Micromachines

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11 pages, 3263 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Image-Based Feedback of Multi-Component Microdroplets for Ultra-Monodispersed Library Preparation

by Christy Cantwell, John S. McGrath, Clive A. Smith and Graeme Whyte

Micromachines 2024, 15(1), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15010027 - 22 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1317

Using devices with microfluidic channels can allow for precise control over liquids flowing through them. Merging flows of immiscible liquids can create emulsions with highly monodispersed microdroplets within a carrier liquid, which are ideal for miniaturised reaction vessels which can be generated with [...] Read more.

Using devices with microfluidic channels can allow for precise control over liquids flowing through them. Merging flows of immiscible liquids can create emulsions with highly monodispersed microdroplets within a carrier liquid, which are ideal for miniaturised reaction vessels which can be generated with a high throughput of tens of thousands of droplets per second. Control of the size and composition of these droplets is generally performed by controlling the pumping system pushing the liquids into the device; however, this is an indirect manipulation and inadequate if absolute precision is required in the size or composition of the droplets. In this work, we extend the previous development of image-based closed-loop feedback control over microdroplet generation to allow for the control of not only the size of droplets but also the composition by merging two aqueous flows. The feedback allows direct control over the desired parameters of volume and ratio of the two components over a wide range of ratios and outperforms current techniques in terms of monodispersity in volume and composition. This technique is ideal for situations where precise control over droplets is critical, or where a library of droplets of different concentrations but the same volume is required. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Droplet Microfluidics: Fundamentals and Its Advanced Applications)

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12 pages, 2645 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

An Automated Centrifugal Microfluidic Platform for Efficient Multistep Blood Sample Preparation and Clean-Up towards Small Ion-Molecule Analysis

by Yuting Hou, Rohit Mishra, Yufeng Zhao, Jens Ducrée and Jed D. Harrison

Micromachines 2023, 14(12), 2257; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14122257 - 18 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1394

Abstract

Sample preparation for mass spectroscopy typically involves several liquid and solid phase clean-ups, extractions, and other unit operations, which are labour-intensive and error-prone. We demonstrate a centrifugal microfluidic platform that automates the whole blood sample’s preparation and clean-up by combining traditional liquid-phase and [...] Read more.

Sample preparation for mass spectroscopy typically involves several liquid and solid phase clean-ups, extractions, and other unit operations, which are labour-intensive and error-prone. We demonstrate a centrifugal microfluidic platform that automates the whole blood sample’s preparation and clean-up by combining traditional liquid-phase and multiple solid-phase extractions for applications in mass spectroscopy (MS)-based small molecule detection. Liquid phase extraction was performed using methanol to precipitate proteins in plasma separated from a blood sample under centrifugal force. The preloaded solid phase composed of C18 beads then removed lipids with a combination of silica particles, which further cleaned up any remaining proteins. We further integrated the application of this sample prep disc with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) MS by using glancing angle deposition films, which further cleaned up the processed sample by segregating the electrolyte background from the sample salts. Additionally, hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) MS was employed for detecting targeted free amino acids. Therefore, several representative ionic metabolites, including several amino acids and organic acids from blood samples, were analysed by both MALDI-MS and HILIC-MS to demonstrate the performance of this sample preparation disc. The fully automated blood sample preparation procedure only took 35 mins, with a throughput of three parallel units. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section B：Biology and Biomedicine)

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13 pages, 3967 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Chameleon-Inspired Colorimetric Sensors for Real-Time Detections with Humidity

by Yu-Hsuan Cheng, Ching-Te Kuo and Bo-Yao Lian

Micromachines 2023, 14(12), 2254; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14122254 - 18 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1382

Abstract

In recent decades, vapor sensors have gained substantial attention for their crucial roles in environmental monitoring and pharmaceutical applications. Herein, we introduce a chameleon-inspired colorimetric (CIC) sensor, detailing its design, fabrication, and versatile applications. The sensor seamlessly combines a PEDOT:PSS vapor sensor with [...] Read more.

In recent decades, vapor sensors have gained substantial attention for their crucial roles in environmental monitoring and pharmaceutical applications. Herein, we introduce a chameleon-inspired colorimetric (CIC) sensor, detailing its design, fabrication, and versatile applications. The sensor seamlessly combines a PEDOT:PSS vapor sensor with a colorimetric display, using thermochromic liquid crystal (TLC). We further explore the electrical characteristics of the CIC sensor when doped with ethylene glycol (EG) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Comparative analyses of resistance change rates for different weight ratios of EG and PVA provide insights into fine-tuning the sensor’s responsiveness to varying humidity levels. The CIC sensor’s proficiency in measuring ambient humidity is investigated under a voltage input as small as 2.6 V, capturing resistance change rates and colorimetric shifts at relative humidity (RH) levels ranging from 20% to 90%. Notably, the sensor exhibits distinct resistance sensitivities of 9.7 mΩ (0.02% ∆R/R₀)/%RH, 0.5 Ω (0.86% ∆R/R₀)/%RH, and 5.7 Ω (9.68% ∆R/R₀)/%RH at RH 20% to 30%, RH 30% to 80%, and RH 80% to 90%, respectively. Additionally, a linear temperature change is observed with a sensitivity of −0.04 °C/%RH. The sensor also demonstrates a colorimetric temperature sensitivity of −82,036 K/%RH at RH 20% to 30% and −514 K/%RH at RH 30% to 90%, per captured image. Furthermore, real-time measurements of ethanol vapor with varying concentrations showcase the sensor’s applicability in gas sensing applications. Overall, we present a comprehensive exploration of the CIC sensor, emphasizing its design flexibility, electrical characteristics, and diverse sensing capabilities. The sensor’s potential applications extend to real-time environmental monitoring, highlighting its promising role in various gas sensing fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioinspired Materials and Microdevices: Fabrications and Applications)

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0 pages, 5254 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Dynamic Compressive Properties and Failure Mechanism of the Laser Powder Bed Fusion of Submicro-LaB6 Reinforced Ti-Based Composites

by Xianghui Li and Yang Liu

Micromachines 2023, 14(12), 2237; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14122237 - 13 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 991

Abstract

In this study, lanthanum hexaboride (LaB₆) particle-reinforced titanium matrix composites (PRTMCs, TC4/LaB₆) were successfully manufactured using the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process. Thereafter, the effect of the mass fraction of LaB₆ on the microstructure and the dynamic [...] Read more.

In this study, lanthanum hexaboride (LaB₆) particle-reinforced titanium matrix composites (PRTMCs, TC4/LaB₆) were successfully manufactured using the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process. Thereafter, the effect of the mass fraction of LaB₆ on the microstructure and the dynamic compressive properties was investigated. The results show that the addition of LaB₆ leads to significant grain refinement. Moreover, the general trend of grain size reveals a concave bend as the fraction increases from 0.2% to 1.0%. Furthermore, the texture intensity of prior β grains and α grains was found to be weakened in the composites. It was also observed that the TC4/LaB₆ have higher quasi-static and dynamic compressive strengths but lower fracture strain when compared with the as-built TC4. The sample with 0.5 wt.% LaB₆ was found to have the best strength–toughness synergy among the three groups of composites due to having the smallest grain size. Furthermore, the fracture mode of TC4/LaB₆ was found to change from the fracture under the combined action of brittle and ductility to the cleavage fracture. This study was able to provide a theoretical basis for an in-depth understanding of the compressive properties of additive manufacturing of PRTMCs under high-speed loading conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Laser Additive Manufacturing: Design, Materials, Processes and Applications, 2nd Edition)

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12 pages, 4442 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Polarization Z-Scan Studies Revealing Plasmon Coupling Enhancement Due to Dimer Formation of Gold Nanoparticles in Nematic Liquid Crystals

by Shengwei Wang, Edward J. Lipchus, Mohamed Amine Gharbi and Chandra S. Yelleswarapu

Micromachines 2023, 14(12), 2206; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14122206 - 5 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1272

Abstract

We investigate the plasmon coupling of gold nanoparticle (AuNP) dimers dispersed in a nematic liquid crystal matrix using the polarization z-scan technique. Our experimental setup includes the precise control of incident light polarization through polarization angles of 0°, 45°, and 90°. Two distinct [...] Read more.

We investigate the plasmon coupling of gold nanoparticle (AuNP) dimers dispersed in a nematic liquid crystal matrix using the polarization z-scan technique. Our experimental setup includes the precise control of incident light polarization through polarization angles of 0°, 45°, and 90°. Two distinct cell orientations are examined: parallel and twisted nematic cells. In parallel-oriented cells, where liquid crystal molecules and AuNPs align with the rubbing direction, we observe a remarkable 2–3-fold increase in the nonlinear absorption coefficient when the polarization of the incident light is parallel to the rubbing direction. Additionally, a linear decrease in the third-order nonlinear absorption coefficient is noted as the polarization angle varies from 0° to 90°. In the case of twisted nematic cells, the NPs do not have any preferred orientation, and the enhancement remains consistent across all polarization angles. These findings conclusively establish that the observed enhancement in the nonlinear absorption coefficient is a direct consequence of plasmon coupling, shedding light on the intricate interplay between plasmonic nanostructures and liquid crystal matrices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optics & Photonics—Micro and Nano Structures, Materials and Devices (AOP2024))

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19 pages, 6413 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Design and Fabrication of a 3D-Printed Microfluidic Immunoarray for Ultrasensitive Multiplexed Protein Detection

by Keshani Hiniduma, Ketki S. Bhalerao, Peyahandi I. Thilini De Silva, Tianqi Chen and James F. Rusling

Micromachines 2023, 14(12), 2187; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14122187 - 30 Nov 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1801

Abstract

Microfluidic technology has revolutionized device fabrication by merging principles of fluid dynamics with technologies from chemistry, physics, biology, material science, and microelectronics. Microfluidic systems manipulate small volumes of fluids to perform automated tasks with applications ranging from chemical syntheses to biomedical diagnostics. The [...] Read more.

Microfluidic technology has revolutionized device fabrication by merging principles of fluid dynamics with technologies from chemistry, physics, biology, material science, and microelectronics. Microfluidic systems manipulate small volumes of fluids to perform automated tasks with applications ranging from chemical syntheses to biomedical diagnostics. The advent of low-cost 3D printers has revolutionized the development of microfluidic systems. For measuring molecules, 3D printing offers cost-effective, time, and ease-of-designing benefits. In this paper, we present a comprehensive tutorial for design, optimization, and validation for creating a 3D-printed microfluidic immunoarray for ultrasensitive detection of multiple protein biomarkers. The target is the development of a point of care array to determine five protein biomarkers for aggressive cancers. The design phase involves defining dimensions of microchannels, reagent chambers, detection wells, and optimizing parameters and detection methods. In this study, the physical design of the array underwent multiple iterations to optimize key features, such as developing open detection wells for uniform signal distribution and a flap for covering wells during the assay. Then, full signal optimization for sensitivity and limit of detection (LOD) was performed, and calibration plots were generated to assess linear dynamic ranges and LODs. Varying characteristics among biomarkers highlighted the need for tailored assay conditions. Spike-recovery studies confirmed the assay’s accuracy. Overall, this paper showcases the methodology, rigor, and innovation involved in designing a 3D-printed microfluidic immunoarray. Optimized parameters, calibration equations, and sensitivity and accuracy data contribute valuable metrics for future applications in biomarker analyses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Micromachines in Biology and Biomedicine 2023)

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13 pages, 6406 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Acoustic Bubble and Magnetic Actuation-Based Microrobot for Enhanced Multiphase Drug Delivery Efficiency

by Jihyeok Park, Youngkwang Kim, Jinwon Jeong, Deasung Jang, Daegeun Kim and Sangkug Chung

Micromachines 2023, 14(12), 2169; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14122169 - 29 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1675

Abstract

This paper proposes an acoustic bubble and magnetic actuation-based microrobot for enhancing multiphase drug delivery efficiency. The proposed device can encapsulate multiphase drugs, including liquids, using the two bubbles embedded within the microtube. Additionally, using the magnetic actuation of the loaded magnetic liquid [...] Read more.

This paper proposes an acoustic bubble and magnetic actuation-based microrobot for enhancing multiphase drug delivery efficiency. The proposed device can encapsulate multiphase drugs, including liquids, using the two bubbles embedded within the microtube. Additionally, using the magnetic actuation of the loaded magnetic liquid metal, it can deliver drugs to target cells. This study visualized the flow patterns generated by the oscillating bubble within the tube to validate the drug release principle. In addition, to investigate the effect of the oscillation properties of the inner bubble on drug release, the oscillation amplitude of the inner bubble was measured under various experimental variables using a high-speed camera. Subsequently, we designed a microrobot capable of encapsulating bubbles, drugs, and magnetic liquid metal and fabricated it using microfabrication technology based on ultra-precision 3D printing. As a proof of concept, we demonstrated the transport and drug release of the microrobot encapsulating the drug in a Y-shaped channel simulating a blood vessel. The proposed device is anticipated to enhance the efficiency of drug therapy by minimizing drug side effects, reducing drug administration frequency, and improving the stability of the drug within the body. This paper is expected to be applicable not only to targeted drug delivery but also to various biomedical fields, such as minimally invasive surgery and cell manipulation, by effectively delivering multiphase drugs using the simple structure of a microrobot. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Acoustical Tweezers: From Fundamental Research to Applications)

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13 pages, 19497 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Charge Characteristics of Dielectric Particle Swarm Involving Comprehensive Electrostatic Information

by Yue Feng, Xingfeng Shen, Ruiguo Wang, Zilong Zhou, Zhaoxu Yang, Yanhui Han and Ying Xiong

Micromachines 2023, 14(12), 2151; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14122151 - 24 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1101

Abstract

The triboelectrification effect caused by dynamic contact between particles is an issue for explosions caused by electrostatic discharging (ESD) in the triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) for powering the flexible and wearable sensors. The electrostatic strength of dielectric particles (surface charge density, surface potential, electric [...] Read more.

The triboelectrification effect caused by dynamic contact between particles is an issue for explosions caused by electrostatic discharging (ESD) in the triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) for powering the flexible and wearable sensors. The electrostatic strength of dielectric particles (surface charge density, surface potential, electric field, etc.) is essential to evaluate the level of ESD risk. Those differential electrostatic characteristics concerned with unhomogenized swarmed particles cannot be offered via in-current employed-joint COMSOL 6.1 simulation, in which the discrete charged dielectric particles are mistakenly regarded as continuous ones. In this paper, the hybrid discrete element method (EDEM tool) associated with programming in COMSOL Multiphysics 6.1 with MATLAB R2023a was employed to obtain the electrostatic information of the triboelectric dielectric particle swarm. We revealed that the high-accuracy strengths of electric potential and electric field inside particle warm are crucial to evaluating ESD risk. The calculated electrostatic characteristics differ from the grid method and continuous method in the surface potential and electric field. This EDEM-based simulation method is significant for microcosmic understanding and the assessment of the ESD risk in TENGs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flexible and Wearable Sensors, 2nd Edition)

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13 pages, 3741 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Untreated vs. Treated Carbon Felt Anodes: Impacts on Power Generation in Microbial Fuel Cells

by Abdelghani Ghanam, Sebastien Cecillon, Andrei Sabac, Hasna Mohammadi, Aziz Amine, François Buret and Naoufel Haddour

Micromachines 2023, 14(12), 2142; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14122142 - 23 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2194

Abstract

This research sought to enhance the efficiency and biocompatibility of anodes in bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) such as microbial fuel cells (MFCs), with an aim toward large-scale, real-world applications. The study focused on the effects of acid-heat treatment and chemical modification of three-dimensional porous [...] Read more.

This research sought to enhance the efficiency and biocompatibility of anodes in bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) such as microbial fuel cells (MFCs), with an aim toward large-scale, real-world applications. The study focused on the effects of acid-heat treatment and chemical modification of three-dimensional porous pristine carbon felt (CF) on power generation. Different treatments were applied to the pristine CF, including coating with carbon nanofibers (CNFs) dispersed using dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) surfactant and biopolymer chitosan (CS). These processes were expected to improve the hydrophilicity, reduce the internal resistance, and increase the electrochemically active surface area of CF anodes. A high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM) analysis confirmed successful CNF coating. An electrochemical analysis showed improved conductivity and charge transfer toward [Fe(CN)6]^3−/4− redox probe with treated anodes. When used in an air cathode single-chamber MFC system, the untreated CF facilitated quicker electroactive biofilm growth and reached a maximum power output density of 3.4 W m⁻², with an open-circuit potential of 550 mV. Despite a reduction in charge transfer resistance (R_ct) with the treated CF anodes, the power densities remained unchanged. These results suggest that untreated CF anodes could be most promising for enhancing power output in BESs, offering a cost-effective solution for large-scale MFC applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructures for Application in Electronics and Renewable Energy Sources)

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10 pages, 3656 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Controllable Carrier Doping in Two-Dimensional Materials Using Electron-Beam Irradiation and Scalable Oxide Dielectrics

by Lu Wang, Zejing Guo, Qing Lan, Wenqing Song, Zhipeng Zhong, Kunlin Yang, Tuoyu Zhao, Hai Huang, Cheng Zhang and Wu Shi

Micromachines 2023, 14(11), 2125; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14112125 - 19 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1924

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) materials, characterized by their atomically thin nature and exceptional properties, hold significant promise for future nano-electronic applications. The precise control of carrier density in these 2D materials is essential for enhancing performance and enabling complex device functionalities. In this study, we [...] Read more.

Two-dimensional (2D) materials, characterized by their atomically thin nature and exceptional properties, hold significant promise for future nano-electronic applications. The precise control of carrier density in these 2D materials is essential for enhancing performance and enabling complex device functionalities. In this study, we present an electron-beam (e-beam) doping approach to achieve controllable carrier doping effects in graphene and MoS₂ field-effect transistors (FETs) by leveraging charge-trapping oxide dielectrics. By adding an atomic layer deposition (ALD)-grown Al₂O₃ dielectric layer on top of the SiO₂/Si substrate, we demonstrate that controllable and reversible carrier doping effects can be effectively induced in graphene and MoS₂ FETs through e-beam doping. This new device configuration establishes an oxide interface that enhances charge-trapping capabilities, enabling the effective induction of electron and hole doping beyond the SiO₂ breakdown limit using high-energy e-beam irradiation. Importantly, these high doping effects exhibit non-volatility and robust stability in both vacuum and air environments for graphene FET devices. This methodology enhances carrier modulation capabilities in 2D materials and holds great potential for advancing the development of scalable 2D nano-devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 2D Materials: Devices and Functionalities)

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16 pages, 2599 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Printing MEMS: Application of Inkjet Techniques to the Manufacturing of Inertial Accelerometers

by Roberto Bernasconi, Gabriele Pietro Invernizzi, Elisa Gallo Stampino, Riccardo Gotti, Davide Gatti and Luca Magagnin

Micromachines 2023, 14(11), 2082; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14112082 - 10 Nov 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1452

Abstract

In the last few years, the manufacturing of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) by means of innovative tridimensional and bidimensional printing technologies has significantly catalyzed the attention of researchers. Inkjet material deposition, in particular, can become a key enabling technology for the production of polymer-based [...] Read more.

In the last few years, the manufacturing of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) by means of innovative tridimensional and bidimensional printing technologies has significantly catalyzed the attention of researchers. Inkjet material deposition, in particular, can become a key enabling technology for the production of polymer-based inertial sensors characterized by low cost, high manufacturing scalability and superior sensitivity. In this paper, a fully inkjet-printed polymeric accelerometer is proposed, and its manufacturing steps are described. The manufacturing challenges connected with the inkjet deposition of SU-8 as a structural material are identified and addressed, resulting in the production of a functional spring-mass sensor. A step-crosslinking process allows optimization of the final shape of the device and limits defects typical of inkjet printing. The resulting device is characterized from a morphological point of view, and its functionality is assessed in performing optical readout. The acceleration range of the optimized device is 0–0.7 g, its resolution is 2 × 10⁻³ g and its sensitivity is 6745 nm/g. In general, the work demonstrates the feasibility of polymeric accelerometer production via inkjet printing, and these characteristic parameters demonstrate their potential applicability in a broad range of uses requiring highly accurate acceleration measurements over small displacements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue MEMS in Italy 2023)

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11 pages, 2942 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Efficient Energy Collection of an Autoregulatory Driving Arm Harvester in a Breeze Environment

by Chao Zhang, Xinlong Yang, Boren Zhang, Kangqi Fan, Zhiming Liu and Zejia Liu

Micromachines 2023, 14(11), 2032; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14112032 - 31 Oct 2023

Viewed by 998

Abstract

Breezes are a common source of renewable energy in the natural world. However, effectively harnessing breeze energy is challenging with conventional wind generators. These generators have a relatively high start-up wind speed requirement due to their large and steady rotational inertia. This study [...] Read more.

Breezes are a common source of renewable energy in the natural world. However, effectively harnessing breeze energy is challenging with conventional wind generators. These generators have a relatively high start-up wind speed requirement due to their large and steady rotational inertia. This study puts forth the idea of an autoregulatory driving arm (ADA), utilizing a stretchable arm for every wind cup and an elastic thread to provide adjustable rotational inertia and a low start-up speed. The self-adjustable rotational inertia of the harvester is achieved through coordinated interaction between the centrifugal and elastic forces. As the wind speed varies, the arm length of the wind cup automatically adjusts, thereby altering the rotational inertia of the harvester. This self-adjustment mechanism allows the harvester to optimize its performance and adapt to different wind conditions. By implementing the suggested ADA harvester, a low start-up speed of 1 m/s is achieved due to the small rotational inertia in its idle state. With the escalation of wind speed, the amplified centrifugal force leads to the elongation of the driving arms. When compared to a comparable harvester with a constant driving arm (CDA), the ADA harvester can generate more power thanks to this stretching effect. Additionally, the ADA harvester can operate for a longer time than the CDA harvester even after the wind has stopped. This extended operation time enables the ADA harvester to serve as a renewable power source for sensors and other devices in natural breeze environments. By efficiently utilizing and storing energy, the ADA harvester ensures a continuous and reliable power supply in such settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Conversion and Storage: From Materials to Devices)

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13 pages, 2108 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

An Analytical Thermal Buckling Model for Semiconductor Chips on a Substrate

by Guangping Gong, Dian Xu, Sijun Xiong, Fangyu Yi, Chengbo Wang and Rui Li

Micromachines 2023, 14(11), 2025; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14112025 - 30 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1251

Abstract

Semiconductor chips on a substrate have a wide range of applications in electronic devices. However, environmental temperature changes may cause mechanical buckling of the chips, resulting in an urgent demand to develop analytical models to study this issue with high efficiency and accuracy [...] Read more.

Semiconductor chips on a substrate have a wide range of applications in electronic devices. However, environmental temperature changes may cause mechanical buckling of the chips, resulting in an urgent demand to develop analytical models to study this issue with high efficiency and accuracy such that safety designs can be sought. In this paper, the thermal buckling of chips on a substrate is considered as that of plates on a Winkler elastic foundation and is studied by the symplectic superposition method (SSM) within the symplectic space-based Hamiltonian system. The solution procedure starts by converting the original problem into two subproblems, which are solved by using the separation of variables and the symplectic eigenvector expansion. Through the equivalence between the original problem and the superposition of subproblems, the final analytical thermal buckling solutions are obtained. The SSM does not require any assumptions of solution forms, which is a distinctive advantage compared with traditional analytical methods. Comprehensive numerical results by the SSM for both buckling temperatures and mode shapes are presented and are well validated through comparison with those using the finite element method. With the solutions obtained, the effects of the moduli of elastic foundations and geometric parameters on critical buckling temperatures and buckling mode shapes are investigated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Analyses and Designs for Flexible/Stretchable Electronics, Volume II)

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13 pages, 3025 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Thomson–Einstein’s Tea Leaf Paradox Revisited: Aggregation in Rings

by Kirill Kolesnik, Daniel Quang Le Pham, Jessica Fong and David John Collins

Micromachines 2023, 14(11), 2024; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14112024 - 30 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1680

Abstract

A distinct particle focusing spot occurs in the center of a rotating fluid, presenting an apparent paradox given the presence of particle inertia. It is recognized, however, that the presence of a secondary flow with a radial component drives this particle aggregation. In [...] Read more.

A distinct particle focusing spot occurs in the center of a rotating fluid, presenting an apparent paradox given the presence of particle inertia. It is recognized, however, that the presence of a secondary flow with a radial component drives this particle aggregation. In this study, we expand on the examination of this “Thomson–Einstein’s tea leaf paradox” phenomenon, where we use a combined experimental and computational approach to investigate particle aggregation dynamics. We show that not only the rotational velocity, but also the vessel shape, have a significant influence on a particle’s equilibrium position. We accordingly demonstrate the formation of a single focusing spot in a vessel center, as has been conclusively demonstrated elsewhere, but also the repeatable formation of stable ring-shaped particle arrangements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro-Tweezers, Integrated Sensors and Micro-Manipulations Techniques)

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13 pages, 3845 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Surface Roughness Prediction in Ultra-Precision Milling: An Extreme Learning Machine Method with Data Fusion

by Suiyan Shang, Chunjin Wang, Xiaoliang Liang, Chi Fai Cheung and Pai Zheng

Micromachines 2023, 14(11), 2016; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14112016 - 29 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1830

Abstract

This paper pioneers the use of the extreme learning machine (ELM) approach for surface roughness prediction in ultra-precision milling, leveraging the excellent fitting ability with small datasets and the fast learning speed of the extreme learning machine method. By providing abundant machining information, [...] Read more.

This paper pioneers the use of the extreme learning machine (ELM) approach for surface roughness prediction in ultra-precision milling, leveraging the excellent fitting ability with small datasets and the fast learning speed of the extreme learning machine method. By providing abundant machining information, the machining parameters and force signal data are fused on the feature level to further improve ELM prediction accuracy. An ultra-precision milling experiment was designed and conducted to verify our proposed data-fusion-based ELM method. The results show that the ELM with data fusion outperforms other state-of-art methods in surface roughness prediction. It achieves an impressively low mean absolute percentage error of 1.6% while requiring a mere 18 s for model training. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Precision Machining)

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13 pages, 7166 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Electric-Force Conversion Performance of Si-Based LiNbO₃ Devices Based on Four Cantilever Beams

by Huiyi Zhang, Xiaojun Qiao, Huifen Wei, Xiaohuang Li, Xiaohui Wu, Nanxin Yu, Hao Lu, Tao Guo, Xiujian Chou and Wenping Geng

Micromachines 2023, 14(11), 1988; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14111988 - 27 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1353

Abstract

In micron or nano smart sensing systems, piezoelectric cantilever beams are distributed as major components in microsensors, actuators, and energy harvesters. This paper investigates the performance of four cantilever beam devices with “electric-force” conversion based on the inverse piezoelectric effect of lithium niobate [...] Read more.

In micron or nano smart sensing systems, piezoelectric cantilever beams are distributed as major components in microsensors, actuators, and energy harvesters. This paper investigates the performance of four cantilever beam devices with “electric-force” conversion based on the inverse piezoelectric effect of lithium niobate (LiNbO₃, LN) single-crystal materials. A new compact piezoelectric smart device model is proposed, designed as a single mass block connected by four beams, where devices exhibit smaller lateral errors (0.39–0.41%). The relationship between the displacement characteristics of cantilever beams and driving voltage was researched by applying excitation signals. The results show that the device has the maximum displacement at a first-order intrinsic frequency (f_osc = 11.338 kHz), while the displacement shows a good linear relationship (R² = 0.998) with driving voltage. The square wave signals of the same amplitude have greater “electrical-force” conversion efficiency. The output displacement can reach 12 nm, which is much higher than the output displacement with sinusoidal excitation. In addition, the relative displacement deviation of devices can be maintained within ±1% under multiple cycles of electrical signal loading. The small size, high reliability, and ultra-stability of Si–LN ferroelectric single-crystal cantilever beam devices with lower vibration amplitudes are promising for nanopositioning techniques in microscopy, diagnostics, and high-precision manufacturing applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Piezoelectric Materials and Applications)

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11 pages, 4102 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Construction of MoS₂-ReS₂ Hybrid on Ti₃C₂T_x MXene for Enhanced Microwave Absorption

by Xiaoxuan Xu, Youqiang Xing and Lei Liu

Micromachines 2023, 14(11), 1996; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14111996 - 27 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1089

Abstract

Utilizing interface engineering to construct abundant heterogeneous interfaces is an important means to improve the absorbing performance of microwave absorbers. Here, we have prepared the MXene/MoS₂-ReS₂ (MMR) composite with rich heterogeneous interfaces composed of two-dimensional Ti₃C₂Tx [...] Read more.

Utilizing interface engineering to construct abundant heterogeneous interfaces is an important means to improve the absorbing performance of microwave absorbers. Here, we have prepared the MXene/MoS₂-ReS₂ (MMR) composite with rich heterogeneous interfaces composed of two-dimensional Ti₃C₂Tx MXene and two-dimensional transition metal disulfides through a facile hydrothermal process. The surface of MXene is completely covered by nanosheets of MoS₂ and ReS₂, forming a hybrid structure. MRR exhibits excellent absorption performance, with its strongest reflection loss reaching −51.15 dB at 2.0 mm when the filling ratio is only 10 wt%. Meanwhile, the effective absorption bandwidth covers the range of 5.5–18 GHz. Compared to MXene/MoS₂ composites, MRR with a MoS₂-ReS₂ heterogeneous interface exhibits stronger polarization loss ability and superior absorption efficiency at the same thickness. This study provides a reference for the design of transition metal disulfides-based absorbing materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Semiconductors and Nanostructures for Electronics and Photonics)

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16 pages, 7440 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Tackling Multi-Physics Nano-Scale Phenomena in Capillary Force Lithography with Small Data by Hybrid Intelligence

by Ashish Chapagain and In Ho Cho

Micromachines 2023, 14(11), 1984; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14111984 - 26 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 971

Abstract

The scientific community has been looking for novel approaches to develop nanostructures inspired by nature. However, due to the complicated processes involved, controlling the height of these nanostructures is challenging. Nanoscale capillary force lithography (CFL) is one way to use a photopolymer and [...] Read more.

The scientific community has been looking for novel approaches to develop nanostructures inspired by nature. However, due to the complicated processes involved, controlling the height of these nanostructures is challenging. Nanoscale capillary force lithography (CFL) is one way to use a photopolymer and alter its properties by exposing it to ultraviolet radiation. Nonetheless, the working mechanism of CFL is not fully understood due to a lack of enough information and first principles. One of these obscure behaviors is the sudden jump phenomenon—the sudden change in the height of the photopolymer depending on the UV exposure time and height of nano-grating (based on experimental data). This paper uses known physical principles alongside artificial intelligence to uncover the unknown physical principles responsible for the sudden jump phenomenon. The results showed promising results in identifying air diffusivity, dynamic viscosity, surface tension, and electric potential as the previously unknown physical principles that collectively explain the sudden jump phenomenon. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micromachines Research and Development in North America)

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10 pages, 1721 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

High-Performance Vertical Light-Emitting Transistors Based on ZnO Transistor/Quantum-Dot Light-Emitting Diode Integration and Electron Injection Layer Modification

by Jui-Fen Chang and Jia-Min Yu

Micromachines 2023, 14(10), 1933; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14101933 - 15 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1738

Abstract

Vertical light-emitting transistors (VLETs) consisting of vertically stacked unipolar transistors and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) have been proposed as a prospective building block for display technologies. In addition to OLEDs, quantum-dot (QD) LEDs (QLEDs) with high brightness and high color purity have also [...] Read more.

Vertical light-emitting transistors (VLETs) consisting of vertically stacked unipolar transistors and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) have been proposed as a prospective building block for display technologies. In addition to OLEDs, quantum-dot (QD) LEDs (QLEDs) with high brightness and high color purity have also become attractive light-emitting devices for display applications. However, few studies have attempted to integrate QLEDs into VLETs, as this not only involves technical issues such as compatible solution process of QDs and fine patterning of electrodes in multilayer stacked geometries but also requires a high driving current that is demanding on transistor design. Here we show that these integration issues of QLEDs can be addressed by using inorganic transistors with robust processability and high mobility, such as the studied ZnO transistor, which facilitates simple fabrication of QD VLETs (QVLETs) with efficient emission in the patterned channel area, suitable for high-resolution display applications. We perform a detailed optimization of QVLET by modifying ZnO:polyethylenimine nanocomposite as the electron injection layer (EIL) between the integrated ZnO transistor/QLED, and achieve the highest external quantum efficiency of ~3% and uniform emission in the patterned transistor channel. Furthermore, combined with a systematic study of corresponding QLEDs, electron-only diodes, and electroluminescence images, we provide a deeper understanding of the effect of EIL modification on current balance and distribution, and thus on QVLET performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Thin-Film Transistors: Materials, Fabrications and Applications)

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17 pages, 2804 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Orange Carotenoid Protein in Mesoporous Silica: A New System towards the Development of Colorimetric and Fluorescent Sensors for pH and Temperature

by Silvia Leccese, Andrea Calcinoni, Adjélé Wilson, Diana Kirilovsky, Donatella Carbonera, Thomas Onfroy, Claude Jolivalt and Alberto Mezzetti

Micromachines 2023, 14(10), 1871; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14101871 - 29 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1133

Abstract

Orange carotenoid protein (OCP) is a photochromic carotenoprotein involved in the photoprotection of cyanobacteria. It is activated by blue-green light to a red form OCP^R capable of dissipating the excess of energy of the cyanobacterial photosynthetic light-harvesting systems. Activation to OCP^R [...] Read more.

Orange carotenoid protein (OCP) is a photochromic carotenoprotein involved in the photoprotection of cyanobacteria. It is activated by blue-green light to a red form OCP^R capable of dissipating the excess of energy of the cyanobacterial photosynthetic light-harvesting systems. Activation to OCP^R can also be achieved in the dark. In the present work, activation by pH changes of two different OCPs—containing echinenone or canthaxanthin as carotenoids—is investigated in different conditions. A particular emphasis is put on OCP encapsulated in SBA-15 mesoporous silica nanoparticles. It is known that in these hybrid systems, under appropriate conditions, OCP remains photoactive. Here, we show that when immobilised in SBA-15, the OCP visible spectrum is sensitive to pH changes, but such a colorimetric response is very different from the one observed for OCP in solution. In both cases (SBA-15 matrices and solutions), pH-induced colour changes are related either by orange-to-red OCP activation, or by carotenoid loss from the denatured protein. Of particular interest is the response of OCP in SBA-15 matrices, where a sudden change in the Vis absorption spectrum and in colour is observed for pH changing from 2 to 3 (in the case of canthaxanthin-binding OCP in SBA-15: λ_MAX shifts from 454 to 508 nm) and for pH changing from 3 to 4 (in the case of echinenone-binding OCP in SBA-15: λ_MAX shifts from 445 to 505 nm). The effect of temperature on OCP absorption spectrum and colour (in SBA-15 matrices) has also been investigated and found to be highly dependent on the properties of the used mesoporous silica matrix. Finally, we also show that simultaneous encapsulation in selected surface-functionalised SBA-15 nanoparticles of appropriate fluorophores makes it possible to develop OCP-based pH-sensitive fluorescent systems. This work therefore represents a proof of principle that OCP immobilised in mesoporous silica is a promising system in the development of colorimetric and fluorometric pH and temperature sensors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section C：Chemistry)

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15 pages, 3296 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Integration of Inkjet Printed Graphene as a Hole Transport Layer in Organic Solar Cells

by Julia Kastner, Flavia Tomarchio, Nicolas Decorde, Matthias Kehrer, Günter Hesser and Anita Fuchsbauer

Micromachines 2023, 14(10), 1858; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14101858 - 28 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1352

Abstract

This work demonstrates the green production of a graphene ink for inkjet printing and its use as a hole transport layer (HTL) in an organic solar cell. Graphene as an HTL improves the selective hole extraction at the anode and prevents charge recombination [...] Read more.

This work demonstrates the green production of a graphene ink for inkjet printing and its use as a hole transport layer (HTL) in an organic solar cell. Graphene as an HTL improves the selective hole extraction at the anode and prevents charge recombination at the electronic interface and metal diffusion into the photoactive layer. Graphite was exfoliated in water, concentrated by iterative centrifugation, and characterized by Raman. The concentrated graphene ink was incorporated into inverted organic solar cells by inkjet printing on the active polymer in an ambient atmosphere. Argon plasma was used to enhance wetting of the polymer with the graphene ink during printing. The argon plasma treatment of the active polymer P3HT:PCBM was investigated by XPS, AFM and contact angle measurements. Efficiency and lifetime studies undertaken show that the device with graphene as HTL is fully functional and has good potential for an inkjet printable and flexible alternative to PEDOT:PSS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Graphene-Based Metamaterial Solar Energy Devices)

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18 pages, 3490 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Scalable Processing of Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC) Microfluidic Biochips

by Rodolfo G. Rodrigues, Pedro G. M. Condelipes, Rafaela R. Rosa, Virginia Chu and João Pedro Conde

Micromachines 2023, 14(10), 1837; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14101837 - 27 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1737

Abstract

Microfluidics evolved with the appearance of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), an elastomer with a short processing time and the possibility for replication on a micrometric scale. Despite the many advantages of PDMS, there are well-known drawbacks, such as the hydrophobic surface, the absorption of small [...] Read more.

Microfluidics evolved with the appearance of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), an elastomer with a short processing time and the possibility for replication on a micrometric scale. Despite the many advantages of PDMS, there are well-known drawbacks, such as the hydrophobic surface, the absorption of small molecules, the low stiffness, relatively high cost, and the difficulty of scaling up the fabrication process for industrial production, creating a need for alternative materials. One option is the use of stiffer thermoplastics, such as the cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), which can be mass produced, have lower cost and possess excellent properties. In this work, a method to fabricate COC microfluidic structures was developed. The work was divided into process optimization and evaluation of material properties for application in microfluidics. In the processing step, moulding, sealing, and liquid handling aspects were developed and optimized. The resulting COC devices were evaluated from the point of view of molecular diffusion, burst pressure, temperature resistance, and susceptibility to surface treatments and these results were compared to PDMS devices. Lastly, a target DNA hybridization assay was performed showing the potential of the COC-based microfluidic device to be used in biosensing and Lab-on-a-Chip applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Functional Materials and Techniques for 3D-Microfabrication)

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11 pages, 2798 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A BTO/PVDF/PDMS Piezoelectric Tangential and Normal Force Sensor Inspired by a Wind Chime

by Chunyan Zhang, Xiaotian Zhang, Qiang Zhang, Shengbo Sang, Jianlong Ji, Runfang Hao and Yan Liu

Micromachines 2023, 14(10), 1848; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14101848 - 27 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1413

Abstract

There is a growing demand for flexible pressure sensors in environmental monitoring and human–robot interaction robotics. A flexible and susceptible sensor can discriminate multidirectional pressure, thus effectively detecting signals of small environmental changes and providing solutions for personalized medicine. This paper proposes a [...] Read more.

There is a growing demand for flexible pressure sensors in environmental monitoring and human–robot interaction robotics. A flexible and susceptible sensor can discriminate multidirectional pressure, thus effectively detecting signals of small environmental changes and providing solutions for personalized medicine. This paper proposes a multidimensional force detection sensor inspired by a wind chime structure with a three-dimensional force structure to detect and analyze normal and shear forces in real time. The force-sensing structure of the sensor consists of an upper and lower membrane on a polydimethylsiloxane substrate and four surrounding cylinders. A piezoelectric hemisphere is made of BTO/PVDF/PDMS composite material. The sensor columns in the wind chime structure surround the piezoelectric layer in the middle. When pressure is applied externally, the sensor columns are connected to the piezoelectric layer with a light touch. The piezoelectric hemisphere generates a voltage signal. Due to the particular structure of the sensor, it can accurately capture multidimensional forces and identify the direction of the external force by analyzing the position of the sensor and the output voltage amplitude. The development of such sensors shows excellent potential for self-powered wearable sensors, human–computer interaction, electronic skin, and soft robotics applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flexible and Wearable Sensors, 2nd Edition)

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17 pages, 2046 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Rapid Production of Nanoscale Liposomes Using a 3D-Printed Reactor-In-A-Centrifuge: Formulation, Characterisation, and Super-Resolution Imaging

by Yongqing He, Davide De Grandi, Stanley Chandradoss, Gareth LuTheryn, Gianluca Cidonio, Ricardo Nunes Bastos, Valerio Pereno and Dario Carugo

Micromachines 2023, 14(9), 1763; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14091763 - 12 Sep 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2180

Abstract

Nanoscale liposomes have been extensively researched and employed clinically for the delivery of biologically active compounds, including chemotherapy drugs and vaccines, offering improved pharmacokinetic behaviour and therapeutic outcomes. Traditional laboratory-scale production methods often suffer from limited control over liposome properties (e.g., size and [...] Read more.

Nanoscale liposomes have been extensively researched and employed clinically for the delivery of biologically active compounds, including chemotherapy drugs and vaccines, offering improved pharmacokinetic behaviour and therapeutic outcomes. Traditional laboratory-scale production methods often suffer from limited control over liposome properties (e.g., size and lamellarity) and rely on laborious multistep procedures, which may limit pre-clinical research developments and innovation in this area. The widespread adoption of alternative, more controllable microfluidic-based methods is often hindered by complexities and costs associated with device manufacturing and operation, as well as the short device lifetime and the relatively low liposome production rates in some cases. In this study, we demonstrated the production of liposomes comprising therapeutically relevant lipid formulations, using a cost-effective 3D-printed reactor-in-a-centrifuge (RIAC) device. By adjusting formulation- and production-related parameters, including the concentration of polyethylene glycol (PEG), temperature, centrifugation time and speed, and lipid concentration, the mean size of the produced liposomes could be tuned in the range of 140 to 200 nm. By combining selected experimental parameters, the method was capable of producing liposomes with a therapeutically relevant mean size of ~174 nm with narrow size distribution (polydispersity index, PDI ~0.1) at a production rate of >8 mg/min. The flow-through method proposed in this study has potential to become an effective and versatile laboratory-scale approach to simplify the synthesis of therapeutic liposomal formulations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Micromachines in Biology and Biomedicine 2022)

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13 pages, 1422 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

High-Frequency Dielectrophoresis Reveals That Distinct Bio-Electric Signatures of Colorectal Cancer Cells Depend on Ploidy and Nuclear Volume

by Josie L. Duncan, Mathew Bloomfield, Nathan Swami, Daniela Cimini and Rafael V. Davalos

Micromachines 2023, 14(9), 1723; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14091723 - 1 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1383

Abstract

Aneuploidy, or an incorrect chromosome number, is ubiquitous among cancers. Whole-genome duplication, resulting in tetraploidy, often occurs during the evolution of aneuploid tumors. Cancers that evolve through a tetraploid intermediate tend to be highly aneuploid and are associated with poor patient prognosis. The [...] Read more.

Aneuploidy, or an incorrect chromosome number, is ubiquitous among cancers. Whole-genome duplication, resulting in tetraploidy, often occurs during the evolution of aneuploid tumors. Cancers that evolve through a tetraploid intermediate tend to be highly aneuploid and are associated with poor patient prognosis. The identification and enrichment of tetraploid cells from mixed populations is necessary to understand the role these cells play in cancer progression. Dielectrophoresis (DEP), a label-free electrokinetic technique, can distinguish cells based on their intracellular properties when stimulated above 10 MHz, but DEP has not been shown to distinguish tetraploid and/or aneuploid cancer cells from mixed tumor cell populations. Here, we used high-frequency DEP to distinguish cell subpopulations that differ in ploidy and nuclear size under flow conditions. We used impedance analysis to quantify the level of voltage decay at high frequencies and its impact on the DEP force acting on the cell. High-frequency DEP distinguished diploid cells from tetraploid clones due to their size and intracellular composition at frequencies above 40 MHz. Our findings demonstrate that high-frequency DEP can be a useful tool for identifying and distinguishing subpopulations with nuclear differences to determine their roles in disease progression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micromachines for Dielectrophoresis, 3rd Edition)

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20 pages, 7459 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Virtual Coriolis-Force-Based Mode-Matching Micromachine-Optimized Tuning Fork Gyroscope without a Quadrature-Nulling Loop

by Yixuan Wu, Weizheng Yuan, Yanjun Xue, Honglong Chang and Qiang Shen

Micromachines 2023, 14(9), 1704; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14091704 - 31 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1201

Abstract

A VCF-based mode-matching micromachine-optimized tuning fork gyroscope is proposed to not only maximize the scale factor of the device, but also avoid use of an additional quadrature-nulling loop to prevent structure complexity, pick-up electrode occupation, and coupling with a mode-matching loop. In detail, [...] Read more.

A VCF-based mode-matching micromachine-optimized tuning fork gyroscope is proposed to not only maximize the scale factor of the device, but also avoid use of an additional quadrature-nulling loop to prevent structure complexity, pick-up electrode occupation, and coupling with a mode-matching loop. In detail, a mode-matching, closed-loop system without a quadrature-nulling loop is established, and the corresponding convergence and matching error are quantitatively analyzed. The optimal straight beam of the gyro structure is then modeled to significantly reduce the quadrature coupling. The test results show that the frequency split is narrowed from 20 Hz to 0.014 Hz. The scale factor is improved 20.6 times and the bias instability (BI) is suppressed 3.28 times. The observed matching accuracy demonstrates that a mode matching system without a quadrature suppression loop is feasible and that the proposed device represents a competitive design for a mode-matching gyroscope. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue MEMS Inertial Device)

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10 pages, 9758 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Nano Groove and Prism-Structured Triboelectric Nanogenerators

by Resul Saritas, Majed Al-Ghamdi, Taylan Memik Das, Omar Rasheed, Samed Kocer, Ahmet Gulsaran, Asif Abdullah Khan, Md Masud Rana, Mahmoud Khater, Muhammed Kayaharman, Dayan Ban, Mustafa Yavuz and Eihab Abdel-Rahman

Micromachines 2023, 14(9), 1707; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14091707 - 31 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1873

Abstract

Enhancing the output power of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) requires the creation of micro or nano-features on polymeric triboelectric surfaces to increase the TENGs’ effective contact area and, therefore, output power. We deploy a novel bench-top fabrication method called dynamic Scanning Probe Lithography (d-SPL) [...] Read more.

Enhancing the output power of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) requires the creation of micro or nano-features on polymeric triboelectric surfaces to increase the TENGs’ effective contact area and, therefore, output power. We deploy a novel bench-top fabrication method called dynamic Scanning Probe Lithography (d-SPL) to fabricate massive arrays of uniform 1 cm long and 2.5 µm wide nano-features comprising a 600 nm deep groove (NG) and a 600 nm high triangular prism (NTP). The method creates both features simultaneously in the polymeric surface, thereby doubling the structured surface area. Six thousand pairs of NGs and NTPs were patterned on a

6 \times 5

cm

^{2}

PMMA substrate. It was then used as a mold to structure the surface of a 200 µm thick Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layer. We show that the output power of the nano-structured TENG is significantly more than that of a TENG using flat PDMS films, at 12.2 mW compared to 2.2 mW, under the same operating conditions (a base acceleration amplitude of 0.8 g). Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Advanced Energy Harvesting Technology)

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19 pages, 11308 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A High-Precision Quartz Resonant Ultra-High Pressure Sensor with Integrated Pressure Conversion Structure

by Quanwei Zhang, Cun Li, Huafeng Li, Yan Liu, Jue Wang, Xiaolong Wang, Yuan Wang, Fabin Cheng, Haijun Han and Peng Zhang

Micromachines 2023, 14(9), 1657; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14091657 - 25 Aug 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1734

Abstract

A quartz resonant pressure sensor is proposed for high-precision measurement of ultra-high pressure. The resonant unit realizes a push–pull differential layout, which restrains the common-mode interference factor, and the resonator is only subject to axial force. The pressure conversion unit is made in [...] Read more.

A quartz resonant pressure sensor is proposed for high-precision measurement of ultra-high pressure. The resonant unit realizes a push–pull differential layout, which restrains the common-mode interference factor, and the resonator is only subject to axial force. The pressure conversion unit is made in an integrated manner, avoiding output drift problems caused by residual stress and small gaps during assembly, welding, and other processes in sensor preparation. Theoretical and simulation analysis was conducted on the overall design scheme of the sensor in this paper, verifying the feasibility. Sensor prototypes were created and performance experiments were conducted. The experimental results show that the sensitivity of the ultra-high pressure sensor is 46.32 Hz/MPa at room temperature within the pressure range of 120 MPa, and the comprehensive accuracy is 0.0266%. The comprehensive accuracy of the sensor is better than 0.0288% FS in the full temperature range environment. This proves that the sensor scheme is suitable for high-precision and high-stability detection of ultra-high pressure, providing new solutions in special pressure measurement fields such as deep-sea and oil exploration. Full article

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15 pages, 2915 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Simultaneous Hydrostatic and Compressive Loading System for Mimicking the Mechanical Environment of Living Cartilage Tissue

by Minki Chang, Yosuke Takahashi, Kyosuke Miyahira, Yuma Omuro, Kevin Montagne, Ryusei Yamada, Junki Gondo, Yu Kambe, Masashi Yasuno, Noriyasu Masumoto, Takashi Ushida and Katsuko S. Furukawa

Micromachines 2023, 14(8), 1632; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14081632 - 18 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1182

Abstract

In vivo, articular cartilage tissue is surrounded by a cartilage membrane, and hydrostatic pressure (HP) and compressive strain increase simultaneously with the compressive stress. However, it has been impossible to investigate the effects of simultaneous loading in vitro. In this study, a bioreactor [...] Read more.

In vivo, articular cartilage tissue is surrounded by a cartilage membrane, and hydrostatic pressure (HP) and compressive strain increase simultaneously with the compressive stress. However, it has been impossible to investigate the effects of simultaneous loading in vitro. In this study, a bioreactor capable of applying compressive stress under HP was developed to reproduce ex vivo the same physical loading environment found in cartilage. First, a HP stimulation unit was constructed to apply a cyclic HP pressure-resistant chamber by controlling a pump and valve. A compression-loading mechanism that can apply compressive stress using an electromagnetic force was implemented in the chamber. The synchronization between the compression and HP units was evaluated, and the stimulation parameters were quantitatively evaluated. Physiological HP and compressive strain were applied to the chondrocytes encapsulated in alginate and gelatin gels after applying high HP at 25 MPa, which induced damage to the chondrocytes. It was found that compressive stimulation increased the expression of genes related to osteoarthritis. Furthermore, the simultaneous application of compressive strain and HP, which is similar to the physiological environment in cartilage, had an inhibitory effect on the expression of genes related to osteoarthritis. HP alone also suppressed the expression of osteoarthritis-related genes. Therefore, the simultaneous hydrostatic and compressive stress-loading device developed to simulate the mechanical environment in vivo may be an important tool for elucidating the mechanisms of disease onset and homeostasis in cartilage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Materials, Structure Designs and Device Fabrications for Highly Efficient/Long Lifetime Organic Light-Emitting Diodes)

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18 pages, 15136 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Biocompatible High-Resolution 3D-Printed Microfluidic Devices: Integrated Cell Chemotaxis Demonstration

by Mawla Boaks, Connor Roper, Matthew Viglione, Kent Hooper, Adam T. Woolley, Kenneth A. Christensen and Gregory P. Nordin

Micromachines 2023, 14(8), 1589; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14081589 - 12 Aug 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1928

Abstract

We demonstrate a method to effectively 3D print microfluidic devices with high-resolution features using a biocompatible resin based on avobenzone as the UV absorber. Our method relies on spectrally shaping the 3D printer source spectrum so that it is fully overlapped by avobenzone’s [...] Read more.

We demonstrate a method to effectively 3D print microfluidic devices with high-resolution features using a biocompatible resin based on avobenzone as the UV absorber. Our method relies on spectrally shaping the 3D printer source spectrum so that it is fully overlapped by avobenzone’s absorption spectrum. Complete overlap is essential to effectively limit the optical penetration depth, which is required to achieve high out-of-plane resolution. We demonstrate the high resolution in practice by 3D printing 15

μ

m square pillars in a microfluidic chamber, where the pillars are separated by 7.7

μ

m and are printed with 5

μ

m layers. Furthermore, we show reliable membrane valves and pumps using the biocompatible resin. Valves are tested to 1,000,000 actuations with no observable degradation in performance. Finally, we create a concentration gradient generation (CG) component and utilize it in two device designs for cell chemotaxis studies. The first design relies on an external dual syringe pump to generate source and sink flows to supply the CG channel, while the second is a complete integrated device incorporating on-chip pumps, valves, and reservoirs. Both device types are seeded with adherent cells that are subjected to a chemoattractant CG, and both show clear evidence of chemotactic cellular migration. Moreover, the integrated device demonstrates cellular migration comparable to the external syringe pump device. This demonstration illustrates the effectiveness of our integrated chemotactic assay approach and high-resolution biocompatible resin 3D printing fabrication process. In addition, our 3D printing process has been tuned for rapid fabrication, as printing times for the two device designs are, respectively, 8 and 15 min. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D Printing of MEMS Technology, 3rd Edition)

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10 pages, 2367 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Double-Glued Multi-Focal Bionic Compound Eye Camera

by Xin Feng, Xiao Lv, Junyu Dong, Yongshun Liu, Fengfeng Shu and Yihui Wu

Micromachines 2023, 14(8), 1548; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14081548 - 31 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1241

Abstract

Compound eye cameras are a vital component of bionics. Compound eye lenses are currently used in light field cameras, monitoring imaging, medical endoscopes, and other fields. However, the resolution of the compound eye lens is still low at the moment, which has an [...] Read more.

Compound eye cameras are a vital component of bionics. Compound eye lenses are currently used in light field cameras, monitoring imaging, medical endoscopes, and other fields. However, the resolution of the compound eye lens is still low at the moment, which has an impact on the application scene. Photolithography and negative pressure molding were used to create a double-glued multi-focal bionic compound eye camera in this study. The compound eye camera has 83 microlenses, with ommatidium diameters ranging from 400 μm to 660 μm, and a 92.3 degree field-of-view angle. The double-gluing structure significantly improves the optical performance of the compound eye lens, and the spatial resolution of the ommatidium is 57.00 lp mm⁻¹. Additionally, the measurement of speed is investigated. This double-glue compound eye camera has numerous potential applications in the military, machine vision, and other fields. Full article

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10 pages, 9365 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Non-Buffer Epi-AlGaN/GaN on SiC for High-Performance Depletion-Mode MIS-HEMTs Fabrication

by Penghao Zhang, Luyu Wang, Kaiyue Zhu, Qiang Wang, Maolin Pan, Ziqiang Huang, Yannan Yang, Xinling Xie, Hai Huang, Xin Hu, Saisheng Xu, Min Xu, Chen Wang, Chunlei Wu and David Wei Zhang

Micromachines 2023, 14(8), 1523; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14081523 - 29 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1251

Abstract

A systematic study of epi-AlGaN/GaN on a SiC substrate was conducted through a comprehensive analysis of material properties and device performance. In this novel epitaxial design, an AlGaN/GaN channel layer was grown directly on the AlN nucleation layer, without the conventional doped thick [...] Read more.

A systematic study of epi-AlGaN/GaN on a SiC substrate was conducted through a comprehensive analysis of material properties and device performance. In this novel epitaxial design, an AlGaN/GaN channel layer was grown directly on the AlN nucleation layer, without the conventional doped thick buffer layer. Compared to the conventional epi-structures on the SiC and Si substrates, the non-buffer epi-AlGaN/GaN structure had a better crystalline quality and surface morphology, with reliable control of growth stress. Hall measurements showed that the novel structure exhibited comparable transport properties to the conventional epi-structure on the SiC substrate, regardless of the buffer layer. Furthermore, almost unchanged carrier distribution from room temperature to 150 °C indicated excellent two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) confinement due to the pulling effect of the conduction band from the nucleation layer as a back-barrier. High-performance depletion-mode MIS-HEMTs were demonstrated with on-resistance of 5.84 Ω·mm and an output current of 1002 mA/mm. The dynamic characteristics showed a much smaller decrease in the saturation current (only ~7%), with a quiescent drain bias of 40 V, which was strong evidence of less electron trapping owing to the high-quality non-buffer AlGaN/GaN epitaxial growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Micro- and Nano-Manufacturing Technologies)

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13 pages, 9055 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Investigation on Wire Electrochemical Discharge Micro-Machining

by Weijing Kong, Ziyu Liu, Rudong Zhang and Yongbin Zeng

Micromachines 2023, 14(8), 1505; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14081505 - 27 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1373

Abstract

With the development of MEMS, the machining demand and requirements for difficult-to-machine metal micro parts are getting higher. Microelectric discharge machining is an effective method to process difficult-to-machine metals. However, the recast layer caused by high temperatures in microelectric discharge machining affects the [...] Read more.

With the development of MEMS, the machining demand and requirements for difficult-to-machine metal micro parts are getting higher. Microelectric discharge machining is an effective method to process difficult-to-machine metals. However, the recast layer caused by high temperatures in microelectric discharge machining affects the properties of machined materials. Here, we propose the wire electrochemical discharge micro-machining (WECDMM) and develop a new electrolyte system, which removes the recast layer. In this study, the mechanism of WECDMM was elucidated. The electrolyte was optimized through a comparison experiment, and NaNO₃-glycol solution was determined as the best electrolyte. The influences of key process parameters including the conductivity of the electrolyte, pulse voltage, pulse-on time and wire feed rate were analyzed on the slit width, standard deviation, the radius of fillet at the entrance of the slit and roughness. Typical microstructures were machined, which verified the machining ability of WECDMM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro- and Nanoscale Science, Technology and Engineering in Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics: Celebrating 70th Anniversary)

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16 pages, 13506 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Experimental Investigations upon Ultrasound Influence on Calefaction of AdBlue in Selective Catalytic Reduction Systems (SCR)

by Claudiu Marian Picus, Ioan Mihai and Cornel Suciu

Micromachines 2023, 14(8), 1488; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14081488 - 25 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1020

Abstract

The present paper intends to provide an analysis of how the process of calefaction occurs in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system and the mechanisms by which the deposition of AdBlue crystals on a hot surface evolve. Experimentally, two aluminium samples heated to [...] Read more.

The present paper intends to provide an analysis of how the process of calefaction occurs in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system and the mechanisms by which the deposition of AdBlue crystals on a hot surface evolve. Experimentally, two aluminium samples heated to 200 °C were used, over which AdBlue droplets with different atomisation rates were dropped, maintaining the same dynamic flow parameters, in order to observe the influence of temperature effects on the degree of deposition of crystallised sediment on the surface. The authors proposed the use of calefaction in an ultrasonic environment to prevent deposition and to increase droplet fragmentation by a break-up process. To prove the performance of this method one sample was subjected to a normal flow regime while a second sample was exposed to ultrasound. Both samples were assembled on a magneto-strictive concentrator operating at a frequency of 20 kHz. The obtained results indicated that the sample exposed to ultrasound demonstrated lower urea crystallisation compared to the sample that was not exposed to this treatment. Thus, it can be seen that the proposed method of injecting AdBlue into an ultrasonic zone gives the desired results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow in Microstructures)

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12 pages, 3389 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Silicon Micromachined TSVs for Backside Interconnection of Ultra-Small Pressure Sensors

by Weiwen Feng, Peng Li, Haozhi Zhang, Ke Sun, Wei Li, Jiachou Wang, Heng Yang and Xinxin Li

Micromachines 2023, 14(7), 1448; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14071448 - 19 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2044

Abstract

This paper presents an ultra-small absolute pressure sensor with a silicon-micromachined TSV backside interconnection for high-performance, high spatial resolution contact pressure sensing, including flexible-substrate applications. By exploiting silicon-micromachined TSVs that are compatibly fabricated with the pressure sensor, the sensing signals are emitted from [...] Read more.

This paper presents an ultra-small absolute pressure sensor with a silicon-micromachined TSV backside interconnection for high-performance, high spatial resolution contact pressure sensing, including flexible-substrate applications. By exploiting silicon-micromachined TSVs that are compatibly fabricated with the pressure sensor, the sensing signals are emitted from the chip backside, thereby eliminating the fragile leads on the front-side. Such a design achieves a flat and fully passivated top surface to protect the sensor from mechanical damage, for reliable direct-contact pressure sensing. A single-crystal silicon beam–island structure is designed to reduce the deflection of the pressure-sensing diaphragm and improve output linearity. Using our group-developed microholes interetch and sealing (MIS) micromachining technique, we fabricated ultra-small piezoresistive pressure sensors with the chip size as small as 0.4 mm × 0.6 mm, in which the polysilicon-micromachined TSVs transfer the signal interconnection from the front-side to the backside of the wafer, and the sensor chips can be densely packaged on the flexible substrate via the TSVs. The ultra-small pressure sensor has high sensitivity of 0.84 mV/kPa under 3.3 V of supply voltage and low nonlinearity of ±0.09% full scale (FS) in the measurement range of 120 kPa. The proposed pressure sensors with backside-interconnection TSVs hold promise for tactile sensing applications, including flexible sensing of wearable wristwatches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section A：Physics)

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14 pages, 2985 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

High-Performance Low-Voltage Transparent Metal-Semiconductor-Metal Ultraviolet Photodetectors Based on Ultrathin Gold Asymmetric Interdigitated Electrodes

by Jianfeng Huang, Liu Yang and Sailing He

Micromachines 2023, 14(7), 1447; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14071447 - 19 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1455

Abstract

A high-performance, low-voltage, transparent, metal-semiconductor-metal ultraviolet (UV) photodetector (PD) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated, based on gold (Au) asymmetric interdigitated (aIDT) electrodes with thicknesses well below 10 nm. A 7-nm-thick Au film, with a visible transmittance of 80.4% and a sheet resistance of [...] Read more.

A high-performance, low-voltage, transparent, metal-semiconductor-metal ultraviolet (UV) photodetector (PD) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated, based on gold (Au) asymmetric interdigitated (aIDT) electrodes with thicknesses well below 10 nm. A 7-nm-thick Au film, with a visible transmittance of 80.4% and a sheet resistance of 11.55 Ω/sq, is patterned into aIDT electrodes on a ZnO active layer, whose average visible transmittance is up to 74.3%. Meshing the pads further improves the overall transmittance of the device. Among all fabricated devices, the PD with the aIDT finger width ratio of 1:4 performs the best. Very low dark currents are achieved at 0, 0.5 and 1 V, allowing for high responsivities and specific detectivities to the UV light. It is also a fast device, especially under the biases of 0.5 and 1 V. The comprehensive performances are comparable and even superior to those of the reported devices. The asymmetric Schottky junctions induced by the aIDT electrodes under UV illumination are the main mechanism for the low-voltage operation of our transparent PD, which is promising to be applied widely. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Transparent Flexible Optoelectronic Devices)

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17 pages, 7014 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Superelastic NiTi Functional Components by High-Precision Laser Powder Bed Fusion Process: The Critical Roles of Energy Density and Minimal Feature Size

by Shuo Qu, Liqiang Wang, Junhao Ding, Jin Fu, Shiming Gao, Qingping Ma, Hui Liu, Mingwang Fu, Yang Lu and Xu Song

Micromachines 2023, 14(7), 1436; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14071436 - 18 Jul 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1688

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM) was recently developed for building intricate devices in many fields. Especially for laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), its high-precision manufacturing capability and adjustable process parameters are involved in tailoring the performance of functional components. NiTi is well-known as smart material [...] Read more.

Additive manufacturing (AM) was recently developed for building intricate devices in many fields. Especially for laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), its high-precision manufacturing capability and adjustable process parameters are involved in tailoring the performance of functional components. NiTi is well-known as smart material utilized widely in biomedical fields thanks to its unique superelastic and shape-memory performance. However, the properties of NiTi are extremely sensitive to material microstructure, which is mainly determined by process parameters in LPBF. In this work, we choose a unique NiTi intricate component: a robotic cannula tip, in which material superelasticity is a crucial requirement as the optimal object. First, the process window was confirmed by printing thin walls and bulk structures. Then, for optimizing parameters precisely, a Gyroid-type sheet triply periodic minimal-surface (G-TPMS) structure was proposed as the standard test sample. Finally, we verified that when the wall thickness of the G-TPMS structure is smaller than 130 μm, the optimal energy density changes from 167 J/m³ to 140 J/m³ owing to the lower cooling rate of thinner walls. To sum up, this work puts forward a novel process optimization methodology and provides the processing guidelines for intricate NiTi components by LPBF. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Laser Additive Manufacturing: Design, Materials, Processes and Applications, 2nd Edition)

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12 pages, 13543 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Magnetic Millirobot Walks on Slippery Biological Surfaces for Targeted Cargo Delivery

by Moonkwang Jeong, Xiangzhou Tan, Felix Fischer and Tian Qiu

Micromachines 2023, 14(7), 1439; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14071439 - 18 Jul 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1828

Abstract

Small-scale robots hold great potential for targeted cargo delivery in minimally invasive medicine. However, current robots often face challenges in locomoting efficiently on slippery biological tissue surfaces, especially when loaded with heavy cargo. Here, we report a magnetic millirobot that can walk on [...] Read more.

Small-scale robots hold great potential for targeted cargo delivery in minimally invasive medicine. However, current robots often face challenges in locomoting efficiently on slippery biological tissue surfaces, especially when loaded with heavy cargo. Here, we report a magnetic millirobot that can walk on rough and slippery biological tissues by anchoring itself on the soft tissue surface alternatingly with two feet and reciprocally rotating the body to move forward. We experimentally studied the locomotion, validated it with numerical simulations, and optimized the actuation parameters to fit various terrains and loading conditions. Furthermore, we developed a permanent magnet set-up to enable wireless actuation within a human-scale volume that allows precise control of the millirobot to follow complex trajectories, climb vertical walls, and carry cargo up to four times its own weight. Upon reaching the target location, it performs a deployment sequence to release the liquid drug into tissues. The robust gait of our millirobot on rough biological terrains, combined with its heavy load capacity, makes it a versatile and effective miniaturized vehicle for targeted cargo delivery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Microrobotics)

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11 pages, 3940 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Red Blood Cell Partitioning Using a Microfluidic Channel with Ladder Structure

by Toru Hyakutake, Yuya Tsutsumi, Yohei Miyoshi, Manabu Yasui, Tomoki Mizuno and Mizuki Tateno

Micromachines 2023, 14(7), 1421; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14071421 - 14 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1156

Abstract

This study investigated the partitioning characteristics of red blood cells (RBCs) within capillaries, with a specific focus on ladder structures observed near the end of the capillaries. In vitro experiments were conducted using microfluidic channels with a ladder structure model comprising six bifurcating [...] Read more.

This study investigated the partitioning characteristics of red blood cells (RBCs) within capillaries, with a specific focus on ladder structures observed near the end of the capillaries. In vitro experiments were conducted using microfluidic channels with a ladder structure model comprising six bifurcating channels that exhibited an anti-parallel flow configuration. The effects of various factors, such as the parent channel width, distance between branches, and hematocrit, on RBC partitioning in bifurcating channels were evaluated. A decrease in the parent channel width resulted in an increase in the heterogeneity in the hematocrit distribution and a bias in the fractional RBC flux. Additionally, variations in the distance between branches affected the RBC distribution, with smaller distances resulting in greater heterogeneity. The bias of the RBC distribution in the microchannel cross section had a major effect on the RBC partitioning characteristics. The influence of hematocrit variations on the RBC distribution was also investigated, with lower hematocrit values leading to a more pronounced bias in the RBC distribution. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into RBC distribution characteristics in capillary networks, contributing to our understanding of the physiological mechanisms of RBC phase separation in the microcirculatory system. These findings have implications for predicting oxygen heterogeneity in tissues and could aid in the study of diseases associated with impaired microcirculation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microfluidic Device Fabrication and Cell Manipulation)

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16 pages, 6623 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Two−Dimensional Planar Penta−NiPN with Ultrahigh Carrier Mobility and Its Potential Application in NO and NO₂ Gas Sensing

by Hao Wang, Gang Li, Jun-Hui Yuan, Jiafu Wang, Pan Zhang and Yahui Shan

Micromachines 2023, 14(7), 1407; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14071407 - 12 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1349

Abstract

Two−dimensional (2D) materials with novel structures and electronic properties are promising candidates for the next generation of micro− and nano−electronic devices. Herein, inspired by the recent experimental synthesis of penta−NiN₂ (ACS Nano, 2021, 15, 13539–13546), we propose for the first [...] Read more.

Two−dimensional (2D) materials with novel structures and electronic properties are promising candidates for the next generation of micro− and nano−electronic devices. Herein, inspired by the recent experimental synthesis of penta−NiN₂ (ACS Nano, 2021, 15, 13539–13546), we propose for the first time a novel ternary penta−NiPN monolayer with high stability by partial element substitution. Our predicted penta−NiPN monolayer is a quasi−direct bandgap (1.237 eV) semiconductor with ultrahigh carrier mobilities (10³–10⁵ cm²V⁻¹s⁻¹). Furthermore, we systematically studied the adsorption properties of common gas molecules (CO, CO₂, CH₄, H₂, H₂O, H₂S, N₂, NO, NO₂, NH₃, and SO₂) on the penta−NiPN monolayer and its effects on electronic properties. According to the energetic, geometric, and electronic analyses, the penta−NiPN monolayer is predicted to be a promising candidate for NO and NO₂ molecules. The excellent electronic properties of and the unique selectivity of the penta−NiPN monolayer for NO and NO₂ adsorption suggest that it has high potential in advanced electronics and gas sensing applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Progress of Lab-on-a-Chip Assays)

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16 pages, 6127 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Ultra-Wideband and Narrowband Switchable, Bi-Functional Metamaterial Absorber Based on Vanadium Dioxide

by Xiaoyan Wang, Yanfei Liu, Yilin Jia, Ningning Su and Qiannan Wu

Micromachines 2023, 14(7), 1381; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14071381 - 6 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1517

Abstract

A switchable ultra-wideband THz absorber based on vanadium dioxide was proposed, which consists of a lowermost gold layer, a PMI dielectric layer, and an insulating and surface vanadium dioxide layer. Based on the phase transition properties of vanadium dioxide, switching performance between ultra-broadband [...] Read more.

A switchable ultra-wideband THz absorber based on vanadium dioxide was proposed, which consists of a lowermost gold layer, a PMI dielectric layer, and an insulating and surface vanadium dioxide layer. Based on the phase transition properties of vanadium dioxide, switching performance between ultra-broadband and narrowband can achieve a near-perfect absorption. The constructed model was simulated and analyzed using finite element analysis. Simulations show that the absorption frequency of vanadium dioxide above 90% is between 3.8 THz and 15.6 THz when the vanadium dioxide is in the metallic state. The broadband absorber has an absorption bandwidth of 11.8 THz, is insensitive to TE and TM polarization, and has universal incidence angle insensitivity. When vanadium dioxide is in the insulating state, the narrowband absorber has a Q value as high as 1111 at a frequency of 13.89 THz when the absorption is more excellent than 99%. The absorber proposed in this paper has favorable symmetry properties, excellent TE and TM wave insensitivity, overall incidence angle stability, and the advantages of its small size, ultra-widebands and narrowbands, and elevated Q values. The designed absorber has promising applications in multifunctional devices, electromagnetic cloaking, and optoelectronic switches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Electromagnetic Devices)

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14 pages, 3020 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Screen Printed Particle-Based Microfluidics: Optimization and Exemplary Application for Heavy Metals Analysis

by Indrek Saar and Hanno Evard

Micromachines 2023, 14(7), 1369; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14071369 - 4 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1329

Abstract

In this work, a screen-printing method was developed to create porous particle-based materials as layers with specifically designed shape to produce microfluidics systems. Among several tested binding agents, xanthan gum was found to be an excellent choice for a printing mixture thickener as [...] Read more.

In this work, a screen-printing method was developed to create porous particle-based materials as layers with specifically designed shape to produce microfluidics systems. Among several tested binding agents, xanthan gum was found to be an excellent choice for a printing mixture thickener as well as a durable binder for the resulting material. In addition to demonstrating control over the shape of the printed microfluidics chips, control over material thickness, wetting characteristics and general method accuracy were also investigated. The applicability of the introduced method was further demonstrated with a development of an exemplary microfluidics chip for quantitative detection of Fe (III), Ni (II), Cu (II), Cd (II), and Pb (II) from a mixed sample at millimolar levels. The novel approaches demonstrated in this article offer new perspective into creating multiplexed on-site chemical analysis tests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Porous-Materials-Based Devices)

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17 pages, 10242 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Improvement of the Airflow Energy Harvester Based on the New Diamagnetic Levitation Structure

by Long Zhang, Hang Shao, Jiaxiang Zhang, Deping Liu, Kean C. Aw and Yufeng Su

Micromachines 2023, 14(7), 1374; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14071374 - 4 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1137

Abstract

This paper presents an improved solution for the airflow energy harvester based on the push–pull diamagnetic levitation structure. A four-notch rotor is adopted to eliminate the offset of the floating rotor and substantially increase the energy conversion rate. The new rotor is a [...] Read more.

This paper presents an improved solution for the airflow energy harvester based on the push–pull diamagnetic levitation structure. A four-notch rotor is adopted to eliminate the offset of the floating rotor and substantially increase the energy conversion rate. The new rotor is a centrally symmetrical-shaped magnet, which ensures that it is not subjected to cyclically varying unbalanced radial forces, thus avoiding the rotor’s offset. Considering the output voltage and power of several types of rotors, the four-notch rotor was found to be optimal. Furthermore, with the four-notch rotor, the overall average increase in axial magnetic spring stiffness is 9.666% and the average increase in maximum monostable levitation space is 1.67%, but the horizontal recovery force is reduced by 3.97%. The experimental results show that at an airflow rate of 3000 sccm, the peak voltage and rotation speed of the four-notch rotor are 2.709 V and 21,367 rpm, respectively, which are 40.80% and 5.99% higher compared to the three-notch rotor. The experimental results were consistent with the analytical simulation. Based on the improvement, the energy conversion factor of the airflow energy harvester increased to 0.127 mV/rpm, the output power increased to 138.47 mW and the energy conversion rate increased to 58.14%, while the trend of the levitation characteristics also matched the simulation results. In summary, the solution proposed in this paper significantly improves the performance of the airflow energy harvester. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Harvesters and Self-Powered Sensors for Smart Electronics, 2nd Edition)

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14 pages, 5466 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Piezotronic and Piezo-Phototronic Effects-Enhanced Core–Shell Structure-Based Nanowire Field-Effect Transistors

by Xiang Liu, Fangpei Li, Wenbo Peng, Quanzhe Zhu, Yangshan Li, Guodong Zheng, Hongyang Tian and Yongning He

Micromachines 2023, 14(7), 1335; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14071335 - 29 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1180

Abstract

Piezotronic and piezo-phototronic effects have been extensively applied to modulate the performance of advanced electronics and optoelectronics. In this study, to systematically investigate the piezotronic and piezo-phototronic effects in field-effect transistors (FETs), a core–shell structure-based Si/ZnO nanowire heterojunction FET (HJFET) model was established [...] Read more.

Piezotronic and piezo-phototronic effects have been extensively applied to modulate the performance of advanced electronics and optoelectronics. In this study, to systematically investigate the piezotronic and piezo-phototronic effects in field-effect transistors (FETs), a core–shell structure-based Si/ZnO nanowire heterojunction FET (HJFET) model was established using the finite element method. We performed a sweep analysis of several parameters of the model. The results show that the channel current increases with the channel radial thickness and channel doping concentration, while it decreases with the channel length, gate doping concentration, and gate voltage. Under a tensile strain of 0.39‰, the saturation current change rate can reach 38%. Finally, another core–shell structure-based ZnO/Si nanowire HJFET model with the same parameters was established. The simulation results show that at a compressive strain of −0.39‰, the saturation current change rate is about 18%, which is smaller than that of the Si/ZnO case. Piezoelectric potential and photogenerated electromotive force jointly regulate the carrier distribution in the channel, change the width of the channel depletion layer and the channel conductivity, and thus regulate the channel current. The research results provide a certain degree of reference for the subsequent experimental design of Zn-based HJFETs and are applicable to other kinds of FETs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanowires for Novel Technological Applications)

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19 pages, 11040 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Design and Modeling of a Miniature Hydraulic Motor for Powering a Cutting Tool for Minimally Invasive Procedures

by Manjeera Vinnakota, Kishan Bellur, Sandra L. Starnes and Mark J. Schulz

Micromachines 2023, 14(7), 1338; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14071338 - 29 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1735

Abstract

Miniaturization of multifunctional instruments is key to evolving less invasive medical procedures. The current work outlines steps towards developing a miniature motor to power a cutting tool of a millimeter-scale robot/device (target outside diameter ~2 mm) for minimally invasive procedures. Multiple motor concepts [...] Read more.

Miniaturization of multifunctional instruments is key to evolving less invasive medical procedures. The current work outlines steps towards developing a miniature motor to power a cutting tool of a millimeter-scale robot/device (target outside diameter ~2 mm) for minimally invasive procedures. Multiple motor concepts were explored and ranked using a Pugh matrix. The single-rotor hydraulic design was deemed most viable for prototyping and scale-down to the target size. Prototypes were manufactured to be progressively smaller using additive manufacturing. The smallest prototype fabricated was 2:1 scale of the desired final size with a 2 mm outside diameter (OD) rotor and a device OD of 4 mm. The scaled prototypes with an 8 mm rotor were lab tested and achieved average speeds of 5000–6000 RPM at a flowrate of 15–18 mL/s and 45 PSI water pressure. Ansys CFX was used as a design tool to explore the parameter space and 3D transient simulations were implemented using the immersed solid method. The predicted rotor RPM from the modeling matched the experimental values within 3% error. The model was then used to develop performance curves for the miniature hydraulic motor. In summary, the single-rotor hydraulic design shows promise for miniaturization to the target 2 mm size. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Micromachines 2023)

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13 pages, 1073 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Ultra-Narrow Bandwidth Microwave Photonic Filter Implemented by Single Longitudinal Mode Parity Time Symmetry Brillouin Fiber Laser

by Jiaxin Hou, Yajun You, Yuan Liu, Kai Jiang, Xuefeng Han, Wenjun He, Wenping Geng, Yi Liu and Xiujian Chou

Micromachines 2023, 14(7), 1322; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14071322 - 27 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1830

Abstract

In this paper, a novel microwave photonic filter (MPF) based on a single longitudinal mode Brillouin laser achieved by parity time (PT) symmetry mode selection is proposed, and its unparalleled ultra-narrow bandwidth as low as to sub-kHz together with simple and agile tuning [...] Read more.

In this paper, a novel microwave photonic filter (MPF) based on a single longitudinal mode Brillouin laser achieved by parity time (PT) symmetry mode selection is proposed, and its unparalleled ultra-narrow bandwidth as low as to sub-kHz together with simple and agile tuning performance is experimentally verified. The Brillouin fiber laser ring resonator is cascaded with a PT symmetric system to achieve this MPF. Wherein, the Brillouin laser resonator is excited by a 5 km single mode fiber to generate Brillouin gain, and the PT symmetric system is configured with Polarization Beam Splitter (PBS) and polarization controller (PC) to achieve PT symmetry. Thanks to the significant enhancement of the gain difference between the main mode and the edge mode when the polarization state PT symmetry system breaks, a single mode oscillating Brillouin laser is generated. Through the selective amplification of sideband modulated signals by ultra-narrow linewidth Brillouin single mode laser gain, the MPF with ultra-narrow single passband performance is obtained. By simply tuning the central wavelength of the stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) pumped laser to adjust the Brillouin oscillation frequency, the gain position of the Brillouin laser can be shifted, thereby achieving flexible tunability. The experimental results indicate that the MPF proposed in this paper achieves a single pass band narrow to 72 Hz and the side mode rejection ratio of more than 18 dB, with a center frequency tuning range of 0–20 GHz in the testing range of vector network analysis, which means that the MPF possesses ultra high spectral resolution and enormous potential application value in the domain of ultra fine microwave spectrum filtering such as radar imaging and electronic countermeasures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Progress and Application of Ultra-Precision Laser Interferometry)

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11 pages, 3447 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Multi-Layered Bipolar Ionic Diode Working in Broad Range Ion Concentration

by Jaehyun Kim, Cong Wang and Jungyul Park

Micromachines 2023, 14(7), 1311; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14071311 - 26 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1836

Abstract

Ion current rectification (ICR) is the ratio of ion current by forward bias to backward bias and is a critical indicator of diode performance. In previous studies, there have been many attempts to improve the performance of this ICR, but there is the [...] Read more.

Ion current rectification (ICR) is the ratio of ion current by forward bias to backward bias and is a critical indicator of diode performance. In previous studies, there have been many attempts to improve the performance of this ICR, but there is the intrinsic problem for geometric changes that induce ionic rectification due to fabrication problems. Additionally, the high ICR could be achieved in the narrow salt concentration range only. Here, we propose a multi-layered bipolar ionic diode based on an asymmetric nanochannel network membrane (NCNM), which is realized by soft lithography and self-assembly of homogenous-sized nanoparticles. Owing to the freely changeable geometry based on soft lithography, the ICR performance can be explored according to the variation of microchannel shape. The presented diode with multi-layered configuration shows strong ICR performance, and in a broad range of salt concentrations (0.1 mM~100 mM), steady ICR performance. It is interesting to note that when each anion-selective (AS) and cation-selective (CS) NCNM volume was similar to each optimized volume in a single-layered device, the maximum ICR was obtained. Multi-physics simulation, which reveals greater ionic concentration at the bipolar diode junction under forward bias and less depletion under backward in comparison to the single-layer scenario, supports this tendency as well. Additionally, under different frequencies and salt concentrations, a large-area hysteresis loop emerges, which indicates fascinating potential for electroosmotic pumps, memristors, biosensors, etc. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro/Nanostructures in Sensors and Actuators)

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17 pages, 7839 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Research on Intelligent Wheelchair Attitude-Based Adjustment Method Based on Action Intention Recognition

by Jianwei Cui, Zizheng Huang, Xiang Li, Linwei Cui, Yucheng Shang and Liyan Tong

Micromachines 2023, 14(6), 1265; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14061265 - 17 Jun 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1723

Abstract

At present, research on intelligent wheelchairs mostly focuses on motion control, while research on attitude-based adjustment is relatively insufficient. The existing methods for adjusting wheelchair posture generally lack collaborative control and good human–machine collaboration. This article proposes an intelligent wheelchair posture-adjustment method based [...] Read more.

At present, research on intelligent wheelchairs mostly focuses on motion control, while research on attitude-based adjustment is relatively insufficient. The existing methods for adjusting wheelchair posture generally lack collaborative control and good human–machine collaboration. This article proposes an intelligent wheelchair posture-adjustment method based on action intention recognition by studying the relationship between the force changes on the contact surface between the human body and the wheelchair and the action intention. This method is applied to a multi-part adjustable electric wheelchair, which is equipped with multiple force sensors to collect pressure information from various parts of the passenger’s body. The upper level of the system converts the pressure data into the form of a pressure distribution map, extracts the shape features using the VIT deep learning model, identifies and classifies them, and ultimately identifies the action intentions of the passengers. Based on different action intentions, the electric actuator is controlled to adjust the wheelchair posture. After testing, this method can effectively collect the body pressure data of passengers, with an accuracy of over 95% for the three common intentions of lying down, sitting up, and standing up. The wheelchair can adjust its posture based on the recognition results. By adjusting the wheelchair posture through this method, users do not need to wear additional equipment and are less affected by the external environment. The target function can be achieved with simple learning, which has good human–machine collaboration and can solve the problem of some people having difficulty adjusting the wheelchair posture independently during wheelchair use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Assistive Robots)

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12 pages, 2127 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Integration of Microfluidic Chip and Probe with a Dual Pump System for Measurement of Single Cells Transient Response

by Xu Du, Shingo Kaneko, Hisataka Maruyama, Hirotaka Sugiura, Masaru Tsujii, Nobuyuki Uozumi and Fumihito Arai

Micromachines 2023, 14(6), 1210; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14061210 - 7 Jun 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2358

Abstract

The integration of liquid exchange and microfluidic chips plays a critical role in the biomedical and biophysical fields as it enables the control of the extracellular environment and allows for the simultaneous stimulation and detection of single cells. In this study, we present [...] Read more.

The integration of liquid exchange and microfluidic chips plays a critical role in the biomedical and biophysical fields as it enables the control of the extracellular environment and allows for the simultaneous stimulation and detection of single cells. In this study, we present a novel approach for measuring the transient response of single cells using a system integrated with a microfluidic chip and a probe with a dual pump. The system was composed of a probe with a dual pump system, a microfluidic chip, optical tweezers, an external manipulator, an external piezo actuator, etc. Particularly, we incorporated the probe with the dual pump to allow for high-speed liquid change, and the localized flow control enabled a low disturbance contact force detection of single cells on the chip. Using this system, we measured the transient response of the cell swelling against the osmotic shock with a very fine time resolution. To demonstrate the concept, we first designed the double-barreled pipette, which was assembled with two piezo pumps to achieve a probe with the dual pump system, allowing for simultaneous liquid injection and suction. The microfluidic chip with on-chip probes was fabricated, and the integrated force sensor was calibrated. Second, we characterized the performance of the probe with the dual pump system, and the effect of the analysis position and area of the liquid exchange time was investigated. In addition, we optimized the applied injection voltage to achieve a complete concentration change, and the average liquid exchange time was achieved at approximately 3.33 ms. Finally, we demonstrated that the force sensor was only subjected to minor disturbances during the liquid exchange. This system was utilized to measure the deformation and the reactive force of Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803 in osmotic shock, with an average response time of approximately 16.33 ms. This system reveals the transient response of compressed single cells under millisecond osmotic shock which has the potential to characterize the accurate physiological function of ion channels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the 36th International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS 2023))

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13 pages, 3078 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Comparison of Circular and Rectangular-Shaped Electrodes for Electrical Impedance Myography Measurements on Human Upper Arms

by Mohammad A. Ahad, Somen Baidya and Md. Nurul Tarek

Micromachines 2023, 14(6), 1179; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14061179 - 31 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1542

Abstract

Electrical Impedance Myography (EIM) is a painless, noninvasive approach for assessing muscle conditions through the application of a high-frequency, low-intensity current to the muscle region of interest. However, besides muscle properties, EIM measurements vary significantly with changes in some other anatomical properties such [...] Read more.

Electrical Impedance Myography (EIM) is a painless, noninvasive approach for assessing muscle conditions through the application of a high-frequency, low-intensity current to the muscle region of interest. However, besides muscle properties, EIM measurements vary significantly with changes in some other anatomical properties such as subcutaneous skin-fat (SF) thickness and muscle girth, as well as non-anatomical factors, such as ambient temperature, electrode shape, inter-electrode distance, etc. This study has been conducted to compare the effects of different electrode shapes in EIM experiments, and to propose an acceptable configuration that is less dependent on factors other than the cellular properties of the muscle. Initially, a finite element model with two different kinds of electrode shapes, namely, rectangular (the conventional shape) and circular (the proposed shape) was designed for a subcutaneous fat thickness ranging from 5 mm to 25 mm. The study concludes, based on the FEM study, that replacing the conventional electrodes with our proposed electrodes can decrease the variation in EIM parameters due to changes in skin-fat thickness by 31.92%. EIM experiments on human subjects with these two kinds of electrode shapes validate our finite element simulation results, and show that circular electrodes can improve EIM effectiveness significantly, irrespective of muscle shape variation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prospects and Challenges of Biosensors towards Diagnostics of the Diseases and Health Monitoring)

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