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| 2. |
- Seoane, Fernando, et al.
(författare)
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Conductive Polymer Films as Textrodes for Biopotential Sensing
- 2011
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Konferensbidrag (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Introduction: After several years of progresses in textile technology and wearable measurement instrumentation, applications of wearable textile-electronics systems are arising providing a stable background for commercial applications. So far, the available commercial solutions are centered on fitness applications and mostly based in the acquisition of heart rate through Textile Electrodes (Textrodes) based on metallic threads or on conductive rubber compounds. Methods and Materials: In this work a novel material approach is presented to produce Textrodes for acquisition of Electrocardiographic (ECG) signals using a conductive polypropylene (PP1386 from Premix, Finland) polymer material. The polymer was film extruded into thin films, and used as such in the Textrode. Conductive Polymer Films (CPF) have been used to produce Textrodes, and its measurement performance has been compared with the ECG signals obtained with commercial Textrode fabrics and conventional Ag/AgCl electrodes. In order to set up the same measurement conditions, a chest strap tailored to host the testing electrodes has been used. Results: The close resemblance of the ECG acquired with the textile fabric electrodes, the Ag/AgCl electrodes and the PP1386 CPF electrodes suggest that the Polymer Electrodes PP1386 are a feasible alternative to the current textile fabrics that use silver thread as conductive material and also to conductive rubber material. Discussion & Conclusion: The availability of the Conductive Polymer Electrode PP1386 in a film form allows the manufacturing of electrodes by conventional textile processes, like lamination or sewing, therefore facilitating the transition from lab prototyping to industrial manufacturing. Replacing the traditional silver thread as conductive element in the fabrication of Textrodes will definitely reduce the material cost per Textrode. Biocompatibility issues and manufacturability issues must be addressed but the exhibited functional performance is showing encouraging results.
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| 3. |
- Pardon, Gaspard, 1983-
(författare)
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From Macro to Nano : Electrokinetic Transport and Surface Control
- 2014
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Today, the growing and aging population, and the rise of new global threats on human health puts an increasing demand on the healthcare system and calls for preventive actions. To make existing medical treatments more efficient and widely accessible and to prevent the emergence of new threats such as drug-resistant bacteria, improved diagnostic technologies are needed. Potential solutions to address these medical challenges could come from the development of novel lab-on-chip (LoC) for point-of-care (PoC) diagnostics.At the same time, the increasing demand for sustainable energy calls for the development of novel approaches for energy conversion and storage systems (ECS), to which micro- and nanotechnologies could also contribute.This thesis has for objective to contribute to these developments and presents the results of interdisciplinary research at the crossing of three disciplines of physics and engineering: electrokinetic transport in fluids, manufacturing of micro- and nanofluidic systems, and surface control and modification. By combining knowledge from each of these disciplines, novel solutions and functionalities were developed at the macro-, micro- and nanoscale, towards applications in PoC diagnostics and ECS systems.At the macroscale, electrokinetic transport was applied to the development of a novel PoC sampler for the efficient capture of exhaled breath aerosol onto a microfluidic platform.At the microscale, several methods for polymer micromanufacturing and surface modification were developed. Using direct photolithography in off-stoichiometry thiol-ene (OSTE) polymers, a novel manufacturing method for mold-free rapid prototyping of microfluidic devices was developed. An investigation of the photolithography of OSTE polymers revealed that a novel photopatterning mechanism arises from the off-stoichiometric polymer formulation. Using photografting on OSTE surfaces, a novel surface modification method was developed for the photopatterning of the surface energy. Finally, a novel method was developed for single-step microstructuring and micropatterning of surface energy, using a molecular self-alignment process resulting in spontaneous mimicking, in the replica, of the surface energy of the mold.At the nanoscale, several solutions for the study of electrokinetic transport toward selective biofiltration and energy conversion were developed. A novel, comprehensive model was developed for electrostatic gating of the electrokinetic transport in nanofluidics. A novel method for the manufacturing of electrostatically-gated nanofluidic membranes was developed, using atomic layer deposition (ALD) in deep anodic alumina oxide (AAO) nanopores. Finally, a preliminary investigation of the nanopatterning of OSTE polymers was performed for the manufacturing of polymer nanofluidic devices.
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| 4. |
- Decrop, Deborah, et al.
(författare)
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Single-step manufacturing of femtoliter microwell arrays in a novel surface energy mimicking polymer
- 2015
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Ingår i: 18th International Conference on Solid-State Sensors, Actuators and Microsystems (IEEE TRANSDUCER 2015). - : IEEE.
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- We report a novel polymer material formulation and stamp-molding technique that enable rapid single-step manufacturing of hydrophilic-in-hydrophobic microwell arrays. We developed a modified thiol-ene-epoxy polymer (mOSTE+) formulation that mimics the surface energy of its mold during polymerization. The polymer inherits the surface energy from the mold through molecular self-assembly, in which functional monomers self-assemble at the interface between the liquid prepolymer and the mold surface. Combining this novel mOSTE+ material with a stamp-molding process leads to simultaneous surface energy mimicking and micro-structuring. This method was used to manufacture microwells with hydrophilic bottom and hydrophobic sidewall, depressed in a surrounding hydrophobic surface. The microwell arrays were successfully tested for the self-assembly of 62’000 femtoliter-droplets. Such femtoliter droplet arrays are useful for, e.g., digital ELISA and single cell/molecule analysis applications.
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| 5. |
- Andersson, Helene, 1983, et al.
(författare)
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Effects of molecular weight on permeability and microstructure of mixed ethyl-hydroxypropyl-cellulose films
- 2013
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Ingår i: European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. - : Elsevier BV. - 0928-0987 .- 1879-0720. ; 48:1-2, s. 240-248
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Films of ethyl cellulose (EC) and water-soluble hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) can be used for extended release coatings in oral formulations. The permeability and microstructure of free EC/HPC films with 30% w/w HPC were studied to investigate effects of EC molecular weight. Phase separation during film spraying and subsequent HPC leaching after immersion in aqueous media cause pore formation in such films. It was found that sprayed films were porous throughout the bulk of the films after water immersion. The molecular weight affected HPC leaching, pore morphology and film permeability; increasing the molecular weight resulted in decreasing permeability. A model to distinguish the major factors contributing to diffusion retardation in porous films showed that the trend in permeability was determined predominantly by factors associated with the geometry and arrangement of pores, independent of the diffusing species. The film with the highest molecular weight did, however, show an additional contribution from pore wall/permeant interactions. In addition, rapid drying and increasing molecular weight resulted in smaller pores, which suggest that phase separation kinetics affects the final microstructure of EC/HPC films. Thus, the molecular weight influences the microstructural features of pores, which are crucial for mass transport in EC/HPC films.
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| 6. |
- Palmquist, Anders, 1977, et al.
(författare)
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Complex geometry and integrated macro-porosity: Clinical applications of electron beam melting to fabricate bespoke bone-anchored implants
- 2023
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Ingår i: Acta Biomaterialia. - : Elsevier BV. - 1742-7061 .- 1878-7568. ; 156, s. 125-145
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- The last decade has witnessed rapid advancements in manufacturing technologies for biomedical implants. Additive manufacturing (or 3D printing) has broken down major barriers in the way of producing complex 3D geometries. Electron beam melting (EBM) is one such 3D printing process applicable to metals and alloys. EBM offers build rates up to two orders of magnitude greater than comparable laser-based technologies and a high vacuum environment to prevent accumulation of trace elements. These features make EBM particularly advantageous for materials susceptible to spontaneous oxidation and nitrogen pick-up when exposed to air (e.g., titanium and titanium-based alloys). For skeletal reconstruction(s), anatomical mimickry and integrated macro-porous architecture to facilitate bone ingrowth are undoubtedly the key features of EBM manufactured implants. Using finite element modelling of physiological loading conditions, the design of a prosthesis may be further personalised. This review looks at the many unique clinical applications of EBM in skeletal repair and the ground-breaking innovations in prosthetic rehabilitation. From a simple acetabular cup to the fifth toe, from the hand-wrist complex to the shoulder, and from vertebral replacement to cranio-maxillofacial reconstruction, EBM has experienced it all. While sternocostal reconstructions might be rare, the repair of long bones using EBM manufactured implants is becoming exceedingly frequent. Despite the various merits, several challenges remain yet untackled. Nevertheless, with the capability to produce osseointegrating implants of any conceivable shape/size, and permissive of bone ingrowth and functional loading, EBM can pave the way for numerous fascinating and novel applications in skeletal repair, regeneration, and rehabilitation. Statement of significance: Electron beam melting (EBM) offers unparalleled possibilities in producing contaminant-free, complex and intricate geometries from alloys of biomedical interest, including Ti6Al4V and CoCr. We review the diverse range of clinical applications of EBM in skeletal repair, both as mass produced off-the-shelf implants and personalised, patient-specific prostheses. From replacing large volumes of disease-affected bone to complex, multi-material reconstructions, almost every part of the human skeleton has been replaced with an EBM manufactured analog to achieve macroscopic anatomical-mimickry. However, various questions regarding long-term performance of patient-specific implants remain unaddressed. Directions for further development include designing personalised implants and prostheses based on simulated loading conditions and accounting for trabecular bone microstructure with respect to physiological factors such as patient's age and disease status.
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| 7. |
- Elbadawi, Mohammed, 1987-, et al.
(författare)
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Pressure-assisted microsyringe 3D printing of oral films based on pullulan and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
- 2021
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Ingår i: International Journal of Pharmaceutics. - : Elsevier. - 0378-5173 .- 1873-3476. ; 595
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Oral films (OFs) continue to attract attention as drug delivery systems, particularly for pedatric and geriatric needs. However, immiscibility between different polymers limits the full potential of OFs from being explored. One example is pullulan (PUL), a novel biopolymer which often has to be blended with other polymers to reduce cost and alter its mechanical properties. In this study, the state-of-the-art in fabrication techniques, three-dimensional (3D) printing was used to produce hybrid film structures of PUL and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), which were loaded with caffeine as a model drug. 3D printing was used to control the spatial deposition of films. HPMC was found to increase the mean mechanical properties of PUL films, where the tensile strength, elastic modulus and elongation break increased from 8.9 to 14.5 MPa, 1.17 to 1.56 GPa and from 1.48% to 1.77%, respectively. In addition, the spatial orientation of the hybrid films was also explored to determine which orientation could maximize the mechanical properties of the hybrid films. The results revealed that 3D printing could modify the mechanical properties of PUL whilst circumventing the issues associated with immiscibility.
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| 8. |
- Zhang, Emma, 1985, et al.
(författare)
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Predicting degradation of the anode-concrete interface for impressed current cathodic protection in concrete
- 2018
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Ingår i: Construction and Building Materials. - : Elsevier BV. - 0950-0618. ; 185, s. 57-68
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Impressed current cathodic protection and prevention techniques are efficient methods to stop or prevent corrosion in steel reinforced concrete structures. The inevitable side effect of the current exchange is acidification at the anode-concrete interface. Accelerated test methods can be used to investigate the long-term performance of the system. However, a linear relation will not hold between the accelerated and normal conditions because of the influence of the current density. This paper presents results of an accelerated test. A power-relation conversion model is proposed and an acceleration factor is introduced. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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| 9. |
- Pirozzi, Ileana, et al.
(författare)
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Circulatory Support : Artificial Muscles for the Future of Cardiovascular Assist Devices
- 2023
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Ingår i: Advanced Materials. - : Wiley. - 0935-9648 .- 1521-4095.
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Artificial muscles enable the design of soft implantable devices which are poised to transform the way we mechanically support the heart today. Heart failure is a prevalent and deadly disease, which is treated with the implantation of rotary blood pumps as the only alternative to heart transplantation. The clinically used mechanical devices are associated with severe adverse events, which are reflected here in a comprehensive list of critical requirements for soft active devices of the future: low power, no blood contact, pulsatile support, physiological responsiveness, high cycle life, and less-invasive implantation. In this review, we investigate and critically evaluate prior art in artificial muscles for their applicability in the short and long term. We highlight the main challenges regarding the effectiveness, controllability, and implantability of recently proposed actuators and explore future perspectives for attachment, physiological responsiveness, durability, and biodegradability as well as equitable design considerations.
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| 10. |
- Sepehri, Sobhan, 1986, et al.
(författare)
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Volume-amplified magnetic bioassay integrated with microfluidic sample handling and high-Tc SQUID magnetic readout
- 2018
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Ingår i: APL Bioengineering. - : AIP Publishing. - 2473-2877. ; 2:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A bioassay based on a high-Tc superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) reading out functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (fMNPs) in a prototype microfluidic platform is presented. The target molecule recognition is based on volume amplification using padlock-probe-ligation followed by rolling circle amplification (RCA). The MNPs are functionalized with single-stranded oligonucleotides, which give a specific binding of the MNPs to the large RCA coil product, resulting in a large change in the amplitude of the imaginary part of the ac magnetic susceptibility. The RCA products from amplification of synthetic Vibrio cholera target DNA were investigated using our SQUID ac susceptibility system in microfluidic channel with an equivalent sample volume of 3 μl. From extrapolation of the linear dependence of the SQUID signal versus concentration of the RCA coils, it is found that the projected limit of detection for our system is about 1.0 e5 RCA coils (0.2e−18 mol), which is equivalent to 66 fM in the 3 μl sample volume. This ultra-high magnetic sensitivity and integration with microfluidic sample handling are critical steps towards magnetic bioassays for rapid detection of DNA and RNA targets at the point of care.
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