Inkjet Printing of Functional Inks for Smart Products

Inkjet printing is a recent promising technology for direct patterning of solution-based materials over different substrates. It is particularly interesting for applications in the flexible electronics field and smart products manufacturing, as it allows for rapid prototyping, design freedom, and is compatible with conductive, semiconductive, and dielectric inks that can be cured at low temperatures over several types of substrates. Moreover, the inkjet process allows for ink economization, since great electrical conductivity can be achieved despite the deposition of small volumes of ink. This chapter describes the overall process, the main inks and their features, the critical process variables, and its limitations. Applications related to inkjet printing of functional materials and smart products are highlighted. New technology advancements and trends are finally addressed

The role of printed electronics and related technologies in the development of smart connected products

The emergence of novel materials with flexible and stretchable characteristics, and the use of new processing technologies, have allowed for the development of new connected devices and applications. Using printed electronics, traditional electronic elements are being combined with flexible components and allowing for the development of new smart connected products. As a result, devices that are capable of sensing, actuating, and communicating remotely while being low-cost, lightweight, conformable, and easily customizable are already being developed. Combined with the expansion of the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and encryption algorithms, the overall attractiveness of these technologies has prompted new applications to appear in almost every sector. The exponential technological development is currently allowing for the ‘smartification’ of cities, manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, logistics, among others. In this review article, the steps towards this transition are approached, starting from the conceptualization of smart connected products and their main markets. The manufacturing technologies are then presented, with focus on printing-based ones, compatible with organic materials. Finally, each one of the printable components is presented and some applications are discussed.This work has been supported by NORTE-06-3559- FSE-000018, integrated in the invitation NORTE59-2018-41, aiming the Hiring of Highly Qualified Human Resources, co-financed by the Regional Operational Programme of the North 2020, thematic area of Competitiveness and Employment, through the European Social Fund (ESF), and by the scope of projects with references UIDB/05256/2020 and UIDP/05256/2020, financed by FCT—Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia, Portugal

Human Health Engineering Volume II

In this Special Issue on “Human Health Engineering Volume II”, we invited submissions exploring recent contributions to the field of human health engineering, i.e., technology for monitoring the physical or mental health status of individuals in a variety of applications. Contributions could focus on sensors, wearable hardware, algorithms, or integrated monitoring systems. We organized the different papers according to their contributions to the main parts of the monitoring and control engineering scheme applied to human health applications, namely papers focusing on measuring/sensing physiological variables, papers highlighting health-monitoring applications, and examples of control and process management applications for human health. In comparison to biomedical engineering, we envision that the field of human health engineering will also cover applications for healthy humans (e.g., sports, sleep, and stress), and thus not only contribute to the development of technology for curing patients or supporting chronically ill people, but also to more general disease prevention and optimization of human well-being

Wearable and Nearable Biosensors and Systems for Healthcare

Biosensors and systems in the form of wearables and “nearables” (i.e., everyday sensorized objects with transmitting capabilities such as smartphones) are rapidly evolving for use in healthcare. Unlike conventional approaches, these technologies can enable seamless or on-demand physiological monitoring, anytime and anywhere. Such monitoring can help transform healthcare from the current reactive, one-size-fits-all, hospital-centered approach into a future proactive, personalized, decentralized structure. Wearable and nearable biosensors and systems have been made possible through integrated innovations in sensor design, electronics, data transmission, power management, and signal processing. Although much progress has been made in this field, many open challenges for the scientific community remain, especially for those applications requiring high accuracy. This book contains the 12 papers that constituted a recent Special Issue of Sensors sharing the same title. The aim of the initiative was to provide a collection of state-of-the-art investigations on wearables and nearables, in order to stimulate technological advances and the use of the technology to benefit healthcare. The topics covered by the book offer both depth and breadth pertaining to wearable and nearable technology. They include new biosensors and data transmission techniques, studies on accelerometers, signal processing, and cardiovascular monitoring, clinical applications, and validation of commercial devices

Mobile Diagnosis 2.0

Mobile sensing and diagnostic capabilities are becoming extremely important for a wide range of emerging applications and fields spanning mobile health, telemedicine, point-of-care diagnostics, global health, field medicine, democratization of sensing and diagnostic tools, environmental monitoring, and citizen science, among many others. The importance of low-cost mobile technologies has been underlined during this current COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for applications such as the detection of pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, as well as for prediction and management of different diseases and disorders. This book focuses on some of these application areas and provides a timely summary of cutting-edge results and emerging technologies in these interdisciplinary fields

ELECTROCHEMICAL SENSING USING FUNCTIONALIZED 3D PRINTABLE MATERIALS FOR POINT-OF-CARE APPLICATIONS

With the impact of Parkinson’s disease (PD) effecting more than 10 million people globally, a push for accessible on-site monitoring has been established. Point-of-care (POC) monitoring focuses on the use of miniature, low-cost, reproducible, and selective sensors. Within this dissertation a focus on 3D printing and electrochemical techniques has generated several novel sensors for detecting PD related analytes. The use of 3D printing provides a low-cost, rapid, customizable, and compatible approach to fabricating functionalized active electrodes and selective membranes. With the combination of both active and passive electrochemical techniques, these functionalized 3D printed materials can be incorporated or used as sensors for the detection and monitoring of pharmaceuticals, blood electrolytes, and neurotransmitters associated with PD.In chapter 2 the introduction and optimization of alkaline assisted electrochemical activation (AAEA) is discussed for 3D printed carbon electrodes (3DpCEs). The AAEA 3DpCEs were compared to a nonactivated and alkaline immersed 3DpCEs. Through this comparison a clear increase in current response and reversibility was determined for AAEA 3DpCEs through cyclic voltammetry characterization. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was also completed where AAEA 3DpCEs produced a lower charge transfer resistance compared to both nonactivation and alkaline immersed 3DpCEs. A demonstration of AAEA 3DpCE sensor was also completed for dopamine, a common neurotransmitter associated with PD. For 3DpCEs a specialized modification process is possible with AAEA for improved detection of important PD biomarkers. In chapter 3 further investigation of the AAEA protocol resulted in a selective and sensitive sensor for simultaneous detection of PD related analytes. Through this research the detection of uric acid (UA), an emerging biomarker associated with PD pathology, and levodopa (L-Dopa), a common pharmaceutical used for PD treatment, was completed using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Furthermore, L-Dopa was also detected in human sweat using a portable potentiostat and miniaturized electrochemical cell. With the combination of AAEA and 3DpCEs a low-cost approach for integration into noninvasive wearable devices is discussed. In chapter 4 an introduction of the first 3D printed ion-selective electrode (ISE) is described. The exploration of translating conventional fabrication methods for ISEs that use polyvinyl chloride (PVC) support material to 3D printed polymers was completed. Herein, the study of a model ion, tetrabutylammonium (TBA), was completed for both solid and liquid contact configurations of 3D printed ISEs and compared to PVC-based ISEs. A comprehensive study was performed to analyze the compatibility of 3D printed polymer resin and the main ISE components, ion exchanging salt and plasticizer. In comparison to PVC-based, 3D printed ISEs achieved a better reproducibility, linear range, conditioning time, and cost efficiency. This new approach for ISE fabrication provides a rapid, low-cost, and customizable way to create new sensors for POC detection of other important PD related analytes. In chapter 5 the first apomorphine (APO, a pharmaceutical used to treat PD) ISE was introduced using this novel 3D printed ISE fabrication method. Herein, the optimization of an ionophore doped 3D printed ion-selective membrane (ISM) was completed for the selective detection of APO in blood plasma. The introduction of a new ionophore, calix[6]arene, for APO was studied. This 3D printed APO ISE used a novel solid contact configuration with a 3D printed housing and carbon mesh-paste transducer. With 3D printed ISEs able to detect analytes selectively in biological fluids the possibility to incorporate these sensors into POC devices may be achieved. In chapter 6 a 3D printed ISE for the detection of calcium (an important biomarker associated with the progression of PD) in whole blood was evaluated. The optimized calcium ISE was selective in the presence of potential interferents and produced high stability. After characterization of the 3D printed ISE, the sensor was then translated to a paper-based configuration for the detection of calcium in bovine whole blood. After confirming the validity of the 3D printed sensor in a paper-based configuration, the sensor was then translated into a POC paper-based device for on-site analysis. Along with the device other future focuses include the study of using 3DpCEs as ion-to-electron transducers for customizable solid contact ISE configurations, the fabrication and optimization of an enzymatic ISE for the indirect detection of urea, and the fabrication of a 3D printed reference electrode for POC applications

Advanced building materials using nanomaterials in building applications with self-cleaning properties

Η νανοτεχνολογία στον κατασκευαστικό τομέα προσφέρει ενδιαφέρουσες νέες ευκαιρίες όσον αφορά την ανάπτυξη σύγχρονων κατασκευαστικών συστημάτων, δομικών υλικών και μεθόδων σχεδιασμού. Επιπλέον, η ενσωμάτωση των ανακυκλωμένων δομικών υλικών και της 3-Δ εκτύπωσης στον κατασκευαστικό τομέα αποτελεί ένα ακόμη βήμα προς την βιωσιμότητα. Τα φωτοκαταλυτικά νανοϋλικά με ιδιότητες αυτοκαθαρισμού μπορούν να χρησιμοποιηθούν ως επιστρώσεις σε δομικά στοιχεία ή πεζοδρόμια αλλά και σε διακοσμητικά αντικείμενα όπως πάνελ οροφής, κουρτίνες και ταπετσαρίες, προκειμένου να αποφευχθεί η αφαίρεση του στρώματος προστασίας των επιφανειών, η αλλαγή χρώματος των βαφών και η ρύπανση από τις χημικές ουσίες των καθαριστικών. Νανοδομές διοξειδίου του τιτανίου (TiO2) αλλά και άλλων οξειδίων, μπορούν να χρησιμοποιηθούν ως φωτοκαταλυτικά προϊόντα με αυτοκαθαριζόμενες ιδιότητες. Το νανοϋλικό TiO2 μελετάται σε αυτήν τη διπλωματική εργασία, λόγω της υψηλής φωτοκαταλυτικής του δραστηριότητας, της υψηλής σταθερότητας και του χαμηλού του κόστους. Το ντόπινγκ με μέταλλα έχει αποδειχθεί επιτυχής προσέγγιση για την ενίσχυση της φωτοκαταλυτικής απόδοσης των φωτοκαταλυτών. Νανοδομές TiO2 χωρίς ντόπινγκ αλλά και με In-Ni-, Mn-In, Mn-Cu-, Mn-Ni- διμεταλλικό ντόπινγκ συντέθηκαν με την υδροθερμική μέθοδο υποβοηθούμενης από μικροκύματα. Μελετήθηκε η φωτοκαταλυτική απόδοση των νανοεπιστρώσεων που εφαρμόστηκαν σε 3-Δ τυπωμένα πλακίδια και υφάσματα, χρησιμοποιώντας ένα τεστ αυτοκαθαρισμού και απορρύπανσης, τον αποχρωματισμό του Methylene Blue (MB). Τα νανοεπιστρωμένα δείγματα έδειξαν υψηλό αποχρωματισμό του MB και μεγάλες δυνατότητες σε εφαρμογές αυτοκαθαρισμού.Nanotechnology in the construction industry offers interesting new opportunities for advancing construction systems, building materials, and design methods. Moreover, the incorporation of recycled construction materials and 3-D printing in construction industry is a further step towards sustainability. Photocatalytic nanomaterials with self-cleaning properties can be used as coatings on building blocks or pavements, but also on interior decorative items such as ceiling panels, curtains and wallpapers, in order to avoid the removal of the protection layer of the surfaces, the color change of pigmented elements, and the chemical contaminants from cleaning. Nanostructured titanium dioxide (TiO2) and other oxides, can be used as photocatalytic products with self-cleaning properties. The nanomaterial TiO2 is studied in this Master thesis, because of its high photocatalytic activity, the high stability and the low cost. Metal doping has proved to be a successful approach for enhancing the photocatalytic efficiency of photocatalysts. Undoped and In-Ni-, Mn-In-, Mn-Cu-, Mn-Ni- bimetallic doped TiO2 nanostructures were synthesized using the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. Photocatalytic efficiency of applied nanocoatings on 3-D printed panels and fabrics was studied, using a self-cleaning and a de-pollution test, Methylene Blue (MB) decolorization. Nanocoated samples showed high MB decolorization and great potential in self-cleaning applications

IoT Applications Computing

The evolution of emerging and innovative technologies based on Industry 4.0 concepts are transforming society and industry into a fully digitized and networked globe. Sensing, communications, and computing embedded with ambient intelligence are at the heart of the Internet of Things (IoT), the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and Industry 4.0 technologies with expanding applications in manufacturing, transportation, health, building automation, agriculture, and the environment. It is expected that the emerging technology clusters of ambient intelligence computing will not only transform modern industry but also advance societal health and wellness, as well as and make the environment more sustainable. This book uses an interdisciplinary approach to explain the complex issue of scientific and technological innovations largely based on intelligent computing

XR, music and neurodiversity: design and application of new mixed reality technologies that facilitate musical intervention for children with autism spectrum conditions

This thesis, accompanied by the practice outputs,investigates sensory integration, social interaction and creativity through a newly developed VR-musical interface designed exclusively for children with a high-functioning autism spectrum condition (ASC).The results aim to contribute to the limited expanse of literature and research surrounding Virtual Reality (VR) musical interventions and Immersive Virtual Environments (IVEs) designed to support individuals with neurodevelopmental conditions. The author has developed bespoke hardware, software and a new methodology to conduct field investigations. These outputs include a Virtual Immersive Musical Reality Intervention (ViMRI) protocol, a Supplemental Personalised, immersive Musical Experience(SPiME) programme, the Assisted Real-time Three-dimensional Immersive Musical Intervention System’ (ARTIMIS) and a bespoke (and fully configurable) ‘Creative immersive interactive Musical Software’ application (CiiMS). The outputs are each implemented within a series of institutional investigations of 18 autistic child participants. Four groups are evaluated using newly developed virtual assessment and scoring mechanisms devised exclusively from long-established rating scales. Key quantitative indicators from the datasets demonstrate consistent findings and significant improvements for individual preferences (likes), fear reduction efficacy, and social interaction. Six individual case studies present positive qualitative results demonstrating improved decision-making and sensorimotor processing. The preliminary research trials further indicate that using this virtual-reality music technology system and newly developed protocols produces notable improvements for participants with an ASC. More significantly, there is evidence that the supplemental technology facilitates a reduction in psychological anxiety and improvements in dexterity. The virtual music composition and improvisation system presented here require further extensive testing in different spheres for proof of concept