Feature Papers of Micromachines in 'Materials and Processing' 2024

A special issue of Micromachines (ISSN 2072-666X). This special issue belongs to the section "D:Materials and Processing".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2024) | Viewed by 11341

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation, 1018 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
Interests: bio-micro-electro-mechanical systems (BioMEMS); biomedical and implantable devices; biosensors; organs-on-a-chip; micro- and nanosensors for monitoring organs-on-a-chip; flexible electronics and sensors for wound healing; packaging and encapsulation of implantable devices; biomaterials; biofabrication
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce this Special Issue entitled "Feature Papers of Micromachines in Materials and Processing 2024". In the past several years, we have worked in conjunction with excellent scholars and research groups to publish several high-impact, high-quality manuscripts, which have received a large number of views and citations. Our goal is to publish the latest scientific and technological advances in areas related to micro/nanofabrication with applications in biomedical sciences and biology, materials, semiconductors, photonics, and energy, through which we hope to make great contributions to the scientific community.

This Special Issue will be a collection of high-quality papers from excellent scholars around the world. Both original research articles and comprehensive review papers are welcome. Papers will be published with full open access after peer review to benefit both authors and readers.

You are welcome to send short proposals for submissions of feature papers to our Editorial Office (aria.zeng@mdpi.com) before submission. The proposals will first be evaluated by our Editors. Please note that the selected full papers will still be subject to a thorough and rigorous peer review.

We look forward to receiving your excellent work.

Dr. Mehmet Remzi Dokmeci
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Micromachines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2100 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biomedical microdevices micro/nanofabrication BioMEMS organs-on-a-chip
  • minimally invasive devices
  • wearable devices
  • biosensors
  • 3D bioprinting
  • MEMS and CMOS technologies
  • point-of-care devices
  • III–V devices, thin-film transistors
  • artificial intelligence with applications in micro/nanofabrication and sensors

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 5532 KiB  
Article
Investigation of a Magnetic Sensor Based on the Magnetic Hysteresis Loop and Anisotropic Magnetoresistance of CoFe Thin Films Epitaxial Grown on Flexible Mica and Rigid MgO Substrates with Strain Effect
by Jen-Chieh Cheng, Min-Chang You, Aswin kumar Anbalagan, Guang-Yang Su, Kai-Wei Chuang, Chao-Yao Yang and Chih-Hao Lee
Micromachines 2025, 16(4), 412; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi16040412 - 30 Mar 2025
Viewed by 302
Abstract
The anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) effect is widely used in microscale and nanoscale magnetic sensors. In this study, we investigate the correlation between AMR and the crystal structure, epitaxial relationship, and magnetic properties of Co50Fe50 thin films deposited on rigid MgO [...] Read more.
The anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) effect is widely used in microscale and nanoscale magnetic sensors. In this study, we investigate the correlation between AMR and the crystal structure, epitaxial relationship, and magnetic properties of Co50Fe50 thin films deposited on rigid MgO and flexible mica substrates. The AMR ratio is approximately 1.6% for CoFe films on mica, lower than the 2.5% observed in epitaxially grown films on MgO substrates. The difference is likely due to the well-defined easy axis in the single domain epitaxial thin films on MgO, which enhances the AMR ratio. Microscopic strain induced by lattice mismatch and bending on flexible substrates were determined using grazing incidence X-ray diffraction and extended X-ray absorption fine structure techniques. These results showed that neither microscopic nor macroscopic strain (below 0.5%) affects the AMR ratio on mica, suggesting its suitability for magnetic sensors in flexible and wearable devices. Additionally, investigating M-H loops under various growth temperatures, lattice mismatch conditions, and bending strains could further benefit the fabrication and integration of the micro-scale magnetic sensors in the microelectronic industry. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Micromachines in 'Materials and Processing' 2024)
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13 pages, 2458 KiB  
Article
Temperature-Responsive Hybrid Composite with Zero Temperature Coefficient of Resistance for Wearable Thermotherapy Pads
by Ji-Yoon Ahn, Dong-Kwan Lee, Min-Gi Kim, Won-Jin Kim and Sung-Hoon Park
Micromachines 2025, 16(1), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi16010108 - 19 Jan 2025
Viewed by 939
Abstract
Carbon-based polymer composites are widely used in wearable devices due to their exceptional electrical conductivity and flexibility. However, their temperature-dependent resistance variations pose significant challenges to device safety and performance. A negative temperature coefficient (NTC) can lead to overcurrent risks, while a positive [...] Read more.
Carbon-based polymer composites are widely used in wearable devices due to their exceptional electrical conductivity and flexibility. However, their temperature-dependent resistance variations pose significant challenges to device safety and performance. A negative temperature coefficient (NTC) can lead to overcurrent risks, while a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) compromises accuracy. In this study, we present a novel hybrid composite combining carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with NTC properties and carbon black (CB) with PTC properties to achieve a near-zero temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) at an optimal ratio. This innovation enhances the safety and reliability of carbon-based polymer composites for wearable heating applications. Furthermore, a thermochromic pigment layer is integrated into the hybrid composite, enabling visual temperature indication across three distinct zones. This bilayer structure not only addresses the TCR challenge but also provides real-time, user-friendly temperature monitoring. The resulting composite demonstrates consistent performance and high precision under diverse heating conditions, making it ideal for wearable thermotherapy pads. This study highlights a significant advancement in developing multifunctional, temperature-responsive materials, offering a promising solution for safer and more controllable wearable devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Micromachines in 'Materials and Processing' 2024)
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22 pages, 9323 KiB  
Article
Magnetic Field-Assisted Orientation and Positioning of Magnetite for Flexible and Electrically Conductive Sensors
by David Seixas Esteves, Amanda Melo, Sónia Alves, Nelson Durães, Maria C. Paiva and Elsa W. Sequeiros
Micromachines 2025, 16(1), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi16010068 - 8 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1162
Abstract
Magnetic field-assisted control of magnetite location is a promising strategy for developing flexible, electrically conductive sensors with enhanced performance and adjustable properties. This study investigates the effect of static magnetic fields applied on thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) composites with magnetite and multi-walled carbon nanotubes [...] Read more.
Magnetic field-assisted control of magnetite location is a promising strategy for developing flexible, electrically conductive sensors with enhanced performance and adjustable properties. This study investigates the effect of static magnetic fields applied on thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) composites with magnetite and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). The composites were prepared by compression moulding and the magnetic field was applied on the mould cavity during processing. Composites were prepared with a range of concentrations of magnetite (1, 3, and 6 wt.%) and MWCNT (1 and 3 wt.%). The effect of particle concentration on composite viscosity was investigated. Rheological analysis showed that MWCNTs significantly increased the composite viscosity while magnetite had minimal impact, ensuring stable processing and facilitating particle orientation under a static magnetic field. Particle orientation and electrical conductivity were evaluated for the composites prepared with different particle concentrations under different processing temperatures. Magnetic field application at 190 °C enhanced magnetite/MWCNT interactions, substantially reducing electrical resistivity while preserving thermal stability. The composites showed no degradation at 220 °C and above, demonstrating suitability for high-temperature applications requiring thermal resilience. Furthermore, magnetite’s magnetic response facilitated precise sensor positioning and strong adhesion to polyimide substrates at 220 °C. These findings demonstrate a scalable and adaptable approach for enhancing sensor performance and positioning, with broad potential in flexible electronics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Micromachines in 'Materials and Processing' 2024)
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Review

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37 pages, 21294 KiB  
Review
Shape-Memory Polymers Based on Carbon Nanotube Composites
by Mariana Martins da Silva, Mariana Paiva Proença, José António Covas and Maria C. Paiva
Micromachines 2024, 15(6), 748; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15060748 - 1 Jun 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2641
Abstract
For the past two decades, researchers have been exploring the potential benefits of combining shape-memory polymers (SMP) with carbon nanotubes (CNT). By incorporating CNT as reinforcement in SMP, they have aimed to enhance the mechanical properties and improve shape fixity. However, the remarkable [...] Read more.
For the past two decades, researchers have been exploring the potential benefits of combining shape-memory polymers (SMP) with carbon nanotubes (CNT). By incorporating CNT as reinforcement in SMP, they have aimed to enhance the mechanical properties and improve shape fixity. However, the remarkable intrinsic properties of CNT have also opened up new paths for actuation mechanisms, including electro- and photo-thermal responses. This opens up possibilities for developing soft actuators that could lead to technological advancements in areas such as tissue engineering and soft robotics. SMP/CNT composites offer numerous advantages, including fast actuation, remote control, performance in challenging environments, complex shape deformations, and multifunctionality. This review provides an in-depth overview of the research conducted over the past few years on the production of SMP/CNT composites with both thermoset and thermoplastic matrices, with a focus on the unique contributions of CNT to the nanocomposite’s response to external stimuli. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Micromachines in 'Materials and Processing' 2024)
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20 pages, 7328 KiB  
Review
Chiral Materials for Optics and Electronics: Ready to Rise?
by Seo-Hyeon Ham, Moon Jong Han and Minkyu Kim
Micromachines 2024, 15(4), 528; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15040528 - 15 Apr 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3416
Abstract
Chiral materials have gained burgeoning interest in optics and electronics, beyond their classical application field of drug synthesis. In this review, we summarize the diverse chiral materials developed to date and how they have been effectively applied to optics and electronics to get [...] Read more.
Chiral materials have gained burgeoning interest in optics and electronics, beyond their classical application field of drug synthesis. In this review, we summarize the diverse chiral materials developed to date and how they have been effectively applied to optics and electronics to get an understanding and vision for the further development of chiral materials for advanced optics and electronics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Micromachines in 'Materials and Processing' 2024)
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