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Nanogap Electrode-Enabled Versatile Electrokinetic Manipulation of Nanometric Species in Fluids. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12070451. [PMID: 35884255 PMCID: PMC9313323 DOI: 10.3390/bios12070451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Noninvasive manipulation of nanoscopic species in liquids has attracted considerable attention due to its potential applications in diverse fields. Many sophisticated methodologies have been developed to control and study nanoscopic entities, but the low-power, cost-effective, and versatile manipulation of nanometer-sized objects in liquids remains challenging. Here, we present a dielectrophoretic (DEP) manipulation technique based on nanogap electrodes, with which the on-demand capturing, enriching, and sorting of nano-objects in microfluidic systems can be achieved. The dielectrophoretic control unit consists of a pair of swelling-induced nanogap electrodes crossing a microchannel, generating a steep electric field gradient and thus strong DEP force for the effective manipulation of nano-objects microfluidics. The trapping, enriching, and sorting of nanoparticles and DNAs were performed with this device to demonstrate its potential applications in micro/nanofluidics, which opens an alternative avenue for the non-invasive manipulation and characterization of nanoparticles such as DNA, proteins, and viruses.
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2
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Abstract
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Electronically interfacing with the
nervous system for the purposes
of health diagnostics and therapy, sports performance monitoring,
or device control has been a subject of intense academic and industrial
research for decades. This trend has only increased in recent years,
with numerous high-profile research initiatives and commercial endeavors.
An important research theme has emerged as a result, which is the
incorporation of semiconducting polymers in various devices that communicate
with the nervous system—from wearable brain-monitoring caps
to penetrating implantable microelectrodes. This has been driven by
the potential of this broad class of materials to improve the electrical
and mechanical properties of the tissue–device interface, along
with possibilities for increased biocompatibility. In this review
we first begin with a tutorial on neural interfacing, by reviewing
the basics of nervous system function, device physics, and neuroelectrophysiological
techniques and their demands, and finally we give a brief perspective
on how material improvements can address current deficiencies in this
system. The second part is a detailed review of past work on semiconducting
polymers, covering electrical properties, structure, synthesis, and
processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan B Dimov
- Electrical Engineering Division, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, 9 JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0FA, U.K
| | - Maximilian Moser
- University of Oxford, Department of Chemistry, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom
| | - George G Malliaras
- Electrical Engineering Division, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, 9 JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0FA, U.K
| | - Iain McCulloch
- University of Oxford, Department of Chemistry, Oxford OX1 3TA, United Kingdom.,King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), KAUST Solar Center, Thuwal 23955-6900, Saudi Arabia
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3
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Cortelli G, Patruno L, Cramer T, Murgia M, Fraboni B, de Miranda S. Atomic Force Microscopy Nanomechanics of Hard Nanometer-Thick Films on Soft Substrates: Insights into Stretchable Conductors. ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS 2021; 4:8376-8382. [PMID: 34485845 PMCID: PMC8411650 DOI: 10.1021/acsanm.1c01590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
The nanomechanical properties of ultrathin and nanostructured films of rigid electronic materials on soft substrates are of crucial relevance to realize materials and devices for stretchable electronics. Of particular interest are bending deformations in buckled nanometer-thick films or patterned networks of rigid materials as they can be exploited to compensate for the missing tensile elasticity. Here, we perform atomic force microscopy indentation experiments and electrical measurements to characterize the nanomechanics of ultrathin gold films on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer. The measured force-indentation data can be analyzed in terms of a simple analytical model describing a bending plate on a semi-infinite soft substrate. The resulting method enables us to quantify the local Young's modulus of elasticity of the nanometer-thick film. Systematic variation of the gold layer thickness reveals the presence of a diffuse interface between the metal film and the elastomer substrate that does not contribute to the bending stiffness. The effect is associated with gold clusters that penetrate the silicone and are not directly connected to the ultrathin film. Only above a critical layer thickness, percolation of the metallic thin film happens, causing a linear increase in bending stiffness and electrical conductivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Cortelli
- Department
of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Bologna, Viale del Risorgimento 2, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Patruno
- Department
of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Bologna, Viale del Risorgimento 2, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Tobias Cramer
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Bologna, Viale Berti Pichat 6/2, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Mauro Murgia
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Bologna, Viale Berti Pichat 6/2, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Beatrice Fraboni
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Bologna, Viale Berti Pichat 6/2, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano de Miranda
- Department
of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Bologna, Viale del Risorgimento 2, 40136 Bologna, Italy
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5
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Khan RK, Yadavalli VK, Collinson MM. Flexible Nanoporous Gold Electrodes for Electroanalysis in Complex Matrices. ChemElectroChem 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/celc.201900894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rezaul K. Khan
- Department of Chemistry Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA 23284-2006
| | - Vamsi K. Yadavalli
- Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA 23284
| | - Maryanne M Collinson
- Department of Chemistry Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA 23284-2006
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6
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Decataldo F, Cramer T, Martelli D, Gualandi I, Korim WS, Yao ST, Tessarolo M, Murgia M, Scavetta E, Amici R, Fraboni B. Stretchable Low Impedance Electrodes for Bioelectronic Recording from Small Peripheral Nerves. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10598. [PMID: 31332219 PMCID: PMC6646361 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46967-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Monitoring of bioelectric signals in peripheral sympathetic nerves of small animal models is crucial to gain understanding of how the autonomic nervous system controls specific body functions related to disease states. Advances in minimally-invasive electrodes for such recordings in chronic conditions rely on electrode materials that show low-impedance ionic/electronic interfaces and elastic mechanical properties compliant with the soft and fragile nerve strands. Here we report a highly stretchable low-impedance electrode realized by microcracked gold films as metallic conductors covered with stretchable conducting polymer composite to facilitate ion-to-electron exchange. The conducting polymer composite based on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) obtains its adhesive, low-impedance properties by controlling thickness, plasticizer content and deposition conditions. Atomic Force Microscopy measurements under strain show that the optimized conducting polymer coating is compliant with the micro-crack mechanics of the underlying Au-layer, necessary to absorb the tensile deformation when the electrodes are stretched. We demonstrate functionality of the stretchable electrodes by performing high quality recordings of renal sympathetic nerve activity under chronic conditions in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tobias Cramer
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Davide Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences - Physiology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Isacco Gualandi
- Department of Industrial Chemistry, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Willian S Korim
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Song T Yao
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marta Tessarolo
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mauro Murgia
- Instituto per lo Studio dei Materiali Nanostrutturati (ISMN), Centro Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Via Gobetti 101, 40129, Bologna, Italy
| | - Erika Scavetta
- Department of Industrial Chemistry, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto Amici
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences - Physiology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Beatrice Fraboni
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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7
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Yan Z, Pan T, Xue M, Chen C, Cui Y, Yao G, Huang L, Liao F, Jing W, Zhang H, Gao M, Guo D, Xia Y, Lin Y. Thermal Release Transfer Printing for Stretchable Conformal Bioelectronics. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2017; 4:1700251. [PMID: 29201621 PMCID: PMC5700632 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201700251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2017] [Revised: 07/08/2017] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Soft neural electrode arrays that are mechanically matched between neural tissues and electrodes offer valuable opportunities for the development of disease diagnose and brain computer interface systems. Here, a thermal release transfer printing method for fabrication of stretchable bioelectronics, such as soft neural electrode arrays, is presented. Due to the large, switchable and irreversible change in adhesion strength of thermal release tape, a low-cost, easy-to-operate, and temperature-controlled transfer printing process can be achieved. The mechanism of this method is analyzed by experiments and fracture-mechanics models. Using the thermal release transfer printing method, a stretchable neural electrode array is fabricated by a sacrificial-layer-free process. The ability of the as-fabricated electrode array to conform different curvilinear surfaces is confirmed by experimental and theoretical studies. High-quality electrocorticography signals of anesthetized rat are collected with the as-fabricated electrode array, which proves good conformal interface between the electrodes and dura mater. The application of the as-fabricated electrode array on detecting the steady-state visual evoked potentials research is also demonstrated by in vivo experiments and the results are compared with those detected by stainless-steel screw electrodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuocheng Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated DevicesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC)ChengduSichuan610054P. R. China
| | - Taisong Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated DevicesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC)ChengduSichuan610054P. R. China
| | - Miaomiao Xue
- Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of EducationSchool of Life Science and TechnologyUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC)ChengduSichuan610054P. R. China
| | - Changyong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated DevicesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC)ChengduSichuan610054P. R. China
| | - Yan Cui
- Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of EducationSchool of Life Science and TechnologyUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC)ChengduSichuan610054P. R. China
| | - Guang Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated DevicesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC)ChengduSichuan610054P. R. China
| | - Long Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated DevicesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC)ChengduSichuan610054P. R. China
| | - Feiyi Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated DevicesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC)ChengduSichuan610054P. R. China
| | - Wei Jing
- Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of EducationSchool of Life Science and TechnologyUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC)ChengduSichuan610054P. R. China
| | - Hulin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated DevicesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC)ChengduSichuan610054P. R. China
| | - Min Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated DevicesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC)ChengduSichuan610054P. R. China
- Center for Information in BioMedicineUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC)ChengduSichuan610054P. R. China
| | - Daqing Guo
- Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of EducationSchool of Life Science and TechnologyUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC)ChengduSichuan610054P. R. China
- Center for Information in BioMedicineUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC)ChengduSichuan610054P. R. China
| | - Yang Xia
- Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation of Ministry of EducationSchool of Life Science and TechnologyUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC)ChengduSichuan610054P. R. China
- Center for Information in BioMedicineUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC)ChengduSichuan610054P. R. China
| | - Yuan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Films and Integrated DevicesUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC)ChengduSichuan610054P. R. China
- Center for Information in BioMedicineUniversity of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC)ChengduSichuan610054P. R. China
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8
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Tsao CW, Guo XC, Hu WW. Highly stretchable conductive polypyrrole film on a three dimensional porous polydimethylsiloxane surface fabricated by a simple soft lithography process. RSC Adv 2016. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ra24521h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We create an elastic porous polydimethylsiloxane highly stretchable conductive substrate. The surface is fabricated by a simple soft lithography process that replicates the 3D corrugated porous microstructures from a low-cost commercially available abrasive paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Wen Tsao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- National Central University
- Taoyuan
- Taiwan
- Centre for Biomedical Cell Engineering
| | - Xu-Cheng Guo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering
- National Central University
- Taoyuan
- Taiwan
| | - Wei-Wen Hu
- Centre for Biomedical Cell Engineering
- National Central University
- Taoyuan
- Taiwan
- Department of Chemical and Material Engineering
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