Electro-spinning/netting: A strategy for the fabrication of three-dimensional polymer nano-fiber/nets.

Since 2006, a rapid development has been achieved in a subject area, so called electro-spinning/netting (ESN), which comprises the conventional electrospinning process and a unique electro-netting process. Electro-netting overcomes the bottleneck problem of electrospinning technique and provides a versatile method for generating spider-web-like nano-nets with ultrafine fiber diameter less than 20 nm. Nano-nets, supported by the conventional electrospun nanofibers in the nano-fiber/nets (NFN) membranes, exhibit numerious attractive characteristics such as extremely small diameter, high porosity, and Steiner tree network geometry, which make NFN membranes optimal candidates for many significant applications. The progress made during the last few years in the field of ESN is highlighted in this review, with particular emphasis on results obtained in the author's research units. After a brief description of the development of the electrospinning and ESN techniques, several fundamental properties of NFN nanomaterials are addressed. Subsequently, the used polymers and the state-of-the-art strategies for the controllable fabrication of NFN membranes are highlighted in terms of the ESN process. Additionally, we highlight some potential applications associated with the remarkable features of NFN nanostructure. Our discussion is concluded with some personal perspectives on the future development in which this wonderful technique could be pursued

The NASA SBIR product catalog

The purpose of this catalog is to assist small business firms in making the community aware of products emerging from their efforts in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. It contains descriptions of some products that have advanced into Phase 3 and others that are identified as prospective products. Both lists of products in this catalog are based on information supplied by NASA SBIR contractors in responding to an invitation to be represented in this document. Generally, all products suggested by the small firms were included in order to meet the goals of information exchange for SBIR results. Of the 444 SBIR contractors NASA queried, 137 provided information on 219 products. The catalog presents the product information in the technology areas listed in the table of contents. Within each area, the products are listed in alphabetical order by product name and are given identifying numbers. Also included is an alphabetical listing of the companies that have products described. This listing cross-references the product list and provides information on the business activity of each firm. In addition, there are three indexes: one a list of firms by states, one that lists the products according to NASA Centers that managed the SBIR projects, and one that lists the products by the relevant Technical Topics utilized in NASA's annual program solicitation under which each SBIR project was selected

Marshall Space Flight Center Research and Technology Report 2019

Today, our calling to explore is greater than ever before, and here at Marshall Space Flight Centerwe make human deep space exploration possible. A key goal for Artemis is demonstrating and perfecting capabilities on the Moon for technologies needed for humans to get to Mars. This years report features 10 of the Agencys 16 Technology Areas, and I am proud of Marshalls role in creating solutions for so many of these daunting technical challenges. Many of these projects will lead to sustainable in-space architecture for human space exploration that will allow us to travel to the Moon, on to Mars, and beyond. Others are developing new scientific instruments capable of providing an unprecedented glimpse into our universe. NASA has led the charge in space exploration for more than six decades, and through the Artemis program we will help build on our work in low Earth orbit and pave the way to the Moon and Mars. At Marshall, we leverage the skills and interest of the international community to conduct scientific research, develop and demonstrate technology, and train international crews to operate further from Earth for longer periods of time than ever before first at the lunar surface, then on to our next giant leap, human exploration of Mars. While each project in this report seeks to advance new technology and challenge conventions, it is important to recognize the diversity of activities and people supporting our mission. This report not only showcases the Centers capabilities and our partnerships, it also highlights the progress our people have achieved in the past year. These scientists, researchers and innovators are why Marshall and NASA will continue to be a leader in innovation, exploration, and discovery for years to come

Remotely Controlled Diffusion from Magnetic Liposome Microgels

The reversible, temperature-dependent change in the permeability of a phospholipid bilayer has been used for controlling the diffusion rate of encapsulated molecular payload from liposomes. Liposomes were preloaded with a fluorescent dye and immobilized in calcium alginate hydrogel microparticles that also contained iron oxide nanoparticles. The composite microparticles were produced by a drop-on-demand inkjet method. The ability of iron oxide nanoparticles to locally dissipate heat upon exposure to a radio-frequency (RF) alternating magnetic field was used to control the local temperature and therefore diffusion from the liposomes in a contactless way using an RF coil. Several different release patterns were realized, including repeated on-demand release. The internal structure of the composite alginate–liposome–magnetite microparticles was investigated, and the influence of microparticle concentration on the heating rate was determined. In order to achieve a temperature rise required for the liposome membrane melting, the concentration of alginate beads should be at least 25% of their maximum packing density for the nanoparticle concentration and specific absorption rate used

Fully Integrated Biochip Platforms for Advanced Healthcare

Recent advances in microelectronics and biosensors are enabling developments of innovative biochips for advanced healthcare by providing fully integrated platforms for continuous monitoring of a large set of human disease biomarkers. Continuous monitoring of several human metabolites can be addressed by using fully integrated and minimally invasive devices located in the sub-cutis, typically in the peritoneal region. This extends the techniques of continuous monitoring of glucose currently being pursued with diabetic patients. However, several issues have to be considered in order to succeed in developing fully integrated and minimally invasive implantable devices. These innovative devices require a high-degree of integration, minimal invasive surgery, long-term biocompatibility, security and privacy in data transmission, high reliability, high reproducibility, high specificity, low detection limit and high sensitivity. Recent advances in the field have already proposed possible solutions for several of these issues. The aim of the present paper is to present a broad spectrum of recent results and to propose future directions of development in order to obtain fully implantable systems for the continuous monitoring of the human metabolism in advanced healthcare applications

Metal-Organic Frameworks in Germany: from Synthesis to Function

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are constructed from a combination of inorganic and organic units to produce materials which display high porosity, among other unique and exciting properties. MOFs have shown promise in many wide-ranging applications, such as catalysis and gas separations. In this review, we highlight MOF research conducted by Germany-based research groups. Specifically, we feature approaches for the synthesis of new MOFs, high-throughput MOF production, advanced characterization methods and examples of advanced functions and properties

Properties characterization of PDMS/Beeswax composite

Mestrado de dupla diplomação com a UTFPR - Universidade Tecnológica Federal do ParanáPolydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is one of the elastomers belonging to the polymers that has received the most attention, as it is a material with good thermal stability, biocompatibility, flexibility, low cost and hyperplastic characteristics. As well as PDMS, beeswax, too, has attracted the attention of researchers, as it is a biodegradable material, thermally stable and of natural origin. These materials can be used in areas such as microfluidic systems, medical devices, electronic components, among others. PDMS mixed with beeswax is able to improve hydrophobic properties, abrasion and corrosion resistance, thermal stability and high temperature transparency. However, the manufacturing process used to mix PDMS and waxes requires some steps, such as heating, mixing and degassing, however, conventional methods do not follow a standardized process, resulting in products with low repeatability. To overcome this limitation, a vacuum chamber was developed and built with the objective of optimizing the manufacturing process. Another important factor is the use of beeswax, as it is a natural product, the composition is different depending on the climate and region. For this reason, in this study, the chemical characterization of beeswax was performed. Subsequently, experimental tests were carried out with the composite of PDMS and beeswax. Samples were manufactured using the multifunctional vacuum chamber developed in this dissertation. The samples were submitted to tensile, hardness, DMA, TGA, spectrometry and wettability tests in order to analyze the mechanical, optical and wettability properties. The manufacture of the multifunctional vacuum chamber allowed the production of samples with more uniform properties and made the process more efficient. In the DMA test, the composite showed thermal stability up to 200°C, together with high transparency at 80°C, when compared to pure PDMS. In the wettability test, the composite proved to increase the contact angle close to 150°C, presenting a super-hydrophobic surface.O polidimetilsiloxano (PDMS) é um dos elastómeros pertencente aos polímeros que mais tem recebido atenção, por ser um material com boa estabilidade térmica, biocompatibilidade, flexibilidade, baixo custo e características hiperplásticas. Assim como o PDMS, a cera de abelha, também, tem atraído a atenção dos investigadores, por se tratar de um material biodegradável, termicamente estável e de origem natural. Esses materiais podem ser utilizados em áreas como sistemas microfluídicos, dispositivos médicos, componentes eletrónicos, entre outros. O PDMS misturado com cera de abelha, mostra-se capaz de melhorar as propriedades hidrofóbicas, resistência à abrasão e corrosão, estabilidade térmica e transparência a alta temperatura. Porém, o processo de fabricação utilizado para misturar PDMS e ceras requer algumas etapas, como aquecer, misturar e desgaseificar, contudo, os métodos convencionais não seguem um processo normalizado, originando produtos com baixa repetibilidade. Para contornar esta limitação, desenvolveu-se e construiu-se uma câmara de vácuo com o objetivo de otimizar o processo de fabricação. Outro fator importante é a utilização da cera de abelha por ser um produto natural, a composição é diferente dependendo do clima e da região. Por esse motivo, neste estudo foi realizado a caracterização química da cera de abelha. Posteriormente, foram realizados testes experimentais com o compósito de PDMS e cera de abelha. O fabrico das amostras foi efetuado utilizando a câmara de vácuo multifuncional desenvolvida nesta dissertação. As amostras foram submetidas a ensaios de tração, dureza, DMA, TGA, espectrometria e de molhabilidade com o intuito de analisar as propriedades mecânicas, óticas e de molhabilidade. A fabricação da câmara de vácuo multifuncional permitiu a produção das amostras com propriedades mais uniformes e tornou o processo mais eficiente. No ensaio de DMA, o compósito mostrou uma estabilidade térmica até os 200°C, juntamente com a alta transparência a 80°C, quando comparado ao PDMS puro. No ensaio de molhabilidade, o compósito provou aumentar o ângulo de contacto perto dos 150°C, apresentado uma superfície super-hidrofóbica