MicroBioRobots for Single Cell Manipulation

One of the great challenges in nano and micro scale science and engineering is the independent manipulation of biological cells and small man-made objects with active sensing. For such biomedical applications as single cell manipulation, telemetry, and localized targeted delivery of chemicals, it is important to fabricate microstructures that can be powered and controlled without a tether in fluidic environments. These microstructures can be used to develop microrobots that have the potential to make existing therapeutic and diagnostic procedures less invasive. Actuation can be realized using various different organic and inorganic methods. Previous studies explored different forms of actuation and control with microorganisms. Bacteria, in particular, offer several advantages as controllable micro actuators: they draw chemical energy directly from their environment, they are genetically modifiable, and they are scalable and configurable in the sense that any number of bacteria can be selectively patterned. Additionally, the study of bacteria inspires inorganic schemes of actuation and control. For these reasons, we chose to employ bacteria while controlling their motility using optical and electrical stimuli. In the first part of the thesis, we demonstrate a bio-integrated approach by introducing MicroBioRobots (MBRs). MBRs are negative photosensitive epoxy (SU8) microfabricated structures with typical feature sizes ranging from 1-100 μm coated with a monolayer of the swarming Serratia marcescens. The adherent bacterial cells naturally coordinate to propel the microstructures in fluidic environments, which we call Self-Actuation. First, we demonstrate the control of MBRs using self-actuation, DC electric fields and ultra-violet radiation and develop an experimentally-validated mathematical model for the MBRs. This model allows us to to steer the MBR to any position and orientation in a planar micro channel using visual feedback and an inverted microscope. Examples of sub-micron scale transport and assembly as well as computer-based closed-loop control of MBRs are presented. We demonstrate experimentally that vision-based feedback control allows a four-electrode experimental device to steer MBRs along arbitrary paths with micrometer precision. At each time instant, the system identifies the current location of the robot, a control algorithm determines the power supply voltages that will move the charged robot from its current location toward its next desired position, and the necessary electric field is then created. Second, we develop biosensors for the MBRs. Microscopic devices with sensing capabilities could significantly improve single cell analysis, especially in high-resolution detection of patterns of chemicals released from cells in vitro. Two different types of sensing mechanisms are employed. The first method is based on harnessing bacterial power, and in the second method we use genetically engineered bacteria. The small size of the devices gives them access to individual cells, and their large numbers permit simultaneous monitoring of many cells. In the second part, we describe the construction and operation of truly micron-sized, biocompatible ferromagnetic micro transporters driven by external magnetic fields capable of exerting forces at the pico Newton scale. We develop micro transporters using a simple, single step micro fabrication technique that allows us to produce large numbers in the same step. We also fabricate microgels to deliver drugs. We demonstrate that the micro transporters can be navigated to separate single cells with micron-size precision and localize microgels without disturbing the local environment

Measurement, modelling, and closed-loop control of crystal shape distribution: Literature review and future perspectives

Crystal morphology is known to be of great importance to the end-use properties of crystal products, and to affect down-stream processing such as filtration and drying. However, it has been previously regarded as too challenging to achieve automatic closed-loop control. Previous work has focused on controlling the crystal size distribution, where the size of a crystal is often defined as the diameter of a sphere that has the same volume as the crystal. This paper reviews the new advances in morphological population balance models for modelling and simulating the crystal shape distribution (CShD), measuring and estimating crystal facet growth kinetics, and two- and three-dimensional imaging for on-line characterisation of the crystal morphology and CShD. A framework is presented that integrates the various components to achieve the ultimate objective of model-based closed-loop control of the CShD. The knowledge gaps and challenges that require further research are also identified

Agronomy

Climate change is a serious threat to field crop production and food security. It has negative effects on food, water, and energy security due to change in weather patterns and extreme events such as floods, droughts, and heat waves, all of which reduce crop productivity. Over six chapters, this book presents a comprehensive picture of the importance of agronomy as it relates to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. With an emphasis on the goals of Zero Hunger and Climate Change, this volume examines sustainable agronomic practices to increase crop productivity and improve environmental health

Micro/nanoscale magnetic robots for biomedical applications

Magnetic small-scale robots are devices of great potential for the biomedical field because of the several benefits of this method of actuation. Recent work on the development of these devices has seen tremendous innovation and refinement toward ​improved performance for potential clinical applications. This review briefly details recent advancements in small-scale robots used for biomedical applications, covering their design, fabrication, applications, and demonstration of ability, and identifies the gap in studies and the difficulties that have persisted in the optimization of the use of these devices. In addition, alternative biomedical applications are also suggested for some of the technologies that show potential for other functions. This study concludes that although the field of small-scale robot research is highly innovative ​there is need for more concerted efforts to improve functionality and reliability of these devices particularly in clinical applications. Finally, further suggestions are made toward ​the achievement of commercialization for these devices

Large-Scale Distributed Coalition Formation

The CyberCraft project is an effort to construct a large scale Distributed Multi-Agent System (DMAS) to provide autonomous Cyberspace defense and mission assurance for the DoD. It employs a small but flexible agent structure that is dynamically reconfigurable to accommodate new tasks and policies. This document describes research into developing protocols and algorithms to ensure continued mission execution in a system of one million or more agents, focusing on protocols for coalition formation and Command and Control. It begins by building large-scale routing algorithms for a Hierarchical Peer to Peer structured overlay network, called Resource-Clustered Chord (RC-Chord). RC-Chord introduces the ability to efficiently locate agents by resources that agents possess. Combined with a task model defined for CyberCraft, this technology feeds into an algorithm that constructs task coalitions in a large-scale DMAS. Experiments reveal the flexibility and effectiveness of these concepts for achieving maximum work throughput in a simulated CyberCraft environment

PROGRAM and PROCEEDINGS THE NEBRASKA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES 1880-2017 Including the Nebraska Association of Teachers of Science (NATS) Division Nebraska Junior Academy of Sciences (NJAS) Affiliate and Affiliated Societies

FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017 7:30 a.m. REGISTRATION FOR ACADEMY, Lobby of Lecture wing, Olin Hall 8:00 Aeronautics and Space Science, Session A, Olin 249 Aeronautics and Space Science, Session B, Olin 224 Chemistry and Physics, Section A, Chemistry, Olin A Collegiate Academy, Biology, Session A, Olin B Collegiate Academy, Biology, Session B, Olin 112 Collegiate Academy, Chemistry and Physics, Session A, Olin 324 8:30 Biological and Medical Sciences, Session A, Smith Callen Conference Center 9:10 Aeronautics and Space Science, Poster Session, Olin 249 9:40 Applied Science and Technology, Olin 325 10:00 Chemistry and Physics, Physics, Section B, Planetarium 10:30 Aeronautics and Space Science, Poster Session, Olin 249 11:00 MAIBEN MEMORIAL LECTURE, OLIN B – Scholarship and Friend of Science Recipients also announced. 12:00 LUNCH, PATIO ROOM, STORY STUDENT CENTER Aeronautics Group, Sunflower Room 1:00 p.m. Anthropology, Olin 111 Biological and Medical Sciences, Session B, Smith Callen Conference Center Collegiate Academy, Biology, Session A, Olin B Collegiate Academy, Biology, Session B, Olin 112 Collegiate Academy, Chemistry and Physics, Session B, Olin 324 Earth Science, Olin 249 1:05 Applied Science and Technology, Olin 325 1:15 Teaching of Science and Math, Olin 224 Chemistry and Physics, Section A, Chemistry, Olin A 2:45 Environmental Sciences, Olin 249 4:30 BUSINESS MEETING, OLIN B Abstracts of papers 2016-2017 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2016-2017 PROGRAM COMMITTEE 2016-2017 POLICY COMMITTEE FRIENDS OF THE ACADEMY FRIEND OF SCIENCE AWARD WINNERS FRIEND OF SCIENCE AWARD TO KACIE BAUM FRIEND OF SCIENCE AWARD TO TODD YOUNG Author Index 141 p

2008 IMSAloquium, Student Investigation Showcase

Marking its twentieth year, IMSA’s Student Inquiry and Research Program (SIR) is a powerful expression of the Academy’s mission, “to ignite and nurture creative ethical minds that advance the human condition.”https://digitalcommons.imsa.edu/archives_sir/1000/thumbnail.jp

Crystallization and Applications

The crystallization process may be used in chemistry, physics, or materials science to prepare materials for special applications such as batteries, fuel cells, and optics. In chemistry and physics, researchers prepare polycrystalline powders or thin films. In biology and pharmacology, proteins and drugs are obtained as polycrystalline powder and their structures are determined by X-ray powder diffraction or neutron diffraction. The synthesis of polycrystalline powder or thin films depends on several factors such as temperature, pressure, and operating parameters. This book discusses the phenomenon of crystallization in several fields and applications