Novel Technology and Applications of Micro/Nano Devices and System

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 July 2022) | Viewed by 17559

Special Issue Editors

Center for Microelectromechanical Systems, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimaraes, Portugal
Interests: biotechnology; micro/nanotechnology; microfabrication; lab-on-a-chip; optical detection; immunosensors
Center for Microelectromechanical Systems; University of Minho; 4800-058 Guimaraes, Portugal
Interests: biotechnology; microfabrication; microfluidic devices; piezoresistive pressure microsensors; resistance temperature microdetectors
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The development of novel technologies and applications for micronano devices is an interdisciplinary subject that demands an integration of several research fields, such as material science, biotechnology, medicine, chemistry, informatics, optics, electronics, mechanics, and micro/nanotechnologies. In this regard, this Special Issue on “Novel Technology and Applications of MicroNano Devices and Systems” seeks to gather the ultimate breakthroughs and innovative development techniques used in this multidisciplinary area, aiming toward an end-use of this technology. Therefore, it is our pleasure to invite you to submit a manuscript for this Special Issue. In this Special Issue, we invite contributions (original research papers, review articles, and short communications) that focus on the latest advances and challenges in micronano devices and systems, based on novel technology and novel materials, developed for a wide range of applications, such as biomedical, marine, automotive, aerospatial, and robotics, among others. We hope to provide an opportunity to the engineering and materials science community to exchange knowledge and information and bring together researchers who are interested in those general fields.

Prof. Dr. G. Minas
Dr. Vania Pinto
Dr. Paulo J. Sousa
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • Organ-on-a-chip
  • Lab-on-a-chip
  • Nanoparticles
  • Microfluids
  • Microsensors
  • Integrated optics
  • MNEMS
  • BioMEMS
  • Microrobots
  • Biomaterials

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Editorial

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3 pages, 202 KiB  
Editorial
Special Issue on Novel Technology and Applications of Micro/Nano Devices and System
by Vânia Pinto, Paulo Sousa and Graça Minas
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(3), 1856; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app13031856 - 31 Jan 2023
Viewed by 856
Abstract
The development of novel technologies and applications for micro/nano devices is an interdisciplinary subject that demands an integration of several research fields, such as material science, biotechnology, medicine, chemistry, informatics, optics, electronics, mechanics, and micro/nanotechnologies [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Technology and Applications of Micro/Nano Devices and System)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

10 pages, 2623 KiB  
Article
Noise Reduction Method of Nanopore Based on Wavelet and Kalman Filter
by Zhouchang Huang, Xiaoqing Zeng, Deqiang Wang and Shaoxi Fang
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(19), 9517; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12199517 - 22 Sep 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1356
Abstract
Nanopore detection technology has now developed into an indispensable tool for single molecule experiments, in which useful information on molecular properties can be obtained from the ion current flow induced by individual molecules, but the relatively high background noise affects the data analysis. [...] Read more.
Nanopore detection technology has now developed into an indispensable tool for single molecule experiments, in which useful information on molecular properties can be obtained from the ion current flow induced by individual molecules, but the relatively high background noise affects the data analysis. Therefore, a nanopore signal noise reduction method based on wavelet transform and Kalman filter is proposed, which can achieve multi-scale decomposition and optimal estimation of the nanopore signal. The real measurement shows that the Kalman filter based on the wavelet mode maxima method reduces the root mean square (RMS) of the background noise by 17.8%, and the noise reduction effect is better than the traditional Kalman filter method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Technology and Applications of Micro/Nano Devices and System)
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20 pages, 7934 KiB  
Article
Methodology for Phytoplankton Taxonomic Group Identification towards the Development of a Lab-on-a-Chip
by Denise A. M. Carvalho, Vânia C. Pinto, Paulo J. Sousa, Vitor H. Magalhães, Emilio Fernández, Pedro A. Gomes, Graça Minas and Luís M. Gonçalves
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(11), 5376; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12115376 - 26 May 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1589
Abstract
This paper presents the absorbance and fluorescence optical properties of various phytoplankton species, looking to achieve an accurate method to detect and identify a number of phytoplankton taxonomic groups. The methodology to select the excitation and detection wavelengths that results in superior identification [...] Read more.
This paper presents the absorbance and fluorescence optical properties of various phytoplankton species, looking to achieve an accurate method to detect and identify a number of phytoplankton taxonomic groups. The methodology to select the excitation and detection wavelengths that results in superior identification of phytoplankton is reported. The macroscopic analyses and the implemented methodology are the base for designing a lab-on-a-chip device for a phytoplankton group identification, based on cell analysis with multi-wavelength lighting excitation, aiming for a cheap and portable platform. With such methodology in a lab-on-a-chip device, the analysis of the phytoplankton cells’ optical properties, e.g., fluorescence, diffraction, absorption and reflection, will be possible. This device will offer, in the future, a platform for continuous, autonomous and in situ underwater measurements, in opposition to the conventional methodology. A proof-of-concept device with LED light excitation at 450 nm and a detection photodiode at 680 nm was fabricated. This device was able to quantify the concentration of the phytoplankton chlorophyll a. A lock-in amplifier electronic circuit was developed and integrated in a portable and low-cost sensor, featuring continuous, autonomous and in situ underwater measurements. This device has a detection limit of 0.01 µ/L of chlorophyll a, in a range up to 300 µg/L, with a linear voltage output with chlorophyll concentration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Technology and Applications of Micro/Nano Devices and System)
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19 pages, 5027 KiB  
Article
Simulation Study of Vertical p–n Junction Photodiodes’ Optical Performance According to CMOS Technology
by Gabriel M. Ferreira, Vítor Silva, Graça Minas and Susana O. Catarino
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(5), 2580; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12052580 - 02 Mar 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2498
Abstract
CMOS photodiodes have been widely reported in microsystem applications. This article presents the design and numerical simulation of p–n junction photodiodes, using COMSOL Multiphysics, for three CMOS technologies (0.18 μm, 0.35 μm and 0.7 μm) and three different p–n junction structures: n+/p-substrate, p+/n-well [...] Read more.
CMOS photodiodes have been widely reported in microsystem applications. This article presents the design and numerical simulation of p–n junction photodiodes, using COMSOL Multiphysics, for three CMOS technologies (0.18 μm, 0.35 μm and 0.7 μm) and three different p–n junction structures: n+/p-substrate, p+/n-well and n-well/p-substrate. For these simulations, the depth junctions and dopant concentrations were set according to the different technologies. Then, each photodiode was spectrophotometrically characterized regarding the current, responsivity and quantum efficiency. The obtained numerical results show that the 0.18 and 0.35 μm CMOS technologies are those with the highest peak of efficiency when visible spectral ranges are needed, comparative to the 0.7 µm technology. Furthermore, the three most common p–n vertical junction photodiode structures were compared. The n+/p-substrate junction photodiode appears to be the one with the highest quantum efficiency in the visible range, which is in agreement with the literature. It can be concluded that the photodiodes’ characteristic curves and dark current values are consistent with reports in the literature. Therefore, this numerical approach allows to predict the photodiodes’ performance, helping to select the best structural design for each required application, before their microfabrication. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Technology and Applications of Micro/Nano Devices and System)
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20 pages, 15629 KiB  
Article
Quantitative Monitoring of Dynamic Blood Flows Using Coflowing Laminar Streams in a Sensorless Approach
by Yang Jun Kang
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(16), 7260; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11167260 - 06 Aug 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1599
Abstract
Determination of blood viscosity requires consistent measurement of blood flow rates, which leads to measurement errors and presents several issues when there are continuous changes in hematocrit changes. Instead of blood viscosity, a coflowing channel as a pressure sensor is adopted to quantify [...] Read more.
Determination of blood viscosity requires consistent measurement of blood flow rates, which leads to measurement errors and presents several issues when there are continuous changes in hematocrit changes. Instead of blood viscosity, a coflowing channel as a pressure sensor is adopted to quantify the dynamic flow of blood. Information on blood (i.e., hematocrit, flow rate, and viscosity) is not provided in advance. Using a discrete circuit model for the coflowing streams, the analytical expressions for four properties (i.e., pressure, shear stress, and two types of work) are then derived to quantify the flow of the test fluid. The analytical expressions are validated through numerical simulations. To demonstrate the method, the four properties are obtained using the present method by varying the flow patterns (i.e., constant flow rate or sinusoidal flow rate) as well as test fluids (i.e., glycerin solutions and blood). Thereafter, the present method is applied to quantify the dynamic flows of RBC aggregation-enhanced blood with a peristaltic pump, where any information regarding the blood is not specific. The experimental results indicate that the present method can quantify dynamic blood flow consistently, where hematocrit changes continuously over time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Technology and Applications of Micro/Nano Devices and System)
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18 pages, 2482 KiB  
Article
PLGA-CS-PEG Microparticles for Controlled Drug Delivery in the Treatment of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells
by Sandra Musu Jusu, John David Obayemi, Ali Azeko Salifu, Chukwudalu Clare Nwazojie, Vanessa Obiageli Uzonwanne, Olushola Segun Odusanya and Winnston Oluwole Soboyejo
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(15), 7112; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11157112 - 31 Jul 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2666
Abstract
In this study, we explore the development of controlled PLGA-CS-PEG microspheres, which are used to encapsulate model anticancer drugs (prodigiosin (PGS) or paclitaxel (PTX)) for controlled breast cancer treatment. The PLGA microspheres are blended with hydrophilic polymers (chitosan and polyethylene glycol) in the [...] Read more.
In this study, we explore the development of controlled PLGA-CS-PEG microspheres, which are used to encapsulate model anticancer drugs (prodigiosin (PGS) or paclitaxel (PTX)) for controlled breast cancer treatment. The PLGA microspheres are blended with hydrophilic polymers (chitosan and polyethylene glycol) in the presence of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) that were synthesized via a water-oil-water (W/O/W) solvent evaporation technique. Chitosan (CS) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) were used as surface-modifying additives to improve the biocompatibility and reduce the adsorption of plasma proteins onto the microsphere surfaces. These PLGA-CS-PEG microspheres are loaded with varying concentrations (5 and 8 mg/mL) of PGS or PTX, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the morphological properties while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to elucidate the functional groups of drug-loaded PLGA-CS-PEG microparticles. A thirty-day, in vitro, encapsulated drug (PGS or PTX) release was carried out at 37 °C, which corresponds to human body temperature, and at 41 °C and 44 °C, which correspond to hyperthermic temperatures. The thermodynamics and kinetics of in vitro drug release were also elucidated using a combination of mathematical models and the experimental results. The exponents of the Korsmeyer–Peppas model showed that the kinetics of drug release was well characterized by anomalous non-Fickian drug release. Endothermic and nonspontaneous processes are also associated with the thermodynamics of drug release. Finally, the controlled in vitro release of cancer drugs (PGS and PTX) is shown to decrease the viability of MDA-MB-231 cells. The implications of the results are discussed for the development of drug-encapsulated PLGA-CS-PEG microparticles for the controlled release of cancer drugs in treatment of triple negative breast cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Technology and Applications of Micro/Nano Devices and System)
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12 pages, 10502 KiB  
Article
Development of Highly Sensitive Temperature Microsensors for Localized Measurements
by Paulo J. Sousa, Vânia C. Pinto, Vitor H. Magalhães, Raquel O. Rodrigues, Patrícia C. Sousa and Graça Minas
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(9), 3864; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11093864 - 24 Apr 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2252
Abstract
This paper presents the design, fabrication and characterization of temperature microsensors based on Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs) with a meander-shaped geometry. Numerical simulations were performed for studying the sensitivity of the RTDs according to their windings numbers as well as for optimizing their [...] Read more.
This paper presents the design, fabrication and characterization of temperature microsensors based on Resistance Temperature Detectors (RTDs) with a meander-shaped geometry. Numerical simulations were performed for studying the sensitivity of the RTDs according to their windings numbers as well as for optimizing their layout. These RTDs were fabricated using well-established microfabrication and photolithographic techniques. The fabricated sensors feature high sensitivity (0.3542 mV/°C), linearity and reproducibility in a temperature range of 35 to 45 °C. Additionally, each sensor has a small size with a strong potential for their integration in microfluidic devices, as organ-on-a-chip, allowing the possibility for in-situ monitoring the physiochemical properties of the cellular microenvironment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Technology and Applications of Micro/Nano Devices and System)
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20 pages, 8480 KiB  
Article
A Dual-Mass Resonant MEMS Gyroscope Design with Electrostatic Tuning for Frequency Mismatch Compensation
by Francesca Pistorio, Muhammad Mubasher Saleem and Aurelio Somà
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(3), 1129; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11031129 - 26 Jan 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3438
Abstract
The micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS)-based sensor technologies are considered to be the enabling factor for the future development of smart sensing applications, mainly due to their small size, low power consumption and relatively low cost. This paper presents a new structurally and thermally stable [...] Read more.
The micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS)-based sensor technologies are considered to be the enabling factor for the future development of smart sensing applications, mainly due to their small size, low power consumption and relatively low cost. This paper presents a new structurally and thermally stable design of a resonant mode-matched electrostatic z-axis MEMS gyroscope considering the foundry constraints of relatively low cost and commercially available silicon-on-insulator multi-user MEMS processes (SOIMUMPs) microfabrication process. The novelty of the proposed MEMS gyroscope design lies in the implementation of two separate masses for the drive and sense axis using a unique mechanical spring configuration that allows minimizing the cross-axis coupling between the drive and sense modes. For frequency mismatch compensation between the drive and sense modes due to foundry process uncertainties and gyroscope operating temperature variations, a comb-drive-based electrostatic tuning is implemented in the proposed design. The performance of the MEMS gyroscope design is verified through a detailed coupled-field electric-structural-thermal finite element method (FEM)-based analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Technology and Applications of Micro/Nano Devices and System)
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