Cardiomyocyte‐Driven Actuation in Biohybrid Microcylinders

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/113127/1/adma201501284-sup-0001-S1.pdfhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/113127/2/adma201501284.pd

Coupling of CFD and semiempirical methods for designing three-phase condensate separator: case study and experimental validation

This study presents an approach to determine the dimensions of three-phase separators. First, we designed different vessel configurations based on the fluid properties of an Iranian gas condensate field. We then used a comprehensive computational fluid dynamic (CFD) method for analyzing the three-phase separation phenomena. For simulation purposes, the combined volume of fluid–discrete particle method (DPM) approach was used. The discrete random walk (DRW) model was used to include the effect of arbitrary particle movement due to variations caused by turbulence. In addition, the comparison of experimental and simulated results was generated using different turbulence models, i.e., standard k–ε, standard k–ω, and Reynolds stress model. The results of numerical calculations in terms of fluid profiles, separation performance and DPM particle behavior were used to choose the optimum vessel configuration. No difference between the dimensions of the optimum vessel and the existing separator was found. Also, simulation data were compared with experimental data pertaining to a similar existing separator. A reasonable agreement between the results of numerical calculation and experimental data was observed. These results showed that the used CFD model is well capable of investigating the performance of a three-phase separator

Metal-organic framework based mixed matrix membranes: a solution for highly efficient CO2 capture?

The field of metal-organic framework based mixed matrix membranes (M(4)s) is critically reviewed, with special emphasis on their application in CO2 capture during energy generation. After introducing the most relevant parameters affecting membrane performance, we define targets in terms of selectivity and productivity based on existing literature on process design for pre- and post-combustion CO2 capture. Subsequently, the state of the art in M(4)s is reviewed against these targets. Because final application of these membranes will only be possible if thin separation layers can be produced, the latest advances in the manufacture of M-4 hollow fibers are discussed. Finally, the recent efforts in understanding the separation performance of these complex composite materials and future research directions are outlined.European Commission FP7 608490 ERC 33574

Shape control of nanostructured cone-shaped particles by tuning the blend morphology of A-b-B diblock copolymers and C-type copolymers within emulsion droplets

Block copolymers (BCPs) under colloidal confinement can provide an effective route to produce nonspherical particles. However, the resulting structures are typically limited to spheroids, and it remains challenging to achieve a higher level of control in the particle shape with different symmetries. Herein, we exploit the blend of BCPs and statistical copolymers (sCPs) within emulsion droplets to develop a series of particles with different symmetries (i. e. Janus-sphere and cone-shaped particles). The particle shape is tunable by controlling the phase behavior of the polymer blend consisting of a poly(styrene-block-1,4butadiene) (PS-b-PB) BCP and a poly(methylmethacrylate-statistical-(4-acryloylbenzophenone)) (P(MMAstat- 4ABP)) sCP. A key strategy for controlling the phase separation of the polymer blend is to systematically tune the incompatibility between the BCP and sCP by varying the composition of the sCPs (.4ABP, mole fraction of 4ABP). As a result, a sequential morphological transition from a prolate ellipsoid, to a Janus-sphere, to a cone-shaped particle is observed with the increase of.4ABP. We further demonstrate that the shape-anisotropy of cone-shaped particles can be tailored by controlling the particle size and the Janusity, which is supported by quantitative calculation of the particle shape-anisotropy from the theoretical model. Also, the importance of the shape control of the cone-shaped particles with high uniformity in a batch is demonstrated by investigating their coating properties, in which the deposited coating pattern is a strong function of the shape-anisotropy of the particles