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Filippidou MK, Kanaris AI, Aslanidis E, Rapesi A, Tsounidi D, Ntouskas S, Skotadis E, Tsekenis G, Tsoukalas D, Tserepi A, Chatzandroulis S. Integrated Plastic Microfluidic Device for Heavy Metal Ion Detection. MICROMACHINES 2023; 14:1595. [PMID: 37630131 PMCID: PMC10456536 DOI: 10.3390/mi14081595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
The presence of heavy metal ions in soil, air and water constitutes an important global environmental threat, as these ions accumulate throughout the food chain, contributing to the rise of chronic diseases, including, amongst others, cancer and kidney failure. To date, many efforts have been made for their detection, but there is still a need for the development of sensitive, low-cost, and portable devices able to conduct on-site detection of heavy metal ions. In this work, we combine microfluidic technology and electrochemical sensing in a plastic chip for the selective detection of heavy metal ions utilizing DNAzymes immobilized in between platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs), demonstrating a reliable portable solution for water pollution monitoring. For the realization of the microfluidic-based heavy metal ion detection device, a fast and easy-to-implement fabrication method based on the photolithography of dry photosensitive layers is proposed. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate the detection of Pb2+ ions using the prototype microfluidic device.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrto Kyriaki Filippidou
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, NCSR ‘‘Demokritos’’, 15341 Aghia Paraskevi, Greece; (M.K.F.); (A.T.)
| | - Aris Ioannis Kanaris
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, NCSR ‘‘Demokritos’’, 15341 Aghia Paraskevi, Greece; (M.K.F.); (A.T.)
| | - Evangelos Aslanidis
- Department of Applied Sciences, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Zografou, Greece; (E.A.); (E.S.); (D.T.)
| | - Annita Rapesi
- Department of Applied Sciences, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Zografou, Greece; (E.A.); (E.S.); (D.T.)
- Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece (G.T.)
| | - Dimitra Tsounidi
- Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece (G.T.)
| | - Sotirios Ntouskas
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, NCSR ‘‘Demokritos’’, 15341 Aghia Paraskevi, Greece; (M.K.F.); (A.T.)
| | - Evangelos Skotadis
- Department of Applied Sciences, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Zografou, Greece; (E.A.); (E.S.); (D.T.)
| | - George Tsekenis
- Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece (G.T.)
| | - Dimitris Tsoukalas
- Department of Applied Sciences, National Technical University of Athens, 15780 Zografou, Greece; (E.A.); (E.S.); (D.T.)
| | - Angeliki Tserepi
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, NCSR ‘‘Demokritos’’, 15341 Aghia Paraskevi, Greece; (M.K.F.); (A.T.)
| | - Stavros Chatzandroulis
- Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, NCSR ‘‘Demokritos’’, 15341 Aghia Paraskevi, Greece; (M.K.F.); (A.T.)
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Sayed FA, Elsayed HA, Eissa MF, Aly AH, Mehaney A. Monitoring and simulation of the fuel irradiation behavior in nuclear reactors based on phononic crystal structure. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12319. [PMID: 37516792 PMCID: PMC10387093 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39298-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
We have presented in the current work a novel idea for simulating the irradiation behaviors of the nuclear fuel pellets in nuclear reactors by using a one-dimensional defective phononic crystal (1D-DPnC) design was presented. The transmission spectra of the incident mechanical waves were considered basic data for expressing the characteristics of different nuclear fuel-pellets. Herein, the density, sound speed, and Young's modulus of the fuel-pellets represent the key parameters that are influenced by the irradiation behaviors of these pallets. Mixed plutonium-uranium oxide (MOX) nuclear fuel is considered the main fuel in the present study. In addition, a comparison is performed for this fuel with other types of nuclear fuels. Moreover, the mechanical properties of these MOX-pellets are dependent on the porosity, the ratio of oxygen-to-metal (O/M), and the plutonium (Pu-content). The theoretical treatments depend on the transfers matrix method to compute the transmission spectra through the 1D-DPnC. The numerical findings provided that the MOX-pellet has the highest performance compared to other fuel pellets and with sensitivity equal to 59.388 × 103 Hz s/m. It was also reported that the effects of the percentage of the O/M and Pu- content in MOX had a minor effect in a comparison with the impact of porosity. The theoretical simulation agreed extremely with the experimental data reported for these nuclear fuels. Because of the close relationship between sound speed and density, this sensor can be utilized to monitor the porosity, O/M, Pu-content, and density of fuel-pellets as a quick and non-destructive evaluation technique in a nuclear fuel fabrication laboratory. This article has proven theoretically that MOX fuel produced from nuclear waste of uranium dioxide and plutonium dioxide gives excellent results compared to other types of nuclear fuels, and this agrees with experimental researches. Thus, it may contribute in preserving the environment from nuclear waste, and this can be considered a novel kind of purification of environmental pollution treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma A Sayed
- TH-PPM Group, Physics Department, Faculty of Sciences, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, 62514, Egypt
| | - Hussein A Elsayed
- TH-PPM Group, Physics Department, Faculty of Sciences, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, 62514, Egypt
| | - M F Eissa
- TH-PPM Group, Physics Department, Faculty of Sciences, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, 62514, Egypt
| | - Arafa H Aly
- TH-PPM Group, Physics Department, Faculty of Sciences, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, 62514, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed Mehaney
- TH-PPM Group, Physics Department, Faculty of Sciences, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, 62514, Egypt
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Khoury FC, Saleh SA, Habli ZS, Khraiche ML. Development of Inkjet-Printed PEDOT:PSS-Based Organic Electrochemical Transistor (OECT) for Biopotential Amplification. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2023; 2023:1-4. [PMID: 38083031 DOI: 10.1109/embc40787.2023.10341124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
With the ever-increasing need for miniaturized and biocompatible devices for physiological recordings, high signal fidelity and ease of fabrication are key to achieve reliable data collection. This calls for the development of active recording devices such as Organic Electrochemical Transistors (OECTs) which, compared to passive electrodes, offer local amplification. In this work, we built PEDOT:PSS based OECTs using novel inkjet printing technology, achieving a transconductance of 75 mS. The device was later used to amplify arbitrary signals simulating in vivo recordings. Gate voltage offset manipulation offered a range of current peak-to-peak amplitudes. Additionally, we demonstrate a simple circuit for voltage readings, where another resistor-dependent characterization involving voltage source and drain voltage is performed. At ideal operating point and when using a 220 Ω resistor, a gain of 14.5 is achieved.Clinical Relevance- 1This work demonstrates the ability to rapidly and easily develop OECT-based technology for potential signal sensing for more accurate diagnosis of pathologies and diseases.
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Tsong JL, Khor SM. Modern analytical and bioanalytical technologies and concepts for smart and precision farming. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2023. [PMID: 37376849 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay00647f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Unpredictable natural disasters, disease outbreaks, climate change, pollution, and war constantly threaten food crop production. Smart and precision farming encourages using information or data obtained by using advanced technology (sensors, AI, and IoT) to improve decision-making in agriculture and achieve high productivity. For instance, weather prediction, nutrient information, pollutant assessment, and pathogen determination can be made with the help of new analytical and bioanalytical methods, demonstrating the potential for societal impact such as environmental, agricultural, and food science. As a rising technology, biosensors can be a potential tool to promote smart and precision farming in developing and underdeveloped countries. This review emphasizes the role of on-field, in vivo, and wearable biosensors in smart and precision farming, especially those biosensing systems that have proven with suitably complex and analytically challenging samples. The development of various agricultural biosensors in the past five years that fulfill market requirements such as portability, low cost, long-term stability, user-friendliness, rapidity, and on-site monitoring will be reviewed. The challenges and prospects for developing IoT and AI-integrated biosensors to increase crop yield and advance sustainable agriculture will be discussed. Using biosensors in smart and precision farming would ensure food security and revenue for farming communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Ling Tsong
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | - Sook Mei Khor
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Centre for Fundamental and Frontier Sciences in Nanostructure Self-Assembly, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Mau R, Seitz H. Influence of the Volatility of Solvent on the Reproducibility of Droplet Formation in Pharmaceutical Inkjet Printing. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020367. [PMID: 36839689 PMCID: PMC9965695 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Drop-on-demand (DOD) inkjet printing enables exact dispensing and positioning of single droplets in the picoliter range. In this study, we investigate the long-term reproducibility of droplet formation of piezoelectric inkjet printed drug solutions using solvents with different volatilities. We found inkjet printability of EtOH/ASA drug solutions is limited, as there is a rapid forming of drug deposits on the nozzle of the printhead because of fast solvent evaporation. Droplet formation of c = 100 g/L EtOH/ASA solution was affected after only a few seconds by little drug deposits, whereas for c = 10 g/L EtOH/ASA solution, a negative affection was observed only after t = 15 min, while prominent drug deposits form at the printhead tip. Due to the creeping effect, the crystallizing structures of ASA spread around the nozzle but do not clog it necessarily. When there is a negative affection, the droplet trajectory is affected the most, while the droplet volume and droplet velocity are influenced less. In contrast, no formation of drug deposits could be observed for highly concentrated, low volatile DMSO-based drug solution of c = 100 g/L even after a dispensing time of t = 30 min. Therefore, low volatile solvents are preferable to highly volatile solvents to ensure a reproducible droplet formation in long-term inkjet printing of highly concentrated drug solutions. Highly volatile solvents require relatively low drug concentrations and frequent printhead cleaning. The findings of this study are especially relevant when high droplet positioning precision is desired, e.g., drug loading of microreservoirs or drug-coating of microneedle devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Mau
- Microfluidics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Marine Technology, University of Rostock, Justus-von-Liebig Weg 6, 18059 Rostock, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-381-498-9103
| | - Hermann Seitz
- Microfluidics, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Marine Technology, University of Rostock, Justus-von-Liebig Weg 6, 18059 Rostock, Germany
- Department Life, Light & Matter, Interdisciplinary Faculty, University of Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Str. 25, 18059 Rostock, Germany
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Galliani M, Ferrari LM, Bouet G, Eglin D, Ismailova E. Tailoring inkjet-printed PEDOT:PSS composition toward green, wearable device fabrication. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:016101. [PMID: 36619686 PMCID: PMC9812513 DOI: 10.1063/5.0117278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Inkjet printing remains one of the most cost-efficient techniques for device prototyping and manufacturing, offering considerable freedom of digital design, non-contact, and additive fabrication. When developing novel wearable devices, a balanced approach is required between functional, user-safe materials and scalable manufacturing processes. Here, we propose a tailor-made ink formulation, based on non-hazardous materials, to develop green electronic devices aimed at interfacing with humans. We demonstrate that developed ink exhibits high-resolution inkjet printability, in line with theoretical prediction, on multiple wearable substrates. The ink's chemical composition ensures the pattern's enhanced electrical properties, mechanical flexibility, and stability in water. The cytocompatibility evaluations show no noxious effects from printed films in contact with human mesenchymal stem cells. Finally, we fabricated a printed wearable touch sensor on a non-woven fabric substrate, capable of tracking human steps. This is a step toward the development of green wearable electronics manufacturing, demonstrating a viable combination of materials and processes for biocompatible devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Galliani
- Mines Saint-Etienne, Centre CMP, Département BEL, F-13541 Gardanne, France
| | | | - Guenaelle Bouet
- Mines Saint-Étienne, Université Jean Monnet, INSERM, U1059 Sainbiose, Saint-Étienne F-42023, France
| | - David Eglin
- Mines Saint-Étienne, Université Jean Monnet, INSERM, U1059 Sainbiose, Saint-Étienne F-42023, France
| | - Esma Ismailova
- Mines Saint-Etienne, Centre CMP, Département BEL, F-13541 Gardanne, France,Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
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Korzeniewska E, Kania M, Zawiślak R. Textronic Glove Translating Polish Sign Language. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:6788. [PMID: 36146138 PMCID: PMC9505883 DOI: 10.3390/s22186788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Communication between people is a basic social skill used to exchange information. It is often used for self-express and to meet basic human needs, such as the need for closeness, belonging, and security. This process takes place at different levels, using different means, with specific effects. It generally means a two-way flow of information in the immediate area of contact with another person. When people are communicating using the same language, the flow of information is much easier compared to the situation when two people use two different languages from different language families. The process of social communication with the deaf is difficult as well. It is therefore essential to use modern technologies to facilitate communication with deaf and non-speaking people. This article presents the results of work on a prototype of a glove using textronic elements produced using a physical vacuum deposition process. The signal from the sensors, in the form of resistance changes, is read by the microcontroller, and then it is processed and displayed on a smartphone screen in the form of single letters. During the experiment, 520 letters were signed by each author. The correctness of interpreting the signs was 86.5%. Each letter was recognized within approximately 3 s. One of the main results of the article was also the selection of an appropriate material (Velostat, membrane) that can be used as a sensor for the proposed application solution. The proposed solution can enable communication with the deaf using the finger alphabet, which can be used to spell single words or the most important key words.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Korzeniewska
- Institute of Electrical Engineering Systems, Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 18 Street, 90-537 Lodz, Poland
| | - Marta Kania
- Institute of Automatic Control, Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 18 Street, 90-537 Lodz, Poland
| | - Rafał Zawiślak
- Institute of Automatic Control, Lodz University of Technology, Stefanowskiego 18 Street, 90-537 Lodz, Poland
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Design of Chopsticks-Shaped Heating Resistors for a Thermal Inkjet: Based on TaN Film. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13050787. [PMID: 35630256 PMCID: PMC9146670 DOI: 10.3390/mi13050787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Efficient printing frequency is critical for thermal bubble inkjet printing, while the difficulty lies in the structural design and material selection of the heating resistors. In this paper, a TaN film was used as the main material of the heating resistors, and two TaN films were placed in parallel to form the chopsticks-shaped structure. The heating time was divided into two sections, in which 0–0.1 μs was the preheating and 1.2–1.8 μs was the primary heating. At 1.8 μs, the maximum temperature of the Si3N4 film could reach about 1100 °C. At the same time, the SiO2 film was added between the TaN film and Si3N4 film as a buffer layer, which effectively avoided the rupture of the Si3N4 film due to excessive thermal stress. Inside the inkjet print head, the maximum temperature of the chamber reached about 680 °C at 2.5 μs. Due to the high power of the heating resistors, the working time was greatly reduced and the frequency of the inkjet printing was effectively increased. At the interface between the back of the chip and the cartridge, the SiO2 film was used to connect to ensure a timely ink supply. Under the condition of 12 V at 40 kHz, the inkjet chip could print efficiently with 10 nozzles at the same time. The inkjet chip proposed in this paper is not limited to only office printing, but also provides a new reference for 3D printing, cell printing, and vegetable and fruit printing.
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