Tellurite Fiber for High Power Mid-Wave Infrared Supercontinuum Generation

Broadband, high-power, mid-infrared sources are critical for many applica-tions. Fiber based supercontinuum generation is the optimum mid-infrared broad-band source that can provide extended bandwidth and good coherence. Compared to alternatives such as fluorides and chalcogenides, tellurite fibers are more robust and can handle much higher power. Tellurite fibers also have high nonlinearity and a ma-terial zero dispersion wavelength close to 2 µm. This makes them ideal for nonlinear processes pumped by Tm-doped silica fiber lasers. We demonstrated tellurite fibers by using a simple stack and draw process. This fabrication method requires simple setup and is easily repeatable. Due to the difficulty in producing soft glass tubes, we have drawn a stack-and-draw preform without the need for an over-clad tube. The stack-and-draw process provides several advantages over other solid and micro-structured designs. Our solid tellurite fiber design shows potential for broadband mid-infrared supercontinuum generation. We have also shown that designs with low dispersion are the key for broadband mid-infrared supercontinuum generation in tellurite fibers pumped at 2 µm

Introduction to Biotechnology II: Exercise Workbook & Lab Guide

This workbook, provided by Austin Community College, prepares students to work as entry-level biotechnology employees in potential regulatory environments. An overview of working in a regulated environment is provided along with general lab safety and preparation, and a variety of biotechnology laboratory practical experiences. Topics covered include: preparing solutions, water quality in the biotechnology laboratory, pyrogen assay of laboratory water, protein concentration, enzyme kinetics, and more

Multifunctional vertical interconnections of multilayered flexible substrates for miniaturised POCT devices

Point-of-care testing (POCT) is an emerging technology which can lead to an eruptive change of lifestyle and medication of population against the traditional medical laboratory. Since living organisms are intrinsically flexible and malleable, the flexible substrate is a necessity for successful integration of electronics in biological systems that do not cause discomfort during prolonged use. Isotropic conductive adhesives (ICAs) are attractive to wearable POCT devices because ICAs are environmentally friendly and allow a lower processing temperature than soldering which protects heat-sensitive components. Vertical interconnections and optical interconnections are considered as the technologies to realise the miniaturised high-performance devices for the future applications. This thesis focused on the multifunctional integration to enable both electrical and optical vertical interconnections through one via hole that can be fabricated in flexible substrates. The functional properties of the via and their response to the external loadings which are likely encountered in the POCT devices are the primary concerns of this PhD project. In this thesis, the research of curing effect on via performance was first conducted by studying the relationship between curing conditions and material properties. Based on differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis results, two-parameter autocatalytic model (Sestak-Berggren model) was established as the most suitable curing process description of our typical ICA composed of epoxy-based binders and Ag filler particles. A link between curing conditions and the mechanical properties of ICAs was established based on the DMA experiments. A series of test vehicles containing vias filled with ICAs were cured under varying conditions. The electrical resistance of the ICA filled vias were measured before testing and in real time during thermal cycling tests, damp heat tests and bending tests. A simplified model was derived to represent rivet-shaped vias in the flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs) based on the assumption of homogenous ICAs. An equation was thus proposed to evaluate the resistance of the model. Vias with different cap sizes were also tested, and the equation was validated. Those samples were divided into three groups for thermal cycling test, damp heat ageing test and bending test. Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to aid better understanding of the electrical conduction mechanisms. Based on theoretical equation and simulation model, the fistula-shape ICA via was fabricated in flexible PCB. Its hollow nature provides the space for integrations of optical or fluidic circuits. Resistance measurements and reliability tests proved that carefully designed and manufactured small bores in vias did not comprise the performance. Test vehicles with optoelectrical vias were made through two different approaches to prove the feasibility of multifunctional vertical interconnections in flexible substrates. A case study was carried out on reflection Photoplethysmography (rPPG) sensors manufacturing, using a specially designed optoelectronic system. ICA-based low-temperature manufacture processes were developed to enable the integration of these flexible but delicate substrates and components. In the manufacturing routes, a modified stencil printing setup, which merges two printing-curing steps (vias forming and components bonding) into one step, was developed to save both time and energy. The assembled probes showed the outstanding performance in functional and physiological tests. The results from this thesis are anticipated to facilitate the understanding of ICA via conduction mechanism and provide an applicable tool to optimise the design and manufacturing of optoelectrical vias

Survey Plan For Characterization of the Subsurface Underlying the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama

Topic considered include: survey objectives; technologies for non-Invasive imaging of subsurface; cost; data requirements and sources; climatic condition; hydrology and geology; chemicals; magnetometry; electrical(resistivity, potential); optical-style imaging; reflection/refraction seismics; gravitometry; photo-acoustic activation;well drilling and borehole analysis; comparative assessment matrix; ground sensors; choice of the neutron sources; logistic of operations; system requirements; health and safety plans

Industrial-Scale Manufacture of Oleosin 30G for Use as Contrast Agent in Echocardiography

In ultrasound sonography, microbubbles are used as contrasting agents to improve the effectiveness of ultrasound imaging. Monodisperse microbubbles are required to achieve the optimal image quality. In order to achieve a uniform size distribution, microbubbles are stabilized with surfactant molecules. One such molecule is Oleosin, an amphiphilic structural protein found in vascular plant oil bodies that contains one hydrophobic and two hydrophilic sections. Controlling the functionalization of microbubbles is a comprehensive and versatile process using recombinant technology to produce a genetically engineered form of Oleosin called Oleosin 30G. With the control of a microfluidic device, uniformly-sized and resonant microbubbles can be readily produced and stored in stable conditions up to one month. Currently, Oleosin microbubbles are limited to the lab-scale; however, through development of an integrated batch bioprocessing model, the overall product yield of Oleosin 30G can be increased to 7.39 kg/year to meet needs on the industrial-scale. An Oleosin-stabilized microbubble suspension as a contrast agent is in a strong position to take a competitive share of the current market, capitalizing on needs unmet by current market leader, Definity®. Based on market dynamics and process logistics, scaled-up production of Oleosin 30G for use as a contrast agent is expected to be both a useful and profitable venture

Biopharmaceutical Process – Contract Development Organization: Startup

Due to their high specificity and the wide range of treatments they can provide, monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) from mammalian cell cultures have gained increasing popularity in therapeutics. As a result, treatments have become cheaper and easier to manufacture while maintaining their natural effectiveness, further increasing their appeal. Building MAb manufacturing facilities can be costly for biopharmaceutical companies, especially smaller biotech firms, and current production capacities are limited. As a result, there is an everincreasing demand for contract development organizations (CDOs). The CDO being proposed targets demand within this regime specific to MAbs entering clinical trials. It has the capability to screen clones, grow MAb-producing cells up to a 2500 L culture, and purify the MAb to clinical standards. By employing the newest technology available, the facilities will provide flexibility necessary for producing a myriad of different MAb therapeutics in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells. Microbioreactors can screen dozens of clones at the millileter scale, saving time and money. Disposable bioreactors in the upstream process allow for variance in the production capacity due to the range of sizes they are available in. Finally, the purification process has been designed to allow for flexibility depending on the size and needs of every client’s product to maximize value to the costumer as well as the company. The current market for MAb production has an astounding worldwide value of approximately $27.5 billion and continues to expand as the number of MAbs entering clinical trials increases (Cowen 2006). It is estimated that within the next four years that the worldwide market value will reach$50 billion (“Preclinical Development”, 2010). The profitability of this proposal is based on running 39 batches a year at 4.326 kg MAb/batch or 168.71 kg MAb/year. By charging a reasonable average of $1,125,000/kg MAb, a profitability profile can be created. Assuming a 70$111,907,800 and 52.96% respectively. However, using a 70% production capacity also leaves room for even higher profit margins. The plant design also has space allotted for future expansion within the mammalian suite as well as room for a future microbial suite

Optimization of Oleosin 30G Production for Echocardiography

Provided they are uniform in size, monodisperse microbubbles behave as contrast agents to enhance echocardiographic imaging. Compounds like Oleosin 30G with surfactant-like properties help stabilize microbubbles - thereby ensuring their uniform size. Designed herein is an industrial-scale plant to produce medical-grade Oleosin 30G with a process consisting of three steps: 1) upstream production via recombinant E. coli in an integrated batch bioprocessing model, 2) downstream purification, and 3) processing by microfluidic manifolds. Ultimately Oleosin 30G-coated microbubbles are manufactured, ready for injection within one month. Owing to its unique properties and cost-effective production, Oleosin 30G has the potential to outcompete current market leader Definity®. Altogether, overall yield of Oleosin 30G constitutes 7.39 kg/year to provide for 100% market saturation. Financial analysis indicates pursuing Oleosin 30G for echocardiography applications is very profitable with a 296% return on investment and holds potential for production expansion should the market demand increase

Plasmonics at liquid-liquid interfaces

The PhD has studied gold nanoparticles (NPs) at the liquid-liquid interface (LLI). Some of the key aspects of the work are listed below. • Centrifugation as a novel and efficient method for adsorbing a controlled number of NPs to the LLI. • Controlled and tuneable 2D interparticle separation at the LLI as evidenced by the plasmon ruler. • Reversible adsorption of 16 nm gold nanoparticles at the water-DCE interface. • Centrifugation as a novel method to form an ultra-concentrated NP aqueous phase. • Controlled and tuneable 3D inter-particle separation in water by ultra-concentration. • The ultra-concentrated NP solution has some ‘record-breaking’ physical properties – e.g. densities in excess of 4.5 gcm-3; optical densities in excess of 70,000; and active surface areas of in excess of 70 m2/mL. • Ultra-concentration is also demonstrated as an efficient purification and NP size-separation technique with efficiencies in excess of 99.9% and 99.5%, respectively. • Close-packed NPs at the LLI are also demonstrated to be an efficient sensing platform through surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy. • The platform benefits from: fmole detection limits; extremely facile, quick and cheap assembly; applicability to a wide range of target analytes; both hydrophilic and hydrophobic detection capabilities simultaneously. • Through evaporation of the organic phase, the platform is also demonstrated to be able to identify and estimate concentrations of airborne analytes. • Finally, 1,8-diaminonaphthalene and its analogues are demonstrated to be extremely efficient mercury reporters when combined with SERS at the LLI. • A dramatic increase in SERS intensity is observed in the presence of mercury – though the exact reason for such an increase is still under investigation, some potential mechanisms are provided. • As with other analytes, NPs at the liquid-air interface demonstrate airborne mercury detection capabilities and this is demonstrated for the first time using SERS.Open Acces