Two photon polymerisation enabled plasmonic sensors for Inflammation monitoring

The rapid technical development of ultrashort laser systems is creating exciting possibilities for very precise localization of laser energy in time and space. A promising three-dimensional microfabrication two-photon polymerization method that has recently attracted considerable attention with ultrashort laser pulses. This method will be utilized to fabricate micropyramid with nano side slits for surface enhanced plasmonic interaction with incident light of a specific wavelength. When a biomolecule is close to LSPR region, the electrons and bonds vibrate energetically changing the impedance of the system.This impedance change will be measured for C-Ractive protein, an inflammation biomarker. The calibration curve with spiked CRP in PBS and plasma will be used to measure the unknown concentrations of CRP in real-life sample

Inflammation Monitoring by Two photon Polymerized Enhanced Surface Sensors

Prolong stay in space can have adverse side effects on human body. Various space flight stressors such as microgravity, isolation, confinement, radiation exposure and circadian shifts can impact the immune system drastically. One of the immune markers, interleukin-6 (IL-6), is shown to be elevated in blood when undergone these stressors. The research aims to develop an electrochemical impedance sensor to detect various concentration of IL-6 in saline solution by using surface enhancement methods on gold-coated pyramids fabricated using two-photon polymerization lithography (2PP). The biomolecules are attached to the gold coated pyramids enhanced surface area and are excited with 520 nm laser. The change in surface characteristic due to the attachment of biomolecule and the excitation is measure through impedance analyzer. The range of concentrations of IL-6 to be detected through these methods are from 1 pg/ml to 1µg/ml

Investigations into the Applications of Electrospray

The focus of the research is testing of an electrospray platform which will be employed to deposit uniform coatings of carbon nanomaterials to large surfaces. Electrospray, also known as electrohydrodynamic spray or e-spray, is a liquid atomization technique that can generate fine droplets to produce coatings with a high degree of uniformity. The carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene dispersions in water are particularly attractive due to their bulk processing, ease of storage, freedom for tuning the concentration, and for their potential aerospace applications. This electrospray platform will be used to apply CNT films, with varying quantities of graphene that will carry a charge across non-conductive surfaces to act as a de-icing element for aircraft and spacecraft structures. The characterization methods include several measurements of surface roughness and toughness, scanning electron microscope images, surface resistance, and transmittance of the films. So far preliminary testing of voltage for Taylor cone formation of spray has been found at 6,000V potential difference between our spray tip and substrate with a flow rate of 0.1 ml/min. It was observed that the Taylor cone was formed larger drops at lower voltages. The future studies include testing with a stable voltage source

Fifty Shades of Black: Analysis of Thin Film of Electro-sprayed Anti-radiation Coating of Melanin Nanoparticles

Melanin, an organic dark pigment naturally produced in the skin tissues of most mammals, is known to shield cells from radiation damage by absorbing ultraviolet radiation. The IGNITE project’s objective is to fabricate synthetic melanin nanoparticles that simulate natural radiation-blocking material. Overall, the project is three-parted: firstly, a melanin nanoparticles solution will be synthesized using chitosan and polyethylene glycol solutions; secondly, the nanoparticles will be electro-sprayed onto glass slides in order to produce a wide range of thin films with varying degrees of film thickness; finally, radiation blocking tests will be conducted to evaluate the thickness range in which the films are able to absorb radiation. Within the aerospace and manufacturing industries, these thin films of melanin nanoparticles could satisfy the need for a novel organic radiation-blocking material in order to better protect workers. Specific applications are the coating of high-altitude aircraft and spacecraft’s external surfaces, as well as spacesuits and helmets. Furthermore, it may provide a valid organic and allergen-free replacement for the inorganic compounds found in most commercial sunscreens

Experimentation of Electrospray Methodology with Carbon Nanotubes

The focus of the research was design, economically building, and testing of an electrospray platform which will be employed to deposit uniform coatings of carbon nanomaterials to large surfaces. Electrospray, also known as electrohydrodynamic spray or e-spray, is a liquid atomization technique that can generate fine droplets to produce coatings with a high degree of uniformity. The carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene dispersions in water are particularly attractive due to their bulk processing, ease of storage, freedom for tuning the concentration, and for their potential applications in biology and aerospace. This Electrospray platform will be used to apply CNT films, with varying quantities of graphene, that will carry a charge across non-conductive surfaces to act as a de-icing element for aircraft and spacecraft structures. This platform will be utilized for coating large area of non-conductive surfaces which will carry a charge across the structure to act as a de-icing element for aircraft and spacecraft structures

Product Development from Apple, Grapes and Berries Food Waste: Market Research, Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment

This study focuses on the apples, berries, and grapes wastage produced by the population of North America and Europe. The research is aims to conduct in-depth comparison between these two regions based on volume and monetary value of fruit waste produced. The research was conducted by an inquiry based primary research with industry experts product development scientist and good waste management companies, and secondary research was conducted by collecting information from company’s websites, annual reports, white papers, and financial reports. This research open the reusability opportunity of fruit waste, optimize the food processing and manufacturing industry. The waste from apples, berries, and grapes are high in moisture and biologically active components (BACs) which make them ideal raw materials for the functional food product industry. The market research conducted in the study highlights the potential in the waste produced by apples, berries, and grapes during food processing and manufacturing through ingredient analysis and comparing it to the functional food ingredient requirements. The results of the market research and industry analysis will assist industries and researchers in finding and optimizing processes to reduce waste and maximize the extraction of fruits’ nutrients content. KEYWORDS: Food waste, Recycle, biologically active compounds, apple pomace, grape pomace, market valu

Development of Electrospray for Applications of Nanomaterials

The focus of the research was design, economically building, and testing of an electrospray platform which will be employed to deposit uniform coatings of carbon nanomaterials to large surfaces. Electrospray, also known as electrohydrodynamic spray or e-spray, is a liquid atomization technique that can generate fine droplets to produce coatings with a high degree of uniformity. The carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene dispersions in water are particularly attractive due to their bulk processing, ease of storage, freedom for tuning the concentration, and for their potential applications in biology and aerospace. The substrates such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Kapton tape, and non-metallic surfaces have been utilized for coating. The characterization methods include measurement of the roughness, the toughness of the films, scanning electron microscope for imaging, resistance, and transmittance of the films (for PET and Kapton). This platform will be utilized for coating large area of non-conductive surfaces which will carry a charge across the structure to act as a de-icing element for aircraft and spacecraft structures

Synthesis of melanin nanoparticles to counter radiation exposure

Melanin has natural radiation absorbing properties. Evolutionarily speaking, mammalian epithelium produces melanin as a means of protecting organisms from overexposure to radiation. The basis behind this research is to utilize the properties of melanin as a means of applying those principles toward the aerospace and manufacturing industries. This objective is achieved by testing the feasibility of producing melanin nanoparticles against radiation exposure. Overall, the project is three-parted: firstly, a melanin nanoparticle solution will be synthesized using chitosan and polyethylene glycol solutions; secondly, the nanoparticles will be electro-sprayed onto glass slides in order to produce a wide range of thin films with varying degrees of film thickness; finally, radiation blocking tests will be conducted to evaluate the thickness range in which the films are able to absorb radiation. By optimizing the radiation-blocking properties of melanin, MNPs could be used to shield from larger doses of radiation, such as those experienced beyond the Earth’s atmosphere or areas contaminated by radioactive material. Within the aerospace and manufacturing industries, these thin films of MNPs could satisfy the need for a novel organic radiation-blocking material in order to better protect workers. Specific applications are the coating of high-altitude aircraft and spacecraft’s external surfaces, as well as space suits and helmets

Melanin Nanoparticles for Radiation Countermeasures, presented at the 2023 NASA HRP IWS Conference

The NASA Human Research Program (HRP) is a division dedicated to improving astronauts\u27 ability to collect data, solve problems, respond to emergencies, and remain healthy during and after extended space travel. The HRP investigators work to predict, assess, and solve the problems that humans encounter in space, both physiological (radiation, microgravity, etc.) and psychological (isolation and confinement, teamwork, behavior). The Ignite project “Analysis of electrosprayed radiation-blocking thin film of melanin nanoparticles” was accepted by the 2023 NASA HRP Investigator Workshop and Conference (Galveston, TX) for a poster presentation as part of the Radiation Countermeasures group. This conference allowed for the exchange of ideas with other scientists and offered interesting suggestions for this ongoing project as it enters its final testing stages