scholarly journals Fabrication and Characterization of a Low-Cost Microfluidic System for the Manufacture of Alginate–Lacasse Microcapsules

Polymers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Lucia Campaña ◽  
Diana Camila Sotelo ◽  
Hector Alfonso Oliva ◽  
Andres Aranguren ◽  
Nancy Ornelas-Soto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fluorescent Dyes ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Microfluidic System ◽  
Universal Serial Bus ◽  
Final Particle ◽  
Pycnoporus Sanguineus ◽  
Fluid Behavior ◽  
Multiphysics Simulations ◽  
Capsule Size

The development of microfluidics-based systems in the recent years has provided a rapid and controlled method for the generation of monodisperse microencapsulates for multiple applications. Here, we explore the design, manufacture and characterization of a low-cost microsystem for the encapsulation of the fungal laccase from Pycnoporus sanguineus CS43 in alginate microcapsules. Multiphysics simulations were used to overview the fluid behavior within the device and estimate the resulting capsule size. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) sheets were used for final microsystem manufacture. Different flow rates of the continuous (Qc) and discrete (Qd) phases in the ranges of 83–293 mL/h and 1–5 mL/h, respectively, were evaluated for microcapsule fabrication. Universal Serial Bus (USB) microscope and image analysis was used to measure the final particle size. Laccase encapsulation was evaluated using spectrophotometry and with the aid of fluorescent dyes and confocal microscopy. Results showed microcapsule size was in the range of 203.13–716.00 μm and Qc was found as the dominant parameter to control capsule size. There was an effective enzyme encapsulation of 65.94% with respect to the initial laccase solution.

scholarly journals Design and Manufacture of a Low-Cost Microfluidic System for the Synthesis of Giant Liposomes for the Encapsulation of Yeast Homologues: Applications in the Screening of Membrane-Active Peptide Libraries

Micromachines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 1377
Author(s):  
Saúl C. Gómez ◽  
Valentina Quezada ◽  
Isabella Quiroz ◽  
Carolina Muñoz-Camargo ◽  
Johann F. Osma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Throughput Screening ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Microfluidic System ◽  
Cell Penetrating Peptides ◽  
Microfluidic Platforms ◽  
Mixing Processes ◽  
Intimate Contact ◽  
Multiphysics Simulations ◽  
Low Efficiency

The discovery of new membrane-active peptides (MAPs) is an area of considerable interest in modern biotechnology considering their ample applicability in several fields ranging from the development of novel delivery vehicles (via cell-penetrating peptides) to responding to the latent threat of antibiotic resistance (via antimicrobial peptides). Different strategies have been devised for such discovery process, however, most of them involve costly, tedious, and low-efficiency methods. We have recently proposed an alternative route based on constructing a non-rationally designed library recombinantly expressed on the yeasts’ surfaces. However, a major challenge is to conduct a robust and high-throughput screening of possible candidates with membrane activity. Here, we addressed this issue by putting forward low-cost microfluidic platforms for both the synthesis of Giant Unilamellar Vesicles (GUVs) as mimicking entities of cell membranes and for providing intimate contact between GUVs and homologues of yeasts expressing MAPs. The homologues were chitosan microparticles functionalized with the membrane translocating peptide Buforin II, while intimate contact was through passive micromixers with different channel geometries. Both microfluidic platforms were evaluated both in silico (via Multiphysics simulations) and in vitro with a high agreement between the two approaches. Large and stable GUVs (5–100 µm) were synthesized effectively, and the mixing processes were comprehensively studied leading to finding the best operating parameters. A serpentine micromixer equipped with circular features showed the highest average encapsulation efficiencies, which was explained by the unique mixing patterns achieved within the device. The microfluidic devices developed here demonstrate high potential as platforms for the discovery of novel MAPs as well as for other applications in the biomedical field such as the encapsulation and controlled delivery of bioactive compounds.

scholarly journals Design and Manufacturing of a Disposable, Cyclo-Olefin Copolymer, Microfluidic Device for a Biosensor †

Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 1178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Prada ◽  
Christina Cordes ◽  
Carsten Harms ◽  
Walter Lang
Keyword(s):  
Microfluidic Device ◽  
Heating Temperature ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Reaction Chamber ◽  
Microfluidic System ◽  
Heating Process ◽  
Design And Manufacturing ◽  
On Chip ◽  
Working Parameters ◽  
Auto Fluorescence

This contribution outlines the design and manufacturing of a microfluidic device implemented as a biosensor for retrieval and detection of bacteria RNA. The device is fully made of Cyclo-Olefin Copolymer (COC), which features low auto-fluorescence, biocompatibility and manufacturability by hot-embossing. The RNA retrieval was carried on after bacteria heat-lysis by an on-chip micro-heater, whose function was characterized at different working parameters. Carbon resistive temperature sensors were tested, characterized and printed on the biochip sealing film to monitor the heating process. Off-chip and on-chip processed RNA were hybridized with capture probes on the reaction chamber surface and identification was achieved by detection of fluorescence tags. The application of the mentioned techniques and materials proved to allow the development of low-cost, disposable albeit multi-functional microfluidic system, performing heating, temperature sensing and chemical reaction processes in the same device. By proving its effectiveness, this device contributes a reference to show the integration potential of fully thermoplastic devices in biosensor systems.

scholarly journals Microstructure and Thermoelectric Properties of (Bi0.48Sb1.52)Te3 Thick Films Prepared with Tape Casting Method

Electronics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 140
Author(s):  
Lichen Liu ◽  
Ziping Cao ◽  
Min Chen ◽  
Jun Jiang
Keyword(s):  
Thermoelectric Properties ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Thick Films ◽  
Tape Casting ◽  
Casting Process ◽  
Casting Method ◽  
Glass Substrates ◽  
Conductive Films ◽  
Casting Technology

This paper reports the fabrication and characterization of (Bi0.48Sb1.52)Te3 thick films using a tape casting process on glass substrates. A slurry of thermoelectric (Bi0.48Sb1.52)Te3 was developed and cured thick films were annealed in a vacuum chamber at 500–600 °C. The microstructure of these films was analyzed, and the Seebeck coefficient and electric conductivity were tested. It was found that the subsequent annealing process must be carefully designed to achieve good thermoelectric properties of these samples. Conductive films were obtained after annealing and led to acceptable thermoelectric performance. While the properties of these initial materials are not at the level of bulk materials, this work demonstrates that the low-cost tape casting technology is promising for fabricating thermoelectric modules for energy conversion.

scholarly journals Theoretical and Empirical Characterization of Water as a Factor: Examples and Related Issues with the World Trade Model

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 459
Author(s):  
Ignacio Cazcarro ◽  
Albert E. Steenge
Keyword(s):  
World Trade ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Virtual Water ◽  
Considerable Change ◽  
Water Research ◽  
Trade Model ◽  
The World ◽  
Main Model ◽  
Selection Of

This article originates from the theoretical and empirical characterization of factors in the World Trade Model (WTM). It first illustrates the usefulness of this type of model for water research to address policy questions related to virtual water trade, water constraints and water scarcity. It also illustrates the importance of certain key decisions regarding the heterogeneity of water and its relation to the technologies being employed and the prices obtained. With regard to WTM, the global economic input–output model in which multiple technologies can produce a “homogeneous output”, it was recently shown that two different mechanisms should be distinguished by which multiple technologies can arise, i.e., from “technology-specific” or from “shared” factors, which implies a mechanism-specific set of prices, quantities and rents. We discuss and extend these characterizations, notably in relation to the real-world characterization of water as a factor (for which we use the terms technology specific, fully shared and “mixed”). We propose that the presence of these separate mechanisms results in the models being sensitive to relatively small variations in specific numerical values. To address this sensitivity, we suggest a specific role for specific (sub)models or key choices to counter unrealistic model outcomes. To support our proposal we present a selection of simulations for aggregated world regions, and show how key results concerning quantities, prices and rents can be subject to considerable change depending on the precise definitions of resource endowments and the technology-specificity of the factors. For instance, depending on the adopted water heterogeneity level, outcomes can vary from relatively low-cost solutions to higher cost ones and can even reach infeasibility. In the main model discussed here (WTM) factor prices are exogenous, which also contributes to the overall numerical sensitivity of the model. All this affects to a large extent our interpretation of the water challenges, which preferably need to be assessed in integrated frameworks, to account for the main socioeconomic variables, technologies and resources.

scholarly journals Synthesis and Theoretical Investigation Using DFT of 2,3-Diphenylquinoxaline Derivatives for Electronic and Photovoltaic Effects

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dorota Zając ◽  
Dariusz Przybylski ◽  
Jadwiga Sołoducho
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Acrylic Acid ◽  
Organic Semiconductors ◽  
Organic Solar Cells ◽  
Molecular Design ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Design Synthesis ◽  
Semiconducting Properties ◽  
Homo Lumo

AbstractDeveloping effective and low‐cost organic semiconductors is an opportunity for the development of organic solar cells (OPV). Herein, we report the molecular design, synthesis and characterization of two molecules with D–A–D–A configuration: 2-cyano-3-(5-(8-(3,4-ethylenodioxythiophen-5-yl)-2,3-diphenylquinoxalin-5-yl)thiophen-2-yl)acrylic acid (6) and 2-cyano-3-(5-(2,3-diphenyl-8-(thiophen-2-yl)quinoxalin-5-yl)thiophen-2-yl)acrylic acid (7). Moreover, we investigated the structural, theoretical and optical properties. The distribution of HOMO/LUMO orbitals and the values of the ionization potential indicate good semiconducting properties of the compounds and that they can be a bipolar material. Also, the optical study show good absorption in visible light (λabs 380–550 nm). We investigate the theoretical optoelectronic properties of obtained compounds as potential materials for solar cells.

Dicyanopyrazine studies. Syntheses and characterization of new bis-styryl fluorescent dyes from DAMN. Part III

1998 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 395-405 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jae-yun Jaung ◽  
Masaru Matsuoka ◽  
Koushi Fukunishi
Keyword(s):  
Fluorescent Dyes

Removal of Ni(II) from aqueous solution using Moringa oleifera seeds as a bioadsorbent

2012 ◽  
Vol 65 (8) ◽  
pp. 1435-1440 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thiago L. Marques ◽  
Vanessa N. Alves ◽  
Luciana M. Coelho ◽  
Nívia M. M. Coelho
Keyword(s):  
Moringa Oleifera ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
Toxic Waste ◽  
Adsorption Model ◽  
New Techniques ◽  
Sorption Data ◽  
Natural Adsorbents ◽  
Ph Range

Metal contaminants are generally removed from effluents by chemical and physical processes which are often associated with disadvantages such as the use of toxic reagents, generation of toxic waste and high costs. Hence, new techniques have been developed, among them the study of natural adsorbents, for instance, the use of Moringa oleifera seeds. The potential of M. oleifera seeds for nickel removal in aqueous systems was investigated. The seeds utilized were obtained from plants grown in Uberlândia/Brazil. After being dried and pulverized, the seeds were treated with 0.1 mol/L NaOH. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analyses were used for the characterization of the material. Using the optimized methodology (50 mL of 4.0 mg/L Ni(II), pH range of 4.0–6.0, agitation time of 5 min and adsorption mass of 2.0 g) more than 90% of Ni(II) could be removed from water samples. The sorption data were fitted satisfactorily by the Langmuir adsorption model. Evaluation applying the Langmuir equation gave the monolayer sorption capacity as 29.6 mg/g. The results indicate that this material could be employed in the extraction of nickel, considering its ease of use, low cost and environmental viability, which make it highly attractive for application in developing countries.

Characterization of Brightness of Electroluminescent Device Using Powder Phosphor Composite with ZnO or TiO2

2008 ◽  
Vol 55 ◽  
pp. 150-153
Author(s):  
Mun Ja Kim ◽  
Sung Min Park ◽  
Tae Young Lee ◽  
Sang Hyun Park ◽  
Jin Young Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Voltage ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Frequency Variation ◽  
Driving Voltage ◽  
Powder Phosphor ◽  
Previous Researcher ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Device Reliability ◽  
Coating Method

For the growth of Electroluminescent (EL) device market, the attention of many researchers is centered on improving the properties such as brightness, power consumption, device reliability, etc. The powder EL device is one of solutions for the easy mass production, the simplification of structure, and low cost. Although the powder process is the solution, that has the problem with the poor brightness than the film process. So, we focused on increasing the brightness of powder EL device. The emissive layer was made up the composites adding metal oxide nanopowder such as TiO2 and ZnO to powder phosphors. As the data of previous researcher, the TiO2 and ZnO had the different dominating traps by photovoltage measure, that is, TiO2 show hole traps, ZnO show electron traps [1]. The brightness of powder EL device proportions to the high electricfield formation. The TiO2 or ZnO in the powder phosphor composite can help the emission that may be advantageous to form high electricfield at low voltage. The EL devices with green ZnS phosphor were fabricated using spin coating method. The effect of TiO2 and ZnO on the luminescent property of EL device was investigated. The brightness was obtained as applied driving voltage at 400 Hz and frequency variation at 50 V.

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