MEMS Piezoelectric Accelerometer for Vibration Sensing in Harsh Environments

This master thesis presents a detailed overview of various MEMS accelerometers used as vibrometers in harsh environments. Commercial and scientific literature accelerometers are compared to determine the best accelerometer for said application. This comparison resulted in the selection of a piezoelectric accelerometer with charge output as the best transduction method. Further inspection into the state of the art yielded a piezoelectric accelerometer with a circular geometry design that utilized the bending mode for sensing. Analytical equations paired with COMSOL aided in the design of piezoelectric accelerometers for high and low frequency application in harsh environments. A novel method for vibration sensing was also explored which utilizes a thick layer of SU-8 on a SiN membrane to maximize charge sensitivity. Process flows for said accelerometers were designed and carried out in the CMi cleanroom. Fabrication non-idealities for said accelerometers are discussed as well as their potential solutions

Improved controlled release of protein from expanded-pore mesoporous silica nanoparticles modified with co-functionalized poly(n-isopropylacrylamide) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PNIPAM-PEG).

Novel pore-expanded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) with pore sizes of approximately 11nm were synthesized and modified with thermoresponsive, poly(n-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) gating groups on the nanoparticle exterior surface and in addition with poly(ethylene-glycol) (PEG) within the porous interior to minimize protein adsorption. PEG traditionally has been grafted to the nanoparticle exterior to minimize non-specific binding and interactions with the biological environment, but due to the templating mechanism of MSN synthesis, both the pore interior and nanoparticle surface can be separately modified. Here, an improved control release behavior of bovine hemoglobin (BHb) was observed after PEGylating the interior porous framework, compared to the release BHb from unmodified MSNs. This can be attributed to the reduced protein denaturation on PEGylated silica that was observed using circular dichroism spectroscopy

Miniaturized Fluorescence Biosensing Reader for Multiplexed Allergen Screening at the Point-Of-Care

<p>With the steady rise in cases of immune-mediated diseases, extensive studies on environmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors are essential [1]. To facilitate such studies, we developed a platform for advanced allergy profiling, consisting of a microfluidic device with micropillars and an automated processing system. This system is capable of detecting allergy-specific IgEs through the utilization of fluorescence-labelled antibodies. To ensure the platform's accessibility and utility in point-of-care settings and smaller laboratories, we have developed a compact, cost-effective fluorescence reader, enabling the automated readout of the microfluidic chip fluorescence. This novel integration offers promising advancements in the diagnosis and study of allergic conditions, providing a feasible tool in various healthcare and research settings.</p&gt