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Zhang ZQ, Zhang XL, Xu GS, Liu XJ, Guo Q, Feng Z, Jia JT, Ku PT. Fabrication of polydimethylsiloxane/graphene flexible strain sensors by using the scraping and coating method. THE REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS 2022; 93:065001. [PMID: 35778021 DOI: 10.1063/5.0089849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Production of flexible strain sensors is complex, time-consuming, and expensive. In this study, a novel fabrication method of polydimethylsiloxane/graphene nanocomposite conductive materials was proposed by using the scraping and coating method for manufacturing sandwich-shape flexible strain sensors. A ZQ-60B tensile testing machine was employed to test the mechanical properties of flexible sensors with 1%, 3%, and 5% graphene content. The results revealed that the stress and strain of the flexible strain sensor exhibited a linear relationship, and the linear correlation coefficients were 0.99706, 0.99819, and 0.99826, respectively. The concentration of graphene was 1%, 3%, and 5%, and the gauge factors (GFs) of the sensor were 24, 6, and 3, respectively. With the increase in the graphene content, the GF decreased gradually. This phenomenon could be attributed to tunneling, which increased the number of conductive pathways with an increase in the graphene content. Furthermore, the sensor exhibited excellent stability after 100 cycles of stretching/scaling. The finger joint bending test revealed that the flexible strain sensor is reproducible and exhibits excellent application prospects in monitoring human movement and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Q Zhang
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, No. 19, Jinhua south road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710048, China
| | - Xue L Zhang
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, No. 19, Jinhua south road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710048, China
| | - Guang S Xu
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, No. 19, Jinhua south road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710048, China
| | - Xue J Liu
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, No. 19, Jinhua south road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710048, China
| | - Q Guo
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, No. 19, Jinhua south road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710048, China
| | - Z Feng
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, No. 19, Jinhua south road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710048, China
| | - Jiang T Jia
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, No. 19, Jinhua south road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710048, China
| | - Peng T Ku
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Xi'an Polytechnic University, No. 19, Jinhua south road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710048, China
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Atomic Force Microscopy Imaging in Turbid Liquids: A Promising Tool in Nanomedicine. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20133715. [PMID: 32630829 PMCID: PMC7374447 DOI: 10.3390/s20133715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Tracking of biological and physiological processes on the nanoscale is a central part of the growing field of nanomedicine. Although atomic force microscopy (AFM) is one of the most appropriate techniques in this area, investigations in non-transparent fluids such as human blood are not possible with conventional AFMs due to limitations caused by the optical readout. Here, we show a promising approach based on self-sensing cantilevers (SSC) as a replacement for optical readout in biological AFM imaging. Piezo-resistors, in the form of a Wheatstone bridge, are embedded into the cantilever, whereas two of them are placed at the bending edge. This enables the deflection of the cantilever to be precisely recorded by measuring the changes in resistance. Furthermore, the conventional acoustic or magnetic vibration excitation in intermittent contact mode can be replaced by a thermal excitation using a heating loop. We show further developments of existing approaches enabling stable measurements in turbid liquids. Different readout and excitation methods are compared under various environmental conditions, ranging from dry state to human blood. To demonstrate the applicability of our laser-free bio-AFM for nanomedical research, we have selected the hemostatic process of blood coagulation as well as ultra-flat red blood cells in different turbid fluids. Furthermore, the effects on noise and scanning speed of different media are compared. The technical realization is shown (1) on a conventional optical beam deflection (OBD)-based AFM, where we replaced the optical part by a new SSC nose cone, and (2) on an all-electric AFM, which we adapted for measurements in turbid liquids.
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Kim DS, Choi YW, Shanmugasundaram A, Jeong YJ, Park J, Oyunbaatar NE, Kim ES, Choi M, Lee DW. Highly durable crack sensor integrated with silicone rubber cantilever for measuring cardiac contractility. Nat Commun 2020; 11:535. [PMID: 31988308 PMCID: PMC6985253 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-14019-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To date, numerous biosensing platforms have been developed for assessing drug-induced cardiac toxicity by measuring the change in contractile force of cardiomyocytes. However, these low sensitivity, low-throughput, and time-consuming processes are severely limited in their real-time applications. Here, we propose a cantilever device integrated with a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-encapsulated crack sensor to measure cardiac contractility. The crack sensor is chemically bonded to a PDMS thin layer that allows it to be operated very stably in culture media. The reliability of the proposed crack sensor has been improved dramatically compared to no encapsulation layer. The highly sensitive crack sensor continuously measures the cardiac contractility without changing its gauge factor for up to 26 days (>5 million heartbeats), while changes in contractile force induced by drugs are monitored using the crack sensor-integrated cantilever. Finally, experimental results are compared with those obtained via conventional optical methods to verify the feasibility of building a contraction-based drug-toxicity testing system. Measuring cardiac contractility is challenging. Here, the authors encapsulated a crack-based sensor with polydimethylsiloxane, thereby endowing the sensor with the stability to measure cardiac contractility for up to 26 days as well as monitoring drug-induced cardiac toxicity in cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Su Kim
- MEMS and Nanotechnology Laboratory, School of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Whan Choi
- Division of Mechanical Convergence Engineering, College of MICT Convergence Engineering, Silla University, Busan, 46958, Republic of Korea
| | - Arunkumar Shanmugasundaram
- MEMS and Nanotechnology Laboratory, School of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Jin Jeong
- MEMS and Nanotechnology Laboratory, School of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongsung Park
- MEMS and Nanotechnology Laboratory, School of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Nomin-Erdene Oyunbaatar
- MEMS and Nanotechnology Laboratory, School of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Eung-Sam Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea.,Center for Next-Generation Sensor Research and Development, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea
| | - Mansoo Choi
- Global Frontier Center for Multiscale Energy Systems, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Weon Lee
- MEMS and Nanotechnology Laboratory, School of Mechanical Systems Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea. .,Center for Next-Generation Sensor Research and Development, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Republic of Korea.
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Feng C, Zhu D, Wang Y, Jin S. Electromechanical Behaviors of Graphene Reinforced Polymer Composites: A Review. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 13:E528. [PMID: 31978995 PMCID: PMC7040776 DOI: 10.3390/ma13030528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Graphene (including its derivatives)-reinforced polymer composites (GRPCs) have been drawing tremendous attention from academic and industrial communities for developing smart materials and structures. Such interest stems from the excellent combination of the mechanical and electrical properties of these composites while keeping the beneficial intrinsic attributes of the polymers, including flexibility, easy processability, low cost and good biological and chemical compatibility. The electromechanical performances of these GRPCs are of great importance for the design and optimization of engineering structures and components. Extensive work has been devoted to this topic. This paper reviews the recent studies on the electromechanical behaviors of GRPCs. First the methods and techniques to manufacture graphene and GRPCs are introduced, in which the pros and cons of each method are discussed. Then the experimental examination and theoretical modeling on the electromechanical behaviors of the nanocomposites are presented and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuang Feng
- College of Civil Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, China
| | - Dong Zhu
- Zhejiang Scientific Research Institute of Transport, Hangzhou 311305, China;
| | - Yu Wang
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne 3083, Australia;
| | - Sujing Jin
- Zhejiang Scientific Research Institute of Transport, Hangzhou 311305, China;
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Kamat AM, Pei Y, Kottapalli AGP. Bioinspired Cilia Sensors with Graphene Sensing Elements Fabricated Using 3D Printing and Casting. NANOMATERIALS 2019; 9:nano9070954. [PMID: 31262009 PMCID: PMC6669618 DOI: 10.3390/nano9070954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Sensor designs found in nature are optimal due to their evolution over millions of years, making them well-suited for sensing applications. However, replicating these complex, three-dimensional (3D), biomimetic designs in artificial and flexible sensors using conventional techniques such as lithography is challenging. In this paper, we introduce a new processing paradigm for the simplified fabrication of flexible sensors featuring complex and bioinspired structures. The proposed fabrication workflow entailed 3D-printing a metallic mold with complex and intricate 3D features such as a micropillar and a microchannel, casting polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) inside the mold to obtain the desired structure, and drop-casting piezoresistive graphene nanoplatelets into the predesigned microchannel to form a flexible strain gauge. The graphene-on-PDMS strain gauge showed a high gauge factor of 37 as measured via cyclical tension-compression tests. The processing workflow was used to fabricate a flow sensor inspired by hair-like ‘cilia’ sensors found in nature, which comprised a cilia-inspired pillar and a cantilever with a microchannel that housed the graphene strain gauge. The sensor showed good sensitivity against both tactile and water flow stimuli, with detection thresholds as low as 12 µm in the former and 58 mm/s in the latter, demonstrating the feasibility of our method in developing flexible flow sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amar M Kamat
- Advanced Production Engineering Group, Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Yutao Pei
- Advanced Production Engineering Group, Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Ajay G P Kottapalli
- Advanced Production Engineering Group, Engineering and Technology Institute Groningen, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747AG Groningen, The Netherlands
- MIT Sea Grant College Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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Stassi S, Fantino E, Calmo R, Chiappone A, Gillono M, Scaiola D, Pirri CF, Ricciardi C, Chiadò A, Roppolo I. Polymeric 3D Printed Functional Microcantilevers for Biosensing Applications. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2017; 9:19193-19201. [PMID: 28530385 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.7b04030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we show for the first time the production of mass-sensitive polymeric biosensors by 3D printing technology with intrinsic functionalities. We also demonstrate the feasibility of mass-sensitive biosensors in the form of microcantilever in a one-step printing process, using acrylic acid as functional comonomer for introducing a controlled amount of functional groups that can covalently immobilize the biomolecules onto the polymer. The effectiveness of the application of 3D printed microcantilevers as biosensors is then demonstrated with their implementation in a standard immunoassay protocol. This study shows how 3D microfabrication techniques, material characterization, and biosensor development could be combined to obtain an engineered polymeric microcantilever with intrinsic functionalities. The possibility of tuning the composition of the starting photocurable resin with the addition of functional agents, and consequently controlling the functionalities of the 3D printed devices, paves the way to a new class of mass-sensing microelectromechanical system devices with intrinsic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Stassi
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino , Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, Torino 10129, Italy
| | - Erika Fantino
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino , Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, Torino 10129, Italy
| | - Roberta Calmo
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino , Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, Torino 10129, Italy
| | - Annalisa Chiappone
- Center for Sustainable Future Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Corso Trento 21, Torino 10129, Italy
| | - Matteo Gillono
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino , Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, Torino 10129, Italy
- Center for Sustainable Future Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Corso Trento 21, Torino 10129, Italy
| | - Davide Scaiola
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino , Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, Torino 10129, Italy
| | - Candido Fabrizio Pirri
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino , Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, Torino 10129, Italy
- Center for Sustainable Future Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Corso Trento 21, Torino 10129, Italy
| | - Carlo Ricciardi
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino , Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, Torino 10129, Italy
| | - Alessandro Chiadò
- Department of Applied Science and Technology, Politecnico di Torino , Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, Torino 10129, Italy
| | - Ignazio Roppolo
- Center for Sustainable Future Technologies, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia , Corso Trento 21, Torino 10129, Italy
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