High Precision 3D Printing for Micro to Nano Scale Biomedical and Electronic Devices

Surface Quality as a Factor Affecting the Functionality of Products Manufactured with Metal and 3D Printing Technologies

Surface engineering is one of the most extensive industries. Virtually all areas of the economy benefit from the achievements of surface engineering. Surface quality affects the quality of finished products as well as the quality of manufactured parts. It affects both functional qualities and esthetics. Surface quality affects the image and reputation of a brand. This is particularly true for cars and household appliances. Surface modification of products is also aimed at improving their functional and protective properties. This applies to surfaces for producing hydrophobic surfaces, anti-wear protection of friction pairs, corrosion protection, and others. Metal technologies and 3D printing benefit from surface technologies that improve their functionality and facilitate the operation of products. Surface engineering offers a range of different coating and layering methods from varnishing and painting to sophisticated nanometric coatings. This paper presents an overview of selected surface engineering issues pertaining to metal products, with a particular focus on surface modification of products manufactured by 3D printing technology. It evaluates the impact of the surface quality of products on their functional and performance qualities.

An Adaptive Approach in Polymer-Drug Nanoparticle Engineering using Slanted Electrohydrodynamic Needles and Horizontal Spraying Planes

The present study focuses on the adaptive development of a key peripheral component of conventional electrohydrodynamic atomisation (EHDA) systems, namely spraying needles (also referred to as nozzles or spinnerets). Needle geometry and planar alignment are often overlooked. To explore potential impact, curcumin-loaded polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) and methoxypolyethylene glycol amine (PEG)-based nanoparticles were fabricated. To elucidate these technological aspects, a horizontal electrospraying needle regime was adapted, and three formulations containing different polymeric ratios of PLGA: PEG (50:50, 75:25, and 25:75) were prepared and utilised. Furthermore, processing head tip geometries e.g. blunt (a flat needle exit) or slanted (a 45° inclination angle), were subjected to various flow rates (5 µL-100 µL). Successful engineering of curcumin-loaded polymeric nanoparticles (< 150 nm) was observed. In-silico analysis demonstrated stable properties of curcumin, PEG and PLGA (molecular docking studies) and fluid flow direction towards the Taylor-Cone (also known as the stable jet mode), was shown by the assessment of fluid dynamics simulations in various needle outlets. Curcumin-loaded nanoparticles were characterised using an array of methods including Scanning electron microscopy, Differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, as well as their contact angles, encapsulation efficiencies and finally release patterns. The discrepancy when spraying with blunt and angled needles was evidenced by electron micrographs and deposition patterns. Spraying plumes utilising slanted needles enhanced particle collection efficiency and distribution of resultant atomised structures. In addition to needle design, fine-tuning the applied voltage and flow rate impacted the electrospraying process. The coefficient of variation was calculated as 30.5% and 25.6% for blunt and angled needle outlets, respectively, presenting improved particle uniformity with the employment of angled needle tips (8-G needle at 25 µL). The interplay of processing parameters with the utilisation of a slanted exit at a capillary optimised the spray pattern and formation of desired nanoparticulates. These demonstrate great applicability for controlled deposition and up-scaling processes in the pharmaceutical industry. These advances elaborate on EHDA processes, indicating a more cost-effective and scalable approach for industrial applications, facilitating the generation of a diverse range of particle systems in a controlled and more uniform fashion.

Fabrication of SU-8 polymer micro/nanoscale nozzle by hot embossing method

Electrohydrodynamic-jet printing (E-jet printing) is a direct-writing technology for manufacturing micro-nano devices. To further reduce the inner diameter of the nozzle to improve the printing resolution, a large-scale manufacturing method of SU-8 polymer micro/nanoscale nozzle by means of a process combining UV exposure and hot embossing was proposed. To improve the adhesive strength between the UV mask and SU-8, the influence of the oxygen plasma treatment parameters on the water contact angles of the UV mask was analyzed. The effect of hot embossing time and temperature on the replication precision was studied. The influence of UV exposure parameters and thermal bonding parameters on the micro and nanochannel pattern was investigated. The SU-8 polymer nozzles with 188 ± 3 nm wide and 104 ± 2 nm deep nanochannels were successfully fabricated, and the replication precision can reach to 98.5%. The proposed manufacturing method of SU-8 polymer nozzles in this study will significantly advance the research on the transport properties of nanoscale channels in E-jet nozzles and facilitate further advancements in E-jet based applications.

3D Printed Nanosensors for Cancer Diagnosis: Advances and Future Perspective

Cancer is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, requiring continuous advancements in diagnosis and treatment. Traditional methods often lack sensitivity and specificity, leading to the need for new methods. 3D printing has emerged as a transformative tool in cancer diagnosis, offering the potential for precise and customizable nanosensors. These advancements are critical in cancer research, aiming to improve early detection and monitoring of tumors. In current times, the usage of the 3D printing technique has been more prevalent as a flexible medium for the production of accurate and adaptable nanosensors characterized by exceptional sensitivity and specificity. The study aims to enhance early cancer diagnosis and prognosis by developing advanced 3D-printed nanosensors using 3D printing technology. The research explores various 3D printing techniques, design strategies, and functionalization strategies for cancer-specific biomarkers. The integration of these nanosensors with detection modalities like fluorescence, electrochemical, and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy is also evaluated. The study explores the use of inkjet printing, stereolithography, and fused deposition modeling to create nanostructures with enhanced performance. It also discusses the design and functionalization methods for targeting cancer indicators. The integration of 3D-printed nanosensors with multiple detection modalities, including fluorescence, electrochemical, and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, enables rapid and reliable cancer diagnosis. The results show improved sensitivity and specificity for cancer biomarkers, enabling early detection of tumor indicators and circulating cells. The study highlights the potential of 3D-printed nanosensors to transform cancer diagnosis by enabling highly sensitive and specific detection of tumor biomarkers. It signifies a pivotal step forward in cancer diagnostics, showcasing the capacity of 3D printing technology to produce advanced nanosensors that can significantly improve early cancer detection and patient outcomes.

The 3D Printing of Nanocomposites for Wearable Biosensors: Recent Advances, Challenges, and Prospects

Notably, 3D-printed flexible and wearable biosensors have immense potential to interact with the human body noninvasively for the real-time and continuous health monitoring of physiological parameters. This paper comprehensively reviews the progress in 3D-printed wearable biosensors. The review also explores the incorporation of nanocomposites in 3D printing for biosensors. A detailed analysis of various 3D printing processes for fabricating wearable biosensors is reported. Besides this, recent advances in various 3D-printed wearable biosensors platforms such as sweat sensors, glucose sensors, electrocardiography sensors, electroencephalography sensors, tactile sensors, wearable oximeters, tattoo sensors, and respiratory sensors are discussed. Furthermore, the challenges and prospects associated with 3D-printed wearable biosensors are presented. This review is an invaluable resource for engineers, researchers, and healthcare clinicians, providing insights into the advancements and capabilities of 3D printing in the wearable biosensor domain.

Quantum AI and hybrid simulators for a Universal Quantum Field Computation Model

Quantum field theory (QFTh) simulators simulate physical systems using quantum circuits that process quantum information (qubits) via single field (SF) and/or quantum double field (QDF) transformation. This review presents models that classify states against pairwise particle states | i j 〉 , given their state transition (ST) probability P | i j 〉 . A quantum AI (QAI) program, weighs and compares the field's distance between entangled states as qubits from their scalar field of radius R ≥ | r i j | . These states distribute across 〈 R 〉 with expected probability 〈 P distribute 〉 and measurement outcome 〈 M ( P distribute ) 〉 = P | i j 〉 . A quantum-classical hybrid model of processors via QAI, classifies and predicts states by decoding qubits into classical bits. For example, a QDF as a quantum field computation model (QFCM) in IBM-QE, performs the doubling of P | i j 〉 for a strong state prediction outcome. QFCMs are compared to achieve a universal QFCM (UQFCM). This model is novel in making strong event predictions by simulating systems on any scale using QAI. Its expected measurement fidelity is 〈 M ( F ) 〉 ≥ 7 / 5 in classifying states to select 7 optimal QFCMs to predict 〈 M 〉 's on QFTh observables. This includes QFCMs' commonality of 〈 M 〉 against QFCMs limitations in predicting system events. Common measurement results of QFCMs include their expected success probability 〈 P success 〉 over STs occurring in the system. Consistent results with high F 's, are averaged over STs as 〈 P distribute 〉 yielding 〈 P success 〉 ≥ 2 / 3 performed by an SF or QDF of certain QFCMs. A combination of QFCMs with this fidelity level predicts error rates (uncertainties) in measurements, by which a P | i j 〉 = 〈 P success 〉 < ∼ 1 is weighed as a QAI output to a QFCM user. The user then decides which QFCMs perform a more efficient system simulation as a reliable solution. A UQFCM is useful in predicting system states by preserving and recovering information for intelligent decision support systems in applied, physical, legal and decision sciences, including industry 4.0 systems.

How can Electrospinning Further Service Well for Pharmaceutical Researches?

The past two decades have witnessed the enormous success and progress of electrospinning, as well as its broad and useful applications in pharmaceutics as a laboratory pharmaceutical nanotechnology. Everything in the past is a preface, in which the large screen opens for electrospinning and electrospun nanofibers (particularly those multiple-fluid electrospinning processes and the related multiple-chamber nanostructures) to stride into a new stage and the real commercial applications. In this commentary, four hot regions are identified for the further progress of the applications of electrospinning in pharmaceutics, in which electrospinning and its products can provide more and better services to the development of pharmaceutics.

Recent Progress in Printed Photonic Devices: A Brief Review of Materials, Devices, and Applications

Printing electronics incorporates several significant technologies, such as semiconductor devices produced by various printing techniques on flexible substrates. With the growing interest in printed electronic devices, new technologies have been developed to make novel devices with inexpensive and large-area printing techniques. This review article focuses on the most recent developments in printed photonic devices. Photonics and optoelectronic systems may now be built utilizing materials with specific optical properties and 3D designs achieved through additive printing. Optical and architected materials that can be printed in their entirety are among the most promising future research topics, as are platforms for multi-material processing and printing technologies that can print enormous volumes at a high resolution while also maintaining a high throughput. Significant advances in innovative printable materials create new opportunities for functional devices to act efficiently, such as wearable sensors, integrated optoelectronics, and consumer electronics. This article provides an overview of printable materials, printing methods, and the uses of printed electronic devices.

Can we achieve biomimetic electrospun scaffolds with gelatin alone?

Introduction: Gelatin is a natural polymer commonly used in biomedical applications in combination with other materials due to its high biocompatibility, biodegradability, and similarity to collagen, principal protein of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of gelatin as the sole material to manufacture tissue engineering scaffolds by electrospinning. Methods: Gelatin was electrospun in nine different concentrations onto a rotating collector and the resulting scaffold's mechanical properties, morphology and topography were assessed using mechanical testing, scanning electron microscopy and white light interferometry, respectively. After characterizing the scaffolds, the effects of the concentration of the solvents and crosslinking agent were statistically evaluated with multivariate analysis of variance and linear regressions. Results: Fiber diameter and inter-fiber separation increased significantly when the concentration of the solvents, acetic acid (HAc) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), increased. The roughness of the scaffolds decreased as the concentration of dimethyl sulfoxide increased. The mechanical properties were significantly affected by the DMSO concentration. Immersed crosslinked scaffolds did not degrade until day 28. The manufactured gelatin-based electrospun scaffolds presented comparable mechanical properties to many human tissues such as trabecular bone, gingiva, nasal periosteum, oesophagus and liver tissue. Discussion: This study revealed for the first time that biomimetic electrospun scaffolds with gelatin alone can be produced for a significant number of human tissues by appropriately setting up the levels of factors and their interactions. These findings also extend statistical relationships to a form that would be an excellent starting point for future research that could optimize factors and interactions using both traditional statistics and machine learning techniques to further develop specific human tissue.

3D-Printed Micro/Nano-Scaled Mechanical Metamaterials: Fundamentals, Technologies, Progress, Applications, and Challenges

Micro/nano-scaled mechanical metamaterials have attracted extensive attention in various fields attributed to their superior properties benefiting from their rationally designed micro/nano-structures. As one of the most advanced technologies in the 21st century, additive manufacturing (3D printing) opens an easier and faster path for fabricating micro/nano-scaled mechanical metamaterials with complex structures. Here, the size effect of metamaterials at micro/nano scales is introduced first. Then, the additive manufacturing technologies to fabricate mechanical metamaterials at micro/nano scales are introduced. The latest research progress on micro/nano-scaled mechanical metamaterials is also reviewed according to the type of materials. In addition, the structural and functional applications of micro/nano-scaled mechanical metamaterials are further summarized. Finally, the challenges, including advanced 3D printing technologies, novel material development, and innovative structural design, for micro/nano-scaled mechanical metamaterials are discussed, and future perspectives are provided. The review aims to provide insight into the research and development of 3D-printed micro/nano-scaled mechanical metamaterials.

In Vivo Penetrating Microelectrodes for Brain Electrophysiology

In recent decades, microelectrodes have been widely used in neuroscience to understand the mechanisms behind brain functions, as well as the relationship between neural activity and behavior, perception and cognition. However, the recording of neuronal activity over a long period of time is limited for various reasons. In this review, we briefly consider the types of penetrating chronic microelectrodes, as well as the conductive and insulating materials for microelectrode manufacturing. Additionally, we consider the effects of penetrating microelectrode implantation on brain tissue. In conclusion, we review recent advances in the field of in vivo microelectrodes.

Imaging-Guided Micromachines: Towards Intelligent Systems

Micromachines with controllable motion, deformation, and collective behaviors provide advanced methods for performing tasks that traditional machines have difficulty completing thanks to the development of small-scale robotics, nanotechnology, biocompatible materials, and imaging techniques [...].

A Refined Hot Melt Printing Technique with Real-Time CT Imaging Capability

Personalised drug delivery systems with the ability to offer real-time imaging and control release are an advancement in diagnostic and therapeutic applications. This allows for a tailored drug dosage specific to the patient with a release profile that offers the optimum therapeutic effect. Coupling this application with medical imaging capabilities, real-time contrast can be viewed to display the interaction with the host. Current approaches towards such novelty produce a drug burst release profile and contrasting agents associated with side effects as a result of poor encapsulation of these components. In this study, a 3D-printed drug delivery matrix with real-time imaging is engineered. Polycaprolactone (PCL) forms the bulk structure and encapsulates tetracycline hydrochloride (TH), an antibiotic drug and Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (IONP, Fe₃O₄), a superparamagnetic contrasting agent. Hot melt extrusion (HME) coupled with fused deposition modelling (FDM) is utilised to promote the encapsulation of TH and IONP. The effect of additives on the formation of micropores (10-20 µm) on the 3D-printed surface was investigated. The high-resolution process demonstrated successful encapsulation of both bioactive and nano components to present promising applications in drug delivery systems, medical imaging and targeted therapy.