioengineered systems by adding water and DNA to freeze-dried crude extracts of non-pathogenic Escherichia coli. This work promises to increase access to interactive synthetic biology education opportunities.
ACS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Fernanda Piorino, Mark P. Styczynski
Summary: This study investigates the impact of sonication energy inputs on the protein production capacity of cell extracts and finds that the optimal sonication energy input depends on various factors. Strategies for improving protein yields and better protocols for characterizing cell extracts are proposed.
ACS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
(2023)