Sample records for screening multi-electrode method

  1. Electrochemical Behavior and Determination of Chlorogenic Acid Based on Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Modified Screen-Printed Electrode

    PubMed Central

    Ma, Xiaoyan; Yang, Hongqiao; Xiong, Huabin; Li, Xiaofen; Gao, Jinting; Gao, Yuntao

    2016-01-01

    In this paper, the multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified screen-printed electrode (MWCNTs/SPE) was prepared and the MWCNTs/SPE was employed for the electrochemical determination of the antioxidant substance chlorogenic acids (CGAs). A pair of well-defined redox peaks of CGA was observed at the MWCNTs/SPE in 0.10 mol/L acetic acid-sodium acetate buffer (pH 6.2) and the electrode process was adsorption-controlled. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) methods for the determination of CGA were proposed based on the MWCNTs/SPE. Under the optimal conditions, the proposed method exhibited linear ranges from 0.17 to 15.8 µg/mL, and the linear regression equation was Ipa (µA) = 4.1993 C (×10−5 mol/L) + 1.1039 (r = 0.9976) and the detection limit for CGA could reach 0.12 µg/mL. The recovery of matrine was 94.74%–106.65% (RSD = 2.92%) in coffee beans. The proposed method is quick, sensitive, reliable, and can be used for the determination of CGA. PMID:27801797

  2. Rapid detection of ssDNA and RNA using multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified screen-printed carbon electrode.

    PubMed

    Ye, Yongkang; Ju, Huangxian

    2005-11-15

    A method for rapid sensitive detection of DNA or RNA was designed using a composite screen-printed carbon electrode modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). MWNTs showed catalytic characteristics for the direct electrochemical oxidation of guanine or adenine residues of signal strand DNA (ssDNA) and adenine residues of RNA, leading to indicator-free detection of ssDNA and RNA concentrations. With an accumulation time of 5 min, the proposed method could be used for detection of calf thymus ssDNA ranging from 17.0 to 345 microg ml(-1) with a detection limit of 2.0 microg ml(-1) at 3 sigma and yeast tRNA ranging from 8.2 microg ml(-1) to 4.1 mg ml(-1). AC impedance was employed to characterize the surface of modified electrodes. The advantages of convenient fabrication, low-cost detection, short analysis time and combination with nanotechnology for increasing the sensitivity made the subject worthy of special emphasis in the research programs and sources of new commercial products.

  3. [Investigation on simultaneous determination of dihydroxybenzene isomers in water samples using multi-walled carbon nanotube modified screen-printed electrode].

    PubMed

    Li, Yuan-Ting; Li, Da-Wei; Song, Wei; Long, Yi-Tao

    2011-02-01

    A disposable electrode, multi-walled carbon nanotube modified screen printed electrode (MWCNT/SPE), had been fabricated using screen printing technology and drop-coating method to determine dihydroxybenzene isomers (hydroquinone, catechol and resorcinol). The cyclic voltammetry behavior of dihydroxybenzene isomers had been investigated with the MWCNT/SPE. The results reveal that MWCNT/SPE, which shows a strong electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of dihydroxybenzenes, can entirely separate the oxidation peaks of them. According to differential pulse voltammetry tests, the peak currents of dihydroxybenzene isomers are linear to their concentrations at the range of 8.20 x 10(-6) -1.00 x 10(-3), 8.20 x 10(-6) -1.00 x 10(-3) and 1.64 x 10(-5) -1.16 x 10(-3) mol x L(-1), with the detection limits of 4.34 x 10(-6), 3.42 x 10(-6) and 6.70 x 10(-6) mol x L(-1) for hydroquinone, catechol and resorcinol, respectively. For the determination of dihydroxybenzene isomers in water samples, the value of recovery found by standard addition method was in the range of 96.2%-104.9%. These results indicate MWCNT/SPE can be applied to rapid in-situ determination of dihydroxybenzenes-polluted water samples.

  4. A highly sensitive and selective electrochemical sensor for determination of Cr(VI) in the presence of Cr(III) using modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes/quercetin screen-printed electrode.

    PubMed

    Sadeghi, Susan; Garmroodi, Aziz

    2013-12-01

    A novel screen-printed carbon electrode modified with quercetin/multi-walled carbon nanotubes was fabricated for determination of Cr(VI) in the presence of excess of Cr(III) without any pretreatment. The method is based on accumulation of the quercetin-Cr(III) complex generated in situ from Cr(VI) at the modified electrode surface in an open circuit followed by differential pulse voltammetry detection. The new method allowed selective determination of Cr(VI) in the presence of Cr(III). The influence of various parameters affecting the adsorptive stripping voltammetry performance was investigated. Under the optimum conditions, the calibration plot was found to be linear in the Cr(VI) concentration range from 1.0 to 200 μmol(-1) with a limit of detection(S/N=3) of 0.3 μmol L(-1). The relative standard deviation (RSD%) of seven replicates of the current measurements for a 50 μmol(-1) of Cr(VI) solution was 3.0%. The developed electrode displayed a very low or no sensitivity to alkali, alkali-earth and transition metal cations and was successfully applied for the determination of Cr(VI) in drinking water samples. © 2013.

  5. Decoration of multi-walled carbon nanotubes with metal nanoparticles in supercritical carbon dioxide medium as a novel approach for the modification of screen-printed electrodes.

    PubMed

    Moreno, Virginia; Llorent-Martínez, Eulogio J; Zougagh, Mohammed; Ríos, Angel

    2016-12-01

    A supercritical carbon dioxide medium was used for the decoration of functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with metallic nanoparticles. This procedure allowed the rapid and simple decoration of carbon nanotubes with the selected metallic nanoparticles. The prepared nanomaterials were used to modify screen-printed electrodes, improving their electrochemical properties and allowing to obtain a wide range of working electrodes based on carbon nanotubes. These electrodes were applied to the amperometric determination of vitamin B6 in food and pharmaceutical samples as an example of the analytical potentiality of the electrodes thus prepared. Using Ru-nanoparticles-MWCNTs as the working electrode, a linear dynamic range between 2.6×10 -6 and 2×10 -4 molL -1 and a limit of detection of 0.8×10 -6 molL -1 were obtained. These parameters represented a minimum 3-fold increase in sensitivity compared to the use of bare MWCNTs or other carbon-based working electrodes. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Real-Time Monitoring of Cellular Bioenergetics with a Multi-Analyte Screen-Printed Electrode

    PubMed Central

    McKenzie, Jennifer R.; Cognata, Andrew C.; Davis, Anna N.; Wikswo, John P.; Cliffel, David E.

    2016-01-01

    Real-time monitoring of changes to cellular bioenergetics can provide new insights into mechanisms of action for disease and toxicity. This work describes the development of a multi-analyte screen-printed electrode for the detection of analytes central to cellular bioenergetics: glucose, lactate, oxygen, and pH. Platinum screen-printed electrodes were designed in-house and printed by Pine Research Instrumentation. Electrochemical plating techniques were used to form quasi-reference and pH electrodes. A Dimatix materials inkjet printer was used to deposit enzyme and polymer films to form sensors for glucose, lactate, and oxygen. These sensors were evaluated in bulk solution and microfluidic environments, and found to behave reproducibly and possess a lifetime of up to six weeks. Linear ranges and limits of detection for enzyme-based sensors were found to have an inverse relationship with enzyme loading, and iridium oxide pH sensors were found to have super-Nernstian responses. Preliminary measurements where the sensor was enclosed within a microfluidic channel with RAW 264.7 macrophages were performed to demonstrate the sensors’ capabilities for performing real-time microphysiometry measurements. PMID:26125545

  7. Direct and mediated electrochemistry of peroxidase and its electrocatalysis on a variety of screen-printed carbon electrodes: amperometric hydrogen peroxide and phenols biosensor.

    PubMed

    Chekin, Fereshteh; Gorton, Lo; Tapsobea, Issa

    2015-01-01

    This study compares the behaviour of direct and mediated electrochemistry of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) immobilised on screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs), screen-printed carbon electrodes modified with carboxyl-functionalised multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-SPCEs) and screen-printed carbon electrodes modified with carboxyl-functionalised single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNT-SPCEs). The techniques of cyclic voltammetry and amperometry in the flow mode were used to characterise the properties of the HRP immobilised on screen-printed electrodes. From measurements of the mediated and mediatorless currents of hydrogen peroxide reduction at the HRP-modified electrodes, it was concluded that the fraction of enzyme molecules in direct electron transfer (DET) contact with the electrode varies substantially for the different electrodes. It was observed that the screen-printed carbon electrodes modified with carbon nanotubes (MWCNT-SPCEs and SWCNT-SPCEs) demonstrated a substantially higher percentage (≈100 %) of HRP molecules in DET contact than the screen-printed carbon electrodes (≈60 %). The HRP-modified electrodes were used for determination of hydrogen peroxide in mediatorless mode. The SWCNT-SPCE gave the lowest detection limit (0.40 ± 0.09 μM) followed by MWCNT-SPCE (0.48 ± 0.07 μM) and SPCE (0.98 ± 0.2 μM). These modified electrodes were additionally developed for amperometric determination of phenolic compounds. It was found that the SWCNT-SPCE gave a detection limit for catechol of 110.2 ± 3.6 nM, dopamine of 640.2 ± 9.2 nM, octopamine of 3341 ± 15 nM, pyrogallol of 50.10 ± 2.9 nM and 3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine of 980.7 ± 8.7 nM using 50 μM H2O2 in the flow carrier.

  8. Detection of Antibiotics and Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity with Screen-Printed Electrodes

    PubMed Central

    Titoiu, Ana Maria; Marty, Jean-Louis

    2018-01-01

    This review provides a brief overview of the fabrication and properties of screen-printed electrodes and details the different opportunities to apply them for the detection of antibiotics, detection of bacteria and antibiotic susceptibility. Among the alternative approaches to costly chromatographic or ELISA methods for antibiotics detection and to lengthy culture methods for bacteria detection, electrochemical biosensors based on screen-printed electrodes present some distinctive advantages. Chemical and (bio)sensors for the detection of antibiotics and assays coupling detection with screen-printed electrodes with immunomagnetic separation are described. With regards to detection of bacteria, the emphasis is placed on applications targeting viable bacterial cells. While the electrochemical sensors and biosensors face many challenges before replacing standard analysis methods, the potential of screen-printed electrodes is increasingly exploited and more applications are anticipated to advance towards commercial analytical tools. PMID:29562637

  9. Microfluidic in-channel multi-electrode platform for neurotransmitter sensing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kara, A.; Mathault, J.; Reitz, A.; Boisvert, M.; Tessier, F.; Greener, J.; Miled, A.

    2016-03-01

    In this project we present a microfluidic platform with in-channel micro-electrodes for in situ screening of bio/chemical samples through a lab-on-chip system. We used a novel method to incorporate electrochemical sensors array (16x20) connected to a PCB, which opens the way for imaging applications. A 200 μm height microfluidic channel was bonded to electrochemical sensors. The micro-channel contains 3 inlets used to introduce phosphate buffer saline (PBS), ferrocynide and neurotransmitters. The flow rate was controlled through automated micro-pumps. A multiplexer was used to scan electrodes and perform individual cyclic voltammograms by a custom potentiostat. The behavior of the system was linear in terms of variation of current versus concentration. It was used to detect the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and glutamate.

  10. Electrochemical synthesis of gold nanoparticles on the surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes with glassy carbon electrode and their application

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Song, Y. Z.; Li, X.; Song, Y.; Cheng, Z. P.; Zhong, H.; Xu, J. M.; Lu, J. S.; Wei, C. G.; Zhu, A. F.; Wu, F. Y.; Xu, J.

    2013-01-01

    Gold nanoparticles on the surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes with glassy carbon electrode were prepared using electrochemical synthesis method. The thin films of gold Nanoparticles/multi-walled carbon nanotubes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and cyclic voltammetry. Electrochemical behavior of adrenaline hydrochloride at gold nanoparticles/multi-walled carbon nanotube modified glassy carbon electrode was investigated. A simple, sensitive, and inexpensive method for determination of adrenaline hydrochloride was proposed.

  11. Characterization of screen-printed electrodes for dielectric elastomer (DE) membranes: influence of screen dimensions and electrode thickness on actuator performance

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fasolt, Bettina; Hodgins, Micah; Seelecke, Stefan

    2016-04-01

    Screen printing is used as a method for printing electrodes on silicone thin films for the fabrication of dielectric elastomer transducers (DET). This method can be used to manufacture a multitude of patternable designs for actuator and sensor applications, implementing the same method for prototyping as well as large-scale production. The fabrication of DETs does not only require the development of a flexible, highly conductive electrode material, which adheres to a stretched and unstretched silicone film, but also calls for a thorough understanding of the effects of the different printing parameters. This work studies the influence of screen dimensions (open area, mesh thickness) as well as the influence of multiple-layer- printing on the electrode stiffness, electrical resistance and capacitance as well as actuator performance. The investigation was conducted in a custom-built testing device, which enabled an electro-mechanical characterization of the DET, simultaneously measuring parameters such as strain, voltage, current, force, sheet resistance, capacitance and membrane thickness. Magnified pictures of the electrodes will additionally illustrate the effects of the different printing parameters.

  12. CHROMIUM ELECTROANALYSIS AT SCREEN PRINTED ELECTRODE MODIFIED BY THIN FILMS OF NICKEL

    EPA Science Inventory

    A rapid and potentially cost-effective electrochemical method is reported for analysis of chromium (VI) and Chromium(III) using a nickel modified screen printed carbon ink electrode. Electrochemical characteristics of nickel modified electrode as well voltammetric behavior f...

  13. Correction of electrode modelling errors in multi-frequency EIT imaging.

    PubMed

    Jehl, Markus; Holder, David

    2016-06-01

    The differentiation of haemorrhagic from ischaemic stroke using electrical impedance tomography (EIT) requires measurements at multiple frequencies, since the general lack of healthy measurements on the same patient excludes time-difference imaging methods. It has previously been shown that the inaccurate modelling of electrodes constitutes one of the largest sources of image artefacts in non-linear multi-frequency EIT applications. To address this issue, we augmented the conductivity Jacobian matrix with a Jacobian matrix with respect to electrode movement. Using this new algorithm, simulated ischaemic and haemorrhagic strokes in a realistic head model were reconstructed for varying degrees of electrode position errors. The simultaneous recovery of conductivity spectra and electrode positions removed most artefacts caused by inaccurately modelled electrodes. Reconstructions were stable for electrode position errors of up to 1.5 mm standard deviation along both surface dimensions. We conclude that this method can be used for electrode model correction in multi-frequency EIT.

  14. Carbon nanotubes and graphene modified screen-printed carbon electrodes as sensitive sensors for the determination of phytochelatins in plants using liquid chromatography with amperometric detection.

    PubMed

    Dago, Àngela; Navarro, Javier; Ariño, Cristina; Díaz-Cruz, José Manuel; Esteban, Miquel

    2015-08-28

    Nanomaterials are of great interest for the development of electrochemical sensors. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes and graphene were used to modify the working electrode surface of different screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCE) with the aim of improving the sensitivity of the SPCE and comparing it with the conventional glassy carbon electrode. To assay the usability of these sensors, a HPLC methodology with amperometric detection was developed to analyze several phytochelatins in plants of Hordeum vulgare and Glycine max treated with Hg(II) or Cd(II) giving detection limits in the low μmolL(-1) range. Phytochelatins are low molecular weight peptides with the general structure γ-(Glu-Cys)n-Gly (n=2-5) which are synthesized in plants in the presence of heavy metal ions. These compounds can chelate heavy metal ions by the formation of complexes which, are transported to the vacuoles, where the toxicity is not threatening. For this reason phytochelatins are essential in the detoxification of heavy metal ions in plants. The developed HPLC method uses a mobile phase of 1% of formic acid in water with KNO3 or NaCl (pH=2.00) and 1% of formic acid in acetonitrile. Electrochemical detection at different carbon-based electrodes was used. Among the sensors tested, the conventional glassy carbon electrode offers the best sensitivity although modification improves the sensitivity of the SPCE. Glutathione and several isoforms of phytochelatin two were found in plant extracts of both studied species. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Development of Novel Potentiometric Sensors for Determination of Lidocaine Hydrochloride in Pharmaceutical Preparations, Serum and Urine Samples

    PubMed Central

    Ali, Tamer Awad; Mohamed, Gehad Genidy; Yahya, Ghada A.

    2017-01-01

    This article is focused on the determination of lidocaine hydrochloride as a local anaesthetic drug. A potentiometric method based on modified screen-printed and modified carbon paste ion-selective electrodes was described for the determination of lidocaine hydrochloride in different pharmaceutical preparations and biological fluids (urine and serum). It was based on potentiometric titration of lidocaine hydrochloride using modified screen-printed and carbon paste electrodes as end point indicator sensors. The influences of the paste composition, different conditioning parameters and foreign ions on the electrodes performance were investigated and response times of the electrodes were studied. The electrodes showed Nernstian response of 58.9 and 57.5 mV decade-1 in the concentration range of 1×10-7–1×10-2 and 6.2×10-7–1×10-2 mol L-1 for modified screen-printed and carbon paste electrodes, respectively. The electrodes were found to be usable within the pH range of 2.0–8.0 and 2.0-7.5, exhibited a fast response time (about 6 and 4) low detection limit (1×10-7 and 6.2×10-7 mol L-1), long lifetime (6 and 4 months) and good stability for modified screen-printed (Electrode VII) and carbon paste electrodes (Electrode III), respectively. The electrodes were successfully applied for the determination of lidocaine hydrochloride in pure solutions, pharmaceutical preparation and biological fluids (urine and serum) samples. The results obtained applying these potentiometric electrodes were comparable with British pharmacopeia. The method validation parameters were optimized and the method can be applied for routine analysis of lidocaine hydrochloride drug. PMID:28979305

  16. Development of Novel Potentiometric Sensors for Determination of Lidocaine Hydrochloride in Pharmaceutical Preparations, Serum and Urine Samples.

    PubMed

    Ali, Tamer Awad; Mohamed, Gehad Genidy; Yahya, Ghada A

    2017-01-01

    This article is focused on the determination of lidocaine hydrochloride as a local anaesthetic drug. A potentiometric method based on modified screen-printed and modified carbon paste ion-selective electrodes was described for the determination of lidocaine hydrochloride in different pharmaceutical preparations and biological fluids (urine and serum). It was based on potentiometric titration of lidocaine hydrochloride using modified screen-printed and carbon paste electrodes as end point indicator sensors. The influences of the paste composition, different conditioning parameters and foreign ions on the electrodes performance were investigated and response times of the electrodes were studied. The electrodes showed Nernstian response of 58.9 and 57.5 mV decade -1 in the concentration range of 1×10 -7 -1×10 -2 and 6.2×10 -7 -1×10 -2 mol L -1 for modified screen-printed and carbon paste electrodes, respectively. The electrodes were found to be usable within the pH range of 2.0-8.0 and 2.0-7.5, exhibited a fast response time (about 6 and 4) low detection limit (1×10 -7 and 6.2×10 -7 mol L -1 ), long lifetime (6 and 4 months) and good stability for modified screen-printed (Electrode VII) and carbon paste electrodes (Electrode III), respectively. The electrodes were successfully applied for the determination of lidocaine hydrochloride in pure solutions, pharmaceutical preparation and biological fluids (urine and serum) samples. The results obtained applying these potentiometric electrodes were comparable with British pharmacopeia. The method validation parameters were optimized and the method can be applied for routine analysis of lidocaine hydrochloride drug.

  17. Indium-free, highly transparent, flexible Cu2O/Cu/Cu2O mesh electrodes for flexible touch screen panels

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Dong-Ju; Kim, Hyo-Joong; Seo, Ki-Won; Kim, Ki-Hyun; Kim, Tae-Wong; Kim, Han-Ki

    2015-01-01

    We report on an indium-free and cost-effective Cu2O/Cu/Cu2O multilayer mesh electrode grown by room temperature roll-to-roll sputtering as a viable alternative to ITO electrodes for the cost-effective production of large-area flexible touch screen panels (TSPs). By using a low resistivity metallic Cu interlayer and a patterned mesh structure, we obtained Cu2O/Cu/Cu2O multilayer mesh electrodes with a low sheet resistance of 15.1 Ohm/square and high optical transmittance of 89% as well as good mechanical flexibility. Outer/inner bending test results showed that the Cu2O/Cu/Cu2O mesh electrode had a mechanical flexibility superior to that of conventional ITO films. Using the diamond-patterned Cu2O/Cu/Cu2O multilayer mesh electrodes, we successfully demonstrated TSPS of the flexible film-film type and rigid glass-film-film type TSPs. The TSPs with Cu2O/Cu/Cu2O mesh electrode were used to perform zoom in/out functions and multi-touch writing, indicating that these electrodes are promising cost-efficient transparent electrodes to substitute for conventional ITO electrodes in large-area flexible TSPs. PMID:26582471

  18. Indium-free, highly transparent, flexible Cu2O/Cu/Cu2O mesh electrodes for flexible touch screen panels.

    PubMed

    Kim, Dong-Ju; Kim, Hyo-Joong; Seo, Ki-Won; Kim, Ki-Hyun; Kim, Tae-Wong; Kim, Han-Ki

    2015-11-19

    We report on an indium-free and cost-effective Cu2O/Cu/Cu2O multilayer mesh electrode grown by room temperature roll-to-roll sputtering as a viable alternative to ITO electrodes for the cost-effective production of large-area flexible touch screen panels (TSPs). By using a low resistivity metallic Cu interlayer and a patterned mesh structure, we obtained Cu2O/Cu/Cu2O multilayer mesh electrodes with a low sheet resistance of 15.1 Ohm/square and high optical transmittance of 89% as well as good mechanical flexibility. Outer/inner bending test results showed that the Cu2O/Cu/Cu2O mesh electrode had a mechanical flexibility superior to that of conventional ITO films. Using the diamond-patterned Cu2O/Cu/Cu2O multilayer mesh electrodes, we successfully demonstrated TSPS of the flexible film-film type and rigid glass-film-film type TSPs. The TSPs with Cu2O/Cu/Cu2O mesh electrode were used to perform zoom in/out functions and multi-touch writing, indicating that these electrodes are promising cost-efficient transparent electrodes to substitute for conventional ITO electrodes in large-area flexible TSPs.

  19. Indium-free, highly transparent, flexible Cu2O/Cu/Cu2O mesh electrodes for flexible touch screen panels

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kim, Dong-Ju; Kim, Hyo-Joong; Seo, Ki-Won; Kim, Ki-Hyun; Kim, Tae-Wong; Kim, Han-Ki

    2015-11-01

    We report on an indium-free and cost-effective Cu2O/Cu/Cu2O multilayer mesh electrode grown by room temperature roll-to-roll sputtering as a viable alternative to ITO electrodes for the cost-effective production of large-area flexible touch screen panels (TSPs). By using a low resistivity metallic Cu interlayer and a patterned mesh structure, we obtained Cu2O/Cu/Cu2O multilayer mesh electrodes with a low sheet resistance of 15.1 Ohm/square and high optical transmittance of 89% as well as good mechanical flexibility. Outer/inner bending test results showed that the Cu2O/Cu/Cu2O mesh electrode had a mechanical flexibility superior to that of conventional ITO films. Using the diamond-patterned Cu2O/Cu/Cu2O multilayer mesh electrodes, we successfully demonstrated TSPS of the flexible film-film type and rigid glass-film-film type TSPs. The TSPs with Cu2O/Cu/Cu2O mesh electrode were used to perform zoom in/out functions and multi-touch writing, indicating that these electrodes are promising cost-efficient transparent electrodes to substitute for conventional ITO electrodes in large-area flexible TSPs.

  20. Detection of Quinoline in G. boninense-Infected Plants Using Functionalized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes: A Field Study.

    PubMed

    Akanbi, Fowotade Sulayman; Yusof, Nor Azah; Abdullah, Jaafar; Sulaiman, Yusran; Hushiarian, Roozbeh

    2017-07-01

    Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and chitosan nanoparticles (CTSNPs) were anchored on a screen-printed electrode to fabricate a multi-walled structure for the detection of quinoline. The surface morphology of the nanocomposites and the modified electrode was examined by an ultra-high resolution field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was used to confirm the presence of specific functional groups on the multi-walled carbon nanotubes MWCNTs. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) were used to monitor the layer-by-layer assembly of ultra-thin films of nanocomposites on the surface of the electrode and other electrochemical characterizations. Under optimized conditions, the novel sensor displayed outstanding electrochemical reactivity towards the electro-oxidation of quinoline. The linear range was fixed between 0.0004 and 1.0 μM, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 3.75 nM. The fabricated electrode exhibited high stability with excellent sensitivity and selectivity, specifically attributable to the salient characteristics of AuNPs, CTSNPs, and MWCNTs and the synergistic inter-relationship between them. The newly developed electrode was tested in the field. The Ipa increased with an increase in the amount of quinoline solution added, and the peak potential deviated minimally, depicting the real capability of the newly fabricated electrode.

  1. Detection of Quinoline in G. boninense-Infected Plants Using Functionalized Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes: A Field Study

    PubMed Central

    Akanbi, Fowotade Sulayman; Yusof, Nor Azah; Abdullah, Jaafar; Sulaiman, Yusran; Hushiarian, Roozbeh

    2017-01-01

    Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) reinforced with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and chitosan nanoparticles (CTSNPs) were anchored on a screen-printed electrode to fabricate a multi-walled structure for the detection of quinoline. The surface morphology of the nanocomposites and the modified electrode was examined by an ultra-high resolution field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was used to confirm the presence of specific functional groups on the multi-walled carbon nanotubes MWCNTs. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) were used to monitor the layer-by-layer assembly of ultra-thin films of nanocomposites on the surface of the electrode and other electrochemical characterizations. Under optimized conditions, the novel sensor displayed outstanding electrochemical reactivity towards the electro-oxidation of quinoline. The linear range was fixed between 0.0004 and 1.0 μM, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 3.75 nM. The fabricated electrode exhibited high stability with excellent sensitivity and selectivity, specifically attributable to the salient characteristics of AuNPs, CTSNPs, and MWCNTs and the synergistic inter-relationship between them. The newly developed electrode was tested in the field. The Ipa increased with an increase in the amount of quinoline solution added, and the peak potential deviated minimally, depicting the real capability of the newly fabricated electrode. PMID:28671561

  2. Electrochemical detection and degradation of ibuprofen from water on multi-walled carbon nanotubes-epoxy composite electrode.

    PubMed

    Motoc, Sorina; Remes, Adriana; Pop, Aniela; Manea, Florica; Schoonman, Joop

    2013-04-01

    This work describes the electrochemical behaviour of ibuprofen on two types of multi-walled carbon nanotubes based composite electrodes, i.e., multi-walled carbon nanotubes-epoxy (MWCNT) and silver-modified zeolite-multi-walled carbon nanotubes-epoxy (AgZMWCNT) composites electrodes. The composite electrodes were obtained using two-roll mill procedure. SEM images of surfaces of the composites revealed a homogeneous distribution of the composite components within the epoxy matrix. AgZMWCNT composite electrode exhibited the better electrical conductivity and larger electroactive surface area. The electrochemical determination of ibuprofen (IBP) was achieved using AgZMWCNT by cyclic voltammetry, differential-pulsed voltammetry, square-wave voltammetry and chronoamperometry. The IBP degradation occurred on both composite electrodes under controlled electrolysis at 1.2 and 1.75 V vs. Ag/AgCl, and IBP concentration was determined comparatively by differential-pulsed voltammetry, under optimized conditions using AgZMWCNT electrode and UV-Vis spectrophotometry methods to determine the IBP degradation performance for each electrode. AgZMWCNT electrode exhibited a dual character allowing a double application in IBP degradation process and its control.

  3. An approach to the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome by the multi-electrode impedance method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Furuya, N.; Sakamoto, K.; Kanai, H.

    2010-04-01

    It is well known that metabolic syndrome can induce myocardial infarction and cerebral infarction. So, it is very important to measure the visceral fat volume. In the electric impedance method, information in the vicinity of the electrodes is strongly reflected. Therefore, we propose a new multi-electrode arrangement method based on the impedance sensitivity theorem to measure the visceral fat volume. This electrode arrangement is designed to enable high impedance sensitivity in the visceral and subcutaneous fat regions. Currents are simultaneously applied to several current electrodes on the body surface, and one voltage electrode pair is arranged on the body surface near the organ of interest to obtain the visceral fat information and another voltage electrode pair is arranged on the body surface near the current electrodes to obtain the subcutaneous fat information. A simulation study indicates that by weighting the impedance sensitivity distribution, as in our method, a high-sensitivity region in the visceral and the subcutaneous fat regions can be formed. In addition, it was confirmed that the visceral fat volume can be estimated by the measured impedance data.

  4. Visualizing transplanted muscle flaps using minimally invasive multi-electrode bioimpedance spectroscopy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gordon, R.; Zorkova, V.; Min, M.; Rätsep, I.

    2010-04-01

    We describe here an imaging system that uses bioimpedance spectroscopy with multi-electrode array to indicate the state of muscle flap regions under the array. The system is able to differentiate between different health states in the tissue and give early information about the location and size of ischemic sub-regions. The array will be 4*8 electrodes with the spacing of 5mm between the electrodes (the number of electrodes and the spacing may vary). The electrodes are minimally invasive short stainless steel needles, that penetrate 0.3 mm into the tissue with the goal of achieving a wet electric contact. We combine 32 configurations of 4-electrode multi-frequency impedance measurements to derive a health-state map for the transplanted flap. The imaging method is tested on a model consisting of 2 tissues and FEM software (Finite Element Method -COMSOL Multiphysics based) is used to conduct the measurements virtually. Dedicated multichannel bioimpedance measurement equipment has already been developed and tested, that cover the frequency range from 100 Hz to 1 MHz.

  5. A Disposable Microfluidic Device with a Screen Printed Electrode for Mimicking Phase II Metabolism

    PubMed Central

    Vasiliadou, Rafaela; Nasr Esfahani, Mohammad Mehdi; Brown, Nathan J.; Welham, Kevin J.

    2016-01-01

    Human metabolism is investigated using several in vitro methods. However, the current methodologies are often expensive, tedious and complicated. Over the last decade, the combination of electrochemistry (EC) with mass spectrometry (MS) has a simpler and a cheaper alternative to mimic the human metabolism. This paper describes the development of a disposable microfluidic device with a screen-printed electrode (SPE) for monitoring phase II GSH reactions. The proposed chip has the potential to be used as a primary screening tool, thus complementing the current in vitro methods. PMID:27598162

  6. Multi-block sulfonated poly(phenylene) copolymer proton exchange membranes

    DOEpatents

    Fujimoto, Cy H [Albuquerque, NM; Hibbs, Michael [Albuquerque, NM; Ambrosini, Andrea [Albuquerque, NM

    2012-02-07

    Improved multi-block sulfonated poly(phenylene) copolymer compositions, methods of making the same, and their use as proton exchange membranes (PEM) in hydrogen fuel cells, direct methanol fuel cells, in electrode casting solutions and electrodes. The multi-block architecture has defined, controllable hydrophobic and hydrophilic segments. These improved membranes have better ion transport (proton conductivity) and water swelling properties.

  7. Interpretation of field potentials measured on a multi electrode array in pharmacological toxicity screening on primary and human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes.

    PubMed

    Tertoolen, L G J; Braam, S R; van Meer, B J; Passier, R; Mummery, C L

    2018-03-18

    Multi electrode arrays (MEAs) are increasingly used to detect external field potentials in electrically active cells. Recently, in combination with cardiomyocytes derived from human (induced) pluripotent stem cells they have started to become a preferred tool to examine newly developed drugs for potential cardiac toxicity in pre-clinical safety pharmacology. The most important risk parameter is proarrhythmic activity in cardiomyocytes which can cause sudden cardiac death. Whilst MEAs can provide medium- to high- throughput noninvasive assay platform, the translation of a field potential to cardiac action potential (normally measured by low-throughput patch clamp) is complex so that accurate assessment of drug risk to the heart is in practice still challenging. To address this, we used computational simulation to study the theoretical relationship between aspects of the field potential and the underlying cardiac action potential. We then validated the model in both primary mouse- and human pluripotent (embryonic) stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes showing that field potentials measured in MEAs could be converted to action potentials that were essentially identical to those determined directly by electrophysiological patch clamp. The method significantly increased the amount of information that could be extracted from MEA measurements and thus combined the advantages of medium/high throughput with more informative readouts. We believe that this will benefit the analysis of drug toxicity screening of cardiomyocytes using in time and accuracy. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Determination of mercury in ambient water samples by anodic stripping voltammetry on screen-printed gold electrodes.

    PubMed

    Bernalte, E; Marín Sánchez, C; Pinilla Gil, E

    2011-03-09

    The applicability of commercial screen-printed gold electrodes (SPGEs) for the determination of Hg(II) in ambient water samples by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry has been demonstrated. Electrode conditioning procedures, chemical and instrumental variables have been optimized to develop a reliable method capable of measuring dissolved mercury in the low ng mL(-1) range (detection limit 1.1 ng mL(-1)), useful for pollution monitoring or screening purposes. The proposed method was tested with the NIST 1641d Mercury in Water Standard Reference Material (recoveries 90.0-110%) and the NCS ZC 76303 Mercury in Water Certified Reference Material (recoveries 82.5-90.6%). Waste water samples from industrial origin and fortified rain water samples were assayed for mercury by the proposed method and by a reference ICP-MS method, with good agreement. Screen printing technology thus opens a useful way for the construction of reliable electrochemical sensors for decentralized or even field Hg(II) testing. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Disposable screen-printed sensors for determination of duloxetine hydrochloride

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    A screen-printed disposable electrode system for the determination of duloxetine hydrochloride (DL) was developed using screen-printing technology. Homemade printing has been characterized and optimized on the basis of effects of the modifier and plasticizers. The fabricated bi-electrode potentiometric strip containing both working and reference electrodes was used as duloxetine hydrochloride sensor. The proposed sensors worked satisfactorily in the concentration range from 1.0 × 10-6-1.0 × 10-2 mol L-1 with detection limit reaching 5.0 × 10-7 mol L-1 and adequate shelf life of 6 months. The method is accurate, precise and economical. The proposed method has been applied successfully for the analysis of the drug in pure and in its dosage forms. In this method, there is no interference from any common pharmaceutical additives and diluents. Results of the analysis were validated statistically by recovery studies. PMID:22264225

  10. Method for the electro-addressable functionalization of electrode arrays

    DOEpatents

    Harper, Jason C.; Polsky, Ronen; Dirk, Shawn M.; Wheeler, David R.; Arango, Dulce C.; Brozik, Susan M.

    2015-12-15

    A method for preparing an electrochemical biosensor uses bias-assisted assembly of unreactive -onium molecules on an electrode array followed by post-assembly electro-addressable conversion of the unreactive group to a chemical or biological recognition group. Electro-addressable functionalization of electrode arrays enables the multi-target electrochemical sensing of biological and chemical analytes.

  11. A single camera photogrammetry system for multi-angle fast localization of EEG electrodes.

    PubMed

    Qian, Shuo; Sheng, Yang

    2011-11-01

    Photogrammetry has become an effective method for the determination of electroencephalography (EEG) electrode positions in three dimensions (3D). Capturing multi-angle images of the electrodes on the head is a fundamental objective in the design of photogrammetry system for EEG localization. Methods in previous studies are all based on the use of either a rotating camera or multiple cameras, which are time-consuming or not cost-effective. This study aims to present a novel photogrammetry system that can realize simultaneous acquisition of multi-angle head images in a single camera position. Aligning two planar mirrors with the angle of 51.4°, seven views of the head with 25 electrodes are captured simultaneously by the digital camera placed in front of them. A complete set of algorithms for electrode recognition, matching, and 3D reconstruction is developed. It is found that the elapsed time of the whole localization procedure is about 3 min, and camera calibration computation takes about 1 min, after the measurement of calibration points. The positioning accuracy with the maximum error of 1.19 mm is acceptable. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system provides a fast and cost-effective method for the EEG positioning.

  12. Ion-selective gold-thiol film on integrated screen-printed electrodes for analysis of Cu(II) ions.

    PubMed

    Li, Meng; Zhou, Hao; Shi, Lei; Li, Da-Wei; Long, Yi-Tao

    2014-02-07

    A novel type of ion-selective electrode (ISE) was manufactured for detecting trace amounts of Cu(II) ions. The basic substrates of ISE were fabricated using screen-printing technology, which could produce disposable electrodes on a large-scale with good repeatability. Moreover, the printed integrated three-electrode system of ISE could be directly used to read out the open-circuit potentials by a handheld device through a USB port. The ion-selective film was composed of gold nanorods (GNRs) and 6-(bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)hexane-1-thiol (compound ), which were layer-by-layer modified on the electrode through an easily controlled self-assembly method. Compound contained the 2,2'-dipyridylamine (dpa) group that could coordinate with Cu(II) ions to form a 2 : 1 complex, therefore the screen-printed ISEs exhibited Nernstian potentiometric responses to Cu(II) ions with a detection limit of 6.3 × 10(-7) mol L(-1) over the range of 1.0 × 10(-6) to 1.0 × 10(-2) mol L(-1). The easily prepared screen-printed ion-selective electrode reported here was appropriate for in field analysis and pollutant detection in remote environments.

  13. Label-free voltammetric detection of MicroRNAs at multi-channel screen printed array of electrodes comparison to graphite sensors.

    PubMed

    Erdem, Arzum; Congur, Gulsah

    2014-01-01

    The multi-channel screen-printed array of electrodes (MUX-SPE16) was used in our study for the first time for electrochemical monitoring of nucleic acid hybridization related to different miRNA sequences (miRNA-16, miRNA-15a and miRNA-660, i.e, the biomarkers for Alzheimer disease). The MUX-SPE16 was also used for the first time herein for the label-free electrochemical detection of nucleic acid hybridization combined magnetic beads (MB) assay in comparison to the disposable pencil graphite electrode (PGE). Under the principle of the magnetic beads assay, the biotinylated inosine substituted DNA probe was firstly immobilized onto streptavidin coated MB, and then, the hybridization process between probe and its complementary miRNA sequence was performed at MB surface. The voltammetric transduction was performed using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique in combination with the single-use graphite sensor technologies; PGE and MUX-SPE16 for miRNA detection by measuring the guanine oxidation signal without using any external indicator. The features of single-use sensor technologies, PGE and MUX-SPE16, were discussed concerning to their reproducibility, detection limit, and selectivity compared to the results in the earlier studies presenting the electrochemical miRNA detection related to different miRNA sequences. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Optogenetic Modulation and Multi-Electrode Analysis of Cerebellar Networks In Vivo

    PubMed Central

    Kruse, Wolfgang; Krause, Martin; Aarse, Janna; Mark, Melanie D.; Manahan-Vaughan, Denise; Herlitze, Stefan

    2014-01-01

    The firing patterns of cerebellar Purkinje cells (PCs), as the sole output of the cerebellar cortex, determine and tune motor behavior. PC firing is modulated by various inputs from different brain regions and by cell-types including granule cells (GCs), climbing fibers and inhibitory interneurons. To understand how signal integration in PCs occurs and how subtle changes in the modulation of PC firing lead to adjustment of motor behaviors, it is important to precisely record PC firing in vivo and to control modulatory pathways in a spatio-temporal manner. Combining optogenetic and multi-electrode approaches, we established a new method to integrate light-guides into a multi-electrode system. With this method we are able to variably position the light-guide in defined regions relative to the recording electrode with micrometer precision. We show that PC firing can be precisely monitored and modulated by light-activation of channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) expressed in PCs, GCs and interneurons. Thus, this method is ideally suited to investigate the spatio/temporal modulation of PCs in anesthetized and in behaving mice. PMID:25144735

  15. Septonex-tetraphenylborate screen-printed ion selective electrode for the potentiometric determination of Septonex in pharmaceutical preparations.

    PubMed

    Mohamed, Gehad G; El-Shahat, M F; Al-Sabagh, A M; Migahed, M A; Ali, Tamer Awad

    2011-04-07

    A screen-printed electrode (SPE) was fabricated for the determination of 1-(ethoxycarbonyl)pentadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (Septonex) based on the use of Septonex-tetraphenylborate as the electroactive substance, and o-nitrophenyloctylether (o-NPOE) as the plasticizing agent. The electrode passes a near-Nernstian cationic slope of 59.33 ± 0.85 mV from activity between pH values of 2 to 9 with a lower detection limit of 9×10(-7) M and response time of about 5 s and exhibits an adequate shelf-life of 6 months. The method was applied for the determination of Septonex in pharmaceutical preparations. A percentage recovery of 99.88% was obtained with RSD=1.24%. The electrode was successfully applied in the determination of Septonex in laboratory-prepared samples by direct potentiometric, calibration curve and standard addition methods. Potentiometric titration of Septonex with sodium tetraphenylborate and phosphotungstic acid as a titrant was monitored with the modified screen-printed electrode as an end-point indicator electrode. Selectivity coefficients for Septonex relative to a number of potential interfering substances were determined. The sensor was highly selective for Septonex over a large number of compounds. Selectivity coefficient data for some common ions show negligible interference; however, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and iodide ions interfere significantly. The analytical usefulness of the proposed electrode was evaluated by its application in the determination of Septonex in laboratory-prepared pharmaceutical samples with satisfactory results. The results obtained with the fabricated sensor are comparable with those obtained by the British Pharmacopeia method. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2011

  16. Preparation and application of a carbon paste electrode modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes and boron-embedded molecularly imprinted composite membranes.

    PubMed

    Wang, Hongjuan; Qian, Duo; Xiao, Xilin; Deng, Chunyan; Liao, Lifu; Deng, Jian; Lin, Ying-Wu

    2018-06-01

    An innovative electrochemical sensor was fabricated for the sensitive and selective determination of tinidazole (TNZ), based on a carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and boron-embedded molecularly imprinted composite membranes (B-MICMs). Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out to investigate the utility of template-monomer interactions to screen appropriate monomers for the rational design of B-MICMs. The distinct synergic effect of MWCNTs and B-MICMs was evidenced by the positive shift of the reduction peak potential of TNZ at B-MICMs/MWCNTs modified CPE (B-MICMs/MWCNTs/CPE) by about 200 mV, and the 12-fold amplification of the peak current, compared with a bare carbon paste electrode (CPE). Moreover, the coordinate interactions between trisubstituted boron atoms embedded in B-MICMs matrix and nitrogen atoms of TNZ endow the sensor with advanced affinity and specific directionality. Thereafter, a highly sensitive electrochemical analytical method for TNZ was established by different pulse voltammetry (DPV) at B-MICMs/MWCNTs/CPE with a lower detection limit (1.25 × 10 -12  mol L -1 ) (S/N = 3). The practical application of the sensor was demonstrated by determining TNZ in pharmaceutical and biological samples with good precision (RSD 1.36% to 3.85%) and acceptable recoveries (82.40%-104.0%). Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. PEDOT:PSS as multi-functional composite material for enhanced Li-air-battery air electrodes.

    PubMed

    Yoon, Dae Ho; Yoon, Seon Hye; Ryu, Kwang-Sun; Park, Yong Joon

    2016-01-27

    We propose PSS as a multi-functional composite material for an enhanced Li-air-battery air electrode. The PSS layer was coated on the surface of carbon (graphene) using simple method. A electrode containing PSS-coated graphene (PEDOT electrode) could be prepared without binder (such as PVDF) because of high adhesion of PSS. PEDOT electrode presented considerable discharge and charge capacity at all current densities. These results shows that PSS acts as a redox reaction matrix and conducting binder in the air electrode. Moreover, after cycling, the accumulation of reaction products due to side reaction in the electrode was significantly reduced through the use of PSS. This implies that PSS coating layer can suppress the undesirable side reactions between the carbon and electrolyte (and/or Li2O2), which causes enhanced Li-air cell cyclic performance.

  18. Methods for Specific Electrode Resistance Measurement during Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation

    PubMed Central

    Khadka, Niranjan; Rahman, Asif; Sarantos, Chris; Truong, Dennis Q.; Bikson, Marom

    2014-01-01

    Background Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is investigated to treat a wide range of neuropsychiatric disorders, for rehabilitation, and for enhancing cognitive performance. The monitoring of electrode resistance before and during tDCS is considered important for tolerability and safety, where an unusually high resistance is indicative of undesired electrode or poor skin contact conditions. Conventional resistance measurement methods do not isolate individual electrode resistance but rather measures overall voltage. Moreover, for HD-tDCS devices, cross talk across electrodes makes concurrent resistance monitoring unreliable. Objective We propose a novel method for monitoring of the individual electrode resistance during tDCS, using a super-position of direct current with a test-signal (low-intensity and low-frequency sinusoids with electrode– specific frequencies) and a single sentinel electrode (not used for DC). Methods To validate this methodology, we developed lumped-parameter models of two and multi-electrode tDCS. Approaches with and without a sentinel electrode were solved and underlying assumptions identified. Assumptions were tested and parameterized in healthy participants using forearm stimulation combining tDCS (2 mA) and sinusoidal test-signals (38 μA and 76 μA peak to peak at 1 Hz, 10 Hz, and 100 Hz) and an in vitro test (where varied electrode failure modes were created). DC and AC component voltages across the electrodes were compared and participants were asked to rate subjective pain. Results A sentinel electrode is required to isolate electrode resistance in a two-electrode tDCS system. For multi-electrode resistance tracking, cross talk was aggravated with electrode proximity and current/resistance mismatches, but could be corrected using proposed approaches. Average voltage and average pain scores were not significantly different across test current intensities and frequencies (two-way repeated measures ANOVA) indicating the test signal does not itself confound electrode stability or sensation. DC-resistance to AC-impedance ratio was ~1:08, averaged across frequencies. Conclusion Using the methods developed here, a test signal can predict DC electrode resistance. Since unique test frequencies can be used at each tDCS electrode, specific electrode resistance can be resolved for any number of stimulating channels – a process made still more robust by the use of a sentinel electrode. These findings provide the first method for monitoring individual electrode resistance during tDCS that integrated into devices may minimize irritation at electrodes. PMID:25456981

  19. Method development for the determination of arsenic by sequential injection/anodic stripping voltammetry using long-lasting gold-modified screen-printed carbon electrode.

    PubMed

    Punrat, Eakkasit; Chuanuwatanakul, Suchada; Kaneta, Takashi; Motomizu, Shoji; Chailapakul, Orawon

    2013-11-15

    An automated method has been developed for determining the concentration of inorganic arsenic. The technique uses sequential injection/anodic stripping voltammetry with a long-lasting gold-modified screen-printed carbon electrode. The long-lasting gold electrode was electrochemically deposited onto a screen-printed carbon electrode at a potential of -0.5 V vs. Ag/AgCl in a supporting electrolyte solution of 1M hydrochloric acid. Under optimal conditions and the applied potentials, the electrode demonstrated that it can be used for a long time without a renewal process. The linear range for the determination of arsenic(III) was 1-100 μg L(-1), and the limit of detection (LOD) in standard solutions was as low as 0.03 μg L(-1) for a deposition time of 120 s and sample volume of 1 mL. This method was used to determine the concentration of arsenic(III) in water samples with satisfactory results. The LOD in real samples was found to be 0.5 μg L(-1). In addition, speciation between arsenic(III) and arsenic(V) has been achieved with the proposed method using deposition potentials of -0.5 V and -1.5 V for the determination of the arsenic(III) concentration and the total arsenic concentration, respectively; the results were acceptable. The proposed method is an automated system that offers a less expensive alternative for determining trace amounts of inorganic arsenic. © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. The in-capillary DPPH-capillary electrophoresis-the diode array detector combined with reversed-electrode polarity stacking mode for screening and quantifying major antioxidants in Cuscuta chinensis Lam.

    PubMed

    Liu, Jiao; Tian, Ji; Li, Jin; Azietaku, John Teye; Zhang, Bo-Li; Gao, Xiu-Mei; Chang, Yan-Xu

    2016-07-01

    An in-capillary 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)-CE-the DAD (in-capillary DPPH-CE-DAD) combined with reversed-electrode polarity stacking mode has been developed to screen and quantify the active antioxidant components of Cuscuta chinensis Lam. The operation parameters were optimized with regard to the pH and concentration of buffer solution, SDS, β-CDs, organic modifier, as well as separation voltage and temperature. Six antioxidants including chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, rutin, hyperin, isoquercitrin, and astragalin were screened and the total antioxidant activity of the complex matrix was successfully evaluated based on the decreased peak area of DPPH by the established DPPH-CE-DAD method. Sensitivity was enhanced under reversed-electrode polarity stacking mode and 10- to 31-fold of magnitude improvement in detection sensitivity for each analyte was attained. The results demonstrated that the newly established in-capillary DPPH-CE-DAD method combined with reversed-electrode polarity stacking mode could integrate sample concentration, the oxidizing reaction, separation, and detection into one capillary to fully automate the system. It was considered a suitable technique for the separation, screening, and determination of trace antioxidants in natural products. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  1. PEDOT:PSS as multi-functional composite material for enhanced Li-air-battery air electrodes

    PubMed Central

    Yoon, Dae Ho; Yoon, Seon Hye; Ryu, Kwang-Sun; Park, Yong Joon

    2016-01-01

    We propose PEDOT:PSS as a multi-functional composite material for an enhanced Li-air-battery air electrode. The PEDOT:PSS layer was coated on the surface of carbon (graphene) using simple method. A electrode containing PEDOT:PSS-coated graphene (PEDOT electrode) could be prepared without binder (such as PVDF) because of high adhesion of PEDOT:PSS. PEDOT electrode presented considerable discharge and charge capacity at all current densities. These results shows that PEDOT:PSS acts as a redox reaction matrix and conducting binder in the air electrode. Moreover, after cycling, the accumulation of reaction products due to side reaction in the electrode was significantly reduced through the use of PEDOT:PSS. This implies that PEDOT:PSS coating layer can suppress the undesirable side reactions between the carbon and electrolyte (and/or Li2O2), which causes enhanced Li-air cell cyclic performance. PMID:26813852

  2. A new modification method of a Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide/Nano-ZnO and Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes Electrode for Determination of Anti Doping in Urine

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhao, Zhiwei; Mu, Shuai; Zheng, Jie; Gu, Lingyan; Shen, Guijun; Shen, Yuan

    2017-07-01

    The preparation and application of Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide/Nano-ZnO and Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes (CTAB/ZnO-MWNTs) Modified Electrodes was studied, establishing a new electrochemical method for determination of carteolol hydrochloride in urine. After its pre-enrichment by adsorption and extraction on modified electrodes, electrochemical behaviors of carteolol hydrochloride on the modified electrodes were studied by CV and DPV. The response is linear at the range of 1×10-3 ∼ 2×10-1 g/L, with a detection limit of 2×10-4 g/L. Under appropriate conditions, the content of carteolol hydrochloride in urine can be determined directly by the method, which had strong anti-interference ability and the recovery is 96.5% - 110.5%. In addition, extraction and adsorption behaviors of the modified electrodes for carteolol hydrochloride were studied by chronocoulumetry, and the results showed that extraction during the enrichment process played a major role at low concentrations, and contribution of surface adsorption became greater with the increase of concentrations.

  3. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Das, Saptarshi; Bera, Mrinal K.; Roelofs, Andreas K

    A method of forming a TMDC monolayer comprises providing a multi-layer transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) film. The multi-layer TMDC film comprises a plurality of layers of the TMDC. The multi-layer TMDC film is positioned on a conducting substrate. The conducting substrate is contacted with an electrolyte solution. A predetermined electrode potential is applied on the conducting substrate and the TMDC monolayer for a predetermined time. A portion of the plurality of layers of the TMDC included in the multi-layer TMDC film is removed by application of the predetermined electrode potential, thereby leaving a TMDC monolayer film positioned on the conductingmore » substrate.« less

  4. Effect of screen printing type on transparent TiO2 layer as the working electrode of dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) for solar windows applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nurosyid, F.; Furqoni, L.; Supriyanto, A.; Suryana, R.

    2016-11-01

    The working electrode based on semiconductor TiO2 DSSC has been fabricated by screen printing method. This study aim is to determine the effect of the screen type on TiO2 layer as the working electrode of DSSC. Screen used for deposition of TiO2 has the types of; T- 49, T-55 and T-61. TiO2 layer was sintered at temperature of 500°C. DSSC structure was composed of semiconductor TiO2 adsorbed dye, an electrolyte solution and a platinum counter electrode. TiO2 layer thickness was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), while the absorbance was characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometer and the electrical properties of DSSC were characterized by Keithley I-V measurement. TiO2 layer fabricated by screen T-49 had the biggest thickness that was 3.2 ± 0.3 μm and the highest UV-Vis absorbance wave at the peak wavelength of 315 nm with the absorbance value was 1.7. The I-V characterization showed that the sample fabricated by screen T-49 obtained the greatest efficiency that was 1.0 × 10-1%

  5. Adaptive spatio-temporal filtering of disturbed ECGs: a multi-channel approach to heartbeat detection in smart clothing.

    PubMed

    Wiklund, Urban; Karlsson, Marcus; Ostlund, Nils; Berglin, Lena; Lindecrantz, Kaj; Karlsson, Stefan; Sandsjö, Leif

    2007-06-01

    Intermittent disturbances are common in ECG signals recorded with smart clothing: this is mainly because of displacement of the electrodes over the skin. We evaluated a novel adaptive method for spatio-temporal filtering for heartbeat detection in noisy multi-channel ECGs including short signal interruptions in single channels. Using multi-channel database recordings (12-channel ECGs from 10 healthy subjects), the results showed that multi-channel spatio-temporal filtering outperformed regular independent component analysis. We also recorded seven channels of ECG using a T-shirt with textile electrodes. Ten healthy subjects performed different sequences during a 10-min recording: resting, standing, flexing breast muscles, walking and pushups. Using adaptive multi-channel filtering, the sensitivity and precision was above 97% in nine subjects. Adaptive multi-channel spatio-temporal filtering can be used to detect heartbeats in ECGs with high noise levels. One application is heartbeat detection in noisy ECG recordings obtained by integrated textile electrodes in smart clothing.

  6. Poly(dimethylsiloxane) cross-linked carbon paste electrodes for microfluidic electrochemical sensing.

    PubMed

    Sameenoi, Yupaporn; Mensack, Meghan M; Boonsong, Kanokporn; Ewing, Rebecca; Dungchai, Wijitar; Chailapakul, Orawan; Cropek, Donald M; Henry, Charles S

    2011-08-07

    Recently, the development of electrochemical biosensors as part of microfluidic devices has garnered a great deal of attention because of the small instrument size and portability afforded by the integration of electrochemistry in microfluidic systems. Electrode fabrication, however, has proven to be a major obstacle in the field. Here, an alternative method to create integrated, low cost, robust, patternable carbon paste electrodes (CPEs) for microfluidic devices is presented. The new CPEs are composed of graphite powder and a binder consisting of a mixture of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and mineral oil. The electrodes are made by filling channels molded in previously cross-linked PDMS using a method analogous to screen printing. The optimal binder composition was investigated to obtain electrodes that were physically robust and performed well electrochemically. After studying the basic electrochemistry, the PDMS-oil CPEs were modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPC) for the detection of catecholamines and thiols, respectively, to demonstrate the ease of electrode chemical modification. Significant improvement of analyte signal detection was observed from both types of modified CPEs. A nearly 2-fold improvement in the electrochemical signal for 100 μM dithiothreitol (DTT) was observed when using a CoPC modified electrode (4.0 ± 0.2 nA (n = 3) versus 2.5 ± 0.2 nA (n = 3)). The improvement in signal was even more pronounced when looking at catecholamines, namely dopamine, using MWCNT modified CPEs. In this case, an order of magnitude improvement in limit of detection was observed for dopamine when using the MWCNT modified CPEs (50 nM versus 500 nM). CoPC modified CPEs were successfully used to detect thiols in red blood cell lysate while MWCNT modified CPEs were used to monitor temporal changes in catecholamine release from PC12 cells following stimulation with potassium.

  7. "I'm on it 24/7 at the moment": A qualitative examination of multi-screen viewing behaviours among UK 10-11 year olds

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Background Screen-viewing has been associated with increased body mass, increased risk of metabolic syndrome and lower psychological well-being among children and adolescents. There is a shortage of information about the nature of contemporary screen-viewing amongst children especially given the rapid advances in screen-viewing equipment technology and their widespread availability. Anecdotal evidence suggests that large numbers of children embrace the multi-functionality of current devices to engage in multiple forms of screen-viewing at the same time. In this paper we used qualitative methods to assess the nature and extent of multiple forms of screen-viewing in UK children. Methods Focus groups were conducted with 10-11 year old children (n = 63) who were recruited from five primary schools in Bristol, UK. Topics included the types of screen-viewing in which the participants engaged; whether the participants ever engaged in more than one form of screen-viewing at any time and if so the nature of this multiple viewing; reasons for engaging in multi-screen-viewing; the room within the house where multi-screen-viewing took place and the reasons for selecting that room. All focus groups were transcribed verbatim, anonymised and thematically analysed. Results Multi-screen viewing was a common behaviour. Although multi-screen viewing often involved watching TV, TV viewing was often the background behaviour with attention focussed towards a laptop, handheld device or smart-phone. There were three main reasons for engaging in multi-screen viewing: 1) tempering impatience that was associated with a programme loading; 2) multi-screen facilitated filtering out unwanted content such as advertisements; and 3) multi-screen viewing was perceived to be enjoyable. Multi-screen viewing occurred either in the child's bedroom or in the main living area of the home. There was considerable variability in the level and timing of viewing and this appeared to be a function of whether the participants attended after-school clubs. Conclusions UK children regularly engage in two or more forms of screen-viewing at the same time. There are currently no means of assessing multi-screen viewing nor any interventions that specifically focus on reducing multi-screen viewing. To reduce children's overall screen-viewing we need to understand and then develop approaches to reduce multi-screen viewing among children. PMID:21812945

  8. Fabrication of 3D polypyrrole microstructures and their utilization as electrodes in supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ho, Vinh; Zhou, Cheng; Kulinsky, Lawrence; Madou, Marc

    2013-12-01

    We present a novel fabrication method for constructing three-dimensional (3D) conducting microstructures based on the controlled-growth of electrodeposited polypyrrole (PPy) within a lithographically patterned photoresist layer. PPy thin films, post arrays, suspended planes supported by post arrays and multi-layered PPy structures were fabricated. The performance of supercapacitors based on 3D PPy electrodes doped with dodecylbenzene sulfonate (DBS-) and perchlorate (ClO4-) anions was studied using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge tests. The highest specific capacitance obtained from the multi-layered PPy(ClO4) electrodes was 401 ± 18 mF cm-2, which is roughly twice as high as the highest specific capacitance of PPy-based supercapacitor reported thus far. The increase in capacitance is the result of higher surface area per unit footprint achieved through the fabrication of multi-layered 3D electrodes.

  9. Human interface design using Button-type PEDOT electrode array in EIT

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wi, Hun; In Oh, Tong; Yoon, Sun; Kim, Kap Jin; Woo, Eung Je

    2010-04-01

    Animal and human experiments using a multi-channel EIT system requires a cumbersome procedure to attach multiple electrodes. We have to ensure good contact of all electrodes and manage many lead wires during experiments. The problem becomes more severe as we increase the number of electrodes. These may limit the applicability of the imaging method in practice. Noting this technical difficulty, there have been a few trials to design human interface means such as electrode belts, helmets or rings. In this study, we developed an electrode belt for long-term monitoring of human lung ventilation. The belt includes 16 embossed electrodes which make good contact with the skin. The electrode is made by conductive polymer and metallic thread. Soft cushion and wide contact area minimize uncomfortable sensation and reduce contact impedances. The electrodes are attached to an elastic fabric belt at equal spacing. We describe details of its design and fabrication. Using the electrode belt and recently developed multi-frequency EIT system KHU Mark2, we show time-difference chest images of three human subjects during normal breathing cycles.

  10. A novel screen-printed microfluidic paper-based electrochemical device for detection of glucose and uric acid in urine.

    PubMed

    Yao, Yong; Zhang, Chunsun

    2016-10-01

    A novel screen-printed microfluidic paper-based analytical device with all-carbon electrode-enabled electrochemical assay (SP-ACE-EC-μPAD) has been developed. The fabrication of these devices involved wax screen-printing, which was simple, low-cost and energy-efficient. The working, counter and reference electrodes were screen-printed using carbon ink on the patterned paper devices. Different wax screen-printing processes were examined and optimized, which led to an improved method with a shorter heating time (~5 s) and a lower heating temperature (75 °C). Different printing screens were examined, with a 300-mesh polyester screen yielding the highest quality wax screen-prints. The carbon electrodes were screen-printed on the μPADs and then examined using cyclic voltammetry. The analytical performance of the SP-ACE-EC-μPADs for the detection of glucose and uric acid in standard solutions was investigated. The results were reproducible, with a linear relationship [R(2) = 0.9987 (glucose) or 0.9997 (uric acid)] within the concentration range of interest, and with detection limits as low as 0.35 mM (glucose) and 0.08 mM (uric acid). To determine the clinical utility of the μPADs, chronoamperometry was used to analyze glucose and uric acid in real urine samples using the standard addition method. Our devices were able to detect the analytes of interest in complex real-world biological samples, and have the potential for use in a wide variety of applications.

  11. Properties of screen printed electrocardiography smartware electrodes investigated in an electro-chemical cell

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background ECG (Electrocardiogram) measurements in home health care demands new sensor solutions. In this study, six different configurations of screen printed conductive ink electrodes have been evaluated with respect to electrode potential variations and electrode impedance. Methods The electrode surfaces consisted of a Ag/AgCl-based ink with a conduction line of carbon or Ag-based ink underneath. On top, a lacquer layer was used to define the electrode area and to cover the conduction lines. Measurements were performed under well-defined electro-chemical conditions in a physiologic saline solution. Results The results showed that all printed electrodes were stable and have a very small potential drift (less than 3 mV/30 min). The contribution to the total impedance was 2% of the set maximal allowed impedance (maximally 1 kΩ at 50 Hz), assuming common values of input impedance and common mode rejection ratio of a regular amplifier. Conclusion Our conclusions are that the tested electrodes show satisfying properties to be used as elements in a skin electrode design that could be suitable for further investigations by applying the electrodes on the skin. PMID:23827015

  12. Ag paste-based nanomesh electrodes for large-area touch screen panels

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chung, Sung-il; Kyeom Kim, Pan; Ha, Tae-gyu

    2017-10-01

    This study reports a novel method for fabricating a nickel nanomesh mold using phase shift lithography, suitable for use in large-area touch screen panel applications. Generally, the values of light transmittance and sheet resistance of metal mesh transparent conducting electrode (TCE) films are determined by the ratio of the aperture to metal areas. In this study, taking into consideration the optimal light transmittance, sheet resistance, and pattern visibility issues, the line width of the metal mesh pattern was ~1 µm, and the pitch of the pattern was ~100 µm. In addition, a novel method of manufacturing wiring electrodes using a phase shift lithography process was also developed and evaluated. A TCE film with a size of 370 mm  ×  470 mm was prepared and evaluated for its light transmittance and sheet resistance. In addition, wiring electrodes with a length of 70 mm were fabricated and their line resistances evaluated by varying their line width.

  13. Highly selective dopamine electrochemical sensor based on electrochemically pretreated graphite and nafion composite modified screen printed carbon electrode.

    PubMed

    Ku, Shuhao; Palanisamy, Selvakumar; Chen, Shen-Ming

    2013-12-01

    Herein, we report a highly selective dopamine electrochemical sensor based on electrochemically pretreated graphite/nafion composite modified screen printed carbon (SPC) electrode. Electrochemically activated graphite/nafion composite was prepared by using a simple electrochemical method. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) used to characterize the surface morphology of the fabricated composite electrode. The SEM result clearly indicates that the graphitic basal planes were totally disturbed and leads to the formation of graphite nanosheets. The composite modified electrode showed an enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward the oxidation of DA when compared with either electrochemical pretreated graphite or nafion SPC electrodes. The fabricated composite electrode exhibits a good electrocatalytic oxidation toward DA in the linear response range from 0.5 to 70 μM with the detection limit of 0.023 μM. The proposed sensor also exhibits very good selectivity and stability, with the appreciable sensitivity. In addition, the proposed sensor showed satisfactory recovery results toward the commercial pharmaceutical DA samples. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Electrical stimulus artifact cancellation and neural spike detection on large multi-electrode arrays

    PubMed Central

    Grosberg, Lauren E.; Madugula, Sasidhar; Litke, Alan; Cunningham, John; Chichilnisky, E. J.; Paninski, Liam

    2017-01-01

    Simultaneous electrical stimulation and recording using multi-electrode arrays can provide a valuable technique for studying circuit connectivity and engineering neural interfaces. However, interpreting these measurements is challenging because the spike sorting process (identifying and segregating action potentials arising from different neurons) is greatly complicated by electrical stimulation artifacts across the array, which can exhibit complex and nonlinear waveforms, and overlap temporarily with evoked spikes. Here we develop a scalable algorithm based on a structured Gaussian Process model to estimate the artifact and identify evoked spikes. The effectiveness of our methods is demonstrated in both real and simulated 512-electrode recordings in the peripheral primate retina with single-electrode and several types of multi-electrode stimulation. We establish small error rates in the identification of evoked spikes, with a computational complexity that is compatible with real-time data analysis. This technology may be helpful in the design of future high-resolution sensory prostheses based on tailored stimulation (e.g., retinal prostheses), and for closed-loop neural stimulation at a much larger scale than currently possible. PMID:29131818

  15. Electrical stimulus artifact cancellation and neural spike detection on large multi-electrode arrays.

    PubMed

    Mena, Gonzalo E; Grosberg, Lauren E; Madugula, Sasidhar; Hottowy, Paweł; Litke, Alan; Cunningham, John; Chichilnisky, E J; Paninski, Liam

    2017-11-01

    Simultaneous electrical stimulation and recording using multi-electrode arrays can provide a valuable technique for studying circuit connectivity and engineering neural interfaces. However, interpreting these measurements is challenging because the spike sorting process (identifying and segregating action potentials arising from different neurons) is greatly complicated by electrical stimulation artifacts across the array, which can exhibit complex and nonlinear waveforms, and overlap temporarily with evoked spikes. Here we develop a scalable algorithm based on a structured Gaussian Process model to estimate the artifact and identify evoked spikes. The effectiveness of our methods is demonstrated in both real and simulated 512-electrode recordings in the peripheral primate retina with single-electrode and several types of multi-electrode stimulation. We establish small error rates in the identification of evoked spikes, with a computational complexity that is compatible with real-time data analysis. This technology may be helpful in the design of future high-resolution sensory prostheses based on tailored stimulation (e.g., retinal prostheses), and for closed-loop neural stimulation at a much larger scale than currently possible.

  16. Trace lead analysis based on carbon-screen-printed-electrodes modified via 4-carboxy-phenyl diazonium salt electroreduction.

    PubMed

    Bouden, Sarra; Chaussé, Annie; Dorbes, Stephane; El Tall, Omar; Bellakhal, Nizar; Dachraoui, Mohamed; Vautrin-Ul, Christine

    2013-03-15

    This paper describes the use of 4-carboxyphenyl-grafted screen-printed carbon electrodes (4-CP-SPEs) for trace lead analysis. These novel and simple use of electrodes were easily prepared by the electrochemical reduction of the corresponding diazonium salt. Pb detection was then performed by a three-steps method in order to avoid oxygen interference: (i) immersion of the grafted screen-printed electrode (SPE) in the sample and adsorption of Pb(II), (ii) reduction of adsorbed Pb(II) by chronoamperometry (CA), and (iii) oxidation of Pb by Anodic Square Wave Voltammetry (SWV). The reoxidation response was exploited for lead detection and quantification. In order to optimize the analytical responses, the influence of the adsorption medium pH and the adsorption time were investigated. Moreover, an interference study was carried out with Cu(II), Hg(II), Al(III), Mn(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and no major interference can be expected to quantify Pb(II). The described method provided a limit of detection and a limit of quantification of 1.2 × 10(-9)M and 4.1 × 10(-9)M, respectively. These performances indicate that the 4-CP-SPE could be considered as an efficient tool for environmental analysis. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Transparent self-cleaning dust shield

    DOEpatents

    Mazumder, Malay K.; Sims, Robert A.; Wilson, James D.

    2005-06-28

    A transparent electromagnetic shield to protect solar panels and the like from dust deposition. The shield is a panel of clear non-conducting (dielectric) material with embedded parallel electrodes. The panel is coated with a semiconducting film. Desirably the electrodes are transparent. The electrodes are connected to a single-phase AC signal or to a multi-phase AC signal that produces a travelling electromagnetic wave. The electromagnetic field produced by the electrodes lifts dust particles away from the shield and repels charged particles. Deposited dust particles are removed when the electrodes are activated, regardless of the resistivity of the dust. Electrostatic charges on the panel are discharged by the semiconducting film. When used in conjunction with photovoltaic cells, the power for the device may be obtained from the cells themselves. For other surfaces, such as windshields, optical windows and the like, the power must be derived from an external source. One embodiment of the invention employs monitoring and detection devices to determine when the level of obscuration of the screen by dust has reached a threshold level requiring activation of the dust removal feature.

  18. Gold nanoparticle decorated multi-walled carbon nanotubes as counter electrode for dye sensitized solar cells.

    PubMed

    Kaniyoor, Adarsh; Ramaprabhu, Sundara

    2012-11-01

    A novel counter electrode material for dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) composed of nanostructured Au particles decorated on functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-MWNTs) is demonstrated for the first time. MWNTs synthesized by catalytic chemical vapor deposition technique are purified and functionalized by treating with concentrated acids. Au nanoparticles are decorated on f-MWNTs by a rapid and facile microwave assisted polyol reduction method. The materials are characterized by X-ray diffractometry, Fourier transform infra red spectroscopy and electron microscopy. The DSSC fabricated with Au/f-MWNTs based counter electrode shows enhanced power conversion efficiency (eta) of 4.9% under AM 1.5G simulated solar radiation. In comparison, the reference DSSCs fabricated with f-MWNTs and Pt counter electrodes show eta of 2.1% and 4.5%. This high performance of Au/f-MWNTs counter electrode is investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry studies.

  19. Classification of heavy metal ions present in multi-frequency multi-electrode potable water data using evolutionary algorithm

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Karkra, Rashmi; Kumar, Prashant; Bansod, Baban K. S.; Bagchi, Sudeshna; Sharma, Pooja; Krishna, C. Rama

    2017-11-01

    Access to potable water for the common people is one of the most challenging tasks in the present era. Contamination of drinking water has become a serious problem due to various anthropogenic and geogenic events. The paper demonstrates the application of evolutionary algorithms, viz., particle swan optimization and genetic algorithm to 24 water samples containing eight different heavy metal ions (Cd, Cu, Co, Pb, Zn, Ar, Cr and Ni) for the optimal estimation of electrode and frequency to classify the heavy metal ions. The work has been carried out on multi-variate data, viz., single electrode multi-frequency, single frequency multi-electrode and multi-frequency multi-electrode water samples. The electrodes used are platinum, gold, silver nanoparticles and glassy carbon electrodes. Various hazardous metal ions present in the water samples have been optimally classified and validated by the application of Davis Bouldin index. Such studies are useful in the segregation of hazardous heavy metal ions found in water resources, thereby quantifying the degree of water quality.

  20. Amperometric determination of 6-mercaptopurine on functionalized multi-wall carbon nanotubes modified electrode by liquid chromatography coupled with microdialysis and its application to pharmacokinetics in rabbit.

    PubMed

    Cao, Xu-Ni; Lin, Li; Zhou, Yu-Yan; Shi, Guo-Yue; Zhang, Wen; Yamamoto, Katsunobu; Jin, Li-Tong

    2003-07-27

    In this paper, multi-wall carbon nanotubes functionalized with carboxylic groups modified electrode (MWNT-COOH CME) was fabricated. This chemically modified electrode (CME) can be used as the working electrode in the liquid chromatography for the determination of 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP). The results indicate that the CME exhibits efficiently electrocatalytic oxidation for 6-MP with relatively high sensitivity, stability and long-life. The peak currents of 6-MP are linear to its concentrations ranging from 4.0 x 10(-7) to 1.0 x 10(-4) mol l(-1) with the calculated detection limit (S/N=3) of 2.0 x 10(-7) mol l(-1). Coupled with microdialysis, the method has been successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of 6-MP in rabbit blood. This method provides a fast, sensible and simple technique for the pharmacokinetic study of 6-MP in vivo.

  1. Pulsed Polarization-Based NOx Sensors of YSZ Films Produced by the Aerosol Deposition Method and by Screen-Printing

    PubMed Central

    Exner, Jörg; Albrecht, Gaby; Schönauer-Kamin, Daniela; Kita, Jaroslaw; Moos, Ralf

    2017-01-01

    The pulsed polarization technique on solid electrolytes is based on alternating potential pulses interrupted by self-discharge pauses. Since even small concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the ppm range significantly change the polarization and discharge behavior, pulsed polarization sensors are well suited to measure low amounts of NOx. In contrast to all previous investigations, planar pulsed polarization sensors were built using an electrolyte thick film and platinum interdigital electrodes on alumina substrates. Two different sensor layouts were investigated, the first with buried Pt electrodes under the electrolyte and the second one with conventional overlying Pt electrodes. Electrolyte thick films were either formed by aerosol deposition or by screen-printing, therefore exhibiting a dense or porous microstructure, respectively. For screen-printed electrolytes, the influence of the electrolyte resistance on the NOx sensing ability was investigated as well. Sensors with buried electrodes showed little to no response even at higher NOx concentrations, in good agreement with the intended sensor mechanism. Electrolyte films with overlying electrodes, however, allowed the quantitative detection of NOx. In particular, aerosol deposited electrolytes exhibited high sensitivities with a sensor output signal ΔU of 50 mV and 75 mV for 3 ppm of NO and NO2, respectively. For screen-printed electrolytes, a clear trend indicated a decrease in sensitivity with increased electrolyte resistance. PMID:28933736

  2. Pulsed Polarization-Based NOx Sensors of YSZ Films Produced by the Aerosol Deposition Method and by Screen-Printing.

    PubMed

    Exner, Jörg; Albrecht, Gaby; Schönauer-Kamin, Daniela; Kita, Jaroslaw; Moos, Ralf

    2017-07-26

    The pulsed polarization technique on solid electrolytes is based on alternating potential pulses interrupted by self-discharge pauses. Since even small concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NO x ) in the ppm range significantly change the polarization and discharge behavior, pulsed polarization sensors are well suited to measure low amounts of NO x . In contrast to all previous investigations, planar pulsed polarization sensors were built using an electrolyte thick film and platinum interdigital electrodes on alumina substrates. Two different sensor layouts were investigated, the first with buried Pt electrodes under the electrolyte and the second one with conventional overlying Pt electrodes. Electrolyte thick films were either formed by aerosol deposition or by screen-printing, therefore exhibiting a dense or porous microstructure, respectively. For screen-printed electrolytes, the influence of the electrolyte resistance on the NO x sensing ability was investigated as well. Sensors with buried electrodes showed little to no response even at higher NO x concentrations, in good agreement with the intended sensor mechanism. Electrolyte films with overlying electrodes, however, allowed the quantitative detection of NO x . In particular, aerosol deposited electrolytes exhibited high sensitivities with a sensor output signal Δ U of 50 mV and 75 mV for 3 ppm of NO and NO₂, respectively. For screen-printed electrolytes, a clear trend indicated a decrease in sensitivity with increased electrolyte resistance.

  3. Construction of a carbon ionic liquid paste electrode based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes-synthesized Schiff base composite for trace electrochemical detection of cadmium.

    PubMed

    Afkhami, Abbas; Khoshsafar, Hosein; Bagheri, Hasan; Madrakian, Tayyebeh

    2014-02-01

    A simple, highly sensitive and selective carbon nanocomposite electrode has been developed for the electrochemical trace determination of cadmium. This sensor was designed by incorporation of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and a new synthesized Schiff base into the carbon paste ionic liquid electrode (CPE(IL)) which provides remarkably improved sensitivity and selectivity for the electrochemical stripping assay of Cd(II). The detection limit of the method was found to be 0.08 μg L(-1) (S/N=3) that is lower than the maximum contaminant level of Cd(II) allowed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in standard drinking waters. The proposed electrode exhibits good applicability for monitoring Cd(II) in various real samples. © 2013.

  4. Understanding electrical conduction in lithium ion batteries through multi-scale modeling

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pan, Jie

    Silicon (Si) has been considered as a promising negative electrode material for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) because of its high theoretical capacity, low discharge voltage, and low cost. However, the utilization of Si electrode has been hampered by problems such as slow ionic transport, large stress/strain generation, and unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). These problems severely influence the performance and cycle life of Si electrodes. In general, ionic conduction determines the rate performance of the electrode, while electron leakage through the SEI causes electrolyte decomposition and, thus, causes capacity loss. The goal of this thesis research is to design Si electrodes with high current efficiency and durability through a fundamental understanding of the ionic and electronic conduction in Si and its SEI. Multi-scale physical and chemical processes occur in the electrode during charging and discharging. This thesis, thus, focuses on multi-scale modeling, including developing new methods, to help understand these coupled physical and chemical processes. For example, we developed a new method based on ab initio molecular dynamics to study the effects of stress/strain on Li ion transport in amorphous lithiated Si electrodes. This method not only quantitatively shows the effect of stress on ionic transport in amorphous materials, but also uncovers the underlying atomistic mechanisms. However, the origin of ionic conduction in the inorganic components in SEI is different from that in the amorphous Si electrode. To tackle this problem, we developed a model by separating the problem into two scales: 1) atomistic scale: defect physics and transport in individual SEI components with consideration of the environment, e.g., LiF in equilibrium with Si electrode; 2) mesoscopic scale: defect distribution near the heterogeneous interface based on a space charge model. In addition, to help design better artificial SEI, we further demonstrated a theoretical design of multicomponent SEIs by utilizing the synergetic effect found in the natural SEI. We show that the electrical conduction can be optimized by varying the grain size and volume fraction of two phases in the artificial multicomponent SEI.

  5. Improving Impedance of Implantable Microwire Multi-Electrode Arrays by Ultrasonic Electroplating of Durable Platinum Black

    PubMed Central

    Desai, Sharanya Arcot; Rolston, John D.; Guo, Liang; Potter, Steve M.

    2010-01-01

    Implantable microelectrode arrays (MEAs) have been a boon for neural stimulation and recording experiments. Commercially available MEAs have high impedances, due to their low surface area and small tip diameters, which are suitable for recording single unit activity. Lowering the electrode impedance, but preserving the small diameter, would provide a number of advantages, including reduced stimulation voltages, reduced stimulation artifacts and improved signal-to-noise ratio. Impedance reductions can be achieved by electroplating the MEAs with platinum (Pt) black, which increases the surface area but has little effect on the physical extent of the electrodes. However, because of the low durability of Pt black plating, this method has not been popular for chronic use. Sonicoplating (i.e. electroplating under ultrasonic agitation) has been shown to improve the durability of Pt black on the base metals of macro-electrodes used for cyclic voltammetry. This method has not previously been characterized for MEAs used in chronic neural implants. We show here that sonicoplating can lower the impedances of microwire multi-electrode arrays (MMEA) by an order of magnitude or more (depending on the time and voltage of electroplating), with better durability compared to pulsed plating or traditional DC methods. We also show the improved stimulation and recording performance that can be achieved in an in vivo implantation study with the sonicoplated low-impedance MMEAs, compared to high-impedance unplated electrodes. PMID:20485478

  6. Construction and performance characterization of screen printed and carbon paste ion selective electrodes for potentiometric determination of naphazoline hydrochloride in pharmaceutical preparations.

    PubMed

    Frag, Eman Y Z; Mohamed, Gehad G; El-Dien, F A Nour; Mohamed, Marwa E

    2011-01-21

    This paper describes the development of screen-printed (SPE) and carbon paste (CPE) sensors for the rapid and sensitive quantification of naphazoline hydrochloride (NPZ) in pharmaceutical formulations. This work compares the electroactivity of conventional carbon paste and screen-printed carbon paste electrodes towards potentiometric titration of NPZ. The repeatability and accuracy of measurements performed in the analysis of these pharmaceutical matrices using new screen printed sensors were evaluated. The influence of the electrode composition, conditioning time of the electrode and pH of the test solution, on the electrode performance were investigated. The drug electrode showed Nernstain responses in the concentration range from 1 × 10(-6) to 1 × 10(-2) mol L(-1) with slopes of 57.5 ± 1.3 and 55.9 ± 1.6 mV per decade for SPE and CPE, respectively, and was found to be very precise and usable within the pH range 3-8. These sensors exhibited a fast response time (about 3 s for both SPE and CPE, respectively), a low detection limit (3.5 × 10(-6) and 1.5 × 10(-6) M for SPE and CPE, respectively), a long lifetime (3 and 2 months for SPE and CPE, respectively) and good stability. The selectivity of the electrode toward a large number of inorganic cations, sugars and amino acids was tested. It was applied to potentiometric determination of NPZ in pure state and pharmaceutical preparation under batch conditions. The percentage recovery values for the assay of NPZ in tablets (relative standard deviations ≤0.3% for n = 4) were compared well with those obtained by the official method.

  7. Graphene-based supercapacitors in the parallel-plate electrode configuration: ionic liquids versus organic electrolytes.

    PubMed

    Shim, Youngseon; Kim, Hyung J; Jung, Younjoon

    2012-01-01

    Supercapacitors with two single-sheet graphene electrodes in the parallel plate geometry are studied via molecular dynamics (MD) computer simulations. Pure 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMI+BF4-) and a 1.1 M solution of EMI+BF4- in acetonitrile are considered as prototypes of room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) and organic electrolytes. Electrolyte structure, charge density and associated electric potential are investigated by varying the charges and separation of the two electrodes. Multiple charge layers formed in the electrolytes in the vicinity of the electrodes are found to screen the electrode surface charge almost completely. As a result, the supercapacitors show nearly an ideal electric double layer behavior, i.e., the electric potential exhibits essentially a plateau behavior in the entire electrolyte region except for sharp changes in screening zones very close to the electrodes. Due to its small size and large charge separation, BF4- is considerably more efficient in shielding electrode charges than EMI+. In the case of the acetonitrile solution, acetonitrile also plays an important role by aligning its dipoles near the electrodes; however, the overall screening mainly arises from ions. Because of the disparity of shielding efficiency between cations and anions, the capacitance of the positively-charged anode is significantly larger than that of the negatively-charged cathode. Therefore, the total cell capacitance in the parallel plate configuration is primarily governed by the cathode. Ion conductivity obtained via the Green-Kubo (GK) method is found to be largely independent of the electrode surface charge. Interestingly, EMI+BF4- shows higher GK ion conductivity than the 1.1 M acetonitrile solution between two parallel plate electrodes.

  8. Advanced Catalysts for Fuel Cells

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Narayanan, Sekharipuram R.; Whitacre, Jay; Valdez, T. I.

    2006-01-01

    This viewgraph presentation reviews the development of catalyst for Fuel Cells. The objectives of the project are to reduce the cost of stack components and reduce the amount of precious metal used in fuel cell construction. A rapid combinatorial screening technique based on multi-electrode thin film array has been developed and validated for identifying catalysts for oxygen reduction; focus shifted from methanol oxidation in FY05 to oxygen reduction in FY06. Multi-electrode arrays of thin film catalysts of Pt-Ni and Pt-Ni-Zr have been deposited. Pt-Ni and have been characterized electrochemically and structurally. Pt-Ni-Zr and Pt-Ni films show higher current density and onset potential compared to Pt. Electrocatalytic activity and onset potential are found to be strong function of the lattice constant. Thin film Pt(59)Ni(39)Zr(2) can provide 10 times the current density of thin film Pt. Thin film Pt(59)Ni(39)Zr(2) also shows 65mV higher onset potential than Pt.

  9. Method for control of edge effects of oxidant electrode

    DOEpatents

    Carr, Peter; Chi, Chen H.

    1980-12-23

    Described is an electrode assembly comprising; a. a porous electrode having a first and second exterior face with a cavity formed in the interior between said exterior faces thereby having first and second interior faces positioned opposite the first and second exterior faces; b. a counter electrode positioned facing each of the first and second exterior faces of the porous electrode; c. means for passing an oxidant through said porous electrode; and d. screening means for blocking the interior face of the porous electrode a greater amount than the blocking of the respective exterior face of the porous electrode, thereby maintaining a differential of oxidant electrode surface between the interior face and the exterior face. The electrode assembly is useful in a metal, halogen, halogen hydrate electrical energy storage device.

  10. Galvanostatic electrodeposition of copper nanoparticles on screen-printed carbon electrodes and their application for reducing sugars determination.

    PubMed

    Pérez-Fernández, Beatriz; Martín-Yerga, Daniel; Costa-García, Agustín

    2017-12-01

    In this work, a novel method for the galvanostatic electrodeposition of copper nanoparticles on screen-printed carbon electrodes was developed. Nanoparticles of spherical morphology with sizes between 60 and 280nm were obtained. The electrocatalytic effect of these copper nanospheres towards the oxidation of different sugars was studied. Excellent analytical performance was obtained with the nanostructured sensor: low detection limits and wide linear ranges (1-10,000µM) were achieving for the different reducing sugars evaluated (glucose, fructose, arabinose, galactose, mannose, xylose) with very similar calibration slopes, which demonstrates the possibility of total sugar detection. The reproducibility of these sensors was 4.4% (intra-electrode) and 7.2% (inter-electrode). The stability of the nanostructured electrodes was at least 30 days, even using the same device on different days. Several real samples (honey, orange juice and normal and sugar-free soft drinks) were evaluated to study the reliability of the nanostructured sensor. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. A multi-pad electrode based functional electrical stimulation system for restoration of grasp

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background Functional electrical stimulation (FES) applied via transcutaneous electrodes is a common rehabilitation technique for assisting grasp in patients with central nervous system lesions. To improve the stimulation effectiveness of conventional FES, we introduce multi-pad electrodes and a new stimulation paradigm. Methods The new FES system comprises an electrode composed of small pads that can be activated individually. This electrode allows the targeting of motoneurons that activate synergistic muscles and produce a functional movement. The new stimulation paradigm allows asynchronous activation of motoneurons and provides controlled spatial distribution of the electrical charge that is delivered to the motoneurons. We developed an automated technique for the determination of the preferred electrode based on a cost function that considers the required movement of the fingers and the stabilization of the wrist joint. The data used within the cost function come from a sensorized garment that is easy to implement and does not require calibration. The design of the system also includes the possibility for fine-tuning and adaptation with a manually controllable interface. Results The device was tested on three stroke patients. The results show that the multi-pad electrodes provide the desired level of selectivity and can be used for generating a functional grasp. The results also show that the procedure, when performed on a specific user, results in the preferred electrode configuration characteristics for that patient. The findings from this study are of importance for the application of transcutaneous stimulation in the clinical and home environments. PMID:23009589

  12. Method for fabricating carbon/lithium-ion electrode for rechargeable lithium cell

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Attia, Alan I. (Inventor); Halpert, Gerald (Inventor); Huang, Chen-Kuo (Inventor); Surampudi, Subbarao (Inventor)

    1995-01-01

    The method includes steps for forming a carbon electrode composed of graphitic carbon particles adhered by an ethylene propylene diene monomer binder. An effective binder composition is disclosed for achieving a carbon electrode capable of subsequent intercalation by lithium ions. The method also includes steps for reacting the carbon electrode with lithium ions to incorporate lithium ions into graphitic carbon particles of the electrode. An electrical current is repeatedly applied to the carbon electrode to initially cause a surface reaction between the lithium ions and to the carbon and subsequently cause intercalation of the lithium ions into crystalline layers of the graphitic carbon particles. With repeated application of the electrical current, intercalation is achieved to near a theoretical maximum. Two differing multi-stage intercalation processes are disclosed. In the first, a fixed current is reapplied. In the second, a high current is initially applied, followed by a single subsequent lower current stage. Resulting carbon/lithium-ion electrodes are well suited for use as an anode in a reversible, ambient temperature, lithium cell.

  13. Integrated Affinity Biosensing Platforms on Screen-Printed Electrodes Electrografted with Diazonium Salts

    PubMed Central

    Yáñez-Sedeño, Paloma

    2018-01-01

    Adequate selection of the electrode surface and the strategies for its modification to enable subsequent immobilization of biomolecules and/or nanomaterials integration play a major role in the performance of electrochemical affinity biosensors. Because of the simplicity, rapidity and versatility, electrografting using diazonium salt reduction is among the most currently used functionalization methods to provide the attachment of an organic layer to a conductive substrate. This particular chemistry has demonstrated to be a powerful tool to covalently immobilize in a stable and reproducible way a wide range of biomolecules or nanomaterials onto different electrode surfaces. Considering the great progress and interesting features arisen in the last years, this paper outlines the potential of diazonium chemistry to prepare single or multianalyte electrochemical affinity biosensors on screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) and points out the existing challenges and future directions in this field. PMID:29495294

  14. Integrated Affinity Biosensing Platforms on Screen-Printed Electrodes Electrografted with Diazonium Salts.

    PubMed

    Yáñez-Sedeño, Paloma; Campuzano, Susana; Pingarrón, José M

    2018-02-24

    Adequate selection of the electrode surface and the strategies for its modification to enable subsequent immobilization of biomolecules and/or nanomaterials integration play a major role in the performance of electrochemical affinity biosensors. Because of the simplicity, rapidity and versatility, electrografting using diazonium salt reduction is among the most currently used functionalization methods to provide the attachment of an organic layer to a conductive substrate. This particular chemistry has demonstrated to be a powerful tool to covalently immobilize in a stable and reproducible way a wide range of biomolecules or nanomaterials onto different electrode surfaces. Considering the great progress and interesting features arisen in the last years, this paper outlines the potential of diazonium chemistry to prepare single or multianalyte electrochemical affinity biosensors on screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) and points out the existing challenges and future directions in this field.

  15. Electrochemical determination of estrogenic compound bisphenol F in food packaging using carboxyl functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified glassy carbon electrode.

    PubMed

    Wang, Xin; Yang, Lijun; Jin, Xudong; Zhang, Lei

    2014-08-15

    A simple and highly sensitive electroanalytical method for the determination of bisphenol F (BPF) was developed, which was carried out on multi-walled carbon nanotubes-COOH (MWCNT-COOH) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The results showed that MWCNT-COOH remarkably enhanced the oxidation of BPF, which improved the anodic peak current of BPF significantly. The mechanism was oxidation of BPF lose electrons on the electrode surface via adsorption-controlled process, electrode reaction is the two electrons/two protons process. Under the optimised conditions, the oxidation peak current was proportional to BPF concentration the range from 0.12 to 6.01 μg mL(-1). The detection limit was 0.11 μg mL(-1) (S/N=3), and the relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) was 3.5% (n=9). Moreover, the MWCNT-COOH/GCE electrode showed good reproducibility, stability and anti-interference. Therefore, the proposed method was successfully applied to determine BPF in food packing and the results were satisfactory. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Numerical and Analytical Model of an Electrodynamic Dust Shield for Solar Panels on Mars

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Calle, C. I.; Linell, B.; Chen, A.; Meyer, J.; Clements, S.; Mazumder, M. K.

    2006-01-01

    Masuda and collaborators at the University of Tokyo developed a method to confine and transport particles called the electric curtain in which a series of parallel electrodes connected to an AC source generates a traveling wave that acts as a contactless conveyor. The curtain electrodes can be excited by a single-phase or a multi-phase AC voltage. A multi-phase curtain produces a non-uniform traveling wave that provides controlled transport of those particles [1-6]. Multi-phase electric curtains from two to six phases have been developed and studied by several research groups [7-9]. We have developed an Electrodynamic Dust Shield prototype using threephase AC voltage electrodes to remove dust from surfaces. The purpose of the modeling work presented here is to research and to better understand the physics governing the electrodynamic shield, as well as to advance and to support the experimental dust shield research.

  17. Method of making a multi-electrode double layer capacitor having single electrolyte seal and aluminum-impregnated carbon cloth electrodes

    DOEpatents

    Farahmandi, C. Joseph; Dispennette, John M.; Blank, Edward; Kolb, Alan C.

    2002-09-17

    A single cell, multi-electrode high performance double layer capacitor includes first and second flat stacks of electrodes adapted to be housed in a closeable two-part capacitor case which includes only a single electrolyte seal. Each electrode stack has a plurality of electrodes connected in parallel, with the electrodes of one stack being interleaved with the electrodes of the other stack to form an interleaved stack, and with the electrodes of each stack being electrically connected to respective capacitor terminals. A porous separator is positioned against the electrodes of one stack before interleaving to prevent electrical shorts between the electrodes. The electrodes are made by folding a compressible, low resistance, aluminum-impregnated carbon cloth, made from activated carbon fibers, around a current collector foil, with a tab of the foils of each electrode of each stack being connected in parallel and connected to the respective capacitor terminal. The height of the interleaved stack is somewhat greater than the inside height of the closed capacitor case, thereby requiring compression of the interleaved electrode stack when placed inside of the case, and thereby maintaining the interleaved electrode stack under modest constant pressure. The closed capacitor case is filled with an electrolytic solution and sealed. A preferred electrolytic solution is made by dissolving an appropriate salt into acetonitrile (CH.sub.3 CN). In one embodiment, the two parts of the capacitor case are conductive and function as the capacitor terminals.

  18. Electroanalytical sensing of chromium(III) and (VI) utilising gold screen printed macro electrodes.

    PubMed

    Metters, Jonathan P; Kadara, Rashid O; Banks, Craig E

    2012-02-21

    We report the fabrication of gold screen printed macro electrodes which are electrochemically characterised and contrasted to polycrystalline gold macroelectrodes with their potential analytical application towards the sensing of chromium(III) and (VI) critically explored. It is found that while these gold screen printed macro electrodes have electrode kinetics typically one order of magnitude lower than polycrystalline gold macroelectrodes as is measured via a standard redox probe, in terms of analytical sensing, these gold screen printed macro electrodes mimic polycrystalline gold in terms of their analytical performance towards the sensing of chromium(III) and (VI), whilst boasting additional advantages over the macro electrode due to their disposable one-shot nature and the ease of mass production. An additional advantage of these gold screen printed macro electrodes compared to polycrystalline gold is the alleviation of the requirement to potential cycle the latter to form the required gold oxide which aids in the simplification of the analytical protocol. We demonstrate that gold screen printed macro electrodes allow the low micro-molar sensing of chromium(VI) in aqueous solutions over the range 10 to 1600 μM with a limit of detection (3σ) of 4.4 μM. The feasibility of the analytical protocol is also tested through chromium(VI) detection in environmental samples.

  19. Bacteria detection instrument and method

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Renner, W.; Fealey, R. D. (Inventor)

    1972-01-01

    A method and apparatus for screening a sample fluid for bacterial presence are disclosed wherein the fluid sample is mixed with culture media of sufficient quantity to permit bacterial growth in order to obtain a test solution. The concentration of oxygen dissolved in the test solution is then monitored using the potential difference between a reference electrode and a noble metal electrode which are in contact with the test solution. The change in oxygen concentration which occurs during a period of time as indicated by the electrode potential difference is compared with a detection criterion which exceeds the change which would occur absent bacteria.

  20. Electroanalytical detection of pindolol: comparison of unmodified and reduced graphene oxide modified screen-printed graphite electrodes.

    PubMed

    Cumba, Loanda R; Smith, Jamie P; Brownson, Dale A C; Iniesta, Jesús; Metters, Jonathan P; do Carmo, Devaney R; Banks, Craig E

    2015-03-07

    Recent work has reported the first electroanalytical detection of pindolol using reduced graphene oxide (RGO) modified glassy carbon electrodes [S. Smarzewska and W. Ciesielski, Anal. Methods, 2014, 6, 5038] where it was reported that the use of RGO provided significant improvements in the electroanalytical signal in comparison to a bare (unmodified) glassy carbon electrode. We demonstrate, for the first time, that the electroanalytical quantification of pindolol is actually possible using bare (unmodified) screen-printed graphite electrodes (SPEs). This paper addresses the electroanalytical determination of pindolol utilising RGO modified SPEs. Surprisingly, it is found that bare (unmodified) SPEs provide superior electrochemical signatures over that of RGO modified SPEs. Consequently the electroanalytical sensing of pindolol is explored at bare unmodified SPEs where a linear range between 0.1 μM-10.0 μM is found to be possible whilst offering a limit of detection (3σ) corresponding to 0.097 μM. This provides a convenient yet analytically sensitive method for sensing pindolol. The optimised electroanalytical protocol using the unmodified SPEs, which requires no pre-treatment (electrode polishing) or electrode modification step (such as with the use of RGO), was then further applied to the determination of pindolol in urine samples. This work demonstrates that the use of RGO modified SPEs have no significant benefits when compared to the bare (unmodified) alternative and that the RGO free electrode surface can provide electro-analytically useful performances.

  1. Screen-printed calcium-birnessite electrodes for water oxidation at neutral pH and an "electrochemical harriman series".

    PubMed

    Lee, Seung Y; González-Flores, Diego; Ohms, Jonas; Trost, Tim; Dau, Holger; Zaharieva, Ivelina; Kurz, Philipp

    2014-12-01

    A mild screen-printing method was developed to coat conductive oxide surfaces (here: fluorine-doped tin oxide) with micrometer-thick layers of presynthesized calcium manganese oxide (Ca-birnessite) particles. After optimization steps concerning the printing process and layer thickness, electrodes were obtained that could be used as corrosion-stable water-oxidizing anodes at pH 7 to yield current densities of 1 mA cm(-2) at an overpotential of less than 500 mV. Analyses of the electrode coatings of optimal thickness (≈10 μm) indicated that composition, oxide phase, and morphology of the synthetic Ca-birnessite particles were hardly affected by the screen-printing procedure. However, a more detailed analysis by X-ray absorption spectroscopy revealed small modifications of both the Mn redox state and the structure at the atomic level, which could affect functional properties such as proton conductivity. Furthermore, the versatile new screen-printing method was used for a comparative study of various transition-metal oxides concerning electrochemical water oxidation under "artificial leaf conditions" (neutral pH, fairly low overpotential and current density), for which a general activity ranking of RuO2 >Co3 O4 ≈(Ca)MnOx ≈NiO was observed. Within the group of screened manganese oxides, Ca-birnessite performed better than "Mn-only materials" such as Mn2 O3 and MnO2 . © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  2. Screen-Printed Carbon Electrodes Modified with Cobalt Phthalocyanine for Selective Sulfur Detection in Cosmetic Products

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Pei-Yen; Luo, Chin-Hsiang; Chen, Mei-Chin; Tsai, Feng-Jie; Chang, Nai-Fang; Shih, Ying

    2011-01-01

    Cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) films were deposited on the surface of a screen-printed carbon electrode using a simple drop coating method. The cyclic voltammogram of the resulting CoPc modified screen-printed electrode (CoPc/SPE) prepared under optimum conditions shows a well-behaved redox couple due to the (CoI/CoII) system. The CoPc/SPE surface demonstrates excellent electrochemical activity towards the oxidation of sulfur in a 0.01 mol·L−1 NaOH. A linear calibration curve with the detection limit (DL, S/N = 3) of 0.325 mg·L−1 was achieved by CoPc/SPE coupled with flow injection analysis of the sulfur concentration ranging from 4 to 1120 mg·L−1. The precision of the system response was evaluated (3.60% and 3.52% RSD for 12 repeated injections), in the range of 64 and 480 mg·L−1 sulfur. The applicability of the method was successfully demonstrated in a real sample analysis of sulfur in anti-acne creams, and good recovery was obtained. The CoPc/SPE displayed several advantages in sulfur determination including easy fabrication, high stability, and low cost. PMID:21747708

  3. "I'm on it 24/7 at the moment": a qualitative examination of multi-screen viewing behaviours among UK 10-11 year olds.

    PubMed

    Jago, Russell; Sebire, Simon J; Gorely, Trish; Cillero, Itziar Hoyos; Biddle, Stuart J H

    2011-08-03

    Screen-viewing has been associated with increased body mass, increased risk of metabolic syndrome and lower psychological well-being among children and adolescents. There is a shortage of information about the nature of contemporary screen-viewing amongst children especially given the rapid advances in screen-viewing equipment technology and their widespread availability. Anecdotal evidence suggests that large numbers of children embrace the multi-functionality of current devices to engage in multiple forms of screen-viewing at the same time. In this paper we used qualitative methods to assess the nature and extent of multiple forms of screen-viewing in UK children. Focus groups were conducted with 10-11 year old children (n = 63) who were recruited from five primary schools in Bristol, UK. Topics included the types of screen-viewing in which the participants engaged; whether the participants ever engaged in more than one form of screen-viewing at any time and if so the nature of this multiple viewing; reasons for engaging in multi-screen-viewing; the room within the house where multi-screen-viewing took place and the reasons for selecting that room. All focus groups were transcribed verbatim, anonymised and thematically analysed. Multi-screen viewing was a common behaviour. Although multi-screen viewing often involved watching TV, TV viewing was often the background behaviour with attention focussed towards a laptop, handheld device or smart-phone. There were three main reasons for engaging in multi-screen viewing: 1) tempering impatience that was associated with a programme loading; 2) multi-screen facilitated filtering out unwanted content such as advertisements; and 3) multi-screen viewing was perceived to be enjoyable. Multi-screen viewing occurred either in the child's bedroom or in the main living area of the home. There was considerable variability in the level and timing of viewing and this appeared to be a function of whether the participants attended after-school clubs. UK children regularly engage in two or more forms of screen-viewing at the same time. There are currently no means of assessing multi-screen viewing nor any interventions that specifically focus on reducing multi-screen viewing. To reduce children's overall screen-viewing we need to understand and then develop approaches to reduce multi-screen viewing among children.

  4. Electrochemical cells and methods of manufacturing the same

    DOEpatents

    Bazzarella, Ricardo; Slocum, Alexander H; Doherty, Tristan; Cross, III, James C

    2015-11-03

    Electrochemical cells and methods of making electrochemical cells are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a multi-layer sheet for encasing an electrode material for an electrochemical cell. The multi-layer sheet including an outer layer, an intermediate layer that includes a conductive substrate, and an inner layer disposed on a portion of the conductive substrate. The intermediate layer is disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer. The inner layer defines an opening through which a conductive region of the intermediate layer is exposed such that the electrode material can be electrically connected to the conductive region. Thus, the intermediate layer can serve as a current collector for the electrochemical cell.

  5. A Simple and Accurate Model to Predict Responses to Multi-electrode Stimulation in the Retina

    PubMed Central

    Maturana, Matias I.; Apollo, Nicholas V.; Hadjinicolaou, Alex E.; Garrett, David J.; Cloherty, Shaun L.; Kameneva, Tatiana; Grayden, David B.; Ibbotson, Michael R.; Meffin, Hamish

    2016-01-01

    Implantable electrode arrays are widely used in therapeutic stimulation of the nervous system (e.g. cochlear, retinal, and cortical implants). Currently, most neural prostheses use serial stimulation (i.e. one electrode at a time) despite this severely limiting the repertoire of stimuli that can be applied. Methods to reliably predict the outcome of multi-electrode stimulation have not been available. Here, we demonstrate that a linear-nonlinear model accurately predicts neural responses to arbitrary patterns of stimulation using in vitro recordings from single retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) stimulated with a subretinal multi-electrode array. In the model, the stimulus is projected onto a low-dimensional subspace and then undergoes a nonlinear transformation to produce an estimate of spiking probability. The low-dimensional subspace is estimated using principal components analysis, which gives the neuron’s electrical receptive field (ERF), i.e. the electrodes to which the neuron is most sensitive. Our model suggests that stimulation proportional to the ERF yields a higher efficacy given a fixed amount of power when compared to equal amplitude stimulation on up to three electrodes. We find that the model captures the responses of all the cells recorded in the study, suggesting that it will generalize to most cell types in the retina. The model is computationally efficient to evaluate and, therefore, appropriate for future real-time applications including stimulation strategies that make use of recorded neural activity to improve the stimulation strategy. PMID:27035143

  6. Design of multi-wavelength tunable filter based on Lithium Niobate

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhang, Ailing; Yao, Yuan; Zhang, Yue; Song, Hongyun

    2018-05-01

    A multi-wavelength tunable filter is designed. It consists of multiple waveguides among multiple waveguide gratings. A pair of electrodes were placed on both sides of each waveguide. The tunable filter uses the electro-optic effect of Lithium Niobate to tune the phase caused by each waveguide. Consequently, the wavelength and wavelength spacing of the filter are tuned by changing external voltages added on the electrode pairs. The tunable property of the filter is analyzed by phase matching condition and transfer-matrix method. Numerical results show that not only multiple wavelengths with narrow bandwidth are tuned with nearly equal spacing by synchronously changing the voltages added on all electrode pairs, but also the number of wavelengths is determined by the number of phase shifts caused by electrode pairs. Furthermore, due to the electro-optic effect of Lithium Niobate, the tuning speed of the filter can reach the order of ns.

  7. Performance evaluation of thermally treated graphite felt electrodes for vanadium redox flow battery and their four-point single cell characterization

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mazúr, P.; Mrlík, J.; Beneš, J.; Pocedič, J.; Vrána, J.; Dundálek, J.; Kosek, J.

    2018-03-01

    In our contribution we study the electrocatalytic effect of oxygen functionalization of thermally treated graphite felt on kinetics of electrode reactions of vanadium redox flow battery. Chemical and morphological changes of the felts are analysed by standard physico-chemical characterization techniques. A complex method four-point method is developed and employed for characterization of the felts in a laboratory single-cell. The method is based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and load curves measurements of positive and negative half-cells using platinum wire pseudo-reference electrodes. The distribution of ohmic and faradaic losses within a single-cell is evaluated for both symmetric and asymmetric electrode set-up with respect to the treatment conditions. Positive effect of oxygen functionalization is observed only for negative electrode, whereas kinetics of positive electrode reaction is almost unaffected by the treatment. This is in a contradiction to the results of typically employed cyclovoltammetric characterization which indicate that both electrodes are enhanced by the treatment to a similar extent. The developed four-point characterization method can be further used e.g., for the component screening and in-situ durability studies on single-cell scale redox flow batteries of various chemistries.

  8. Electrophysiological Analysis of human Pluripotent Stem Cell-derived Cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) Using Multi-electrode Arrays (MEAs).

    PubMed

    Sala, Luca; Ward-van Oostwaard, Dorien; Tertoolen, Leon G J; Mummery, Christine L; Bellin, Milena

    2017-05-12

    Cardiomyocytes can now be derived with high efficiency from both human embryonic and human induced-Pluripotent Stem Cells (hPSC). hPSC-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) are increasingly recognized as having great value for modeling cardiovascular diseases in humans, especially arrhythmia syndromes. They have also demonstrated relevance as in vitro systems for predicting drug responses, which makes them potentially useful for drug-screening and discovery, safety pharmacology and perhaps eventually for personalized medicine. This would be facilitated by deriving hPSC-CMs from patients or susceptible individuals as hiPSCs. For all applications, however, precise measurement and analysis of hPSC-CM electrical properties are essential for identifying changes due to cardiac ion channel mutations and/or drugs that target ion channels and can cause sudden cardiac death. Compared with manual patch-clamp, multi-electrode array (MEA) devices offer the advantage of allowing medium- to high-throughput recordings. This protocol describes how to dissociate 2D cell cultures of hPSC-CMs to small aggregates and single cells and plate them on MEAs to record their spontaneous electrical activity as field potential. Methods for analyzing the recorded data to extract specific parameters, such as the QT and the RR intervals, are also described here. Changes in these parameters would be expected in hPSC-CMs carrying mutations responsible for cardiac arrhythmias and following addition of specific drugs, allowing detection of those that carry a cardiotoxic risk.

  9. Recycling Metals from Spent Screen-Printed Electrodes While Learning the Fundamentals of Electrochemical Sensing

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    González-Sánchez, María-Isabel; Gómez-Monedero, Beatriz; Agrisuelas, Jerónimo; Valero, Edelmira

    2018-01-01

    A laboratory experiment in which students recycle silver and platinum selectively from spent screen-printed platinum electrodes is described. The recovered silver in solution is used to show its spontaneous redox reaction with a copper sheet. The recovered platinum is electrodeposited onto a screen-printed carbon electrode to develop a sensor for…

  10. Silicon/SU8 multi-electrode micro-needle for in vivo neurochemical monitoring.

    PubMed

    Vasylieva, Natalia; Marinesco, Stéphane; Barbier, Daniel; Sabac, Andrei

    2015-10-15

    Simultaneous monitoring of glucose and lactate is an important challenge for understanding brain energetics in physiological or pathological states. We demonstrate here a versatile method based on a minimally invasive single implantation in the rat brain. A silicon/SU8-polymer multi-sensing needle-shaped biosensor, was fabricated and tested. The multi-electrode array design comprises three platinum planar microelectrodes with a surface area of 40 × 200 µm(2) and a spacing of 200 µm, which were micromachined on a single 3mm long micro-needle having a 100 × 50 µm(2) cross-section for reduced tissue damage during implantation. Platinum micro-electrodes were aligned at the bottom of micro-wells obtained by photolithography on a SU8 photoresist layer. After clean room processing, each micro-electrode was functionalized inside the micro-wells by means of a micro-dispensing device, either with glucose oxidase or with lactate oxidase, which were cross-linked on the platinum electrodes. The third electrode covered with Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) was used for the control of non-specific currents. The thick SU8 photoresist layer has revealed excellent electrical insulation of the micro-electrodes and between interconnection lines, and ensured a precise localization and packaging of the sensing enzymes on platinum micro-electrodes. During in vitro calibration with concentrations of analytes in the mM range, the micro-wells patterned in the SU8 photoresist proved to be highly effective in eliminating cross-talk signals, caused by H2O2 diffusion from closely spaced micro-electrodes. Moreover, our biosensor was successfully assayed in the rat cortex for simultaneous monitoring of both glucose and lactate during insulin and glucose administration. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  11. Screen-printed back-to-back electroanalytical sensors.

    PubMed

    Metters, Jonathan P; Randviir, Edward P; Banks, Craig E

    2014-11-07

    We introduce the concept of screen-printed back-to-back electroanalytical sensors where in this facile and generic approach, screen-printed electrodes are printed back-to-back with a common electrical connection to the two working electrodes with the counter and reference electrodes for each connected in the same manner as a normal "traditional" screen-printed sensor would be. This approach utilises the usually redundant back of the screen-printed sensor, converting this "dead-space" into a further electrochemical sensor which results in improvements in the analytical performance. In the use of the back-to-back design, the electrode area is consequently doubled with improvements in the analytical performance observed with the analytical sensitivity (gradient of a plot of peak height/analytical signal against concentration) doubling and the corresponding limit-of-detection being reduced. We also demonstrate that through intelligent electrode design, a quadruple in the observed analytical sensitivity can also be realised when double microband electrodes are used in the back-to-back configuration as long as they are placed sufficiently apart such that no diffusional interaction occurs. Such work is generic in nature and can be facilely applied to a plethora of screen-printed (and related) sensors utilising the commonly overlooked redundant back of the electrode providing facile improvements in the electroanalytical performance.

  12. A ranking method for the concurrent learning of compounds with various activity profiles.

    PubMed

    Dörr, Alexander; Rosenbaum, Lars; Zell, Andreas

    2015-01-01

    In this study, we present a SVM-based ranking algorithm for the concurrent learning of compounds with different activity profiles and their varying prioritization. To this end, a specific labeling of each compound was elaborated in order to infer virtual screening models against multiple targets. We compared the method with several state-of-the-art SVM classification techniques that are capable of inferring multi-target screening models on three chemical data sets (cytochrome P450s, dehydrogenases, and a trypsin-like protease data set) containing three different biological targets each. The experiments show that ranking-based algorithms show an increased performance for single- and multi-target virtual screening. Moreover, compounds that do not completely fulfill the desired activity profile are still ranked higher than decoys or compounds with an entirely undesired profile, compared to other multi-target SVM methods. SVM-based ranking methods constitute a valuable approach for virtual screening in multi-target drug design. The utilization of such methods is most helpful when dealing with compounds with various activity profiles and the finding of many ligands with an already perfectly matching activity profile is not to be expected.

  13. Pulsed depressed collector

    DOEpatents

    Kemp, Mark A

    2015-11-03

    A high power RF device has an electron beam cavity, a modulator, and a circuit for feed-forward energy recovery from a multi-stage depressed collector to the modulator. The electron beam cavity include a cathode, an anode, and the multi-stage depressed collector, and the modulator is configured to provide pulses to the cathode. Voltages of the electrode stages of the multi-stage depressed collector are allowed to float as determined by fixed impedances seen by the electrode stages. The energy recovery circuit includes a storage capacitor that dynamically biases potentials of the electrode stages of the multi-stage depressed collector and provides recovered energy from the electrode stages of the multi-stage depressed collector to the modulator. The circuit may also include a step-down transformer, where the electrode stages of the multi-stage depressed collector are electrically connected to separate taps on the step-down transformer.

  14. Contribution of Dielectric Screening to the Total Capacitance of Few-Layer Graphene Electrodes.

    PubMed

    Zhan, Cheng; Jiang, De-en

    2016-03-03

    We apply joint density functional theory (JDFT), which treats the electrode/electrolyte interface self-consistently, to an electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) based on few-layer graphene electrodes. The JDFT approach allows us to quantify a third contribution to the total capacitance beyond quantum capacitance (CQ) and EDL capacitance (CEDL). This contribution arises from the dielectric screening of the electric field by the surface of the few-layer graphene electrode, and we therefore term it the dielectric capacitance (CDielec). We find that CDielec becomes significant in affecting the total capacitance when the number of graphene layers in the electrode is more than three. Our investigation sheds new light on the significance of the electrode dielectric screening on the capacitance of few-layer graphene electrodes.

  15. Stretched-to-compressed-exponential crossover observed in the electrical degradation kinetics of some spinel-metallic screen-printed structures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Balitska, V.; Shpotyuk, O.; Brunner, M.; Hadzaman, I.

    2018-02-01

    Thermally-induced (170 °C) degradation-relaxation kinetics is examined in screen-printed structures composed of spinel Cu0.1Ni0.1Co1.6Mn1.2O4 ceramics with conductive Ag or Ag-Pd layered electrodes. Structural inhomogeneities due to Ag and Ag-Pd diffusants in spinel phase environment play a decisive role in non-exponential kinetics of negative relative resistance drift. If Ag migration in spinel is inhibited by Pd addition due to Ag-Pd alloy, the kinetics attains stretched exponential behavior with ∼0.58 exponent, typical for one-stage diffusion in structurally-dispersive media. Under deep Ag penetration into spinel ceramics, as for thick films with Ag-layered electrodes, the degradation kinetics drastically changes, attaining features of two-step diffusing process governed by compressed-exponential dependence with power index of ∼1.68. Crossover from stretched- to compressed-exponential kinetics in spinel-metallic structures is mapped on free energy landscape of non-barrier multi-well system under strong perturbation from equilibrium, showing transition with a character downhill scenario resulting in faster than exponential decaying.

  16. Electrochemical Sensors Based on Screen-Printed Electrodes: The Use of Phthalocyanine Derivatives for Application in VFA Detection

    PubMed Central

    Ndiaye, Amadou L.; Delile, Sébastien; Brunet, Jérôme; Varenne, Christelle; Pauly, Alain

    2016-01-01

    Here, we report on the use of electrochemical methods for the detection of volatiles fatty acids (VFAs), namely acetic acid. We used tetra-tert-butyl phthalocyanine (PcH2-tBu) as the sensing material and investigated its electroanalytical properties by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV). To realize the electrochemical sensing system, the PcH2-tBu has been dropcast-deposited on carbon (C) orgold (Au)screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) and characterized by cyclic voltammetry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The SEM analysis reveals that the PcH2-tBu forms mainly aggregates on the SPEs. The modified electrodes are used for the detection of acetic acid and present a linear current increase when the acetic acid concentration increases. The Cmodified electrode presents a limit of detection (LOD) of 25.77 mM in the range of 100 mM–400 mM, while the Aumodified electrode presents an LOD averaging 40.89 mM in the range of 50 mM–300 mM. When the experiment is realized in a buffered condition, theCmodified electrode presents a lower LOD, which averagesthe 7.76 mM. A pronounced signal decay attributed to an electrode alteration is observed in the case of the gold electrode. This electrode alteration severely affects the coating stability. This alteration is less perceptible in the case of the carbon electrode. PMID:27598214

  17. Recent progress in multi-electrode spike sorting methods

    PubMed Central

    Lefebvre, Baptiste; Yger, Pierre; Marre, Olivier

    2017-01-01

    In recent years, arrays of extracellular electrodes have been developed and manufactured to record simultaneously from hundreds of electrodes packed with a high density. These recordings should allow neuroscientists to reconstruct the individual activity of the neurons spiking in the vicinity of these electrodes, with the help of signal processing algorithms. Algorithms need to solve a source separation problem, also known as spike sorting. However, these new devices challenge the classical way to do spike sorting. Here we review different methods that have been developed to sort spikes from these large-scale recordings. We describe the common properties of these algorithms, as well as their main differences. Finally, we outline the issues that remain to be solved by future spike sorting algorithms. PMID:28263793

  18. Laccase-based biosensor for the determination of polyphenol index in wine.

    PubMed

    Di Fusco, Massimo; Tortolini, Cristina; Deriu, Daniela; Mazzei, Franco

    2010-04-15

    In this work we have developed and characterized the use of Laccases from Trametes versicolor (TvL) and Trametes hirsuta (ThL) as biocatalytic components of electrochemical biosensors for the determination of polyphenol index in wines. Polyazetidine prepolimer (PAP) was used as immobilizing agent, multi-walled and single-walled carbon nanotubes screen-printed electrodes as sensors (MWCNTs-SPE and SWCNTs-SPE) and gallic acid as standard substrate. The amperometric measurements were carried out by using a flow system at a fixed potential of -100 mV vs. silver/silver chloride electrode in Britton-Robinson buffer 0.1 mol L(-1), pH 5. The results were compared with those obtained with the Folin-Ciocalteau reference method. The results obtained in the analysis of twelve Italian wines put in evidence the better suitability of ThL-MWCNTs-based biosensor in the determination of the polyphenol index in wines. This biosensor shows fast and reliable amperometric responses to gallic acid with a linear range 0.1-18.0 mg L(-1) (r(2)=0.999). The influence of the interferences on both spectrophotometric and electrochemical measurements have been carefully evaluated. (c) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Safety and efficacy of a multi-electrode renal sympathetic denervation system in resistant hypertension: the EnligHTN I trial

    PubMed Central

    Worthley, Stephen G.; Tsioufis, Costas P.; Worthley, Matthew I.; Sinhal, Ajay; Chew, Derek P.; Meredith, Ian T.; Malaiapan, Yuvi; Papademetriou, Vasilios

    2013-01-01

    Aims Catheter-based renal artery sympathetic denervation has emerged as a novel therapy for treatment of patients with drug-resistant hypertension. Initial studies were performed using a single electrode radiofrequency catheter, but recent advances in catheter design have allowed the development of multi-electrode systems that can deliver lesions with a pre-determined pattern. This study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the EnligHTN™ multi-electrode system. Methods and results We conducted the first-in-human, prospective, multi-centre, non-randomized study in 46 patients (67% male, mean age 60 years, and mean baseline office blood pressure 176/96 mmHg) with drug-resistant hypertension. The primary efficacy objective was change in office blood pressure from baseline to 6 months. Safety measures included all adverse events with a focus on the renal artery and other vascular complications and changes in renal function. Renal artery denervation, using the EnligHTN™ system significantly reduced the office blood pressure from baseline to 1, 3, and 6 months by −28/10, −27/10 and −26/10 mmHg, respectively (P < 0.0001). No acute renal artery injury or other serious vascular complications occurred. Small, non-clinically relevant, changes in average estimated glomerular filtration rate were reported from baseline (87 ± 19 mL/min/1.73 m2) to 6 months post-procedure (82 ± 20 mL/min/1.73 m2). Conclusion Renal sympathetic denervation, using the EnligHTN™ multi-electrode catheter results in a rapid and significant office blood pressure reduction that was sustained through 6 months. The EnligHTN™ system delivers a promising therapy for the treatment of drug-resistant hypertension. PMID:23782649

  20. Conformally encapsulated multi-electrode arrays with seamless insulation

    DOEpatents

    Tabada, Phillipe J.; Shah, Kedar G.; Tolosa, Vanessa; Pannu, Satinderall S.; Tooker, Angela; Delima, Terri; Sheth, Heeral; Felix, Sarah

    2016-11-22

    Thin-film multi-electrode arrays (MEA) having one or more electrically conductive beams conformally encapsulated in a seamless block of electrically insulating material, and methods of fabricating such MEAs using reproducible, microfabrication processes. One or more electrically conductive traces are formed on scaffold material that is subsequently removed to suspend the traces over a substrate by support portions of the trace beam in contact with the substrate. By encapsulating the suspended traces, either individually or together, with a single continuous layer of an electrically insulating material, a seamless block of electrically insulating material is formed that conforms to the shape of the trace beam structure, including any trace backings which provide suspension support. Electrical contacts, electrodes, or leads of the traces are exposed from the encapsulated trace beam structure by removing the substrate.

  1. Electrochemical cells and methods of manufacturing the same

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Bazzarella, Ricardo; Slocum, Alexander H.; Doherty, Tristan

    2016-07-26

    Electrochemical cells and methods of making electrochemical cells are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a multi-layer sheet for encasing an electrode material for an electrochemical cell. The multi-layer sheet including an outer layer, an intermediate layer that includes a conductive substrate, and an inner layer disposed on a portion of the conductive substrate. The intermediate layer is disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer. The inner layer defines an opening through which a conductive region of the intermediate layer is exposed such that the electrode material can be electrically connected to the conductive region. Thus,more » the intermediate layer can serve as a current collector for the electrochemical cell.« less

  2. PaCER - A fully automated method for electrode trajectory and contact reconstruction in deep brain stimulation.

    PubMed

    Husch, Andreas; V Petersen, Mikkel; Gemmar, Peter; Goncalves, Jorge; Hertel, Frank

    2018-01-01

    Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a neurosurgical intervention where electrodes are permanently implanted into the brain in order to modulate pathologic neural activity. The post-operative reconstruction of the DBS electrodes is important for an efficient stimulation parameter tuning. A major limitation of existing approaches for electrode reconstruction from post-operative imaging that prevents the clinical routine use is that they are manual or semi-automatic, and thus both time-consuming and subjective. Moreover, the existing methods rely on a simplified model of a straight line electrode trajectory, rather than the more realistic curved trajectory. The main contribution of this paper is that for the first time we present a highly accurate and fully automated method for electrode reconstruction that considers curved trajectories. The robustness of our proposed method is demonstrated using a multi-center clinical dataset consisting of N  = 44 electrodes. In all cases the electrode trajectories were successfully identified and reconstructed. In addition, the accuracy is demonstrated quantitatively using a high-accuracy phantom with known ground truth. In the phantom experiment, the method could detect individual electrode contacts with high accuracy and the trajectory reconstruction reached an error level below 100 μm (0.046 ± 0.025 mm). An implementation of the method is made publicly available such that it can directly be used by researchers or clinicians. This constitutes an important step towards future integration of lead reconstruction into standard clinical care.

  3. Nano-fabricated perpendicular magnetic anisotropy electrodes for lateral spin valves and observation of Nernst-Ettingshausen related signals

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Chejanovsky, N.; Sharoni, A., E-mail: amos.sharoni@biu.ac.il

    2014-08-21

    Lateral spin valves (LSVs) are efficient structures for characterizing spin currents in spintronics devices. Most LSVs are based on ferromagnetic (FM) electrodes for spin-injection and detection. While there are advantages for using perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) FM, e.g., stability to nano-scaling, these have almost not been studied. This is mainly due to difficulties in fabricating PMA FMs in a lateral geometry. We present here an efficient method, based on ion-milling through an AlN mask, for fabrication of LSVs with multi-layered PMA FMs such as Co/Pd and Co/Ni. We demonstrate, using standard permalloy FMs, that the method enables efficient spin injection.more » We show the multi-layer electrodes retain their PMA properties as well as spin injection and detection in PMA LSVs. In addition, we find a large asymmetric voltage signal which increases with current. We attribute this to a Nernst-Ettingshausen effect caused by local Joule heating and the perpendicular magnetic easy axis.« less

  4. Construction of novel sensitive electrochemical sensor for electro-oxidation and determination of citalopram based on zinc oxide nanoparticles and multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

    PubMed

    Ghaedi, Hamed; Afkhami, Abbas; Madrakian, Tayyebeh; Soltani-Felehgari, Farzaneh

    2016-02-01

    A new chemically modified carbon paste electrode (CMCPE) was applied to the simple, rapid, highly selective and sensitive determination of citalopram in human serum and pharmaceutical preparations using adsorptive square wave voltammetry (ASWV). The ZnO nanoparticles and multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified CPE (ZnO-MWCNT/CPE) electrode was prepared by incorporation of the ZnO nanoparticles and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) in carbon paste electrode. The limit of detection and the linear range were found to be 0.005 and 0.012 to 1.54μmolL(-1) of citalopram, respectively. The effects of potentially interfering substances on the determination of this compound were investigated and found that the electrode is highly selective. The proposed CMCPE was used to the determination of citalopram in human serum, urine and pharmaceutical samples. This reveals that ZnO-MWCNT/CPE shows excellent analytical performance for the determination of citalopram in terms of very low detection limit, high sensitivity, very good repeatability and reproducibility over other methods reported in the literature. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  5. Contribution of dielectric screening to the total capacitance of few-layer graphene electrodes

    DOE PAGES

    Zhan, Cheng; Jiang, De-en

    2016-02-17

    We apply joint density functional theory (JDFT), which treats the electrode/electrolyte interface self-consistently, to an electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) based on few-layer graphene electrodes. The JDFT approach allows us to quantify a third contribution to the total capacitance beyond quantum capacitance (C Q) and EDL capacitance (C EDL). This contribution arises from the dielectric screening of the electric field by the surface of the few-layer graphene electrode, and we therefore term it the dielectric capacitance (C Dielec). We find that C Dielec becomes significant in affecting the total capacitance when the number of graphene layers in the electrode is moremore » than three. In conclusion, our investigation sheds new light on the significance of the electrode dielectric screening on the capacitance of few-layer graphene electrodes.« less

  6. An electrochemiluminescent biosensor for glucose based on the electrochemiluminescence of luminol on the nafion/glucose oxidase/poly(nickel(II)tetrasulfophthalocyanine)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified electrode.

    PubMed

    Qiu, Bin; Lin, Zhenyu; Wang, Jian; Chen, Zhihuang; Chen, Jinhua; Chen, Guonan

    2009-04-15

    A poly(nickel(II) tetrasulfophthalocyanine)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes composite modified electrode (polyNiTSPc/MWNTs) was fabricated by electropolymerization of NiTSPc on MWNTs-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The modified electrode was found to be able to greatly improve the emission of luminol electrochemiluminescence (ECL) in a solution containing hydrogen peroxide. Glucose oxidase (GOD) was immobilized on the surface of polyNiTSPc/MWNTs modified GC electrode by Nafion to establish an ECL glucose sensor. Under the optimum conditions, the linear response range of glucose was 1.0x10(-6) to 1.0x10(-4) mol L(-1) with a detection limit of 8.0x10(-8) mol L(-1) (defined as the concentration that could be detected at the signal-to-noise ratio of 3). The ECL sensor showed an outstanding well reproducibility and long-term stability. The established method has been applied to determine the glucose concentrations in real serum samples with satisfactory results.

  7. Integrated multi-ISE arrays with improved sensitivity, accuracy and precision

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Chunling; Yuan, Hongyan; Duan, Zhijuan; Xiao, Dan

    2017-03-01

    Increasing use of ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) in the biological and environmental fields has generated demand for high-sensitivity ISEs. However, improving the sensitivities of ISEs remains a challenge because of the limit of the Nernstian slope (59.2/n mV). Here, we present a universal ion detection method using an electronic integrated multi-electrode system (EIMES) that bypasses the Nernstian slope limit of 59.2/n mV, thereby enabling substantial enhancement of the sensitivity of ISEs. The results reveal that the response slope is greatly increased from 57.2 to 1711.3 mV, 57.3 to 564.7 mV and 57.7 to 576.2 mV by electronic integrated 30 Cl- electrodes, 10 F- electrodes and 10 glass pH electrodes, respectively. Thus, a tiny change in the ion concentration can be monitored, and correspondingly, the accuracy and precision are substantially improved. The EIMES is suited for all types of potentiometric sensors and may pave the way for monitoring of various ions with high accuracy and precision because of its high sensitivity.

  8. Study of the interaction of 6-mercaptopurine with protein by microdialysis coupled with LC and electrochemical detection based on functionalized multi-wall carbon nanotubes modified electrode.

    PubMed

    Cao, Xu-Ni; Lin, Li; Zhou, Yu-Yan; Zhang, Wen; Shi, Guo-Yue; Yamamoto, Katsunobu; Jin, Li-Tong

    2003-07-14

    Microdialysis sampling coupled with liquid chromatography and electrochemical detection (LC-ECD) was developed and applied to study the interaction of 6-Mercaptopurine (6-MP) with bovine serum albumin (BSA). In the LC-ECD, the multi-wall carbon nanotubes fuctionalized with carboxylic groups modified electrode (MWNT-COOH CME) was used as the working electrode for the determination of 6-MP. The results indicated that this chemically modified electrode (CME) exhibited efficiently electrocatalytic oxidation for 6-MP with relatively high sensitivity, stability and long-life. The peak currents of 6-MP were linear to its concentrations ranging from 4.0 x 10(-7) to 1.0 x 10(-4) mol l(-1) with the calculated detection limit (S/N = 3) of 2.0 x 10(-7) mol l(-1). The method had been successfully applied to assess the association constant (K) and the number of the binding sites (n) on a BSA molecular, which calculated by Scatchard equation, were 3.97 x 10(3) mol(-1) l and 1.51, respectively. This method provided a fast, sensible and simple technique for the study of drug-protein interactions.

  9. Room temperature performance of 4 V aqueous hybrid supercapacitor using multi-layered lithium-doped carbon negative electrode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Makino, Sho; Yamamoto, Rie; Sugimoto, Shigeyuki; Sugimoto, Wataru

    2016-09-01

    Water-stable multi-layered lithium-doped carbon (LixC6) negative electrode using poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)-lithium bis(trifluoromethansulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) polymer electrolyte containing N-methyl-N-propylpiperidinium bis(trifluoromethansulfonyl)imide (PP13TFSI) ionic liquid was developed. Electrochemical properties at 60 °C of the aqueous hybrid supercapacitor using activated carbon positive electrode and a multi-layered LixC6 negative electrode (LixC6 | PEO-LiTFSI | LTAP) without PP13TFSI exhibited performance similar to that using Li anode (Li | PEO-LiTFSI | LTAP). A drastic decrease in ESR was achieved by the addition of PP13TFSI to PEO-LiTFSI, allowing room temperature operation. The ESR of the multi-layered LixC6 negative electrode with PEO-LiTFSI-PP13TFSI at 25 °C was 801 Ω cm2, which is 1/6 the value of the multi-layered Li negative electrode with PEO-LiTFSI (5014 Ω cm2). Charge/discharge test of the aqueous hybrid supercapacitor using multi-layered LixC6 negative electrode with PEO-LiTFSI-PP13TFSI at 25 °C afforded specific capacity of 20.6 mAh (g-activated carbon)-1 with a working voltage of 2.7-3.7 V, and good long-term capability up to 3000 cycles. Furthermore, an aqueous hybrid supercapacitor consisting of a high capacitance RuO2 nanosheet positive electrode and multi-layered LixC6 negative electrode with PEO-LiTFSI-PP13TFSI showed specific capacity of 196 mAh (g-RuO2)-1 and specific energy of 625 Wh (kg-RuO2)-1 in 2.0 M acetic acid-lithium acetate buffered solution at 25 °C.

  10. Quantification of ethanol in plasma by electrochemical detection with an unmodified screen printed carbon electrode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tian, Gang; Zhang, Xiao-Qing; Zhu, Ming-Song; Zhang, Zhong; Shi, Zheng-Hu; Ding, Min

    2016-03-01

    Simple, rapid and accurate detection of ethanol concentration in blood is very crucial in the diagnosis and management of potential acute ethanol intoxication patients. A novel electrochemical detection method was developed for the quantification of ethanol in human plasma with disposable unmodified screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) without sample preparation procedure. Ethanol was detected indirectly by the reaction product of ethanol dehydrogenase (ADH) and cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Method validation indicated good quantitation precisions with intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviations of ≤9.4% and 8.0%, respectively. Ethanol concentration in plasma is linear ranging from 0.10 to 3.20 mg/mL, and the detection limit is 40.0 μg/mL (S/N > 3). The method shows satisfactory correlation with the reference method of headspace gas chromatography in twenty human plasma samples (correlation coefficient 0.9311). The proposed method could be applied to diagnose acute ethanol toxicity or ethanol-related death.

  11. Quantification of ethanol in plasma by electrochemical detection with an unmodified screen printed carbon electrode

    PubMed Central

    Tian, Gang; Zhang, Xiao-Qing; Zhu, Ming-Song; Zhang, Zhong; Shi, Zheng-Hu; Ding, Min

    2016-01-01

    Simple, rapid and accurate detection of ethanol concentration in blood is very crucial in the diagnosis and management of potential acute ethanol intoxication patients. A novel electrochemical detection method was developed for the quantification of ethanol in human plasma with disposable unmodified screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) without sample preparation procedure. Ethanol was detected indirectly by the reaction product of ethanol dehydrogenase (ADH) and cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Method validation indicated good quantitation precisions with intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviations of ≤9.4% and 8.0%, respectively. Ethanol concentration in plasma is linear ranging from 0.10 to 3.20 mg/mL, and the detection limit is 40.0 μg/mL (S/N > 3). The method shows satisfactory correlation with the reference method of headspace gas chromatography in twenty human plasma samples (correlation coefficient 0.9311). The proposed method could be applied to diagnose acute ethanol toxicity or ethanol-related death. PMID:27006081

  12. Suicide Prevention among High School Students: Evaluation of a Nonrandomized Trial of a Multi-Stage Suicide Screening Program

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Torcasso, Gina; Hilt, Lori M.

    2017-01-01

    Background: Suicide is a leading cause of death among youth. Suicide screening programs aim to identify mental health issues and prevent death by suicide. Objective: The present study evaluated outcomes of a multi-stage screening program implemented over 3 school years in a moderately-sized Midwestern high school. Methods: One hundred ninety-three…

  13. Construction of an electrochemical sensor based on the electrodeposition of Au-Pt nanoparticles mixtures on multi-walled carbon nanotubes film for voltammetric determination of cefotaxime.

    PubMed

    Shahrokhian, Saeed; Rastgar, Shokoufeh

    2012-06-07

    Mixtures of gold-platinum nanoparticles (Au-PtNPs) are fabricated consecutively on a multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) coated glassy carbon electrode (GCE) by the electrodeposition method. The surface morphology and nature of the hybrid film (Au-PtNPs/MWCNT) deposited on glassy carbon electrodes is characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) techniques. The modified electrode is used as a new and sensitive electrochemical sensor for the voltammetric determination of cefotaxime (CFX). The electrochemical behavior of CFX is investigated on the surface of the modified electrode using linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). The results of voltammetric studies exhibited a considerable improvement in the oxidation peak current of CFX compared to glassy carbon electrodes individually coated with MWCNT or Au-PtNPs. Under the optimized conditions, the modified electrode showed a wide linear dynamic range of 0.004-10.0 μM with a detection limit of 1.0 nM for the voltammetric determination of CFX. The modified electrode was successfully applied for the accurate determination of trace amounts of CFX in pharmaceutical and clinical preparations.

  14. Detection and identification of 700 drugs by multi-target screening with a 3200 Q TRAP LC-MS/MS system and library searching.

    PubMed

    Dresen, S; Ferreirós, N; Gnann, H; Zimmermann, R; Weinmann, W

    2010-04-01

    The multi-target screening method described in this work allows the simultaneous detection and identification of 700 drugs and metabolites in biological fluids using a hybrid triple-quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometer in a single analytical run. After standardization of the method, the retention times of 700 compounds were determined and transitions for each compound were selected by a "scheduled" survey MRM scan, followed by an information-dependent acquisition using the sensitive enhanced product ion scan of a Q TRAP hybrid instrument. The identification of the compounds in the samples analyzed was accomplished by searching the tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) spectra against the library we developed, which contains electrospray ionization-MS/MS spectra of over 1,250 compounds. The multi-target screening method together with the library was included in a software program for routine screening and quantitation to achieve automated acquisition and library searching. With the help of this software application, the time for evaluation and interpretation of the results could be drastically reduced. This new multi-target screening method has been successfully applied for the analysis of postmortem and traffic offense samples as well as proficiency testing, and complements screening with immunoassays, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and liquid chromatography-diode-array detection. Other possible applications are analysis in clinical toxicology (for intoxication cases), in psychiatry (antidepressants and other psychoactive drugs), and in forensic toxicology (drugs and driving, workplace drug testing, oral fluid analysis, drug-facilitated sexual assault).

  15. A stereotaxic method of recording from single neurons in the intact in vivo eye of the cat.

    PubMed

    Molenaar, J; Van de Grind, W A

    1980-04-01

    A method is described for recording stereotaxically from single retinal neurons in the optically intact in vivo eye of the cat. The method is implemented with the help of a new type of stereotaxic instrument and a specially developed stereotaxic atlas of the cat's eye and retina. The instrument is extremely stable and facilitates intracellular recording from retinal neurons. The microelectrode can be rotated about two mutually perpendicular axes, which intersect in the freely positionable pivot point of the electrode manipulation system. When the pivot point is made to coincide with a small electrode-entrance hole in the sclera of the eye, a large retinal region can be reached through this fixed hole in the immobilized eye. The stereotaxic method makes it possible to choose a target point on the presented eye atlas and predict the settings of the instrument necessary to reach this target. This method also includes the prediction of the corresponding light stimulus position on a tangent screen and the calculation of the projection of the recording electrode on this screen. The sources of error in the method were studied experimentally and a numerical perturbation analysis was carried out to study the influence of each of the sources of error on the final result. The overall accuracy of the method is of the order of 5 degrees of visual angle, which will be sufficient for most purposes.

  16. Impedimetric detection of cocaine by using an aptamer attached to a screen printed electrode modified with a dendrimer/silver nanoparticle nanocomposite.

    PubMed

    Roushani, Mahmoud; Shahdost-Fard, Faezeh

    2018-03-12

    The authors describe a highly sensitive method for the aptamer (Apt) based impedimetric determination of cocaine. The surface of a screen-printed electrode (SPE) was modified with a nanocomposite of dendrimer and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The cocaine-binding Apt was attached to a dendrimer/AgNP/SPE surface, forming a sensitive layer for the determination of cocaine. The incubation with the analyte resulted in the formation of a cocaine/Apt complex on the electrode surface. As a consequence, folding and conformational change in the aptamer structure was induced, this resulting in a change in the impedimetric signal. The aptaassay exhibits highly efficient sensing characteristics with a good linearity of 1 fmol L -1 to 100 nmol L -1 (with two linear ranges) and a limit of detection (LOD) of 333 amol L -1 . Its excellent specificity and high sensitivity suggest that this kind of aptamer-based assay may be applied to detect other targets in this field. Graphical Abstract Designing of an aptaassay via immobilization of a functionalized aptamer with silver nanoparticle (AgNPs-Apt) on the modified screen-printed electrode (SPE) with dendrimer/silver nanoparticle nanocomposite (Den-AgNPs) for impedimetric detection of cocaine.

  17. In situ detection of microbial c-type cytochrome based on intrinsic peroxidase-like activity using screen-printed carbon electrode.

    PubMed

    Wen, Junlin; He, Daigui; Yu, Zhen; Zhou, Shungui

    2018-08-15

    C-type cytochromes (c-cyts) facilitate microbial extracellular electron transfer and play critical roles in biogeochemical cycling, bioelectricity generation and bioremediation. In this study, a simple and effective method has been developed to detect microbial c-cyts by means of peroxidase mimetic reaction on screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE). To this end, bacteria cells were immobilized onto the working electrode surface of SPCE by a simple drop casting. After introducing 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) solution, microbial c-cyts with peroxidase-like activity catalyze the oxidation of TMB in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. The oxidized TMB was electrochemically determined and the current signal was employed to calculate the c-cyts content. This electrochemical method is highly sensitive for microbial c-cyts with a low detection limit of 40.78 fmol and a wide detection range between 51.70 fmol and 6.64 pmol. Moreover, the proposed technique can be universally expanded to detect c-cyts in other bacteria species such as Fontibacter ferrireducens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Comamonas guangdongensis and Escherichia coli. Furthermore, the proposed method confers an in situ facile and quantitative c-cyts detection without any destructive sample preparations, complex electrode modifications and expensive enzyme- or metal particle- based signal amplification. The suggested method advances an intelligent strategy for in situ quantification of microbial c-cyts and consequently holds promising application potential in microbiology and environmental science. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Direct writing electrodes using a ball pen for paper-based point-of-care testing.

    PubMed

    Li, Zedong; Li, Fei; Hu, Jie; Wee, Wei Hong; Han, Yu Long; Pingguan-Murphy, Belinda; Lu, Tian Jian; Xu, Feng

    2015-08-21

    The integration of paper with an electrochemical device has attracted growing attention for point-of-care testing, where it is of great importance to fabricate electrodes on paper in a low-cost, easy and versatile way. In this work, we report a simple strategy for directly writing electrodes on paper using a pressure-assisted ball pen to form a paper-based electrochemical device (PED). This method is demonstrated to be capable of fabricating electrodes on paper with good electrical conductivity and electrochemical performance, holding great potential to be employed in point-of-care applications, such as in human health diagnostics and food safety detection. As examples, the PEDs fabricated using the developed method are applied for detection of glucose in artificial urine and melamine in sample solutions. Furthermore, our developed strategy is also extended to fabricate PEDs with multi-electrode arrays and write electrodes on non-planar surfaces (e.g., paper cup, human skin), indicating the potential application of our method in other fields, such as fabricating biosensors, paper electronics etc.

  19. Chromophore Poling in Thin Films of Organic Glasses. 2. Two-Electrode Corona Discharge Setup

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vilitis, O.; Muzikante, I.; Rutkis, M.; Vembris, A.

    2012-01-01

    In Part 1 of the article we provided description of the corona discharge physics and overview of the methods used for corona poling in thin organic films. Subsequent sections describe comparatively simple technical methods for poling the organic nonlinear optical polymers using a two-electrode (point-to-plate or wire-to-plate) technique. The polarization build-up was studied by the DC positive corona method for poling the nonlinear optical (NLO) polymers. The experimental setup provides the corona discharge current from 0.5 μA up to 3 μA by applying 3 kV - 12 kV voltage to the corona electrode and makes possible selection among the types of corona electrodes (needle, multi-needle, wire, etc.). The results of experimental testing of the poling setup show that at fixed optimal operational parameters of poling - the sample orientation temperature and the discharge current - the corona charging of polymeric materials can successfully be performed applying the two-electrode technique. To study the dynamics of both poling and charge transport processes the three-electrode charging system - a corona triode - should be applied.

  20. Disposable DNA biosensor with the carbon nanotubes-polyethyleneimine interface at a screen-printed carbon electrode for tests of DNA layer damage by quinazolines.

    PubMed

    Galandová, Júlia; Ovádeková, Renáta; Ferancová, Adriana; Labuda, Ján

    2009-06-01

    A screen-printed carbon working electrode within a commercially available screen-printed three-electrode assembly was modified by using a composite of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) dispersed in polyethylenimine (PEI) followed by covering with the calf thymus dsDNA layer. Several electrochemical methods were used to characterize the biosensor and to evaluate damage to the surface-attached DNA: square wave voltammetry of the [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) redox indicator and mediator of the guanine moiety oxidation, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in the presence of the [Fe(CN)(6)](3-/4-) indicator in solution. Due to high electroconductivity and large surface area of MWCNT and positive charge of PEI, the MWCNT-PEI composite is an advantageous platform for the DNA immobilization by the polyelectrolyte complexation and its voltammetric and impedimetric detection. In this respect, the MWCNT-PEI interface exhibited better properties than the MWCNT-chitosan one reported from our laboratory previously. A deep DNA layer damage at incubation of the biosensor in quinazoline solution was found, which depends on the quinazoline concentration and incubation time.

  1. SYNCHROTRON RADIATION, FREE ELECTRON LASER, APPLICATION OF NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY, ETC. Design of a multi-cusp ion source for proton therapy

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wu, Xiao-Bing; Huang, Tao; Ouyang, Hua-Fu; Zhang, Hua-Shun; Gong, Ke-Yun

    2010-12-01

    The permanent magnets of the discharge chamber in a multi-cusp proton source are studied and designed. The three electrode extraction system is adopted and simulated. A method to extract different amounts of current while keeping the beam emittance unchanged is proposed.

  2. Carbon nanotube switches for memory, RF communications and sensing applications, and methods of making the same

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Kaul, Anupama B. (Inventor); Wong, Eric W. (Inventor); Baron, Richard L. (Inventor); Epp, Larry (Inventor)

    2008-01-01

    Switches having an in situ grown carbon nanotube as an element thereof, and methods of fabricating such switches. A carbon nanotube is grown in situ in mechanical connection with a conductive substrate, such as a heavily doped silicon wafer or an SOI wafer. The carbon nanotube is electrically connected at one location to a terminal. At another location of the carbon nanotube there is situated a pull electrode that can be used to elecrostatically displace the carbon nanotube so that it selectively makes contact with either the pull electrode or with a contact electrode. Connection to the pull electrode is sufficient to operate the device as a simple switch, while connection to a contact electrode is useful to operate the device in a manner analogous to a relay. In various embodiments, the devices disclosed are useful as at least switches for various signals, multi-state memory, computational devices, and multiplexers.

  3. Unique battery with a multi-functional, physicochemically active membrane separator/electrolyte-electrode monolith and a method making the same

    DOEpatents

    Gerald, II, Rex E; Ruscic, Katarina J; Sears, Devin N; Smith, Luis J; Klinger, Robert J; Rathke, Jerome W

    2013-11-26

    The invention relates to a unique battery having a physicochemically active membrane separator/electrolyte-electrode monolith and method of making the same. The Applicant's invented battery employs a physicochemically active membrane separator/electrolyte-electrode that acts as a separator, electrolyte, and electrode, within the same monolithic structure. The chemical composition, physical arrangement of molecules, and physical geometry of the pores play a role in the sequestration and conduction of ions. In one preferred embodiment, ions are transported via the ion-hoping mechanism where the oxygens of the Al.sub.2O.sub.3 wall are available for positive ion coordination (i.e. Li.sup.+). This active membrane-electrode composite can be adjusted to a desired level of ion conductivity by manipulating the chemical composition and structure of the pore wall to either increase or decrease ion conduction.

  4. Unique battery with a multi-functional, physicochemically active membrane separator/electrolyte-electrode monolith and a method making the same

    DOEpatents

    Gerald II, Rex E.; Ruscic, Katarina J.; Sears, Devin N.; Smith, Luis J.; Klingler, Robert J.; Rathke, Jerome W.

    2012-07-24

    The invention relates to a unique battery having a physicochemically active membrane separator/electrolyte-electrode monolith and method of making the same. The Applicant's invented battery employs a physicochemically active membrane separator/electrolyte-electrode that acts as a separator, electrolyte, and electrode, within the same monolithic structure. The chemical composition, physical arrangement of molecules, and physical geometry of the pores play a role in the sequestration and conduction of ions. In one preferred embodiment, ions are transported via the ion-hoping mechanism where the oxygens of the Al2O3 wall are available for positive ion coordination (i.e. Li+). This active membrane-electrode composite can be adjusted to a desired level of ion conductivity by manipulating the chemical composition and structure of the pore wall to either increase or decrease ion conduction.

  5. Recent progress in multi-electrode spike sorting methods.

    PubMed

    Lefebvre, Baptiste; Yger, Pierre; Marre, Olivier

    2016-11-01

    In recent years, arrays of extracellular electrodes have been developed and manufactured to record simultaneously from hundreds of electrodes packed with a high density. These recordings should allow neuroscientists to reconstruct the individual activity of the neurons spiking in the vicinity of these electrodes, with the help of signal processing algorithms. Algorithms need to solve a source separation problem, also known as spike sorting. However, these new devices challenge the classical way to do spike sorting. Here we review different methods that have been developed to sort spikes from these large-scale recordings. We describe the common properties of these algorithms, as well as their main differences. Finally, we outline the issues that remain to be solved by future spike sorting algorithms. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Multi-layer coatings for bipolar rechargeable batteries with enhanced terminal voltage

    DOEpatents

    Farmer, Joseph C.; Kaschmitter, James; Pierce, Steve

    2017-06-06

    A method for producing a multi-layer bipolar coated cell according to one embodiment includes applying a first active cathode material above a substrate to form a first cathode; applying a first solid-phase ionically-conductive electrolyte material above the first cathode to form a first electrode separation layer; applying a first active anode material above the first electrode separation layer to form a first anode; applying an electrically conductive barrier layer above the first anode; applying a second active cathode material above the anode material to form a second cathode; applying a second solid-phase ionically-conductive electrolyte material above the second cathode to form a second electrode separation layer; applying a second active anode material above the second electrode separation layer to form a second anode; and applying a metal material above the second anode to form a metal coating section. In another embodiment, the anode is formed prior to the cathode. Cells are also disclosed.

  7. In vitro cyto-biocompatibility study of thin-film transistors substrates using an organotypic culture method.

    PubMed

    Leclerc, Eric; Duval, Jean-Luc; Egles, Christophe; Ihida, Satoshi; Toshiyoshi, Hiroshi; Tixier-Mita, Agnès

    2017-01-01

    Thin-Film-Transistors Liquid-Crystal Display has become a standard in the field of displays. However, the structure of these devices presents interest not only in that field, but also for biomedical applications. One of the key components, called here TFT substrate, is a glass substrate with a dense and large array of thousands of transparent micro-electrodes that can be considered as a large scale multi-electrode array(s). Multi-electrode array(s) are widely used for in vitro electrical investigations on neurons and brain, allowing excitation, registration, and recording of their activity. However, the range of application of conventional multi-electrode array(s) is usually limited to some tens of cells in a homogeneous cell culture, because of a small area, small number and a low density of the micro-electrodes. TFT substrates do not have these limitations and the authors are currently studying the possibility to use TFT substrates as new tools for in vitro electrical investigation on tissues and organoids. In this respect, experiments to determine the cyto-biocompatibility of TFT substrates with tissues were conducted and are presented in this study. The investigation was performed using an organotypic culture method with explants of brain and liver tissues of chick embryos. The results in term of morphology, cell migration, cell density and adhesion were compared with the results from Thermanox ® , a conventional plastic for cell culture, and with polydimethylsiloxane, a hydrophobic silicone. The results with TFT substrates showed similar results as for the Thermanox ® , despite the TFT hydrophobicity. TFT substrates have a weak cell adhesion and promote cell migration similarly to Thermanox ® . It could be concluded that the TFT substrates are cyto-biocompatible with the two studied organs.

  8. Electrochemically reduced graphene oxide-modified screen-printed carbon electrodes for a simple and highly sensitive electrochemical detection of synthetic colorants in beverages.

    PubMed

    Jampasa, Sakda; Siangproh, Weena; Duangmal, Kiattisak; Chailapakul, Orawon

    2016-11-01

    A simple and highly sensitive electrochemical sensor based on an electrochemically reduced graphene oxide-modified screen-printed carbon electrode (ERGO-SPCE) for the simultaneous determination of sunset yellow (SY) and tartrazine (TZ) was proposed. An ERGO film was coated onto the electrode surface using a cyclic voltammetric method and then characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In 0.1M phosphate buffer at a pH of 6, the two oxidation peaks of SY and TZ appeared separately at 0.41 and 0.70V, respectively. Surprisingly, the electrochemical response remarkably increased approximately 90- and 20-fold for SY and TZ, respectively, using the modified electrode in comparison to the unmodified electrode. The calibration curves exhibited linear ranges from 0.01 to 20.0µM for SY and from 0.02 to 20.0µM for TZ. The limits of detection were found to be 0.50 and 4.50nM (at S/N=3) for SY and TZ, respectively. Furthermore, this detection platform provided very high selectivity for the measurement of both colorants. This electrochemical sensor was successfully applied to determine the amount of SY and TZ in commercial beverages. Comparison of the results obtained from this proposed method to those obtained by an in-house standard technique proved that this developed method has good agreement in terms of accuracy for practical applications. This sensor offers an inexpensive, rapid and sensitive determination. The proposed system is therefore suitable for routine analysis and should be an alternative method for the analysis of food colorants. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Cyto-sensing in electrochemical lab-on-paper cyto-device for in-situ evaluation of multi-glycan expressions on cancer cells.

    PubMed

    Su, Min; Ge, Lei; Kong, Qingkun; Zheng, Xiaoxiao; Ge, Shenguang; Li, Nianqiang; Yu, Jinghua; Yan, Mei

    2015-01-15

    A novel electrochemical lab-on-paper cyto-device (ELPCD) was fabricated to demonstrate sensitive and specific cancer cell detection as well as in-situ monitoring of multi-glycans on living cancer cells. In this ELPCD, aptamers modified three-dimensional macroporous Au-paper electrode (Au-PE) was employed as the working electrode for specific and efficient cancer cell capture. Using a sandwich format, sensitive and reproducible cell detection was achieved in this ELPCD on the basis of the electrochemical signal amplification of the Au-PE and the horseradish peroxidase-lectin electrochemical probe. The ELPCD displayed excellent analytical performance for the detection of four K562 cells with a wide linear calibration range from 550 to 2.0×10(7) cells mL(-1). Then, this ELPCD was successfully applied to determine cell-surface multi-glycans in parallel and in-situ monitor multi-glycans expression on living cells in response to drug treatment through in-electrode 3D cell culture. The proposed method provides promising application in decipherment of the glycomic codes as well as clinical diagnosis and treatment in early process of cancer. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. A Novel of Multi-wall Carbon Nanotubes/Chitosan Electrochemical Sensor for Determination of Cupric ion

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tan, Funeng; Li, Lei

    2018-03-01

    A multi-wall carbon nanotubes/Chitosan electrochemical sensor had been fabricated by dropping CHS/MWNT solution directly onto the GC surface. The sensor was charactered by cyclic voltammetry and AC impedance with K3Fe(CN)6 as a electrochemical probe; Cyclic voltammograms(CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS) indicated that the active area and electrochemical behavior of the sensor increased and improved significantly after the electrode was modified by carbon nanotubes dispersed by the chitosan. The sensor showed good electrocatalytic activity of K3Fe(CN)6. Also, from the cyclic voltammograms, we can see the process was diffusion controlled on the bare electrode and kinetics and diffusion controlled on the modified electrode. Finally Cu2+ responsed sensitively at the sensor which supplied a new method for the detection of Cu2+.

  11. Capillary flow of amorphous metal for high performance electrode

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Se Yun; Kim, Suk Jun; Jee, Sang Soo; Park, Jin Man; Park, Keum Hwan; Park, Sung Chan; Cho, Eun Ae; Lee, Jun Ho; Song, In Yong; Lee, Sang Mock; Han, In Taek; Lim, Ka Ram; Kim, Won Tae; Park, Ju Cheol; Eckert, Jürgen; Kim, Do Hyang; Lee, Eun-Sung

    2013-01-01

    Metallic glass (MG) assists electrical contact of screen-printed silver electrodes and leads to comparable electrode performance to that of electroplated electrodes. For high electrode performance, MG needs to be infiltrated into nanometer-scale cavities between Ag particles and reacts with them. Here, we show that the MG in the supercooled state can fill the gap between Ag particles within a remarkably short time due to capillary effect. The flow behavior of the MG is revealed by computational fluid dynamics and density funtional theory simulation. Also, we suggest the formation mechanism of the Ag electrodes, and demonstrate the criteria of MG for higher electrode performance. Consequently, when Al85Ni5Y8Co2 MG is added in the Ag electrodes, cell efficiency is enhanced up to 20.30% which is the highest efficiency reported so far for screen-printed interdigitated back contact solar cells. These results show the possibility for the replacement of electroplating process to screen-printing process. PMID:23851671

  12. An Integrated In Silico Method to Discover Novel Rock1 Inhibitors: Multi- Complex-Based Pharmacophore, Molecular Dynamics Simulation and Hybrid Protocol Virtual Screening.

    PubMed

    Chen, Haining; Li, Sijia; Hu, Yajiao; Chen, Guo; Jiang, Qinglin; Tong, Rongsheng; Zang, Zhihe; Cai, Lulu

    2016-01-01

    Rho-associated, coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) is an important regulator of focal adhesion, actomyosin contraction and cell motility. In this manuscript, a combination of the multi-complex-based pharmacophore (MCBP), molecular dynamics simulation and a hybrid protocol of a virtual screening method, comprised of multipharmacophore- based virtual screening (PBVS) and ensemble docking-based virtual screening (DBVS) methods were used for retrieving novel ROCK1 inhibitors from the natural products database embedded in the ZINC database. Ten hit compounds were selected from the hit compounds, and five compounds were tested experimentally. Thus, these results may provide valuable information for further discovery of more novel ROCK1 inhibitors.

  13. Design, fabrication, and experimental characterization of plasmonic photoconductive terahertz emitters.

    PubMed

    Berry, Christopher; Hashemi, Mohammad Reza; Unlu, Mehmet; Jarrahi, Mona

    2013-07-08

    In this video article we present a detailed demonstration of a highly efficient method for generating terahertz waves. Our technique is based on photoconduction, which has been one of the most commonly used techniques for terahertz generation (1-8). Terahertz generation in a photoconductive emitter is achieved by pumping an ultrafast photoconductor with a pulsed or heterodyned laser illumination. The induced photocurrent, which follows the envelope of the pump laser, is routed to a terahertz radiating antenna connected to the photoconductor contact electrodes to generate terahertz radiation. Although the quantum efficiency of a photoconductive emitter can theoretically reach 100%, the relatively long transport path lengths of photo-generated carriers to the contact electrodes of conventional photoconductors have severely limited their quantum efficiency. Additionally, the carrier screening effect and thermal breakdown strictly limit the maximum output power of conventional photoconductive terahertz sources. To address the quantum efficiency limitations of conventional photoconductive terahertz emitters, we have developed a new photoconductive emitter concept which incorporates a plasmonic contact electrode configuration to offer high quantum-efficiency and ultrafast operation simultaneously. By using nano-scale plasmonic contact electrodes, we significantly reduce the average photo-generated carrier transport path to photoconductor contact electrodes compared to conventional photoconductors (9). Our method also allows increasing photoconductor active area without a considerable increase in the capacitive loading to the antenna, boosting the maximum terahertz radiation power by preventing the carrier screening effect and thermal breakdown at high optical pump powers. By incorporating plasmonic contact electrodes, we demonstrate enhancing the optical-to-terahertz power conversion efficiency of a conventional photoconductive terahertz emitter by a factor of 50 (10).

  14. Multi-line triggering and interdigitated electrode structure for photoconductive semiconductor switches

    DOEpatents

    Mar, Alan [Albuquerque, NM; Zutavern, Fred J [Albuquerque, NM; Loubriel, Guillermo [Albuquerque, NM

    2007-02-06

    An improved photoconductive semiconductor switch comprises multiple-line optical triggering of multiple, high-current parallel filaments between the switch electrodes. The switch can also have a multi-gap, interdigitated electrode for the generation of additional parallel filaments. Multi-line triggering can increase the switch lifetime at high currents by increasing the number of current filaments and reducing the current density at the contact electrodes in a controlled manner. Furthermore, the improved switch can mitigate the degradation of switching conditions with increased number of firings of the switch.

  15. Screen printed silver top electrode for efficient inverted organic solar cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Kim, Junwoo; Duraisamy, Navaneethan; Lee, Taik-Min

    2015-10-15

    Highlights: • Screen printing of silver pattern. • X-ray diffraction pattern confirmed the face centered cubic structure of silver. • Uniform surface morphology of silver pattern with sheet resistance of 0.06 Ω/sq. • The power conversion efficiency of fabricated solar cell is found to be 2.58%. - Abstract: The present work is mainly focused on replacement of the vacuum process for top electrode fabrication in organic solar cells. Silver top electrode deposited through solution based screen printing on pre-deposited polymeric thin film. The solution based printing technology provides uniform top electrode without damaging the underlying organic layers. The surface crystallinitymore » and surface morphology of silver top electrode are examined through X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscope and atomic force microscope. The purity of silver is examined through X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy. The top electrode exhibits face centered cubic structure with homogeneous morphology. The sheet resistance of top electrode is found to be 0.06 Ω/sq and an average pattern thickness of ∼15 μm. The power conversion efficiency is 2.58%. Our work demonstrates that the solution based screen printing is a significant role in the replacement of vacuum process for the fabrication of top electrode in organic solar cells.« less

  16. Screen printed, transparent, and flexible electrodes based on graphene nanoplatelet pastes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wróblewski, Grzegorz; Janczak, Daniel

    Transparent, flexible and conducting graphene films were produced by screen printing method using printing pastes based on graphene nanoplatelets in polymer matrix. The transparency of received layers and the mechanical resistivity in several bending cycles were measured. Subsequently percolation threshold was investigated. Graphene layers were printed on diverse substrates (glass, Al2O3, PET) and afterwards for samples printed on glass different firing atmospheres (N2, H2, air) were studied. Best firing results (resistance decrease) were obtained for treatment in 250 °C in atmosphere of air. Finally investigation results were used to produce a transparent and elastic electrode for an electroluminescent display, showing the application potential of our graphene nanocomposite pastes.

  17. Numerical evaluation of moiré pattern in touch sensor module with electrode mesh structure in oblique view

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pournoury, M.; Zamiri, A.; Kim, T. Y.; Yurlov, V.; Oh, K.

    2016-03-01

    Capacitive touch sensor screen with the metal materials has recently become qualified for substitution of ITO; however several obstacles still have to be solved. One of the most important issues is moiré phenomenon. The visibility problem of the metal-mesh, in touch sensor module (TSM) is numerically considered in this paper. Based on human eye contract sensitivity function (CSF), moiré pattern of TSM electrode mesh structure is simulated with MATLAB software for 8 inch screen display in oblique view. Standard deviation of the generated moiré by the superposition of electrode mesh and screen image is calculated to find the optimal parameters which provide the minimum moiré visibility. To create the screen pixel array and mesh electrode, rectangular function is used. The filtered image, in frequency domain, is obtained by multiplication of Fourier transform of the finite mesh pattern (product of screen pixel and mesh electrode) with the calculated CSF function for three different observer distances (L=200, 300 and 400 mm). It is observed that the discrepancy between analytical and numerical results is less than 0.6% for 400 mm viewer distance. Moreover, in the case of oblique view due to considering the thickness of the finite film between mesh electrodes and screen, different points of minimum standard deviation of moiré pattern are predicted compared to normal view.

  18. Marking multi-channel silicon-substrate electrode recording sites using radiofrequency lesions.

    PubMed

    Brozoski, Thomas J; Caspary, Donald M; Bauer, Carol A

    2006-01-30

    Silicon-substrate multi-channel electrodes (multiprobes) have proven useful in a variety of electrophysiological tasks. When using multiprobes it is often useful to identify the site of each channel, e.g., when recording single-unit activity from a heterogeneous structure. Lesion marking of electrode sites has been used for many years. Electrolytic, or direct current (DC) lesions, have been used successfully to mark multiprobe sites in rat hippocampus [Townsend G, Peloquin P, Kloosterman F, Hetke JF, Leung LS. Recording and marking with silicon multichannel electrodes. Brain Res Brain Res Protoc 2002;9:122-9]. The present method used radio-frequency (rf) lesions to distinctly mark each of the 16 recording sites of 16-channel linear array multiprobes, in chinchilla inferior colliculus. A commercial radio-frequency lesioner was used as the current source, in conjunction with custom connectors adapted to the multiprobe configuration. In vitro bench testing was used to establish current-voltage-time parameters, as well as to check multiprobe integrity and radio-frequency performance. In in vivo application, visualization of individual-channel multiprobe recording sites was clear in 21 out of 33 sets of collicular serial-sections (i.e., probe tracks) obtained from acute experimental subjects, i.e., maximum post-lesion survival time of 2h. Advantages of the rf method include well-documented methods of in vitro calibration as well as low impact on probe integrity. The rf method of marking individual-channel sites should be useful in a variety of applications.

  19. Cobalt Phthalocyanine Modified Electrodes Utilised in Electroanalysis: Nano-Structured Modified Electrodes vs. Bulk Modified Screen-Printed Electrodes

    PubMed Central

    Foster, Christopher W.; Pillay, Jeseelan; Metters, Jonathan P.; Banks, Craig E.

    2014-01-01

    Cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPC) compounds have been reported to provide electrocatalytic performances towards a substantial number of analytes. In these configurations, electrodes are typically constructed via drop casting the CoPC onto a supporting electrode substrate, while in other cases the CoPC complex is incorporated within the ink of a screen-printed sensor, providing a one-shot economical and disposable electrode configuration. In this paper we critically compare CoPC modified electrodes prepared by drop casting CoPC nanoparticles (nano-CoPC) onto a range of carbon based electrode substrates with that of CoPC bulk modified screen-printed electrodes in the sensing of the model analytes l-ascorbic acid, oxygen and hydrazine. It is found that no “electrocatalysis” is observed towards l-ascorbic acid using either of these CoPC modified electrode configurations and that the bare underlying carbon electrode is the origin of the obtained voltammetric signal, which gives rise to useful electroanalytical signatures, providing new insights into literature reports where “electrocatalysis” has been reported with no clear control experiments undertaken. On the other hand true electrocatalysis is observed towards hydrazine, where no such voltammetric features are witnessed on the bare underlying electrode substrate. PMID:25414969

  20. Low-cost electrodes for stable perovskite solar cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bastos, João P.; Manghooli, Sara; Jaysankar, Manoj; Tait, Jeffrey G.; Qiu, Weiming; Gehlhaar, Robert; De Volder, Michael; Uytterhoeven, Griet; Poortmans, Jef; Paetzold, Ulrich W.

    2017-06-01

    Cost-effective production of perovskite solar cells on an industrial scale requires the utilization of exclusively inexpensive materials. However, to date, highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells rely on expensive gold electrodes since other metal electrodes are known to cause degradation of the devices. Finding a low-cost electrode that can replace gold and ensure both efficiency and long-term stability is essential for the success of the perovskite-based solar cell technology. In this work, we systematically compare three types of electrode materials: multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), alternative metals (silver, aluminum, and copper), and transparent oxides [indium tin oxide (ITO)] in terms of efficiency, stability, and cost. We show that multi-walled carbon nanotubes are the only electrode that is both more cost-effective and stable than gold. Devices with multi-walled carbon nanotube electrodes present remarkable shelf-life stability, with no decrease in the efficiency even after 180 h of storage in 77% relative humidity (RH). Furthermore, we demonstrate the potential of devices with multi-walled carbon nanotube electrodes to achieve high efficiencies. These developments are an important step forward to mass produce perovskite photovoltaics in a commercially viable way.

  1. Study of EHD flow generator's efficiencies utilizing pin to single ring and multi-concentric rings electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sumariyah; Kusminart; Hermanto, A.; Nuswantoro, P.

    2016-11-01

    EHD flow or ionic wind yield corona discharge is a stream coming from the ionized gas. EHD is generated by a strong electric field and its direction follows the electric field lines. In this study, the efficiency of the EHD flow generators utilizing pin-multi concentric rings electrodes (P-MRE) and the EHD pin-single ring electrode (P-SRE) have been measured. The comparison of efficiencies two types of the generator has been done. EHD flow was generated by using a high-voltage DC 0-10 KV on the electrode pin with a positive polarity and electrode ring/ multi-concentric rings of negative polarity. The efficiency was calculated by comparison between the mechanical power of flow to the electrical power that consumed. We obtained that the maximum efficiency of EHD flow generator utilizing pin-multi concentric rings electrodes was 0.54% and the maximum efficiency of EHD flow generator utilizing a pin-single ring electrode was 0.23%. Efficiency of EHD with P-MRE 2.34 times Efficiency of EHD with P-SRE

  2. A voltammetric method for Fe(iii) in blood serum using a screen-printed electrode modified with a Schiff base ionophore.

    PubMed

    Mittal, Susheel K; Rana, Sonia; Kaur, Navneet; Banks, Craig E

    2018-05-23

    Herein, a potent electrochemical ionophore (SMS-2) based on a Schiff base has been used for the modification of a screen-printed electrode (SPE). The modified disposable electrode can selectively detect ferric ions in an aqueous medium. Redox behavior of the proposed strip was characterized using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Incorporation of the ligand in the ink of the SPE enhanced the analytical performance of the electrode, and its surface modification was confirmed by SEM and EDX analysis. Shifting/quenching of the cathodic peak potential of the ionophore after binding with Fe(iii) ions was used to detect and measure the ferric ion concentration. This sensor can identify Fe(iii) in the detection range from 0.625 μM to 7.5 μM. The modified SPE can selectively detect ferric ions in the presence of many other interfering ions and has been successfully used to determine the Fe(iii) content in blood serum samples. The metal-ionophore complex structure was optimized using DFT calculations to study the energetics of the metal-ionophore interactions.

  3. One-Step Fabrication of a Multifunctional Magnetic Nickel Ferrite/Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes Nanohybrid-Modified Electrode for the Determination of Benomyl in Food.

    PubMed

    Wang, Qiong; Yang, Jichun; Dong, Yuanyuan; Zhang, Lei

    2015-05-20

    Benomyl, as one kind of agricultural pesticide, has adverse impact on human health and the environment. It is urgent to develop effective and rapid methods for quantitative determination of benomyl. A simple and sensitive electroanalytical method for determination of benomyl using a magnetic nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanohybrid-modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was presented. The electrocatalytic properties and electroanalysis of benomyl on the modified electrode were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). In the phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) of pH 6.0, this constructed biosensor exhibited two linear relationships with the benomyl concentration range from 1.00 × 10(-7) to 5.00 × 10(-7) mol/L and from 5.00 × 10(-7) to 1.00 × 10(-5) mol/L, respectively. The detection limit was 2.51 × 10(-8) mol/L (S/N = 3). Moreover, the proposed method was successfully applied to determine benomyl in real samples with satisfactory results. The NiFe2O4/MWCNTs/GCE showed good reproducibility and stability, excellent catalytic activity, and anti-interference.

  4. Preliminary investigation of a sealed, remotely activated silver-zinc battery

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Wheat, C. G.

    1977-01-01

    Methods necessary to provide a remotely activated, silver zinc battery capable of an extended activated stand while in a sealed condition were investigated. These requirements were to be accomplished in a battery package demonstrating an energy density of at least 35 watt hours per pound. Several methods of gas suppression were considered in view of the primary nature of this unit and utilized the electroplated dendritic zinc electrode. Amalgamation of the electrode provided the greatest suppression of gas at the zinc electrode. The approach to extending the activated stand capability of the remotely activated battery was through evaluation of three basic methods of remote, multi-cell activation; 1) the electrolyte manifold, 2) the gas manifold and 3) the individual cell. All three methods of activation can be incorporated into units which will meet the minimum energy density requirement.

  5. Fabrication of sensitive enzymatic biosensor based on multi-layered reduced graphene oxide added PtAu nanoparticles-modified hybrid electrode

    PubMed Central

    Hossain, Md Faruk; Park, Jae Y.

    2017-01-01

    A highly sensitive amperometric glucose sensor was developed by immobilization of glucose oxidase (GOx) onto multi-layer reduced graphene oxide (MRGO) sheets decorated with platinum and gold flower-like nanoparticles (PtAuNPs) modified Au substrate electrode. The fabricated MRGO/PtAuNPs modified hybrid electrode demonstrated high electrocatalytic activities toward oxidation of H2O2, to which it had a wide linear response that ranged from 0.5 to 8 mM (R2 = 0.997), and high sensitivity of 506.25 μA/mMcm2. Furthermore, glucose oxidase-chitosan composite and cationic polydiallyldimethylammonium chloride (PDDA) were assembled by a casting method on the surface of MRGO/PtAuNPs modified electrode. This as-fabricated hybrid biosensor electrode exhibited high electrocatalytic activity for the detection of glucose in PBS. It demonstrated good analytical properties in terms of a low detection limit of 1 μM (signal-to-noise ratio of 3), short response time (3 s), high sensitivity (17.85 μA/mMcm2), and a wide linear range (0.01–8 mM) for glucose sensing. These results reveal that the newly developed sensing electrode offers great promise for new type enzymatic biosensor applications. PMID:28333943

  6. Temporary-tattoo for long-term high fidelity biopotential recordings

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Bareket, Lilach; Inzelberg, Lilah; Rand, David; David-Pur, Moshe; Rabinovich, David; Brandes, Barak; Hanein, Yael

    2016-05-01

    Electromyography is a non-invasive method widely used to map muscle activation. For decades, it was commonly accepted that dry metallic electrodes establish poor electrode-skin contact, making them impractical for skin electromyography applications. Gelled electrodes are therefore the standard in electromyography with their use confined, almost entirely, to laboratory settings. Here we present novel dry electrodes, exhibiting outstanding electromyography recording along with excellent user comfort. The electrodes were realized using screen-printing of carbon ink on a soft support. The conformity of the electrodes helps establish direct contact with the skin, making the use of a gel superfluous. Plasma polymerized 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene was used to enhance the impedance of the electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry measurements revealed an increase in electrode capacitance by a factor of up to 100 in wet conditions. Impedance measurements show a reduction factor of 10 in electrode impedance on human skin. The suitability of the electrodes for long-term electromyography recordings from the hand and from the face is demonstrated. The presented electrodes are ideally-suited for many applications, such as brain-machine interfacing, muscle diagnostics, post-injury rehabilitation, and gaming.

  7. Temporary-tattoo for long-term high fidelity biopotential recordings

    PubMed Central

    Bareket, Lilach; Inzelberg, Lilah; Rand, David; David-Pur, Moshe; Rabinovich, David; Brandes, Barak; Hanein, Yael

    2016-01-01

    Electromyography is a non-invasive method widely used to map muscle activation. For decades, it was commonly accepted that dry metallic electrodes establish poor electrode-skin contact, making them impractical for skin electromyography applications. Gelled electrodes are therefore the standard in electromyography with their use confined, almost entirely, to laboratory settings. Here we present novel dry electrodes, exhibiting outstanding electromyography recording along with excellent user comfort. The electrodes were realized using screen-printing of carbon ink on a soft support. The conformity of the electrodes helps establish direct contact with the skin, making the use of a gel superfluous. Plasma polymerized 3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene was used to enhance the impedance of the electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry measurements revealed an increase in electrode capacitance by a factor of up to 100 in wet conditions. Impedance measurements show a reduction factor of 10 in electrode impedance on human skin. The suitability of the electrodes for long-term electromyography recordings from the hand and from the face is demonstrated. The presented electrodes are ideally-suited for many applications, such as brain-machine interfacing, muscle diagnostics, post-injury rehabilitation, and gaming. PMID:27169387

  8. Vacuum-free, maskless patterning of Ni electrodes by laser reductive sintering of NiO nanoparticle ink and its application to transparent conductors.

    PubMed

    Lee, Daeho; Paeng, Dongwoo; Park, Hee K; Grigoropoulos, Costas P

    2014-10-28

    We introduce a method for direct patterning of Ni electrodes through selective laser direct writing (LDW) of NiO nanoparticle (NP) ink. High-resolution Ni patterns are generated from NiO NP thin films by a vacuum-free, lithography-free, and solution-processable route. In particular, a continuous wave laser is used for the LDW reductive sintering of the metal oxide under ambient conditions with the aid of reducing agents in the ink solvent. Thin (∼ 40 nm) Ni electrodes of glossy metallic surfaces with smooth morphology and excellent edge definition can be fabricated. By applying this method, we demonstrate a high transmittance (>87%), electrically conducting panel for a touch screen panel application. The resistivity of the Ni electrode is less than an order of magnitude higher compared to that of the bulk Ni. Mechanical bending test, tape-pull test, and ultrasonic bath test confirm the robust adhesion of the electrodes on glass and polymer substrates.

  9. Electrophoretic deposition of multi-walled carbon nanotube on a stainless steel electrode for use in sediment microbial fuel cells.

    PubMed

    Song, Tian-Shun; Peng-Xiao; Wu, Xia-Yuan; Zhou, Charles C

    2013-07-01

    Sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) could be used as power sources and one type of new technology for the removal of organic matters in sediments. In order to improve electrode materials and enhance their effect on the performance, we deposited multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) on stainless steel net (SSN). Electrophoretic deposition technique as a method with low cost, process simplicity, and thickness control was used for this electrode modification and produced this novel SSN-MWNT electrode. The performances of SMFCs with SSN-MWNT as electrode were investigated. The results showed that the maximum power density of SMFC with SSN-MWNT cathode was 31.6 mW m(-2), which was 3.2 times that of SMFC with an uncoated stainless steel cathode. However, no significant increase in the maximum power density of SMFC with SSN-MWNT anode was detected. Further electrochemical analysis showed that when SSN-MWNT was used as the cathode, the cathodic electrochemical activity and oxygen reduction rate were significantly improved. This study demonstrates that the electrophoretic deposition of carbon nanotubes on conductive substrate can be applied for improving the performance of SMFC.

  10. Multi-functional sensor system for molten salt technologies

    DOEpatents

    Redey, Laszlo [Downers Grove, IL; Gourishankar, Karthick [Downers Grove, IL; Williamson, Mark A [Naperville, IL

    2009-12-15

    The present invention relates to a multi-functional sensor system that simultaneously measures cathode and anode electrode potentials, dissolved ion (i.e. oxide) concentration, and temperatures in an electrochemical cell. One embodiment of the invented system generally comprises: a reference(saturated) electrode, a reference(sensing) electrode, and a data acquisition system. Thermocouples are built into the two reference electrodes to provide important temperature information.

  11. Induction and differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells into functional cardiomyocytes on a compartmented monolayer of gelatin nanofibers

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tang, Yadong; Liu, Li; Li, Junjun; Yu, Leqian; Wang, Li; Shi, Jian; Chen, Yong

    2016-07-01

    Extensive efforts have been devoted to develop new substrates for culture and differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) toward cardiac cell-based assays. A more exciting prospect is the construction of cardiac tissue for robust drug screening and cardiac tissue repairing. Here, we developed a patch method by electrospinning and crosslinking of monolayer gelatin nanofibers on a honeycomb frame made of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA). The monolayer of the nanofibrous structure can support cells with minimal exogenous contact and a maximal efficiency of cell-medium exchange whereas a single hiPSC colony can be uniformly formed in each of the honeycomb compartments. By modulating the treatment time of the ROCK inhibitor Y-27632, the shape of the hiPSC colony could be controlled from a flat layer to a hemisphere. Afterwards, the induction and differentiation of hiPSCs were achieved on the same patch, leading to a uniform cardiac layer with homogeneous contraction. This cardiac layer could then be used for extracellular recording with a commercial multi-electrode array, showing representative field potential waveforms of matured cardiac tissues with appropriate drug responses.Extensive efforts have been devoted to develop new substrates for culture and differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) toward cardiac cell-based assays. A more exciting prospect is the construction of cardiac tissue for robust drug screening and cardiac tissue repairing. Here, we developed a patch method by electrospinning and crosslinking of monolayer gelatin nanofibers on a honeycomb frame made of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA). The monolayer of the nanofibrous structure can support cells with minimal exogenous contact and a maximal efficiency of cell-medium exchange whereas a single hiPSC colony can be uniformly formed in each of the honeycomb compartments. By modulating the treatment time of the ROCK inhibitor Y-27632, the shape of the hiPSC colony could be controlled from a flat layer to a hemisphere. Afterwards, the induction and differentiation of hiPSCs were achieved on the same patch, leading to a uniform cardiac layer with homogeneous contraction. This cardiac layer could then be used for extracellular recording with a commercial multi-electrode array, showing representative field potential waveforms of matured cardiac tissues with appropriate drug responses. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c6nr04545f

  12. A DNA biosensor based on gold nanoparticle decorated on carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes for gender determination of Arowana fish.

    PubMed

    Saeedfar, Kasra; Heng, Lee Yook; Chiang, Chew Poh

    2017-12-01

    Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were modified to design a new DNA biosensor. Functionalized MWCNTs were equipped with gold nanoparticles (GNPs) (~15nm) (GNP-MWCNTCOOH) to construct DNA biosensors based on carbon-paste screen-printed (SPE) electrodes. GNP attachment onto functionalized MWCNTs was carried out by microwave irradiation and was confirmed by spectroscopic studies and surface analysis. DNA biosensors based on differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) were constructed by immobilizing thiolated single-stranded DNA probes onto GNP-MWCNTCOOH. Ruthenium (III) chloride hexaammoniate [Ru(NH 3 ) 6 ,2Cl - ] (RuHex) was used as hybridization redox indicator. RuHex and MWCNT interaction was low in compared to other organic redox hybridization indicators. The linear response range for DNA determination was 1×10 -21 to 1×10 -9 M with a lower detection limit of 1.55×10 -21 M. Thus, the attachment of GNPs onto functionalized MWCNTs yielded sensitive DNA biosensor with low detection limit and stability more than 30days. Constructed electrode was used to determine gender of arowana fish. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  13. Characterization of Screen-Printed Organic Electrochemical Transistors to Detect Cations of Different Sizes.

    PubMed

    Contat-Rodrigo, Laura; Pérez-Fuster, Clara; Lidón-Roger, José Vicente; Bonfiglio, Annalisa; García-Breijo, Eduardo

    2016-09-28

    A novel screen-printing fabrication method was used to prepare organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) based on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with polysterene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS). Initially, three types of these screen-printed OECTs with a different channel and gate areas ratio were compared in terms of output characteristics, transfer characteristics, and current modulation in a phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution. Results confirm that transistors with a gate electrode larger than the channel exhibit higher modulation. OECTs with this geometry were therefore chosen to investigate their ion-sensitive properties in aqueous solutions of cations of different sizes (sodium and rhodamine B). The effect of the gate electrode was additionally studied by comparing these all-PEDOT:PSS transistors with OECTs with the same geometry but with a non-polarizable metal gate (Ag). The operation of the all-PEDOT:PSS OECTs yields a response that is not dependent on a Na⁺ or rhodamine concentration. The weak modulation of these transistors can be explained assuming that PEDOT:PSS behaves like a supercapacitor. In contrast, the operation of Ag-Gate OECTs yields a response that is dependent on ion concentration due to the redox reaction taking place at the gate electrode with Cl - counter-ions. This indicates that, for cation detection, the response is maximized in OECTs with non-polarizable gate electrodes.

  14. Determination of total and electrolabile copper in agricultural soil by using disposable modified-carbon screen-printed electrodes.

    PubMed

    Faucher, Stéphane; Cugnet, Cyril; Authier, Laurent; Lespes, Gaëtane

    2014-02-01

    The objective of the study is to evaluate modified-carbon screen-printed working electrodes (SPE) combined with square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) to determine electrolabile and total copper in soils with the perspective to assess the environmental hazard resulting from copper anthropogenic contamination. The voltammetric method was investigated using a mineralized certified reference soil such that it can be assumed that the copper was totally under electrolabile form in the solution of mineralized soil. In optimal conditions, a copper recovery of 97% and a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 9% were found. The limits of detection and quantification for copper were 0.4 and 1.3 μg L(-1), respectively. Finally, the method was applied on soil leachates, which allowed evaluating the cupric transfer from the soil to the leachates and quantifying the electrolabile copper part in leachates.

  15. Multi-layer electrode for high contrast electrochromic devices

    DOEpatents

    Schwendeman, Irina G [Wexford, PA; Finley, James J [Pittsburgh, PA; Polcyn, Adam D [Pittsburgh, PA; Boykin, Cheri M [Wexford, PA

    2011-11-01

    An electrochromic device includes a first substrate spaced from a second substrate. A first transparent conductive electrode is formed over at least a portion of the first substrate. A polymeric anode is formed over at least a portion of the first conductive electrode. A second transparent conductive electrode is formed over at least a portion of the second substrate. In one aspect of the invention, a multi-layer polymeric cathode is formed over at least a portion of the second conductive electrode. In one non-limiting embodiment, the multi-layer cathode includes a first cathodically coloring polymer formed over at least a portion of the second conductive electrode and a second cathodically coloring polymer formed over at least a portion of the first cathodically coloring polymer. An ionic liquid is positioned between the anode and the cathode.

  16. Carbon nanotube multi-electrode array chips for noninvasive real-time measurement of dopamine, action potentials, and postsynaptic potentials.

    PubMed

    Suzuki, Ikuro; Fukuda, Mao; Shirakawa, Keiichi; Jiko, Hideyasu; Gotoh, Masao

    2013-11-15

    Multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) can be used for noninvasive, real-time, and long-term recording of electrophysiological activity and changes in the extracellular chemical microenvironment. Neural network organization, neuronal excitability, synaptic and phenotypic plasticity, and drug responses may be monitored by MEAs, but it is still difficult to measure presynaptic activity, such as neurotransmitter release, from the presynaptic bouton. In this study, we describe the development of planar carbon nanotube (CNT)-MEA chips that can measure both the release of the neurotransmitter dopamine as well as electrophysiological responses such as field postsynaptic potentials (fPSPs) and action potentials (APs). These CNT-MEA chips were fabricated by electroplating the indium-tin oxide (ITO) microelectrode surfaces. The CNT-plated ITO electrode exhibited electrochemical response, having much higher current density compared with the bare ITO electrode. Chronoamperometric measurements using these CNT-MEA chips detected dopamine at nanomolar concentrations. By placing mouse striatal brain slices on the CNT-MEA chip, we successfully measured synaptic dopamine release from spontaneous firings with a high S/N ratio of 62. Furthermore, APs and fPSPs were measured from cultured hippocampal neurons and slices with high temporal resolution and a 100-fold greater S/N ratio. Our CNT-MEA chips made it possible to measure neurotransmitter dopamine (presynaptic activities), postsynaptic potentials, and action potentials, which have a central role in information processing in the neuronal network. CNT-MEA chips could prove useful for in vitro studies of stem cell differentiation, drug screening and toxicity, synaptic plasticity, and pathogenic processes involved in epilepsy, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. High conductivity and transparent aluminum-based multi-layer source/drain electrodes for thin film transistors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yao, Rihui; Zhang, Hongke; Fang, Zhiqiang; Ning, Honglong; Zheng, Zeke; Li, Xiaoqing; Zhang, Xiaochen; Cai, Wei; Lu, Xubing; Peng, Junbiao

    2018-02-01

    In this study, high conductivity and transparent multi-layer (AZO/Al/AZO-/Al/AZO) source/drain (S/D) electrodes for thin film transistors were fabricated via conventional physical vapor deposition approaches, without toxic elements or further thermal annealing process. The 68 nm-thick multi-layer films with excellent optical properties (transparency: 82.64%), good electrical properties (resistivity: 6.64  ×  10-5 Ω m, work function: 3.95 eV), and superior surface roughness (R q   =  0.757 nm with scanning area of 5  ×  5 µm2) were fabricated as the S/D electrodes. Significantly, comprehensive performances of AZO films are enhanced by the insertion of ultra-thin Al layers. The optimal transparent TFT with this multi-layer S/D electrodes exhibited a decent electrical performance with a saturation mobility (µ sat) of 3.2 cm2 V-1 s-1, an I on/I off ratio of 1.59  ×  106, a subthreshold swing of 1.05 V/decade. The contact resistance of AZO/Al/AZO/Al/AZO multi-layer electrodes is as low as 0.29 MΩ. Moreover, the average visible light transmittance of the unpatterned multi-layers constituting a whole transparent TFT could reach 72.5%. The high conductivity and transparent multi-layer S/D electrodes for transparent TFTs possessed great potential for the applications of the green and transparent displays industry.

  18. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Bazzarella, Ricardo; Slocum, Alexander H.; Doherty, Tristan

    Electrochemical cells and methods of making electrochemical cells are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a multi-layer sheet for encasing an electrode material for an electrochemical cell. The multi-layer sheet including an outer layer, an intermediate layer that includes a conductive substrate, and an inner layer disposed on a portion of the conductive substrate. The intermediate layer is disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer. The inner layer defines an opening through which a conductive region of the intermediate layer is exposed such that the electrode material can be electrically connected to the conductive region. Thus,more » the intermediate layer can serve as a current collector for the electrochemical cell.« less

  19. Combinatorial electrochemical cell array for high throughput screening of micro-fuel-cells and metal/air batteries.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Rongzhong

    2007-07-01

    An electrochemical cell array was designed that contains a common air electrode and 16 microanodes for high throughput screening of both fuel cells (based on polymer electrolyte membrane) and metal/air batteries (based on liquid electrolyte). Electrode materials can easily be coated on the anodes of the electrochemical cell array and screened by switching a graphite probe from one cell to the others. The electrochemical cell array was used to study direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), including high throughput screening of electrode catalysts and determination of optimum operating conditions. For screening of DMFCs, there is about 6% relative standard deviation (percentage of standard deviation versus mean value) for discharge current from 10 to 20 mAcm(2). The electrochemical cell array was also used to study tin/air batteries. The effect of Cu content in the anode electrode on the discharge performance of the tin/air battery was investigated. The relative standard deviations for screening of metal/air battery (based on zinc/air) are 2.4%, 3.6%, and 5.1% for discharge current at 50, 100, and 150 mAcm(2), respectively.

  20. Measurement of urinary cystine and cysteinyl-penicillamine in patients with cystinuria.

    PubMed

    Sampson, D C; Stewart, P M; Hammond, J W

    1986-02-01

    A high-performance liquid chromatographic method with electrochemical detection (LC/EC) was developed to measure cystine and cysteinyl-penicillamine disulfide in the urine of patients screened or treated for cystinuria. Urine was acidified, centrifuged to remove urinary protein, diluted and injected. The disulfides were separated on a reversed-phase column, reduced at the upstream electrode of a dual electrochemical detector with gold-mercury amalgam (Au/Hg) electrodes and the resultant thiols measured at the downstream electrode. The sample preparation is simple, the analysis rapid, specimens can be easily batched and the specificity of the method is better than those of two other separative procedures with which it was compared. The coefficient of variation for cystine in cystinuric urine is 6.7%, 5.5% and 3.2% for levels of 0.09, 0.52 and 1.02 mmol/l respectively, and for cysteinyl-penicillamine disulfide 2.6% and 7.5% for levels of 0.45 and 0.98 mmol/l respectively. Urine for analysis of these disulfides should not be collected within 24 hours of administration of the radiopaque agent diatrizoate but no other interference to the assay has been noted. This method is suitable as a screen for cystinuria in patients with renal tract calculi, for ongoing monitoring of cystinuric patients and to check patient compliance with d-penicillamine therapy.

  1. Smartphone-based cyclic voltammetry system with graphene modified screen printed electrodes for glucose detection.

    PubMed

    Ji, Daizong; Liu, Lei; Li, Shuang; Chen, Chen; Lu, Yanli; Wu, Jiajia; Liu, Qingjun

    2017-12-15

    Smartphone-based electrochemical devices have such advantages as the low price, miniaturization, and obtaining the real-time data. As a popular electrochemical method, cyclic voltammetry (CV) has shown its great practicability for quantitative detection and electrodes modification. In this study, a smartphone-based CV system with a simple method of electrode modification was constructed to perform electrochemical detections. The system was composed of these main portions: modified electrodes, portable electrochemical detector and smartphone. Among them, the detector was comprised of an energy transformation module applying the stimuli signals, and a low-cost potentiostat module for CV measurements with a Bluetooth module for transmitting data and commands. With an Application (App), the smartphone was used as the controller and displayer of the system. Through controlling of different scan rates, the smartphone-based system could perform CV detections for redox couples with test errors less than 3.8% compared to that of commercial electrochemical workstation. Also, the reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and sensitive substance could be modified by the system on the screen printed electrodes for detections. As a demonstration, 3-amino phenylboronic acid (APBA) was used as the sensitive substance to fabricate a glucose sensor. Finally, the experimental data of the system were shown the linear, sensitive, and specific responses to glucose at different doses, even in blood serum as low as about 0.026mM with 3δ/slope calculation. Thus, the system could show great potentials of detection and modification of electrodes in various fields, such as public health, water monitoring, and food quality. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Traceability of pH measurements by glass electrode cells: performance characteristic of pH electrodes by multi-point calibration.

    PubMed

    Naumann, R; Alexander-Weber, Ch; Eberhardt, R; Giera, J; Spitzer, P

    2002-11-01

    Routine pH measurements are carried out with pH meter-glass electrode assemblies. In most cases the glass and reference electrodes are thereby fashioned into a single probe, the so-called 'combination electrode' or simply 'the pH electrode'. The use of these electrodes is subject to various effects, described below, producing uncertainties of unknown magnitude. Therefore, the measurement of pH of a sample requires a suitable calibration by certified standard buffer solutions (CRMs) traceable to primary pH standards. The procedures in use are based on calibrations at one point, at two points bracketing the sample pH and at a series of points, the so-called multi-point calibration. The multi-point calibration (MPC) is recommended if minimum uncertainty and maximum consistency are required over a wide range of unknown pH values. Details of uncertainty computations for the two-point and MPC procedure are given. Furthermore, the multi-point calibration is a useful tool to characterise the performance of pH electrodes. This is demonstrated with different commercial pH electrodes. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL is available if you access this article at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00216-002-1506-5. On that page (frame on the left side), a link takes you directly to the supplementary material.

  3. Method of fabricating electrodes including high-capacity, binder-free anodes for lithium-ion batteries

    DOEpatents

    Ban, Chunmei; Wu, Zhuangchun; Dillon, Anne C.

    2017-01-10

    An electrode (110) is provided that may be used in an electrochemical device (100) such as an energy storage/discharge device, e.g., a lithium-ion battery, or an electrochromic device, e.g., a smart window. Hydrothermal techniques and vacuum filtration methods were applied to fabricate the electrode (110). The electrode (110) includes an active portion (140) that is made up of electrochemically active nanoparticles, with one embodiment utilizing 3d-transition metal oxides to provide the electrochemical capacity of the electrode (110). The active material (140) may include other electrochemical materials, such as silicon, tin, lithium manganese oxide, and lithium iron phosphate. The electrode (110) also includes a matrix or net (170) of electrically conductive nanomaterial that acts to connect and/or bind the active nanoparticles (140) such that no binder material is required in the electrode (110), which allows more active materials (140) to be included to improve energy density and other desirable characteristics of the electrode. The matrix material (170) may take the form of carbon nanotubes, such as single-wall, double-wall, and/or multi-wall nanotubes, and be provided as about 2 to 30 percent weight of the electrode (110) with the rest being the active material (140).

  4. Capacitive charge storage at an electrified interface investigated via direct first-principles simulations

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Radin, Maxwell D.; Ogitsu, Tadashi; Biener, Juergen; Otani, Minoru; Wood, Brandon C.

    2015-03-01

    Understanding the impact of interfacial electric fields on electronic structure is crucial to improving the performance of materials in applications based on charged interfaces. Supercapacitors store energy directly in the strong interfacial field between a solid electrode and a liquid electrolyte; however, the complex interplay between the two is often poorly understood, particularly for emerging low-dimensional electrode materials that possess unconventional electronic structure. Typical descriptions tend to neglect the specific electrode-electrolyte interaction, approximating the intrinsic "quantum capacitance" of the electrode in terms of a fixed electronic density of states. Instead, we introduce a more accurate first-principles approach for directly simulating charge storage in model capacitors using the effective screening medium method, which implicitly accounts for the presence of the interfacial electric field. Applying this approach to graphene supercapacitor electrodes, we find that results differ significantly from the predictions of fixed-band models, leading to improved consistency with experimentally reported capacitive behavior. The differences are traced to two key factors: the inhomogeneous distribution of stored charge due to poor electronic screening and interfacial contributions from the specific interaction with the electrolyte. Our results are used to revise the conventional definition of quantum capacitance and to provide general strategies for improving electrochemical charge storage, particularly in graphene and similar low-dimensional materials.

  5. Impact electrochemistry on screen-printed electrodes for the detection of monodispersed silver nanoparticles of sizes 10-107 nm.

    PubMed

    Nasir, Muhammad Zafir Mohamad; Pumera, Martin

    2016-10-12

    Impact electrochemistry provides a useful alternative technique for the detection of silver nanoparticles in solutions. The combined use of impact electrochemistry on screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) for the successful detection of silver nanoparticles provides an avenue for future on-site, point-of-care detection devices to be made for environmental, medicinal and biological uses. Here we discuss the use of screen-printed electrodes for the detection of well-defined monodispersed silver nanoparticles of sizes 10, 20, 40, 80, and 107 nm.

  6. Multi-layered, chemically bonded lithium-ion and lithium/air batteries

    DOEpatents

    Narula, Chaitanya Kumar; Nanda, Jagjit; Bischoff, Brian L; Bhave, Ramesh R

    2014-05-13

    Disclosed are multilayer, porous, thin-layered lithium-ion batteries that include an inorganic separator as a thin layer that is chemically bonded to surfaces of positive and negative electrode layers. Thus, in such disclosed lithium-ion batteries, the electrodes and separator are made to form non-discrete (i.e., integral) thin layers. Also disclosed are methods of fabricating integrally connected, thin, multilayer lithium batteries including lithium-ion and lithium/air batteries.

  7. Multi-layer electrode with nano-Li4Ti5O12 aggregates sandwiched between carbon nanotube and graphene networks for high power Li-ion batteries.

    PubMed

    Choi, Jin-Hoon; Ryu, Won-Hee; Park, Kyusung; Jo, Jeong-Dai; Jo, Sung-Moo; Lim, Dae-Soon; Kim, Il-Doo

    2014-12-05

    Self-aggregated Li4Ti5O12 particles sandwiched between graphene nanosheets (GNSs) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) network are reported as new hybrid electrodes for high power Li-ion batteries. The multi-layer electrodes are fabricated by sequential process comprising air-spray coating of GNSs layer and the following electrostatic spray (E-spray) coating of well-dispersed colloidal Li4Ti5O12 nanoparticles, and subsequent air-spray coating of SWCNTs layer once again. In multi-stacked electrodes of GNSs/nanoporous Li4Ti5O12 aggregates/SWCNTs networks, GNSs and SWCNTs serve as conducting bridges, effectively interweaving the nanoporous Li4Ti5O12 aggregates, and help achieve superior rate capability as well as improved mechanical stability of the composite electrode by holding Li4Ti5O12 tightly without a binder. The multi-stacked electrodes deliver a specific capacity that maintains an impressively high capacity of 100 mA h g(-1) at a high rate of 100C even after 1000 cycles.

  8. Development of a Flexible Non-Metal Electrode for Cell Stimulation and Recording

    PubMed Central

    Gong, Cihun-Siyong Alex; Syu, Wun-Jia; Lei, Kin Fong; Hwang, Yih-Shiou

    2016-01-01

    This study presents a method of producing flexible electrodes for potentially simultaneously stimulating and measuring cellular signals in retinal cells. Currently, most multi-electrode applications rely primarily on etching, but the metals involved have a certain degree of brittleness, leaving them prone to cracking under prolonged pressure. This study proposes using silver chloride ink as a conductive metal, and polydimethysiloxane (PDMS) as the substrate to provide electrodes with an increased degree of flexibility to allow them to bend. This structure is divided into the electrode layer made of PDMS and silver chloride ink, and a PDMS film coating layer. PDMS can be mixed in different proportions to modify the degree of rigidity. The proposed method involved three steps. The first segment entailed the manufacturing of the electrode, using silver chloride ink as the conductive material, and using computer software to define the electrode size and micro-engraving mechanisms to produce the electrode pattern. The resulting uniform PDMS pattern was then baked onto the model, and the flow channel was filled with the conductive material before air drying to produce the required electrode. In the second stage, we tested the electrode, using an impedance analyzer to measure electrode cyclic voltammetry and impedance. In the third phase, mechanical and biocompatibility tests were conducted to determine electrode properties. This study aims to produce a flexible, non-metallic sensing electrode which fits snugly for use in a range of measurement applications. PMID:27690049

  9. Method of making a multi-electrode double layer capacitor having single electrolyte seal and aluminum-impregnated carbon cloth electrodes

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Farahmandi, C. Joseph; Dispennette, John M.; Blank, Edward

    A method of making a double layer capacitior includes first and second flat stacks of electrodes adapted to be housed in a closeable two-part capacitor case which includes only a single electrolyte seal. Each electrode stack has a plurality of electrodes connected in parallel, with the electrodes of one stack being interleaved with the electrodes of the other stack to form an interleaved stack, and with the electrodes of each stack being electrically connected to respective capacitor terminals. A porous separator is positioned against the electrodes of one stack before interleaving to prevent electrical shorts between the electrodes. The electrodesmore » are made by folding a compressible, low resistance, aluminum-impregnated carbon cloth, made from activated carbon fibers, around a current collector foil, with a tab of the foils of each electrode of each stack being connected in parallel and connected to the respective capacitor terminal. The height of the interleaved stack is somewhat greater than the inside height of the closed capacitor case, thereby requiring compression of the interleaved electrode stack when placed inside of the case, and thereby maintaining the interleaved electrode stack under modest constant pressure. The closed capacitor case is filled with an electrolytic solution and sealed. A preferred electrolytic solution is made by dissolving an appropriate salt into acetonitrile (CH.sub.3 CN). In one embodiment, the two arts of the capacitor case are conductive and function as the capacitor terminals.« less

  10. Phosphate Detection through a Cost-Effective Carbon Black Nanoparticle-Modified Screen-Printed Electrode Embedded in a Continuous Flow System.

    PubMed

    Talarico, Daria; Cinti, Stefano; Arduini, Fabiana; Amine, Aziz; Moscone, Danila; Palleschi, Giuseppe

    2015-07-07

    An automatable flow system for the continuous and long-term monitoring of the phosphate level has been developed using an amperometric detection method based on the use of a miniaturized sensor. This method is based on the monitoring of an electroactive complex obtained by the reaction between phosphate and molybdate that is consequently reduced at the electrode surface. The use of a screen-printed electrode modified with carbon black nanoparticles (CBNPs) leads to the quantification of the complex at low potential, because CBNPs are capable of electrocatalitically enhancing the phosphomolybdate complex reduction at +125 mV versus Ag/AgCl without fouling problems. The developed system also incorporates reagents and waste storage and is connected to a portable potentiostat for rapid detection and quantification of phosphate. Main analytical parameters, such as working potential, reagent concentration, type of cell, and flow rate, were evaluated and optimized. This system was characterized by a low detection limit (6 μM). Interference studies were carried out. Good recovery percentages comprised between 89 and 131.5% were achieved in different water sources, highlighting its suitability for field measurements.

  11. Characterization of ToxCast Phase II compounds disruption of spontaneous network activity in cortical networks grown on multi-well microelectrode array (mwMEA) plates.

    EPA Science Inventory

    The development of multi-well microelectrode array (mwMEA) systems has increased in vitro screening throughput making them an effective method to screen and prioritize large sets of compounds for potential neurotoxicity. In the present experiments, a multiplexed approach was used...

  12. Stability, structure and scale: improvements in multi-modal vessel extraction for SEEG trajectory planning.

    PubMed

    Zuluaga, Maria A; Rodionov, Roman; Nowell, Mark; Achhala, Sufyan; Zombori, Gergely; Mendelson, Alex F; Cardoso, M Jorge; Miserocchi, Anna; McEvoy, Andrew W; Duncan, John S; Ourselin, Sébastien

    2015-08-01

    Brain vessels are among the most critical landmarks that need to be assessed for mitigating surgical risks in stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG) implantation. Intracranial haemorrhage is the most common complication associated with implantation, carrying significantly associated morbidity. SEEG planning is done pre-operatively to identify avascular trajectories for the electrodes. In current practice, neurosurgeons have no assistance in the planning of electrode trajectories. There is great interest in developing computer-assisted planning systems that can optimise the safety profile of electrode trajectories, maximising the distance to critical structures. This paper presents a method that integrates the concepts of scale, neighbourhood structure and feature stability with the aim of improving robustness and accuracy of vessel extraction within a SEEG planning system. The developed method accounts for scale and vicinity of a voxel by formulating the problem within a multi-scale tensor voting framework. Feature stability is achieved through a similarity measure that evaluates the multi-modal consistency in vesselness responses. The proposed measurement allows the combination of multiple images modalities into a single image that is used within the planning system to visualise critical vessels. Twelve paired data sets from two image modalities available within the planning system were used for evaluation. The mean Dice similarity coefficient was 0.89 ± 0.04, representing a statistically significantly improvement when compared to a semi-automated single human rater, single-modality segmentation protocol used in clinical practice (0.80 ± 0.03). Multi-modal vessel extraction is superior to semi-automated single-modality segmentation, indicating the possibility of safer SEEG planning, with reduced patient morbidity.

  13. A Comparison of graphene hydrogels modified with single-walled/multi-walled carbon nanotubes as electrode materials for capacitive deionization.

    PubMed

    Cao, Jianglin; Wang, Ying; Chen, Chunyang; Yu, Fei; Ma, Jie

    2018-05-15

    Capacitive deionization (CDI) is a technology used to remove salt from brackish water, and it is an energy-saving, low-cost method compared with other methods, such as reverse osmosis, multi-stage ash distillation and electrodialysis. In this paper, three-dimensional (3D) graphene hydrogels modified with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) or multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were synthesized by a one-step water bath method to increase the conductivity of materials and reduce the aggregation of the graphene sheets. The CDI performance differences between the two materials were compared and discussed. The results suggested that SWCNTs/rGO had a higher electrosorption capacity (48.73 mg/g) than MWCNTs/rGO, and this was attributed to its high specific surface area (308.37 m 2 /g), specific capacity (36.35 F/g), and smaller charge transfer resistance compared with those of the MWCNTs/rGO electrode. The results indicate SWCNTs/rGO is a promising and suitable material for CDI technology and we provide basic guidance for further CNTs/graphene composite research. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Large-Area Cross-Aligned Silver Nanowire Electrodes for Flexible, Transparent, and Force-Sensitive Mechanochromic Touch Screens.

    PubMed

    Cho, Seungse; Kang, Saewon; Pandya, Ashish; Shanker, Ravi; Khan, Ziyauddin; Lee, Youngsu; Park, Jonghwa; Craig, Stephen L; Ko, Hyunhyub

    2017-04-25

    Silver nanowire (AgNW) networks are considered to be promising structures for use as flexible transparent electrodes for various optoelectronic devices. One important application of AgNW transparent electrodes is the flexible touch screens. However, the performances of flexible touch screens are still limited by the large surface roughness and low electrical to optical conductivity ratio of random network AgNW electrodes. In addition, although the perception of writing force on the touch screen enables a variety of different functions, the current technology still relies on the complicated capacitive force touch sensors. This paper demonstrates a simple and high-throughput bar-coating assembly technique for the fabrication of large-area (>20 × 20 cm 2 ), highly cross-aligned AgNW networks for transparent electrodes with the sheet resistance of 21.0 Ω sq -1 at 95.0% of optical transmittance, which compares favorably with that of random AgNW networks (sheet resistance of 21.0 Ω sq -1 at 90.4% of optical transmittance). As a proof of concept demonstration, we fabricate flexible, transparent, and force-sensitive touch screens using cross-aligned AgNW electrodes integrated with mechanochromic spiropyran-polydimethylsiloxane composite film. Our force-sensitive touch screens enable the precise monitoring of dynamic writings, tracing and drawing of underneath pictures, and perception of handwriting patterns with locally different writing forces. The suggested technique provides a robust and powerful platform for the controllable assembly of nanowires beyond the scale of conventional fabrication techniques, which can find diverse applications in multifunctional flexible electronic and optoelectronic devices.

  15. Versatile multi-functionalization of protein nanofibrils for biosensor applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sasso, L.; Suei, S.; Domigan, L.; Healy, J.; Nock, V.; Williams, M. A. K.; Gerrard, J. A.

    2014-01-01

    Protein nanofibrils offer advantages over other nanostructures due to the ease in their self-assembly and the versatility of surface chemistry available. Yet, an efficient and general methodology for their post-assembly functionalization remains a significant challenge. We introduce a generic approach, based on biotinylation and thiolation, for the multi-functionalization of protein nanofibrils self-assembled from whey proteins. Biochemical characterization shows the effects of the functionalization onto the nanofibrils' surface, giving insights into the changes in surface chemistry of the nanostructures. We show how these methods can be used to decorate whey protein nanofibrils with several components such as fluorescent quantum dots, enzymes, and metal nanoparticles. A multi-functionalization approach is used, as a proof of principle, for the development of a glucose biosensor platform, where the protein nanofibrils act as nanoscaffolds for glucose oxidase. Biotinylation is used for enzyme attachment and thiolation for nanoscaffold anchoring onto a gold electrode surface. Characterization via cyclic voltammetry shows an increase in glucose-oxidase mediated current response due to thiol-metal interactions with the gold electrode. The presented approach for protein nanofibril multi-functionalization is novel and has the potential of being applied to other protein nanostructures with similar surface chemistry.Protein nanofibrils offer advantages over other nanostructures due to the ease in their self-assembly and the versatility of surface chemistry available. Yet, an efficient and general methodology for their post-assembly functionalization remains a significant challenge. We introduce a generic approach, based on biotinylation and thiolation, for the multi-functionalization of protein nanofibrils self-assembled from whey proteins. Biochemical characterization shows the effects of the functionalization onto the nanofibrils' surface, giving insights into the changes in surface chemistry of the nanostructures. We show how these methods can be used to decorate whey protein nanofibrils with several components such as fluorescent quantum dots, enzymes, and metal nanoparticles. A multi-functionalization approach is used, as a proof of principle, for the development of a glucose biosensor platform, where the protein nanofibrils act as nanoscaffolds for glucose oxidase. Biotinylation is used for enzyme attachment and thiolation for nanoscaffold anchoring onto a gold electrode surface. Characterization via cyclic voltammetry shows an increase in glucose-oxidase mediated current response due to thiol-metal interactions with the gold electrode. The presented approach for protein nanofibril multi-functionalization is novel and has the potential of being applied to other protein nanostructures with similar surface chemistry. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Cyclic voltammetry characterization of biosensor platforms including bare Au electrodes (Fig. S1), biosensor response to various glucose concentrations (Fig. S2), and AFM roughness measurements due to WPNF modifications (Fig. S3). See DOI: 10.1039/c3nr05752f

  16. Wireless multi-channel single unit recording in freely moving and vocalizing primates

    PubMed Central

    Roy, Sabyasachi; Wang, Xiaoqin

    2011-01-01

    The ability to record well-isolated action potentials from individual neurons in naturally behaving animals is crucial for understanding neural mechanisms underlying natural behaviors. Traditional neurophysiology techniques, however, require the animal to be restrained which often restricts natural behavior. An example is the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), a highly vocal New World primate species, used in our laboratory to study the neural correlates of vocal production and sensory feedback. When restrained by traditional neurophysiological techniques marmoset vocal behavior is severely inhibited. Tethered recording systems, while proven effective in rodents pose limitations in arboreal animals such as the marmoset that typically roam in a three-dimensional environment. To overcome these obstacles, we have developed a wireless neural recording technique that is capable of collecting single-unit data from chronically implanted multi-electrodes in freely moving marmosets. A lightweight, low power and low noise wireless transmitter (headstage) is attached to a multi-electrode array placed in the premotor cortex of the marmoset. The wireless headstage is capable of transmitting 15 channels of neural data with signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) comparable to a tethered system. To minimize radio-frequency (RF) and electro-magnetic interference (EMI), the experiments were conducted within a custom designed RF/EMI and acoustically shielded chamber. The individual electrodes of the multi-electrode array were periodically advanced to densely sample the cortical layers. We recorded single-unit data over a period of several months from the frontal cortex of two marmosets. These recordings demonstrate the feasibility of using our wireless recording method to study single neuron activity in freely roaming primates. PMID:21933683

  17. A multi-electrode biomimetic electrolocation sensor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mayekar, K.; Damalla, D.; Gottwald, M.; Bousack, H.; von der Emde, G.

    2012-04-01

    We present the concept of an active multi-electrode catheter inspired by the electroreceptive system of the weakly electric fish, Gnathonemus petersii. The skin of this fish exhibits numerous electroreceptor organs which are capable of sensing a self induced electrical field. Our sensor is composed of a sending electrode and sixteen receiving electrodes. The electrical field produced by the sending electrode was measured by the receiving electrodes and objects were detected by the perturbation of the electrical field they induce. The intended application of such a sensor is in coronary diagnostics, in particular in distinguishing various types of plaques, which are major causes of heart attack. For calibration of the sensor system, finite element modeling (FEM) was performed. To validate the model, experimental measurements were carried out with two different systems. The physical system was glass tubing with metal and plastic wall insertions as targets. For the control of the experiment and for data acquisition, the software LabView designed for 17 electrodes was used. Different parameters of the electric images were analyzed for the prediction of the electrical properties and size of the inserted targets in the tube. Comparisons of the voltage modulations predicted from the FEM model and the experiments showed a good correspondence. It can be concluded that this novel biomimetic method can be further developed for detailed investigations of atherosclerotic lesions. Finally, we discuss various design strategies to optimize the output of the sensor using different simulated models to enhance target recognition.

  18. Cooperative dry-electrode sensors for multi-lead biopotential and bioimpedance monitoring.

    PubMed

    Rapin, M; Proença, M; Braun, F; Meier, C; Solà, J; Ferrario, D; Grossenbacher, O; Porchet, J-A; Chételat, O

    2015-04-01

    Cooperative sensors is a novel measurement architecture that allows the acquiring of biopotential signals on patients in a comfortable and easy-to-integrate manner. The novel sensors are defined as cooperative in the sense that at least two of them work in concert to measure a target physiological signal, such as a multi-lead electrocardiogram or a thoracic bioimpedance.This paper starts by analysing the state-of-the-art methods to simultaneously measure biopotential and bioimpedance signals, and justifies why currently (1) passive electrodes require the use of shielded or double-shielded cables, and (2) active electrodes require the use of multi-wired cabled technologies, when aiming at high quality physiological measurements.In order to overcome the limitations of the state-of-the-art, a new method for biopotential and bioimpedance measurement using the cooperative sensor is then presented. The novel architecture allows the acquisition of the aforementioned biosignals without the need of shielded or multi-wire cables by splitting the electronics into separate electronic sensors comprising each of two electrodes, one for voltage measurement and one for current injection. The sensors are directly in contact with the skin and connected together by only one unshielded wire. This new configuration requires one power supply per sensor and all sensors need to be synchronized together to allow them to work in concert.After presenting the working principle of the cooperative sensor architecture, this paper reports first experimental results on the use of the technology when applied to measuring multi-lead ECG signals on patients. Measurements performed on a healthy patient demonstrate the feasibility of using this novel cooperative sensor architecture to measure biopotential signals and compliance with common mode rejection specification accordingly to international standard (IEC 60601-2-47) has also been assessed.By reducing the need of using complex wiring setups, and by eliminating the presence of central recording devices (cooperative sensors directly sense and store the measured biosignals on the site), the depicted novel technology is a candidate to a novel generation of highly-integrated, comfortable and reliable technologies that measure physiological signals in real-life scenarios.

  19. COUPLED MULTI-ELECTRODE INVESTIGATION OF CREVICE CORROSION OF 316 STAINLESS STEEL

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    F. Bocher, J. R. Scully

    2006-01-30

    Crevice corrosion is currently studied using either one of two techniques depending on the data needed. The first method is a multi-crevice former over a metallic sample; this provides information on the severity of crevice corrosion (depth, position, frequency) but delivers little to no electrochemical information [1]. The second method involves the potentiodynamic or potentiostatic study of an uncreviced sample in model crevice solution or under a crevice former in aggressive solution [2]. Crevice corrosion is highly dependent on the position in the crevice. The distance from the crevice mouth will affect the depth of attack, the solution composition andmore » pH, and the ohmic drop and the true potential in the crevice [3-6]. These in turn affect the current density as a function of potential and position. An Multi-Channel Micro-Electrode Analyzer' (MMA) has been recently used to demonstrate the interaction between localized corrosion sites (pitting corrosion and intergranular corrosion) [7]. MMA can provide spatial resolution of electrochemical properties in the crevice. By coupling such a tool with scaling laws derived from experimental data (a simple equation linking the depth of crevice corrosion initiation to the crevice gap), it is possible to produce highly instrumented crevices, rescaled to enable spatial resolution of local corrosion processes. In this study, the use of multi-wires arrays (up to 100 closed packed wires simulating a planar electrode, divided in 10 distinctively controllable groups) electrically coupled through zero resistance ammeters enables the observation of the current evolution as a function of position inside and outside the crevice. For instance, the location of crevice initiation sites and propagation behavior can be studied under various conditions. Experiments can be conducted with various realistic variables. These can either be electrochemical (such as proximate cathode) or physical (crevice former material or position). Using new impedance-capable MMA, it is also possible to monitor the film breakdown and the early stages of crevice corrosion as a function of the wires position. In this talk, the use of multi-electrode array to study crevice corrosion of 316 stainless steel and a Ni-Cr-Mo alloy is reviewed.« less

  20. COUPLED MULTI-ELECTRODE INVESTIGATION OF CREVICE CORROSION OF 316 STAINLESS STEEL

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    F. Bocher and J. R. Scully

    2006-01-30

    Crevice corrosion is currently studied using either one of two techniques depending on the data needed. The first method is a multi-crevice former over a metallic sample; this provides information on the severity of crevice corrosion (depth, position, frequency) but delivers little to no electrochemical information [1]. The second method involves the potentiodynamic or potentiostatic study of an uncreviced sample in model crevice solution or under a crevice former in aggressive solution [2]. Crevice corrosion is highly dependent on the position in the crevice. The distance from the crevice mouth will affect the depth of attack, the solution composition andmore » pH, and the ohmic drop and the true potential in the crevice [3-6]. These in turn affect the current density as a function of potential and position. A Multi-Channel Micro-Electrode Analyzer (MMA) has been recently used to demonstrate the interaction between localized corrosion sites (pitting corrosion and intergranular corrosion) [7]. MMA can provide spatial resolution of electrochemical properties in the crevice. By coupling such a tool with scaling laws derived from experimental data (a simple equation linking the depth of crevice corrosion initiation to the crevice gap), it is possible to produce highly instrumented crevices, rescaled to enable spatial resolution of local corrosion processes. In this study, the use of multi-wires arrays (up to 100 closed packed wires simulating a planar electrode, divided in 10 distinctively controllable groups) electrically coupled through zero resistance ammeters enables the observation of the current evolution as a function of position inside and outside the crevice. For instance, the location of crevice initiation sites and propagation behavior can be studied under various conditions. Experiments can be conducted with various realistic variables. These can either be electrochemical (such as proximate cathode) or physical (crevice former material or position). Using new impedance-capable MMA, it is also possible to monitor the film breakdown and the early stages of crevice corrosion as a function of the wires position. In this talk, the use of multi-electrode array to study crevice corrosion of 316 stainless steel and a Ni-Cr-Mo alloy is reviewed.« less

  1. Determination of 4-nonylphenol and 4-octylphenol in human blood samples by high-performance liquid chromatography with multi-electrode electrochemical coulometric-array detection.

    PubMed

    Inoue, K; Yoshimura, Y; Makino, T; Nakazawa, H

    2000-11-01

    Alkylphenols can affect human health because they disrupt the endocrine system. In this study, an analytical method for determining trace amounts of 4-nonylphenol (NP) and 4-octylphenol (OP) in human blood samples was developed. Reversed-phase HPLC with multi-electrode electrochemical coulometric-array detection was used for the determination of NP and OP in plasma and serum samples prepared with a solid-phase extraction method. The separation was achieved using an isocratic mobile phase of 0.7% phosphoric acid-acetonitrile with a C18 reversed phase column. The detection limits of NP and OP were 1.0 and 0.5 ng ml-1, respectively. The recoveries of NP and OP added to human plasma samples were above 70.0% with a relative standard deviation of less than 15.5%. The method was found to be applicable to the determination of NP and OP in various human blood samples such as serum and plasma.

  2. Electrohydrodynamic (edh) drying of ginger slices (zingiber officinale)

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sumariyah; Khuriati, Ainie; Fachriyah, Enny

    2018-05-01

    Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) flow or ion wind of corona discharges has been generated utilizing pin-multi ring concentred electrodes. The pin was made of stainless steel with a tip diameter of 0.018 mm. The multi-ring constructed electrodes by a metal material connected to each other and each ring has a diameter of 24 mm, 16 mm and 8 mm in the same width and thickness is 4 mm and 1 mm. EHD was generated by using a DC high voltage of 5 kV. Pin as an active electrode of corona discharge and multi-ring concentric electrodes as a collector and passive electrodes. The ion wind or EHD flow is produced through changes in voltage and distance between electrodes. The ionic wind generated system outputs through multi-ring concentric electrodes which will further dry the sample. A circle ginger slices as a sample with a diameter of 26 mm with a thickness of 2 mm. The drying is done at the distance between the fixed electrodes of 4 mm and the varied voltages are 1.2 kV, 1.4 kV, and 1.6 kV. The sample drying time varied 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, 120 minutes and 150 minutes. The result of drying the sample at a fixed voltage is obtained moisture of ginger slices decreased with increased drying time.

  3. Sensitive detection of hydroxylamine at a simple baicalin carbon nanotubes modified electrode.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Hongfang; Zheng, Jianbin

    2012-05-15

    A baicalin multi-wall carbon nanotubes (BaMWCNT) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for the sensitive determination of hydroxylamine was described. The BaMWCNT/GCE with dramatic stability was firstly fabricated with a simple adsorption method. And it showed excellent catalytic activity toward the electrooxidation of hydroxylamine. The amperometric response at the BaMWCNT/GCE modified electrode increased linearly to hydroxylamine concentrations in the range of 0.5 μM to 0.4mM with a detection limit of 0.1 μM. The modified electrode was applied to detection hydroxylamine in the tap water, and the average recovery for the standards added was 96.0%. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Effect of sintering temperatures and screen printing types on TiO2 layers in DSSC applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Supriyanto, Agus; Furqoni, Lutfi; Nurosyid, Fahru; Hidayat, Jojo; Suryana, Risa

    2016-03-01

    Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) is a candidate solar cell, which has a big potential in the future due to its eco-friendly material. This research is conducted to study the effect of sintering temperature and the type of screen-printing toward the characteristics of TiO2 layer as a working electrode in DSSC. TiO2 layers were fabricated using a screen-printing method with a mesh size of T-49, T-55, and T-61. TiO2 layers were sintered at temperatures of 600°C and 650°C for 60 min. DSSC structure was composed of TiO2 as semiconductors, ruthenium complex as dyes, and carbon as counter electrodes. The morphology of TiO2 layer was observed by using Nikon E2 Digital Camera Microscopy. The efficiencies of DSSC were calculated from the I-V curves. The highest efficiency is 0.015% at TiO2 layer fabricated with screen type T-61 and at a sintering temperature of 650°C.

  5. Investigation of Implantable Multi-Channel Electrode Array in Rat Cerebral Cortex Used for Recording

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Taniguchi, Noriyuki; Fukayama, Osamu; Suzuki, Takafumi; Mabuchi, Kunihiko

    There have recently been many studies concerning the control of robot movements using neural signals recorded from the brain (usually called the Brain-Machine interface (BMI)). We fabricated implantable multi-electrode arrays to obtain neural signals from the rat cerebral cortex. As any multi-electrode array should have electrode alignment that minimizes invasion, it is necessary to customize the recording site. We designed three types of 22-channel multi-electrode arrays, i.e., 1) wide, 2) three-layered, and 3) separate. The first extensively covers the cerebral cortex. The second has a length of 2 mm, which can cover the area of the primary motor cortex. The third array has a separate structure, which corresponds to the position of the forelimb and hindlimb areas of the primary motor cortex. These arrays were implanted into the cerebral cortex of a rat. We estimated the walking speed from neural signals using our fabricated three-layered array to investigate its feasibility for BMI research. The neural signal of the rat and its walking speed were simultaneously recorded. The results revealed that evaluation using either the anterior electrode group or posterior group provided accurate estimates. However, two electrode groups around the center yielded poor estimates although it was possible to record neural signals.

  6. Modelling, simulation and verification of the screening process of a swing-bar sieve based on the DEM

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wang, Yang; Yu, Jianqun; Yu, Yajun

    2018-05-01

    To solve the problems in the DEM simulations of the screening process of a swing-bar sieve, in this paper we propose the real-virtual boundary method to build the geometrical model of the screen deck on a swing-bar sieve. The motion of the swing-bar sieve is modelled by the planer multi-body kinematics. A coupled model of the discrete element method (DEM) with multi-body kinematics (MBK) is presented to simulate the flowing and passing processes of soybean particles on the screen deck. By the comparison of the simulated results with the experimental results of the screening process of the LA-LK laboratory scale swing-bar sieve, the feasibility and validity of the real-virtual boundary method and the coupled DEM-MBK model we proposed in this paper can be verified. This work provides the basis for the optimization design of the swing-bar sieve with circular apertures and complex motion.

  7. Full multi grid method for electric field computation in point-to-plane streamer discharge in air at atmospheric pressure

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kacem, S.; Eichwald, O.; Ducasse, O.; Renon, N.; Yousfi, M.; Charrada, K.

    2012-01-01

    Streamers dynamics are characterized by the fast propagation of ionized shock waves at the nanosecond scale under very sharp space charge variations. The streamer dynamics modelling needs the solution of charged particle transport equations coupled to the elliptic Poisson's equation. The latter has to be solved at each time step of the streamers evolution in order to follow the propagation of the resulting space charge electric field. In the present paper, a full multi grid (FMG) and a multi grid (MG) methods have been adapted to solve Poisson's equation for streamer discharge simulations between asymmetric electrodes. The validity of the FMG method for the computation of the potential field is first shown by performing direct comparisons with analytic solution of the Laplacian potential in the case of a point-to-plane geometry. The efficiency of the method is also compared with the classical successive over relaxation method (SOR) and MUltifrontal massively parallel solver (MUMPS). MG method is then applied in the case of the simulation of positive streamer propagation and its efficiency is evaluated from comparisons to SOR and MUMPS methods in the chosen point-to-plane configuration. Very good agreements are obtained between the three methods for all electro-hydrodynamics characteristics of the streamer during its propagation in the inter-electrode gap. However in the case of MG method, the computational time to solve the Poisson's equation is at least 2 times faster in our simulation conditions.

  8. Consistency of clinical biomechanical measures between three different institutions: implications for multi-center biomechanical and epidemiological research.

    PubMed

    Myer, Gregory D; Wordeman, Samuel C; Sugimoto, Dai; Bates, Nathaniel A; Roewer, Benjamin D; Medina McKeon, Jennifer M; DiCesare, Christopher A; Di Stasi, Stephanie L; Barber Foss, Kim D; Thomas, Staci M; Hewett, Timothy E

    2014-05-01

    Multi-center collaborations provide a powerful alternative to overcome the inherent limitations to single-center investigations. Specifically, multi-center projects can support large-scale prospective, longitudinal studies that investigate relatively uncommon outcomes, such as anterior cruciate ligament injury. This project was conceived to assess within- and between-center reliability of an affordable, clinical nomogram utilizing two-dimensional video methods to screen for risk of knee injury. The authors hypothesized that the two-dimensional screening methods would provide good-to-excellent reliability within and between institutions for assessment of frontal and sagittal plane biomechanics. Nineteen female, high school athletes participated. Two-dimensional video kinematics of the lower extremity during a drop vertical jump task were collected on all 19 study participants at each of the three facilities. Within-center and between-center reliability were assessed with intra- and inter-class correlation coefficients. Within-center reliability of the clinical nomogram variables was consistently excellent, but between-center reliability was fair-to-good. Within-center intra-class correlation coefficient for all nomogram variables combined was 0.98, while combined between-center inter-class correlation coefficient was 0.63. Injury risk screening protocols were reliable within and repeatable between centers. These results demonstrate the feasibility of multi-site biomechanical studies and establish a framework for further dissemination of injury risk screening algorithms. Specifically, multi-center studies may allow for further validation and optimization of two-dimensional video screening tools. 2b.

  9. Simultaneous determination of hydroquinone, catechol and resorcinol by voltammetry using graphene screen-printed electrodes and partial least squares calibration.

    PubMed

    Aragó, Miriam; Ariño, Cristina; Dago, Àngela; Díaz-Cruz, José Manuel; Esteban, Miquel

    2016-11-01

    Catechol (CC), resorcinol (RC) and hydroquinone (HQ) are dihydroxybenzene isomers that usually coexist in different samples and can be determined using voltammetric techniques taking profit of their fast response, high sensitivity and selectivity, cheap instrumentation, simple and timesaving operation modes. However, a strong overlapping of CC and HQ signals is observed hindering their accurate analysis. In the present work, the combination of differential pulse voltammetry with graphene screen-printed electrodes (allowing detection limits of 2.7, 1.7 and 2.4µmolL(-1) for HQ, CC and RC respectively) and the data analysis by partial least squares calibration (giving root mean square errors of prediction, RMSEP values, of 2.6, 4.1 and 2.3 for HQ, CC and RC respectively) has been proposed as a powerful tool for the quantification of mixtures of these dihydroxybenzene isomers. The commercial availability of the screen-printed devices and the low cost and simplicity of the analysis suggest that the proposed method can be a valuable alternative to chromatographic and electrophoretic methods for the considered species. The method has been applied to the analysis of these isomers in spiked tap water. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Light emitting ceramic device and method for fabricating the same

    DOEpatents

    Valentine, Paul; Edwards, Doreen D.; Walker Jr., William John; Slack, Lyle H.; Brown, Wayne Douglas; Osborne, Cathy; Norton, Michael; Begley, Richard

    2004-11-30

    A light-emitting ceramic based panel, hereafter termed "electroceramescent" panel, and alternative methods of fabrication for the same are claimed. The electroceramescent panel is formed on a substrate providing mechanical support as well as serving as the base electrode for the device. One or more semiconductive ceramic layers directly overlay the substrate, and electrical conductivity and ionic diffusion are controlled. Light emitting regions overlay the semiconductive ceramic layers, and said regions consist sequentially of a layer of a ceramic insulation layer and an electroluminescent layer, comprised of doped phosphors or the equivalent. One or more conductive top electrode layers having optically transmissive areas overlay the light emitting regions, and a multi-layered top barrier cover comprising one or more optically transmissive non-combustible insulation layers overlay said top electrode regions.

  11. Determination of Zinc, Cadmium, Lead, Copper and Silver Using a Carbon Paste Electrode and a Screen Printed Electrode Modified with Chromium(III) Oxide

    PubMed Central

    Koudelkova, Zuzana; Syrovy, Tomas; Ambrozova, Pavlina; Moravec, Zdenek; Kubac, Lubomir; Hynek, David; Adam, Vojtech

    2017-01-01

    In this study, the preparation and electrochemical application of a chromium(III) oxide modified carbon paste electrode (Cr-CPE) and a screen printed electrode (SPE), made from the same material and optimized for the simple, cheap and sensitive simultaneous determination of zinc, cadmium, lead, copper and the detection of silver ions, is described. The limits of detection and quantification were 25 and 80 µg·L−1 for Zn(II), 3 and 10 µg·L−1 for Cd(II), 3 and 10 µg·L−1 for Pb(II), 3 and 10 µg·L−1 for Cu(II), and 3 and 10 µg·L−1 for Ag(I), respectively. Furthermore, this promising modification was transferred to the screen-printed electrode. The limits of detection for the simultaneous determination of zinc, cadmium, copper and lead on the screen printed electrodes were found to be 350 µg·L−1 for Zn(II), 25 µg·L−1 for Cd(II), 3 µg·L−1 for Pb(II) and 3 µg·L−1 for Cu(II). Practical usability for the simultaneous detection of these heavy metal ions by the Cr-CPE was also demonstrated in the analyses of wastewaters. PMID:28792450

  12. Determination of Zinc, Cadmium, Lead, Copper and Silver Using a Carbon Paste Electrode and a Screen Printed Electrode Modified with Chromium(III) Oxide.

    PubMed

    Koudelkova, Zuzana; Syrovy, Tomas; Ambrozova, Pavlina; Moravec, Zdenek; Kubac, Lubomir; Hynek, David; Richtera, Lukas; Adam, Vojtech

    2017-08-09

    In this study, the preparation and electrochemical application of a chromium(III) oxide modified carbon paste electrode (Cr-CPE) and a screen printed electrode (SPE), made from the same material and optimized for the simple, cheap and sensitive simultaneous determination of zinc, cadmium, lead, copper and the detection of silver ions, is described. The limits of detection and quantification were 25 and 80 µg·L -1 for Zn(II), 3 and 10 µg·L -1 for Cd(II), 3 and 10 µg·L -1 for Pb(II), 3 and 10 µg·L -1 for Cu(II), and 3 and 10 µg·L -1 for Ag(I), respectively. Furthermore, this promising modification was transferred to the screen-printed electrode. The limits of detection for the simultaneous determination of zinc, cadmium, copper and lead on the screen printed electrodes were found to be 350 µg·L -1 for Zn(II), 25 µg·L -1 for Cd(II), 3 µg·L -1 for Pb(II) and 3 µg·L -1 for Cu(II). Practical usability for the simultaneous detection of these heavy metal ions by the Cr-CPE was also demonstrated in the analyses of wastewaters.

  13. Amperometric immunoassay for the obesity biomarker amylin using a screen printed carbon electrode functionalized with an electropolymerized carboxylated polypyrrole.

    PubMed

    Martínez-García, Gonzalo; Sánchez-Tirado, Esther; González-Cortés, Araceli; Yáñez-Sedeño, Paloma; Pingarrón, José M

    2018-06-09

    Amylin (the islet amyloid polypeptide) is a hormone related to adiposity, hunger and satiety. It is co-secreted with insulin from pancreatic B-cells. An amperometric immunosensor is presented here for the determination of amylin. It is making use of a screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE) functionalized with electropolymerized poly(pyrrole propionic acid) (pPPA) with abundant carboxyl groups that facilitate covalent binding of antibody against amylin. A competitive immunoassay was implemented using biotinylated amylin and streptavidin labeled with horse radish peroxidase (HRP-Strept) as the enzymatic tracer. The amperometric detection of H 2 O 2 mediated by hydroquinone was employed as an electrochemical probe to monitor the affinity reaction. The variables involved in the preparation and function of the immunosensor were optimized and the electrodes were characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The calibration graph for amylin, obtained by amperometry at -200 mV vs Ag pseudo-reference electrode, showed a range of linearity extending from 1.0 fg∙mL -1 to 50 pg∙mL -1 , with a detection limit of 0.92 fg∙mL -1 . This is approximately 7000 times lower than the minimum detectable concentration reported for the ELISA immunoassays available for amylin. The assay has excellent reproducibility and good selectivity over potential interferents. Graphical abstract Schematic of an amperometric competitive immunoassay for the obesity biomarker amylin using a poly(pyrrole propionic acid)-modified screen-printed electrode. The detection limit is 0.92 fg∙mL-1 amylin. The method provides excellent reproducibility for the measurements, good selectivity and successful applicability to human urine and serum samples.

  14. Electric crosstalk impairs spatial resolution of multi-electrode arrays in retinal implants

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Wilke, R. G. H.; Khalili Moghadam, G.; Lovell, N. H.; Suaning, G. J.; Dokos, S.

    2011-08-01

    Active multi-electrode arrays are used in vision prostheses, including optic nerve cuffs and cortical and retinal implants for stimulation of neural tissue. For retinal implants, arrays with up to 1500 electrodes are used in clinical trials. The ability to convey information with high spatial resolution is critical for these applications. To assess the extent to which spatial resolution is impaired by electric crosstalk, finite-element simulation of electric field distribution in a simplified passive tissue model of the retina is performed. The effects of electrode size, electrode spacing, distance to target cells, and electrode return configuration (monopolar, tripolar, hexagonal) on spatial resolution is investigated in the form of a mathematical model of electric field distribution. Results show that spatial resolution is impaired with increased distance from the electrode array to the target cells. This effect can be partly compensated by non-monopolar electrode configurations and larger electrode diameters, albeit at the expense of lower pixel densities due to larger covering areas by each stimulation electrode. In applications where multi-electrode arrays can be brought into close proximity to target cells, as presumably with epiretinal implants, smaller electrodes in monopolar configuration can provide the highest spatial resolution. However, if the implantation site is further from the target cells, as is the case in suprachoroidal approaches, hexagonally guarded electrode return configurations can convey higher spatial resolution. This paper was originally submitted for the special issue containing contributions from the Sixth Biennial Research Congress of The Eye and the Chip.

  15. The Development Of New Space Charge Compensation Methods For Multi-Components Ion Beam Extracted From ECR Ion Source at IMP

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Ma, L.; Zhao, H.W.; Cao, Y.

    2005-03-15

    Two new space charge compensation methods developed in IMP are discussed in this paper. There are negative high voltage electrode method (NHVEM) and electronegative charge gas method (EGM). Some valuable experimental data have been achieved, especially using electronegative gas method in O6+ and O7+ dramatic and stable increasing of ion current was observed.

  16. Enhanced hydrogen storage capacity of Ni/Sn-coated MWCNT nanocomposites

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Varshoy, Shokufeh; Khoshnevisan, Bahram; Behpour, Mohsen

    2018-02-01

    The hydrogen storage capacity of Ni-Sn, Ni-Sn/multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and Ni/Sn-coated MWCNT electrodes was investigated by using a chronopotentiometry method. The Sn layer was electrochemically deposited inside pores of nanoscale Ni foam. The MWCNTs were put on the Ni-Sn foam with nanoscale porosities using an electrophoretic deposition method and coated with Sn nanoparticles by an electroplating process. X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectroscopy results indicated that the Sn layer and MWCNTs are successfully deposited on the surface of Ni substrate. On the other hand, a field-emission scanning electron microscopy technique revealed the morphology of resulting Ni foam, Ni-Sn and Ni-Sn/MWCNT electrodes. In order to measure the hydrogen adsorption performed in a three electrode cell, the Ni-Sn, Ni-Sn/MWCNT and Ni/Sn-coated MWCNT electrodes were used as working electrodes whereas Pt and Ag/AgCl electrodes were employed as counter and reference electrodes, respectively. Our results on the discharge capacity in different electrodes represent that the Ni/Sn-coated MWCNT has a maximum discharge capacity of ˜30 000 mAh g-1 for 20 cycles compared to that of Ni-Sn/MWCNT electrodes for 15 cycles (˜9500 mAh g-1). By increasing the number of cycles in a constant current, the corresponding capacity increases, thereby reaching a constant amount for 20 cycles.

  17. Commercialisation of CMOS integrated circuit technology in multi-electrode arrays for neuroscience and cell-based biosensors.

    PubMed

    Graham, Anthony H D; Robbins, Jon; Bowen, Chris R; Taylor, John

    2011-01-01

    The adaptation of standard integrated circuit (IC) technology as a transducer in cell-based biosensors in drug discovery pharmacology, neural interface systems and electrophysiology requires electrodes that are electrochemically stable, biocompatible and affordable. Unfortunately, the ubiquitous Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) IC technology does not meet the first of these requirements. For devices intended only for research, modification of CMOS by post-processing using cleanroom facilities has been achieved. However, to enable adoption of CMOS as a basis for commercial biosensors, the economies of scale of CMOS fabrication must be maintained by using only low-cost post-processing techniques. This review highlights the methodologies employed in cell-based biosensor design where CMOS-based integrated circuits (ICs) form an integral part of the transducer system. Particular emphasis will be placed on the application of multi-electrode arrays for in vitro neuroscience applications. Identifying suitable IC packaging methods presents further significant challenges when considering specific applications. The various challenges and difficulties are reviewed and some potential solutions are presented.

  18. Using of multi-walled carbon nanotubes electrode for adsorptive stripping voltammetric determination of ultratrace levels of RDX explosive in the environmental samples.

    PubMed

    Rezaei, Behzad; Damiri, Sajjad

    2010-11-15

    A study of the electrochemical behavior and determination of RDX, a high explosive, is described on a multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) using adsorptive stripping voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. The results indicated that MWCNTs electrode remarkably enhances the sensitivity of the voltammetric method and provides measurements of this explosive down to the sub-mg/l level in a wide pH range. The operational parameters were optimized and a sensitive, simple and time-saving cyclic voltammetric procedure was developed for the analysis of RDX in ground and tap water samples. Under optimized conditions, the reduction peak have two linear dynamic ranges of 0.6-20.0 and 8.0-200.0 mM with a detection limit of 25.0 nM and a precision of <4% (RSD for 8 analysis). Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Multi Electrode Geoelectric on the Borehole Wall. Determination of Groundwater Velocity and Dispersion Parameters

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kessels, W.; Thorenz, C.; Rifai, H.

    2002-05-01

    A single well technique to determine groundwater flow and transport parameters is presented. Multi-electrode arrays are placed on a borehole wall by an inflatable packer or are installed behind the plastic casing. For measurements, a salt tracer is injected between the electrodes. This salt tracer cloud is afterwards moving in the natural groundwater flow field. The observation of this movement by geoelectric measurements is the basis for the determination of groundwater velocity and the dispersion parameters. The geoelectric observations are performed with n borehole electrodes and one earth connection. Thus, either n independent two point measurements or n*(n-1)/2 pole-to-pole measurements can be performed. The whole procedure consists of three phases: 1. Measurement of the basic conductivity without tracer. 2. Measurement during the injection. 3. Measurement after injection To test the method, measurements in a lab aquifer filled with sand are carried out. The results are discussed and the limitations of the method are shown. Here, the interpretation is restricted on two point geoelectric measurements and the transport equation for NaCl-tracered water. Due to the density contrast, the tracer shows a vertical movement which is not related to the natural velocity field. Numerical calculations with the finite-element-method simulator ROCKFLOW (Kolditz et al., 1999) reproduced this behaviour. The currently used interpretation code is based on an analytic solution of the transport equation. The parameters velocity and dispersion length are calculated by inversion. In the two scientific drillings CAT-LUD1 and CAT-LUD1A in the northern part of Germany multi-electrode installations behind the casing are tested in situ. A multi-electrode packer system is designed and build. References: Kessels, W., Zoth, G.(1997): Doppelmantel - Packers mit geoelektrischer Meßtechnik zur Bestimmung der Abstandsgeschwindigkeit des Grundwassers, Patentanmeldung Az:19855048.0 NLfB/GGA-Hannover. Kessels, W., Zoth, G. (1999): Doppelmantelpacker mit geoelektrischer Meßtechnik zur Bestimmung der Grundwasserströmung und hydraulischer Eigenschaften von Grundwasserleitern. -59. Jahrestagung der Deutschen Geophysikalischen Gesellschaft; 8.-12.März 1999, Braunschweig: 117. Kessels, W., Fulda, C., Binot, F., Dörhöfer, G., Fritz, J. (2001): Monitoring and Modeling in the Coastal Aquifer Test Field (CAT-Field) between Bremerhaven and Cuxhaven in the Northern Part of Germany. SWICA M3 Salt Water Intrusion and Coastal Aquifers Monitoring, Modeling and Management, 23. 25.April 2001; Essaouira, Morocco. Kolditz, O., Habbar, O., Kaiser, R., Rother, T. & Thorenz, C. (1999) ROCKFLOW - Theory and Users Manual. Release 3.4, Institute for Fluid Mechanics and Computer Application in Civil Engineering, University of Hannover

  20. Comparative study of different alcohol sensors based on Screen-Printed Carbon Electrodes.

    PubMed

    Costa Rama, Estefanía; Biscay, Julien; González García, María Begoña; Julio Reviejo, A; Pingarrón Carrazón, José Manuel; Costa García, Agustín

    2012-05-30

    Different very simple single-use alcohol enzyme sensors were developed using alcohol oxidase (AOX) from three different yeast, Hansenula sp., Pichia pastoris and Candida boidinii, and employing three different commercial mediator-based Screen-Printed Carbon Electrodes as transducers. The mediators tested, Prussian Blue, Ferrocyanide and Co-phthalocyanine were included into the ink of the working electrode. The procedure to obtain these sensors consists of the immobilization of the enzyme on the electrode surface by adsorption. For the immobilization, an AOX solution is deposited on the working electrode and left until dried (1h) at room temperature. The best results were obtained with the biosensor using Screen-Printed Co-phthalocyanine/Carbon Electrode and AOX from Hansenula sp. The reduced cobalt-phthalocyanine form is amperometrically detected at +0.4V (vs. Ag pseudo reference electrode). This sensor shows good sensitivity (1211 nA mM(-1)), high precision (2.1% RSD value for the slope value of the calibration plot) and wide linear response (0.05-1.00 mM) for ethanol determination. The sensor provides also accurate results for ethanol quantification in alcoholic drinks. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. Adsorptive Stripping Voltammetric Determination of Amaranth and Tartrazine in Drinks and Gelatins Using a Screen-Printed Carbon Electrode

    PubMed Central

    Perdomo, Yeny; Arancibia, Verónica; Nagles, Edgar

    2017-01-01

    A fast, sensitive, and selective method for the simultaneous determination of one pair of synthetic colorants commonly found mixed in food products, Amaranth (AM) and Tartrazine (TZ), based on their adsorption and oxidation on a screen-printed electrode (SPE) is presented. The variation of peak current with pH, supporting electrolyte, adsorption time, and adsorption potential were optimized using square wave adsorptive voltammetry. The optimal conditions were found to be: pH 3.2 (PBS), Eads 0.00 V, and tads 30 s. Under these conditions, the AM and TZ signals were observed at 0.56 and 0.74 V, respectively. A linear response were found over the 0.15 to 1.20 µmol L−1 and 0.15 to 0.80 µmol L−1 concentrations, with detection limits (3σ/slope) of 26 and 70 nmol L−1 for AM and TZ, respectively. Reproducibility for 17.7 µmol L–1 AM and TZ solutions were 2.5 and 3.0% (n = 7), respectively, using three different electrodes. The method was validated by determining AM and TZ in spiked tap water and unflavored gelatin spiked with AM and TZ. Because a beverage containing both AM and TZ was not found, the method was applied to the determination of AM in a kola soft drink and TZ in an orange jelly and a soft drink powder. PMID:29156561

  2. High-Density Droplet Microarray of Individually Addressable Electrochemical Cells.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Huijie; Oellers, Tobias; Feng, Wenqian; Abdulazim, Tarik; Saw, En Ning; Ludwig, Alfred; Levkin, Pavel A; Plumeré, Nicolas

    2017-06-06

    Microarray technology has shown great potential for various types of high-throughput screening applications. The main read-out methods of most microarray platforms, however, are based on optical techniques, limiting the scope of potential applications of such powerful screening technology. Electrochemical methods possess numerous complementary advantages over optical detection methods, including its label-free nature, capability of quantitative monitoring of various reporter molecules, and the ability to not only detect but also address compositions of individual compartments. However, application of electrochemical methods for the purpose of high-throughput screening remains very limited. In this work, we develop a high-density individually addressable electrochemical droplet microarray (eDMA). The eDMA allows for the detection of redox-active reporter molecules irrespective of their electrochemical reversibility in individual nanoliter-sized droplets. Orthogonal band microelectrodes are arranged to form at their intersections an array of three-electrode systems for precise control of the applied potential, which enables direct read-out of the current related to analyte detection. The band microelectrode array is covered with a layer of permeable porous polymethacrylate functionalized with a highly hydrophobic-hydrophilic pattern, forming spatially separated nanoliter-sized droplets on top of each electrochemical cell. Electrochemical characterization of single droplets demonstrates that the underlying electrode system is accessible to redox-active molecules through the hydrophilic polymeric pattern and that the nonwettable hydrophobic boundaries can spatially separate neighboring cells effectively. The eDMA technology opens the possibility to combine the high-throughput biochemical or living cell screenings using the droplet microarray platform with the sequential electrochemical read-out of individual droplets.

  3. Method of Making Large Area Nanostructures

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Marks, Alvin M.

    1995-01-01

    A method which enables the high speed formation of nanostructures on large area surfaces is described. The method uses a super sub-micron beam writer (Supersebter). The Supersebter uses a large area multi-electrode (Spindt type emitter source) to produce multiple electron beams simultaneously scanned to form a pattern on a surface in an electron beam writer. A 100,000 x 100,000 array of electron point sources, demagnified in a long electron beam writer to simultaneously produce 10 billion nano-patterns on a 1 meter squared surface by multi-electron beam impact on a 1 cm squared surface of an insulating material is proposed.

  4. Capacitive charge storage at an electrified interface investigated via direct first-principles simulations [Direct Simulation of Capacitive Charging of Graphene and Implications for Supercapacitor Design

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Radin, Maxwell D.; Ogitsu, Tadashi; Biener, Juergen

    Understanding the impact of interfacial electric fields on electronic structure is crucial to improving the performance of materials in applications based on charged interfaces. Supercapacitors store energy directly in the strong interfacial field between a solid electrode and a liquid electrolyte; however, the complex interplay between the two is often poorly understood, particularly for emerging low-dimensional electrode materials that possess unconventional electronic structure. Typical descriptions tend to neglect the specific electrode-electrolyte interaction, approximating the intrinsic “quantum capacitance” of the electrode in terms of a fixed electronic density of states. Instead, we introduce a more accurate first-principles approach for directly simulatingmore » charge storage in model capacitors using the effective screening medium method, which implicitly accounts for the presence of the interfacial electric field. Applying this approach to graphene supercapacitor electrodes, we find that results differ significantly from the predictions of fixed-band models, leading to improved consistency with experimentally reported capacitive behavior. The differences are traced to two key factors: the inhomogeneous distribution of stored charge due to poor electronic screening and interfacial contributions from the specific interaction with the electrolyte. Lastly, our results are used to revise the conventional definition of quantum capacitance and to provide general strategies for improving electrochemical charge storage, particularly in graphene and similar low-dimensional materials.« less

  5. Capacitive charge storage at an electrified interface investigated via direct first-principles simulations [Direct Simulation of Capacitive Charging of Graphene and Implications for Supercapacitor Design

    DOE PAGES

    Radin, Maxwell D.; Ogitsu, Tadashi; Biener, Juergen; ...

    2015-03-11

    Understanding the impact of interfacial electric fields on electronic structure is crucial to improving the performance of materials in applications based on charged interfaces. Supercapacitors store energy directly in the strong interfacial field between a solid electrode and a liquid electrolyte; however, the complex interplay between the two is often poorly understood, particularly for emerging low-dimensional electrode materials that possess unconventional electronic structure. Typical descriptions tend to neglect the specific electrode-electrolyte interaction, approximating the intrinsic “quantum capacitance” of the electrode in terms of a fixed electronic density of states. Instead, we introduce a more accurate first-principles approach for directly simulatingmore » charge storage in model capacitors using the effective screening medium method, which implicitly accounts for the presence of the interfacial electric field. Applying this approach to graphene supercapacitor electrodes, we find that results differ significantly from the predictions of fixed-band models, leading to improved consistency with experimentally reported capacitive behavior. The differences are traced to two key factors: the inhomogeneous distribution of stored charge due to poor electronic screening and interfacial contributions from the specific interaction with the electrolyte. Lastly, our results are used to revise the conventional definition of quantum capacitance and to provide general strategies for improving electrochemical charge storage, particularly in graphene and similar low-dimensional materials.« less

  6. Improving multi-objective reservoir operation optimization with sensitivity-informed dimension reduction

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chu, J.; Zhang, C.; Fu, G.; Li, Y.; Zhou, H.

    2015-08-01

    This study investigates the effectiveness of a sensitivity-informed method for multi-objective operation of reservoir systems, which uses global sensitivity analysis as a screening tool to reduce computational demands. Sobol's method is used to screen insensitive decision variables and guide the formulation of the optimization problems with a significantly reduced number of decision variables. This sensitivity-informed method dramatically reduces the computational demands required for attaining high-quality approximations of optimal trade-off relationships between conflicting design objectives. The search results obtained from the reduced complexity multi-objective reservoir operation problems are then used to pre-condition the full search of the original optimization problem. In two case studies, the Dahuofang reservoir and the inter-basin multi-reservoir system in Liaoning province, China, sensitivity analysis results show that reservoir performance is strongly controlled by a small proportion of decision variables. Sensitivity-informed dimension reduction and pre-conditioning are evaluated in their ability to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of multi-objective evolutionary optimization. Overall, this study illustrates the efficiency and effectiveness of the sensitivity-informed method and the use of global sensitivity analysis to inform dimension reduction of optimization problems when solving complex multi-objective reservoir operation problems.

  7. Quantitation of bacteria through adsorption of intracellular biomolecules on carbon paste and screen-printed carbon electrodes and voltammetry of redox-active probes.

    PubMed

    Obuchowska, Agnes

    2008-03-01

    A new electrochemical method for the quantitation of bacteria that is rapid, inexpensive, and amenable to miniaturization is reported. Cyclic voltammetry was used to quantitate M. luteus, C. sporogenes, and E. coli JM105 in exponential and stationary phases, following exposure of screen-printed carbon working electrodes (SPCEs) to lysed culture samples. Ferricyanide was used as a probe. The detection limits (3s) were calculated and the dynamic ranges for E. coli (exponential and stationary phases), M. luteus (exponential and stationary phases), and C. sporogenes (exponential phase) lysed by lysozyme were 3 x 10(4) to 5 x 10(6) colony-forming units (CFU) mL(-1), 5 x 10(6) to 2 x 10(8) CFU mL(-1) and 3 x 10(3) to 3 x 10(5) CFU mL(-1), respectively. Good overlap was obtained between the calibration curves when the electrochemical signal was plotted against the dry bacterial weight, or between the protein concentration in the bacterial lysate. In contrast, unlysed bacteria did not change the electrochemical signal of ferricyanide. The results indicate that the reduction of the electrochemical signal in the presence of the lysate is mainly due to the fouling of the electrode by proteins. Similar results were obtained with carbon-paste electrodes although detection limits were better with SPCEs. The method described herein was applied to quantitation of bacteria in a cooling tower water sample.

  8. ELECTROCHEMICAL TECHNIQUE FOR TNT USING DISPOSABLE SCREEN-PRINTED ELECTRODE

    EPA Science Inventory

    Screen-printed thick film electrodes are demonstrated as voltammetric sensors for measurement of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT). The square wave voltammetric (SWV) scan technique is used to measure TNT in as little as 50 uL sample volumes. This electrochemical assay is coupled ...

  9. Electrical heating of soils using high efficiency electrode patterns and power phases

    DOEpatents

    Buettner, Harley M.

    1999-01-01

    Powerline-frequency electrical (joule) heating of soils using a high efficiency electrode configuration and power phase arrangement. The electrode configuration consists of several heating or current injection electrodes around the periphery of a volume of soil to be heated, all electrodes being connected to one phase of a multi-phase or a single-phase power system, and a return or extraction electrode or electrodes located inside the volume to be heated being connected to the remaining phases of the multi-phase power system or to the neutral side of the single-phase power source. This electrode configuration and power phase arrangement can be utilized anywhere where powerline frequency soil heating is applicable and thus has many potential uses including removal of volatile organic compounds such as gasoline and tricholorethylene (TCE) from contaminated areas.

  10. Planar multi-electrode array sensor for localized electrochemical corrosion detection

    DOEpatents

    Tormoen, Garth William; Brossia, Christopher Sean

    2014-01-07

    A planarized type of coupled multi-electrode corrosion sensing device. Electrode pads are fabricated on a thin backing, such as a thin film. Each pad has an associated electrical lead for connection to auxiliary electronic circuitry, which may include a resistor associated with each electrical pad. The design permits the device to be easily placed in small crevices or under coatings such as paint.

  11. Road screening and distribution route multi-objective robust optimization for hazardous materials based on neural network and genetic algorithm.

    PubMed

    Ma, Changxi; Hao, Wei; Pan, Fuquan; Xiang, Wang

    2018-01-01

    Route optimization of hazardous materials transportation is one of the basic steps in ensuring the safety of hazardous materials transportation. The optimization scheme may be a security risk if road screening is not completed before the distribution route is optimized. For road screening issues of hazardous materials transportation, a road screening algorithm of hazardous materials transportation is built based on genetic algorithm and Levenberg-Marquardt neural network (GA-LM-NN) by analyzing 15 attributes data of each road network section. A multi-objective robust optimization model with adjustable robustness is constructed for the hazardous materials transportation problem of single distribution center to minimize transportation risk and time. A multi-objective genetic algorithm is designed to solve the problem according to the characteristics of the model. The algorithm uses an improved strategy to complete the selection operation, applies partial matching cross shift and single ortho swap methods to complete the crossover and mutation operation, and employs an exclusive method to construct Pareto optimal solutions. Studies show that the sets of hazardous materials transportation road can be found quickly through the proposed road screening algorithm based on GA-LM-NN, whereas the distribution route Pareto solutions with different levels of robustness can be found rapidly through the proposed multi-objective robust optimization model and algorithm.

  12. Computer-aided diagnosis workstation and database system for chest diagnosis based on multi-helical CT images

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Satoh, Hitoshi; Niki, Noboru; Mori, Kiyoshi; Eguchi, Kenji; Kaneko, Masahiro; Kakinuma, Ryutarou; Moriyama, Noriyuki; Ohmatsu, Hironobu; Masuda, Hideo; Machida, Suguru; Sasagawa, Michizou

    2006-03-01

    Multi-helical CT scanner advanced remarkably at the speed at which the chest CT images were acquired for mass screening. Mass screening based on multi-helical CT images requires a considerable number of images to be read. It is this time-consuming step that makes the use of helical CT for mass screening impractical at present. To overcome this problem, we have provided diagnostic assistance methods to medical screening specialists by developing a lung cancer screening algorithm that automatically detects suspected lung cancers in helical CT images and a coronary artery calcification screening algorithm that automatically detects suspected coronary artery calcification. We also have developed electronic medical recording system and prototype internet system for the community health in two or more regions by using the Virtual Private Network router and Biometric fingerprint authentication system and Biometric face authentication system for safety of medical information. Based on these diagnostic assistance methods, we have now developed a new computer-aided workstation and database that can display suspected lesions three-dimensionally in a short time. This paper describes basic studies that have been conducted to evaluate this new system. The results of this study indicate that our computer-aided diagnosis workstation and network system can increase diagnostic speed, diagnostic accuracy and safety of medical information.

  13. SnO2/Pt Thin Film Laser Ablated Gas Sensor Array

    PubMed Central

    Shahrokh Abadi, Mohammad Hadi; Hamidon, Mohd Nizar; Shaari, Abdul Halim; Abdullah, Norhafizah; Wagiran, Rahman

    2011-01-01

    A gas sensor array was developed in a 10 × 10 mm2 space using Screen Printing and Pulse Laser Ablation Deposition (PLAD) techniques. Heater, electrode, and an insulator interlayer were printed using the screen printing method on an alumina substrate, while tin oxide and platinum films, as sensing and catalyst layers, were deposited on the electrode at room temperature using the PLAD method, respectively. To ablate SnO2 and Pt targets, depositions were achieved by using a 1,064 nm Nd-YAG laser, with a power of 0.7 J/s, at different deposition times of 2, 5 and 10 min, in an atmosphere containing 0.04 mbar (4 kPa) of O2. A range of spectroscopic diffraction and real space imaging techniques, SEM, EDX, XRD, and AFM were used in order to characterize the surface morphology, structure, and composition of the films. Measurement on the array shows sensitivity to some solvent and wood smoke can be achieved with short response and recovery times. PMID:22164041

  14. Development of gold nanoparticles modified screen-printed carbon electrode for the analysis of thiram, disulfiram and their derivative in food using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography.

    PubMed

    Charoenkitamorn, Kanokwan; Chailapakul, Orawon; Siangproh, Weena

    2015-01-01

    For the first time, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) modified screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) was developed as working electrode in ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with electrochemical detection (UHPLC-ED) for simultaneous determination of thiram, disulfiram, and N,N-diethyl-N',N'-dimethylthiuram disulfide, their derivative compound. The separation was performed in reversed-phase mode using C18 column, mobile phase consisting of 55:45 (v/v) ratio of 0.05 M phosphate buffer solution (pH 5) and acetonitrile at a flow rate of 1.5 mL min(-1). For the detection part, the amperometric detection was chosen with a detection potential of 1.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl. Under the optimal conditions, the good linear relationship was obtained in the range of 0.07-15, 0.07-12, and 0.5-15 µg mL(-1) (correlation coefficient more than 0.9900) for thiram, N,N-diethyl-N',N'-dimethylthiuram disulfide, and disulfiram, respectively. The limits of detection (LODs) of thiram, N,N-diethyl-N',N'-dimethylthiuram disulfide, and disulfiram were 0.022, 0.023, and 0.165 µg mL(-1), respectively. Moreover, this method was successfully applied for the detection of these compounds in real samples (apple, grape and lettuce) with the recoveries ranging from 94.3% to 108.8%. To validate this developed method, a highly quantitative agreement was clearly observed compared to standard UHPLC-UV system. Therefore, the proposed electrode can be effectively used as an alternative electrode in UHPLC-ED for rapid, selective, highly sensitive, and simultaneous determination of thiram, disulfiram, and N,N-diethyl-N',N'-dimethylthiuram disulfide. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  15. Direct laser immobilization of photosynthetic material on screen printed electrodes for amperometric biosensor

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Boutopoulos, Christos; Zergioti, Ioanna; Touloupakis, Eleftherios

    This letter demonstrates the direct laser printing of photosynthetic material onto low cost nonfunctionalized screen printed electrodes for the fabrication of photosynthesis-based amperometric biosensors. The high kinetic energy of the transferred material induces direct immobilization of the thylakoids onto the electrodes without the use of linkers. This type of immobilization is able to establish efficient electrochemical contact between proteins and electrode, stabilizing the photosynthetic biomolecule and transporting electrons to the solid state device with high efficiency. The functionality of the laser printed biosensors was evaluated by the detection of a common herbicide such as Linuron.

  16. Visualization of nanoconstructions with DNA-Aptamers for targeted molecules binding on the surface of screen-printed electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lapin, Ivan N.; Shabalina, Anastasiia V.; Svetlichyi, Valery A.; Kolovskaya, Olga S.

    2018-04-01

    Nanoconstructions of gold nanoparticles (NPs) obtained via pulsed laser ablation in liquid with DNA-aptamer specific to protein tumor marker were visualized on the surface of screen-printed electrode using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). AuNPs/aptamer nanoconstuctions distribution on the solid surface was studied. More uniform coverage of the carbon electrode surface with the nanoconstuctions was showed in comparison with DNA-aptamer alone on the golden electrode surface. Targeted binding of the tumor marker molecules with the AuNPs/DNA-aptamer nanoconstuctions was approved.

  17. Metal Electrodeposition on an Integrated, Screen-Printed Electrode Assembly

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Chyan, Yieu; Chyan, Oliver

    2008-01-01

    In this lab experiment, screen-printed electrode strips are used to illustrate the essential concepts of electrochemistry, giving students an opportunity to explore metal electrodeposition processes. In the past, metal electrodeposition experiments were seldom included in general chemistry labs because of the difficulty of maintaining separate…

  18. Evaluation of electrochemical, UV/VIS and Raman spectroelectrochemical detection of Naratriptan with screen-printed electrodes.

    PubMed

    Hernández, Carla Navarro; Martín-Yerga, Daniel; González-García, María Begoña; Hernández-Santos, David; Fanjul-Bolado, Pablo

    2018-02-01

    Naratriptan, active pharmaceutical ingredient with antimigraine activity was electrochemically detected in untreated screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs). Cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry were used to carry out quantitative analysis of this molecule (in a Britton-Robinson buffer solution at pH 3.0) through its irreversible oxidation (diffusion controlled) at a potential of +0.75V (vs. Ag pseudoreference electrode). Naratriptan oxidation product is an indole based dimer with a yellowish colour (maximum absorption at 320nm) so UV-VIS spectroelectrochemistry technique was used for the very first time as an in situ characterization and quantification technique for this molecule. A reflection configuration approach allowed its measurement over the untreated carbon based electrode. Finally, time resolved Raman Spectroelectrochemistry is used as a powerful technique to carry out qualitative and quantitative analysis of Naratriptan. Electrochemically treated silver screen-printed electrodes are shown as easy to use and cost-effective SERS substrates for the analysis of Naratriptan. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Spray-Deposited Large-Area Copper Nanowire Transparent Conductive Electrodes and Their Uses for Touch Screen Applications.

    PubMed

    Chu, Hsun-Chen; Chang, Yen-Chen; Lin, Yow; Chang, Shu-Hao; Chang, Wei-Chung; Li, Guo-An; Tuan, Hsing-Yu

    2016-05-25

    Large-area conducting transparent conducting electrodes (TCEs) were prepared by a fast, scalable, and low-cost spray deposition of copper nanowire (CuNW) dispersions. Thin, long, and pure copper nanowires were obtained via the seed-mediated growth in an organic solvent-based synthesis. The mean length and diameter of nanowires are, respectively, 37.7 μm and 46 nm, corresponding to a high-mean-aspect ratio of 790. These wires were spray-deposited onto a glass substrate to form a nanowire conducting network which function as a TCE. CuNW TCEs exhibit high-transparency and high-conductivity since their relatively long lengths are advantageous in lowering in the sheet resistance. For example, a 2 × 2 cm(2) transparent nanowire electrode exhibits transmittance of T = 90% with a sheet resistance as low as 52.7 Ω sq(-1). Large-area sizes (>50 cm(2)) of CuNW TCEs were also prepared by the spray coating method and assembled as resistive touch screens that can be integrated with a variety of devices, including LED lighting array, a computer, electric motors, and audio electronic devices, showing the capability to make diverse sizes and functionalities of CuNW TCEs by the reported method.

  20. Layer-by-Layer Assembly of Glucose Oxidase on Carbon Nanotube Modified Electrodes.

    PubMed

    Suroviec, Alice H

    2017-01-01

    The use of enzymatically modified electrodes for the detection of glucose or other non-electrochemically active analytes is becoming increasingly common. Direct heterogeneous electron transfer to glucose oxidase has been shown to be kinetically difficult, which is why electron transfer mediators or indirect detection is usually used for monitoring glucose with electrochemical sensors. It has been found, however, that electrodes modified with single or multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) demonstrate fast heterogeneous electron transfer kinetics as compared to that found for traditional electrodes. Incorporating CNTs into the assembly of electrochemical glucose sensors, therefore, affords the possibility of facile electron transfer to glucose oxidase, and a more direct determination of glucose. This chapter describes the methods used to use CNTs in a layer-by-layer structure along with glucose oxidase to produce an enzymatically modified electrode with high turnover rates, increased stability and shelf-life.

  1. An electrochemical fungicide pyrimethanil sensor based on carbon nanotubes/ionic-liquid construction modified electrode.

    PubMed

    Yang, Jichun; Wang, Qiong; Zhang, Minhui; Zhang, Shuming; Zhang, Lei

    2015-11-15

    In this study, a simple, rapid, sensitive and environmentally friendly electroanalytical detection method for pyrimethanil (PMT) was developed, which was based on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and ionic liquids (IL) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ([BMIM][PF6]) modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). MWCNTs-IL modified electrode significantly enhanced the oxidation peak current of PMT by combining the excellent electrochemical properties of MWCNTs and IL, suggesting that the modified electrode can remarkably improve the sensitivity of PMT detection. Under the optimum conditions, this electrochemical sensor exhibited a linear concentration range for PMT of 1.0 × 10(-7)-1.0 × 10(-4) mol L(-1) and the detection limit was 1.6 × 10(-8) mol L(-1) (S/N = 3). The fabricated electrode showed good reproducibility, stability and anti-interference, and also it was successfully employed to detect PMT in real samples. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Layered materials with improved magnesium intercalation for rechargeable magnesium ion cells

    DOEpatents

    Doe, Robert Ellis; Downie, Craig Michael; Fischer, Christopher; Lane, George Hamilton; Morgan, Dane; Nevin, Josh; Ceder, Gerbrand; Persson, Kristin Aslaug; Eaglesham, David

    2015-10-27

    Electrochemical devices which incorporate cathode materials that include layered crystalline compounds for which a structural modification has been achieved which increases the diffusion rate of multi-valent ions into and out of the cathode materials. Examples in which the layer spacing of the layered electrode materials is modified to have a specific spacing range such that the spacing is optimal for diffusion of magnesium ions are presented. An electrochemical cell comprised of a positive intercalation electrode, a negative metal electrode, and a separator impregnated with a nonaqeuous electrolyte solution containing multi-valent ions and arranged between the positive electrode and the negative electrode active material is described.

  3. Improved genome-scale multi-target virtual screening via a novel collaborative filtering approach to cold-start problem

    PubMed Central

    Lim, Hansaim; Gray, Paul; Xie, Lei; Poleksic, Aleksandar

    2016-01-01

    Conventional one-drug-one-gene approach has been of limited success in modern drug discovery. Polypharmacology, which focuses on searching for multi-targeted drugs to perturb disease-causing networks instead of designing selective ligands to target individual proteins, has emerged as a new drug discovery paradigm. Although many methods for single-target virtual screening have been developed to improve the efficiency of drug discovery, few of these algorithms are designed for polypharmacology. Here, we present a novel theoretical framework and a corresponding algorithm for genome-scale multi-target virtual screening based on the one-class collaborative filtering technique. Our method overcomes the sparseness of the protein-chemical interaction data by means of interaction matrix weighting and dual regularization from both chemicals and proteins. While the statistical foundation behind our method is general enough to encompass genome-wide drug off-target prediction, the program is specifically tailored to find protein targets for new chemicals with little to no available interaction data. We extensively evaluate our method using a number of the most widely accepted gene-specific and cross-gene family benchmarks and demonstrate that our method outperforms other state-of-the-art algorithms for predicting the interaction of new chemicals with multiple proteins. Thus, the proposed algorithm may provide a powerful tool for multi-target drug design. PMID:27958331

  4. Improved genome-scale multi-target virtual screening via a novel collaborative filtering approach to cold-start problem.

    PubMed

    Lim, Hansaim; Gray, Paul; Xie, Lei; Poleksic, Aleksandar

    2016-12-13

    Conventional one-drug-one-gene approach has been of limited success in modern drug discovery. Polypharmacology, which focuses on searching for multi-targeted drugs to perturb disease-causing networks instead of designing selective ligands to target individual proteins, has emerged as a new drug discovery paradigm. Although many methods for single-target virtual screening have been developed to improve the efficiency of drug discovery, few of these algorithms are designed for polypharmacology. Here, we present a novel theoretical framework and a corresponding algorithm for genome-scale multi-target virtual screening based on the one-class collaborative filtering technique. Our method overcomes the sparseness of the protein-chemical interaction data by means of interaction matrix weighting and dual regularization from both chemicals and proteins. While the statistical foundation behind our method is general enough to encompass genome-wide drug off-target prediction, the program is specifically tailored to find protein targets for new chemicals with little to no available interaction data. We extensively evaluate our method using a number of the most widely accepted gene-specific and cross-gene family benchmarks and demonstrate that our method outperforms other state-of-the-art algorithms for predicting the interaction of new chemicals with multiple proteins. Thus, the proposed algorithm may provide a powerful tool for multi-target drug design.

  5. Multi-modality image registration for effective thermographic fever screening

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Dwith, C. Y. N.; Ghassemi, Pejhman; Pfefer, Joshua; Casamento, Jon; Wang, Quanzeng

    2017-02-01

    Fever screening based on infrared thermographs (IRTs) is a viable mass screening approach during infectious disease pandemics, such as Ebola and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), for temperature monitoring in public places like hospitals and airports. IRTs have been found to be powerful, quick and non-invasive methods for detecting elevated temperatures. Moreover, regions medially adjacent to the inner canthi (called the canthi regions in this paper) are preferred sites for fever screening. Accurate localization of the canthi regions can be achieved through multi-modality registration of infrared (IR) and white-light images. Here we propose a registration method through a coarse-fine registration strategy using different registration models based on landmarks and edge detection on eye contours. We have evaluated the registration accuracy to be within +/- 2.7 mm, which enables accurate localization of the canthi regions.

  6. Multi-channel electrical impedance tomography for regional tissue hydration monitoring.

    PubMed

    Chen, Xiaohui; Kao, Tzu-Jen; Ashe, Jeffrey M; Boverman, Gregory; Sabatini, James E; Davenport, David M

    2014-06-01

    Poor assessment of hydration status during hemodialysis can lead to under- or over-hydration in patients with consequences of increased morbidity and mortality. In current practice, fluid management is largely based on clinical assessments to estimate dry weight (normal hydration body weight). However, hemodialysis patients usually have co-morbidities that can make the signs of fluid status ambiguous. Therefore, achieving normal hydration status remains a major challenge for hemodialysis therapy. Electrical impedance technology has emerged as a promising method for hydration monitoring due to its non-invasive nature, low cost and ease-of-use. Conventional electrical impedance-based hydration monitoring systems employ single-channel current excitation (either 2-electrode or 4-electrode methods) to perturb and extract averaged impedance from bulk tissue and use generalized models from large populations to derive hydration estimates. In the present study, a prototype, single-frequency electrical impedance tomography (EIT) system with simultaneous multi-channel current excitation was used to enable regional hydration change detection. We demonstrated the capability to detect a difference in daily impedance change between left leg and right leg in healthy human subjects, who wore a compression sock only on one leg to reduce daily gravitational fluid accumulation. The impedance difference corresponded well with the difference of lower leg volume change between left leg and right leg measured by volumetry, which on average is ~35 ml, accounting for 0.7% of the lower leg volume. We have demonstrated the feasibility of using multi-channel EIT to extract hydration information in different tissue layers with minimal skin interference. Our simultaneous, multi-channel current excitation approach provides an effective method to separate electrode contact impedance and skin condition artifacts from hydration signals. The prototype system has the potential to be used in clinical settings for helping optimize patient fluid management during hemodialysis as well as for home monitoring of patients with congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, diabetes and other diseases with peripheral edema symptoms.

  7. A Nano-Au/C-MWCNT based label free amperometric immunosensor for the detection of capsicum chlorosis virus in bell pepper.

    PubMed

    Sharma, Anshul; Kaushal, Ankur; Kulshrestha, Saurabh

    2017-07-01

    Accurate and on time diagnosis of plant viruses is an essential prerequisite for efficient control in field conditions. A number of diagnostic methods have been reported with the required level of sensitivity. Here, we propose a label free immunosensor for efficient and sensitive detection of capsicum chlorosis virus (CaCV) in bell pepper. Antigen was immobilized over the surface of gold nanoparticle/multi-walled carbon nanotube (Nano-Au/C-MWCNT) screen printed electrodes using 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC)/N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) cross linking chemistry followed by interaction with groundnut bud necrosis virus (GBNV)/CaCV specific polyclonal antibody. The electrochemical response was measured by cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) using the redox indicator. Electrode surface characterization was done by performing scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrochemical studies showed positive results at different antigenic dilutions ranging from 10 -2 - 8x10 -5 . The sensitivity of the immunosensor developed has been compared with direct antigen coated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAC-ELISA) and the results showed that the immunosensor developed was 800-1000 times more sensitive, when compared to DAC-ELISA for CaCV detection. The immunosensor we have developed is economical and sensitive and could be used for immediate determination of the presence of virus in extracts from bell pepper leaves.

  8. Binaural release from masking with single- and multi-electrode stimulation in children with cochlear implantsa)

    PubMed Central

    Todd, Ann E.; Goupell, Matthew J.; Litovsky, Ruth Y.

    2016-01-01

    Cochlear implants (CIs) provide children with access to speech information from a young age. Despite bilateral cochlear implantation becoming common, use of spatial cues in free field is smaller than in normal-hearing children. Clinically fit CIs are not synchronized across the ears; thus binaural experiments must utilize research processors that can control binaural cues with precision. Research to date has used single pairs of electrodes, which is insufficient for representing speech. Little is known about how children with bilateral CIs process binaural information with multi-electrode stimulation. Toward the goal of improving binaural unmasking of speech, this study evaluated binaural unmasking with multi- and single-electrode stimulation. Results showed that performance with multi-electrode stimulation was similar to the best performance with single-electrode stimulation. This was similar to the pattern of performance shown by normal-hearing adults when presented an acoustic CI simulation. Diotic and dichotic signal detection thresholds of the children with CIs were similar to those of normal-hearing children listening to a CI simulation. The magnitude of binaural unmasking was not related to whether the children with CIs had good interaural time difference sensitivity. Results support the potential for benefits from binaural hearing and speech unmasking in children with bilateral CIs. PMID:27475132

  9. Binaural release from masking with single- and multi-electrode stimulation in children with cochlear implants.

    PubMed

    Todd, Ann E; Goupell, Matthew J; Litovsky, Ruth Y

    2016-07-01

    Cochlear implants (CIs) provide children with access to speech information from a young age. Despite bilateral cochlear implantation becoming common, use of spatial cues in free field is smaller than in normal-hearing children. Clinically fit CIs are not synchronized across the ears; thus binaural experiments must utilize research processors that can control binaural cues with precision. Research to date has used single pairs of electrodes, which is insufficient for representing speech. Little is known about how children with bilateral CIs process binaural information with multi-electrode stimulation. Toward the goal of improving binaural unmasking of speech, this study evaluated binaural unmasking with multi- and single-electrode stimulation. Results showed that performance with multi-electrode stimulation was similar to the best performance with single-electrode stimulation. This was similar to the pattern of performance shown by normal-hearing adults when presented an acoustic CI simulation. Diotic and dichotic signal detection thresholds of the children with CIs were similar to those of normal-hearing children listening to a CI simulation. The magnitude of binaural unmasking was not related to whether the children with CIs had good interaural time difference sensitivity. Results support the potential for benefits from binaural hearing and speech unmasking in children with bilateral CIs.

  10. A model-based spike sorting algorithm for removing correlation artifacts in multi-neuron recordings.

    PubMed

    Pillow, Jonathan W; Shlens, Jonathon; Chichilnisky, E J; Simoncelli, Eero P

    2013-01-01

    We examine the problem of estimating the spike trains of multiple neurons from voltage traces recorded on one or more extracellular electrodes. Traditional spike-sorting methods rely on thresholding or clustering of recorded signals to identify spikes. While these methods can detect a large fraction of the spikes from a recording, they generally fail to identify synchronous or near-synchronous spikes: cases in which multiple spikes overlap. Here we investigate the geometry of failures in traditional sorting algorithms, and document the prevalence of such errors in multi-electrode recordings from primate retina. We then develop a method for multi-neuron spike sorting using a model that explicitly accounts for the superposition of spike waveforms. We model the recorded voltage traces as a linear combination of spike waveforms plus a stochastic background component of correlated Gaussian noise. Combining this measurement model with a Bernoulli prior over binary spike trains yields a posterior distribution for spikes given the recorded data. We introduce a greedy algorithm to maximize this posterior that we call "binary pursuit". The algorithm allows modest variability in spike waveforms and recovers spike times with higher precision than the voltage sampling rate. This method substantially corrects cross-correlation artifacts that arise with conventional methods, and substantially outperforms clustering methods on both real and simulated data. Finally, we develop diagnostic tools that can be used to assess errors in spike sorting in the absence of ground truth.

  11. A Model-Based Spike Sorting Algorithm for Removing Correlation Artifacts in Multi-Neuron Recordings

    PubMed Central

    Chichilnisky, E. J.; Simoncelli, Eero P.

    2013-01-01

    We examine the problem of estimating the spike trains of multiple neurons from voltage traces recorded on one or more extracellular electrodes. Traditional spike-sorting methods rely on thresholding or clustering of recorded signals to identify spikes. While these methods can detect a large fraction of the spikes from a recording, they generally fail to identify synchronous or near-synchronous spikes: cases in which multiple spikes overlap. Here we investigate the geometry of failures in traditional sorting algorithms, and document the prevalence of such errors in multi-electrode recordings from primate retina. We then develop a method for multi-neuron spike sorting using a model that explicitly accounts for the superposition of spike waveforms. We model the recorded voltage traces as a linear combination of spike waveforms plus a stochastic background component of correlated Gaussian noise. Combining this measurement model with a Bernoulli prior over binary spike trains yields a posterior distribution for spikes given the recorded data. We introduce a greedy algorithm to maximize this posterior that we call “binary pursuit”. The algorithm allows modest variability in spike waveforms and recovers spike times with higher precision than the voltage sampling rate. This method substantially corrects cross-correlation artifacts that arise with conventional methods, and substantially outperforms clustering methods on both real and simulated data. Finally, we develop diagnostic tools that can be used to assess errors in spike sorting in the absence of ground truth. PMID:23671583

  12. Direct-current arc and alternating-current spark emission spectrographic field methods for the semiquantitative analysis of geologic materials

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Grimes, D.J.; Marranzino, A.P.

    1968-01-01

    Two spectrographic methods are used in mobile field laboratories of the U. S. Geological Survey. In the direct-current arc method, the ground sample is mixed with graphite powder, packed into an electrode crater, and burned to completion. Thirty elements are determined. In the spark method, the sample, ground to pass a 150-mesh screen, is digested in hydrofluoric acid followed by evaporation to dryness and dissolution in aqua regia. The solution is fed into the spark gap by means of a rotating-disk electrode arrangement and is excited with an alternating-current spark discharge. Fourteen elements are determined. In both techniques, light is recorded on Spectrum Analysis No. 1, 35-millimeter film, and the spectra are compared visually with those of standard films.

  13. Advantages of electrodes with dendrimer-protected platinum nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes for electrochemical methanol oxidation.

    PubMed

    Siriviriyanun, Ampornphan; Imae, Toyoko

    2013-04-14

    Electrochemical sensors consisting of electrodes loaded with carbon nanotubes and Pt nanoparticles (PtNPs) protected by dendrimers have been developed using a facile method to fabricate them on two types of disposable electrochemical printed chips with a screen-printed circular gold or a screen-printed circular glassy carbon working electrode. The electrochemical performance of these sensors in the oxidation of methanol was investigated by cyclic voltammetry. It was revealed that such sensors possess stable durability and high electrocatalytic activity: the potential and the current density of an anodic peak in the oxidation of methanol increased with increasing content of PtNPs on the electrodes, indicating the promotion of electrocatalytic activity in relation to the amount of catalyst. The low anodic potential suggests the easy electrochemical reaction, and the high catalyst tolerance supports the almost complete oxidation of methanol to carbon dioxide. The significant performance of these sensors in the detection of methanol oxidation comes from the high electrocatalytic ability of PtNPs, excellent energy transfer of carbon nanotubes and the remarkable ability of dendrimers to act as binders. Thus these systems are effective for a wide range of applications as chemical, biomedical, energy and environmental sensors and as units of direct methanol fuel cells.

  14. Multi-stage separations based on dielectrophoresis

    DOEpatents

    Mariella, Jr., Raymond P.

    2004-07-13

    A system utilizing multi-stage traps based on dielectrophoresis. Traps with electrodes arranged transverse to the flow and traps with electrodes arranged parallel to the flow with combinations of direct current and alternating voltage are used to trap, concentrate, separate, and/or purify target particles.

  15. Method for forming a cell separator for use in bipolar-stack energy storage devices

    DOEpatents

    Mayer, Steven T.; Feikert, John H.; Kaschmitter, James L.; Pekala, Richard W.

    1994-01-01

    An improved multi-cell electrochemical energy storage device, such as a battery, fuel cell, or double layer capacitor using a cell separator which allows cells to be stacked and interconnected with low electrical resistance and high reliability while maximizing packaging efficiency. By adding repeating cells, higher voltages can be obtained. The cell separator is formed by applying an organic adhesive on opposing surfaces of adjacent carbon electrodes or surfaces of aerogel electrodes of a pair of adjacent cells prior to or after pyrolysis thereof to form carbon aerogel electrodes. The cell separator is electronically conductive, but ionically isolating, preventing an electrolytic conduction path between adjacent cells in the stack.

  16. Method for forming a cell separator for use in bipolar-stack energy storage devices

    DOEpatents

    Mayer, S.T.; Feikert, J.H.; Kaschmitter, J.L.; Pekala, R.W.

    1994-08-09

    An improved multi-cell electrochemical energy storage device, such as a battery, fuel cell, or double layer capacitor using a cell separator which allows cells to be stacked and interconnected with low electrical resistance and high reliability while maximizing packaging efficiency. By adding repeating cells, higher voltages can be obtained. The cell separator is formed by applying an organic adhesive on opposing surfaces of adjacent carbon electrodes or surfaces of aerogel electrodes of a pair of adjacent cells prior to or after pyrolysis thereof to form carbon aerogel electrodes. The cell separator is electronically conductive, but ionically isolating, preventing an electrolytic conduction path between adjacent cells in the stack. 2 figs.

  17. Oriented Polyaniline Nanowire Arrays Grown on Dendrimer (PAMAM) Functionalized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes as Supercapacitor Electrode Materials.

    PubMed

    Jin, Lin; Jiang, Yu; Zhang, Mengjie; Li, Honglong; Xiao, Linghan; Li, Ming; Ao, Yuhui

    2018-04-19

    At present, PANI/MWNT composites have been paid more attention as promising electrode materials in supercapacitors. Yet some shortcomings still limit the widely application of PANI/MWNT electrolytes. In this work, in order to improve capacitance ability and long-term stability of electrode, a multi-amino dendrimer (PAMAM) had been covalently linked onto multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) as a bridge to facilitating covalent graft of polyaniline (PANI), affording P-MWNT/PANI electrode composites for supercapacitor. Surprisingly, ordered arrays of PANI nanowires on MWNT (setaria-like morphology) had been observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Electrochemical properties of P-MWNT/PANI electrode had been characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge-discharge technique. The specific capacitance and long cycle life of P-MWNT-PANI electrode material were both much higher than MWNT/PANI. These interesting results indicate that multi-amino dendrimer, PAMAM, covalently linked on MWNT provides more reaction sites for in-situ polymerization of ordered PANI, which could efficiently shorten the ion diffusion length in electrolytes and lead to making fully use of conducting materials.

  18. Effect of sintering temperatures and screen printing types on TiO{sub 2} layers in DSSC applications

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Supriyanto, Agus; Furqoni, Lutfi; Nurosyid, Fahru, E-mail: nurosyid@yahoo.com

    2016-03-29

    Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell (DSSC) is a candidate solar cell, which has a big potential in the future due to its eco-friendly material. This research is conducted to study the effect of sintering temperature and the type of screen-printing toward the characteristics of TiO{sub 2} layer as a working electrode in DSSC. TiO{sub 2} layers were fabricated using a screen-printing method with a mesh size of T-49, T-55, and T-61. TiO{sub 2} layers were sintered at temperatures of 600°C and 650°C for 60 min. DSSC structure was composed of TiO{sub 2} as semiconductors, ruthenium complex as dyes, and carbon as counter electrodes.more » The morphology of TiO{sub 2} layer was observed by using Nikon E2 Digital Camera Microscopy. The efficiencies of DSSC were calculated from the I-V curves. The highest efficiency is 0.015% at TiO{sub 2} layer fabricated with screen type T-61 and at a sintering temperature of 650°C.« less

  19. Square-wave adsorptive stripping voltammetric determination of nanomolar levels of bezafibrate using a glassy carbon electrode modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes within a dihexadecyl hydrogen phosphate film.

    PubMed

    Ardila, Jorge Armando; Oliveira, Geiser Gabriel; Medeiros, Roberta Antigo; Fatibello-Filho, Orlando

    2014-04-07

    A highly sensitive method for bezafibrate determination using a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes within a dihexadecyl hydrogen phosphate film based on square-wave adsorptive stripping voltammetry (SWAdSV) is proposed. The electrochemical behaviour of bezafibrate has been studied by cyclic voltammetry, showing an irreversible anodic peak at a potential of 1.09 V in 0.1 mol L(-1) phosphate buffer solution (pH 2.0). A study of the scan rate showed that the oxidation of bezafibrate is an adsorptive-controlled process, involving the transfer of two electrons and two protons per molecule. The analytical curve was linear over a bezafibrate concentration range from 50 to 910 nmol L(-1), with a detection limit of 16 nmol L(-1). This analytical method was successfully applied for benzafibrate determination in pharmaceutical formulations, with results showing good agreement with those obtained using a comparative spectrophotometric method, and has the potential for field application.

  20. An improved method for constructing and selectively silanizing double-barreled, neutral liquid-carrier, ion-selective microelectrodes

    PubMed Central

    Deveau, Jason S.T.; Grodzinski, Bernard

    2005-01-01

    We describe an improved, efficient and reliable method for the vapour-phase silanization of multi-barreled, ion-selective microelectrodes of which the silanized barrel(s) are to be filled with neutral liquid ion-exchanger (LIX). The technique employs a metal manifold to exclusively and simultaneously deliver dimethyldichlorosilane to only the ion-selective barrels of several multi-barreled microelectrodes. Compared to previously published methods the technique requires fewer procedural steps, less handling of individual microelectrodes, improved reproducibility of silanization of the selected microelectrode barrels and employs standard borosilicate tubing rather than the less-conventional theta-type glass. The electrodes remain stable for up to 3 weeks after the silanization procedure. The efficacy of a double-barreled electrode containing a proton ionophore in the ion-selective barrel is demonstrated in situ in the leaf apoplasm of pea (Pisum) and sunflower (Helianthus). Individual leaves were penetrated to depth of ~150 μm through the abaxial surface. Microelectrode readings remained stable after multiple impalements without the need for a stabilizing PVC matrix. PMID:16136222

  1. Multi-component intermetallic electrodes for lithium batteries

    DOEpatents

    Thackeray, Michael M; Trahey, Lynn; Vaughey, John T

    2015-03-10

    Multi-component intermetallic negative electrodes prepared by electrochemical deposition for non-aqueous lithium cells and batteries are disclosed. More specifically, the invention relates to composite intermetallic electrodes comprising two or more compounds containing metallic or metaloid elements, at least one element of which can react with lithium to form binary, ternary, quaternary or higher order compounds, these compounds being in combination with one or more other metals that are essentially inactive toward lithium and act predominantly, but not necessarily exclusively, to the electronic conductivity of, and as current collection agent for, the electrode. The invention relates more specifically to negative electrode materials that provide an operating potential between 0.05 and 2.0 V vs. metallic lithium.

  2. Layered materials with improved magnesium intercalation for rechargeable magnesium ion cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Doe, Robert E.; Downie, Craig M.; Fischer, Christopher

    2016-01-19

    Electrochemical devices which incorporate cathode materials that include layered crystalline compounds for which a structural modification has been achieved which increases the diffusion rate of multi-valent ions into and out of the cathode materials. Examples in which the layer spacing of the layered electrode materials is modified to have a specific spacing range such that the spacing is optimal for diffusion of magnesium ions are presented. An electrochemical cell comprised of a positive intercalation electrode, a negative metal electrode, and a separator impregnated with a nonaqueous electrolyte solution containing multi-valent ions and arranged between the positive electrode and the negativemore » electrode active material is described.« less

  3. Layered materials with improved magnesium intercalation for rechargeable magnesium ion cells

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Doe, Robert Ellis; Downie, Craig Michael; Fischer, Christopher

    2016-07-26

    Electrochemical devices which incorporate cathode materials that include layered crystalline compounds for which a structural modification has been achieved which increases the diffusion rate of multi-valent ions into and out of the cathode materials. Examples in which the layer spacing of the layered electrode materials is modified to have a specific spacing range such that the spacing is optimal for diffusion of magnesium ions are presented. An electrochemical cell comprised of a positive intercalation electrode, a negative metal electrode, and a separator impregnated with a nonaqueous electrolyte solution containing multi-valent ions and arranged between the positive electrode and the negativemore » electrode active material is described.« less

  4. Bioelectroanalysis in a Drop: Construction of a Glucose Biosensor

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Amor-Gutierrez, O.; Rama, E. C.; Fernandez-Abedul, M. T.; Costa-García, A.

    2017-01-01

    This lab experiment describes a complete method to fabricate an enzymatic glucose electroanalytical biosensor by students. Using miniaturized and disposable screen-printed electrodes (SPEs), students learn how to use them as transducers and understand the importance SPEs have acquired in sensor development during the last years. Students can also…

  5. Improving multi-objective reservoir operation optimization with sensitivity-informed problem decomposition

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chu, J. G.; Zhang, C.; Fu, G. T.; Li, Y.; Zhou, H. C.

    2015-04-01

    This study investigates the effectiveness of a sensitivity-informed method for multi-objective operation of reservoir systems, which uses global sensitivity analysis as a screening tool to reduce the computational demands. Sobol's method is used to screen insensitive decision variables and guide the formulation of the optimization problems with a significantly reduced number of decision variables. This sensitivity-informed problem decomposition dramatically reduces the computational demands required for attaining high quality approximations of optimal tradeoff relationships between conflicting design objectives. The search results obtained from the reduced complexity multi-objective reservoir operation problems are then used to pre-condition the full search of the original optimization problem. In two case studies, the Dahuofang reservoir and the inter-basin multi-reservoir system in Liaoning province, China, sensitivity analysis results show that reservoir performance is strongly controlled by a small proportion of decision variables. Sensitivity-informed problem decomposition and pre-conditioning are evaluated in their ability to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of multi-objective evolutionary optimization. Overall, this study illustrates the efficiency and effectiveness of the sensitivity-informed method and the use of global sensitivity analysis to inform problem decomposition when solving the complex multi-objective reservoir operation problems.

  6. A novel material screening platform for nanoporous gold-based neural electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chapman, Christopher Abbott Reece

    Neural-electrical interfaces have emerged in the past decades as a promising modality to facilitate the understanding of the electropathophysiology of neurological disorders as well as the normal functioning of the central nervous system, and enable the treatment of neurological defects through electrical stimulation or electrically-controlled drug delivery. However, chronically implanted electrodes face a myriad of design challenges, including their coupling to neural tissue (biocompatibility), small form factor requirement, and their electrical properties (maintaining a low electrical impedance). Planar electrode materials such as planar platinum and gold experience a large increase in electrical impedance when electrode dimensions are reduced to increase spatial resolution of neural recordings. A decrease in electrode surface area reduces the total capacitance of the electrode double layer resulting in an increase in electrode impedance. This high impedance can reduce the signal amplitude and increase the thermal noise, resulting in degradation of signal-to-noise ratio. Conventionally, this increase in electrical impedance at small electrode dimensions has been mitigated by coatings with rough morphologies such as platinum black, conducting polymers, and titanium nitride. Porous surfaces have high effective surface area enabling low impedance at small electrode dimensions. However, achieving long-term stability of cellular coupling to the electrode surface has remained difficult. Designing electrodes that can physically couple with neurons successfully and maintain low impedance at small electrode dimensions necessitates consideration of novel electrode coatings, such as carbon nanotubes and gold nanopillars. Another promising material, and focus of this proposal, is thin film nanoporous gold (np-Au). Nanoporous gold is a promising material for addressing these limitations because of its inherently large effective surface area allows for lower impedances at small form factors, and its modifiable surface morphology can be used to control cell-electrode coupling. Additionally, thin film nanoporous gold is fabricated by traditional microfabrication methods, and thus can be directly adopted by the current state-of-the-art neural electrode fabrication processes. All these properties make thin film nanoporous gold a promising candidate for use in neural electrode surfaces. This dissertation seeks to characterize both the morphological and the electrical response of neural cells to thin film nanoporous gold morphologies using an in vitro electrode morphology screening platform. The specific aims for this proposal are to: (i) develop a electrode morphology library that displays varying topographies to study structure-property relationships of thin film nanoporous gold and cellular response, (ii) characterize neural cell response to identified nanoporous gold topographies that reduce adverse tissue response in vitro, and (iii) develop an electrophysiology platform to characterize neural coupling to each identified nanoporous gold topography.

  7. Concept and Development of an Electronic Framework Intended for Electrode and Surrounding Environment Characterization In Vivo

    PubMed Central

    Rieger, Stefan B.; Pfau, Jennifer; Stieglitz, Thomas; Asplund, Maria; Ordonez, Juan S.

    2016-01-01

    There has been substantial progress over the last decade towards miniaturizing implantable microelectrodes for use in Active Implantable Medical Devices (AIMD). Compared to the rapid development and complexity of electrode miniaturization, methods to monitor and assess functional integrity and electrical functionality of these electrodes, particularly during long term stimulation, have not progressed to the same extent. Evaluation methods that form the gold standard, such as stimulus pulse testing, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, are either still bound to laboratory infrastructure (impractical for long term in vivo experiments) or deliver no comprehensive insight into the material’s behaviour. As there is a lack of cost effective and practical predictive measures to understand long term electrode behaviour in vivo, material investigations need to be performed after explantation of the electrodes. We propose the analysis of the electrode and its environment in situ, to better understand and correlate the effects leading to electrode failure. The derived knowledge shall eventually lead to improved electrode designs, increased electrode functionality and safety in clinical applications. In this paper, the concept, design and prototyping of a sensor framework used to analyse the electrode’s behaviour and to monitor diverse electrode failure mechanisms, even during stimulation pulses, is presented. We focused on the electronic circuitry and data acquisition techniques required for a conceptual multi-sensor system. Functionality of single modules and a prototype framework have been demonstrated, but further work is needed to convert the prototype system into an implantable device. In vitro studies will be conducted first to verify sensor performance and reliability. PMID:28042815

  8. Plasma nitriding monitoring reactor: A model reactor for studying plasma nitriding processes using an active screen

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hamann, S.; Börner, K.; Burlacov, I.; Spies, H.-J.; Strämke, M.; Strämke, S.; Röpcke, J.

    2015-12-01

    A laboratory scale plasma nitriding monitoring reactor (PLANIMOR) has been designed to study the basics of active screen plasma nitriding (ASPN) processes. PLANIMOR consists of a tube reactor vessel, made of borosilicate glass, enabling optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and infrared absorption spectroscopy. The linear setup of the electrode system of the reactor has the advantages to apply the diagnostic approaches on each part of the plasma process, separately. Furthermore, possible changes of the electrical field and of the heat generation, as they could appear in down-scaled cylindrical ASPN reactors, are avoided. PLANIMOR has been used for the nitriding of steel samples, achieving similar results as in an industrial scale ASPN reactor. A compact spectrometer using an external cavity quantum cascade laser combined with an optical multi-pass cell has been applied for the detection of molecular reaction products. This allowed the determination of the concentrations of four stable molecular species (CH4, C2H2, HCN, and NH3). With the help of OES, the rotational temperature of the screen plasma could be determined.

  9. Comparative analysis of single-walled and multi-walled carbon nanotubes for electrochemical sensing of glucose on gold printed circuit boards.

    PubMed

    Alhans, Ruby; Singh, Anukriti; Singhal, Chaitali; Narang, Jagriti; Wadhwa, Shikha; Mathur, Ashish

    2018-09-01

    In the present work, a comparative study was performed between single-walled carbon nanotubes and multi-walled carbon nanotubes coated gold printed circuit board electrodes for glucose detection. Various characterization techniques were demonstrated in order to compare the modified electrodes viz. cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chrono-amperometry. Results revealed that single-walled carbon nanotubes outperformed multi-walled carbon nanotubes and proved to be a better sensing interface for glucose detection. The single-walled carbon nanotubes coated gold printed circuit board electrodes showed a wide linear sensing range (1 mM to 100 mM) with detection limit of 0.1 mM with response time of 5 s while multi-walled carbon nanotubes coated printed circuit board gold electrodes showed linear sensing range (1 mM to 100 mM) with detection limit of 0.1 mM with response time of 5 s. This work provided low cost sensors with enhanced sensitivity, fast response time and reliable results for glucose detection which increased the affordability of such tests in remote areas. In addition, the comparative results confirmed that single-walled carbon nanotubes modified electrodes can be exploited for better amplification signal as compared to multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  10. Transparent lithium-ion batteries

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Yuan; Jeong, Sangmoo; Hu, Liangbing; Wu, Hui; Lee, Seok Woo; Cui, Yi

    2011-01-01

    Transparent devices have recently attracted substantial attention. Various applications have been demonstrated, including displays, touch screens, and solar cells; however, transparent batteries, a key component in fully integrated transparent devices, have not yet been reported. As battery electrode materials are not transparent and have to be thick enough to store energy, the traditional approach of using thin films for transparent devices is not suitable. Here we demonstrate a grid-structured electrode to solve this dilemma, which is fabricated by a microfluidics-assisted method. The feature dimension in the electrode is below the resolution limit of human eyes, and, thus, the electrode appears transparent. Moreover, by aligning multiple electrodes together, the amount of energy stored increases readily without sacrificing the transparency. This results in a battery with energy density of 10 Wh/L at a transparency of 60%. The device is also flexible, further broadening their potential applications. The transparent device configuration also allows in situ Raman study of fundamental electrochemical reactions in batteries. PMID:21788483

  11. Design and Application of Multi-functional Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence Imaging Analyzer.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Guangfu; Liu, Xia; Wang, Yaqin; Ruan, Sanpeng; Qi, Honglan; Yang, Yong; Zhou, Qishe; Zhang, Chengxiao

    2016-01-01

    A multi-functional eletrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) imaging analyzer including both a photomultiplier tube and charged coupled device as detectors has been developed. The ECL imaging analyzer can effectively work for electrochemical study, ECL intensity detection at electrode array, and ECL imaging at bipolar electrodes or electrode array. As an ECL imaging example, an ECL biosensor for visual detection of matrix metalloproteinase 7 in the range from 0.05 to 1 ng/mL is demonstrated.

  12. Effects of the choice of reference on the selectivity of a multi-contact nerve cuff electrode.

    PubMed

    Koh, Ryan G L; Zariffa, Jose

    2016-08-01

    Tripolar referencing is typically used in nerve cuff electrode recordings due to its ability to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio of contacts at the centre, but this may not be the optimal choice for a multi-contact nerve cuff consisting of contacts in off-centre rings. We conducted a simulation study to compare the effects of 3 different reference types on the recording selectivity of a multi-contact nerve cuff: the tripolar reference (TPR), common average reference (CAR), and multiple tripolar references based on consecutive groups of 3 rings (cTPR). For this purpose, we introduce a novel measure called the contact information metric (CIM). Selectivity was tested in 2 noise settings, one in which white Gaussian noise was added inside the nerve cuff electrode and the other in which electromyogram (EMG) noise was added outside the nerve cuff electrode. The mean CIMs values calculated for the best 8 contacts were 3.42±6.25, 2.70±3.37, and 3.65±1.90 for the TPR, the CAR and the cTPR, respectively, in the case of EMG noise added outside the nerve cuff electrode. This study shows that the use of cTPR reference is the optimal choice for selectivity when using a multi-contact nerve cuff electrode which contains off-centre rings.

  13. Commercialisation of CMOS Integrated Circuit Technology in Multi-Electrode Arrays for Neuroscience and Cell-Based Biosensors

    PubMed Central

    Graham, Anthony H. D.; Robbins, Jon; Bowen, Chris R.; Taylor, John

    2011-01-01

    The adaptation of standard integrated circuit (IC) technology as a transducer in cell-based biosensors in drug discovery pharmacology, neural interface systems and electrophysiology requires electrodes that are electrochemically stable, biocompatible and affordable. Unfortunately, the ubiquitous Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) IC technology does not meet the first of these requirements. For devices intended only for research, modification of CMOS by post-processing using cleanroom facilities has been achieved. However, to enable adoption of CMOS as a basis for commercial biosensors, the economies of scale of CMOS fabrication must be maintained by using only low-cost post-processing techniques. This review highlights the methodologies employed in cell-based biosensor design where CMOS-based integrated circuits (ICs) form an integral part of the transducer system. Particular emphasis will be placed on the application of multi-electrode arrays for in vitro neuroscience applications. Identifying suitable IC packaging methods presents further significant challenges when considering specific applications. The various challenges and difficulties are reviewed and some potential solutions are presented. PMID:22163884

  14. Determination of kojic acid based on the interface enhancement effects of carbon nanotube/alizarin red S modified electrode.

    PubMed

    Liu, Jieshu; Zhou, Dazhai; Liu, Xiaopeng; Wu, Kangbing; Wan, Chidan

    2009-04-01

    Based on non-covalent interactions such as pi-pi stacking, van der Waals interactions and strong adsorption, alizarin red S (ARS) interacts with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT), improving the solubility of MWNT in water and resulting in a stable MWNT/ARS solution. By successive cyclic sweeps between 0.0 and 2.2V in the MWNT/ARS solution, a MWNT/ARS composite film was fabricated on an electrode surface. The electrochemical behaviors of kojic acid at the bare electrode, the ARS film-modified electrode and the MWNT/ARS film-modified electrode were investigated. It was found that the oxidation signal of kojic acid significantly increased at the MWNT/ARS film-modified electrode, which was attributed to the unique properties of MWNT such as large surface area, strong adsorptive ability and subtle electronic character. The effects of pH and cyclic number of electropolymerization were examined. A rapid, sensitive and simple electrochemical method was then developed for the determination of kojic acid. This method exhibits good linearity over the range from 4.0 x 10(-7) to 6.0 x 10(-5)mol L(-1), and the limit of detection is as low as 1.0 x 10(-7)mol L(-1). In order to validate feasibility, the MWNT/ARS film-modified electrode was used for quantitative analysis of kojic acid in food samples.

  15. Tape method of forming a thin layer of doped lanthanum chromite particles and of bonding such on an electrode

    DOEpatents

    Richards, Von L.; Singhal, Subhash C.; Pal, Uday B.

    1992-01-01

    A combustible polymer film, useful for application of an interconnection on an electrode is made by: (1) providing doped LaCro.sub.3 particles; (2) dispersing doped LaCrO.sub.3 particles in a solvent, to provide a dispersion; (3) screening the dispersion to provide particles in the range of from 30 micrometers to 80 micrometers; (4) admixing a fugitive polymer with the particles; (5) casting the dispersion to provide a film; (6) drying the film; and (7) stripping the film. The film can then be applied to a porous, preheated electrode top surface, and then electrochemical vapor depositing a dense skeletal LaCrO.sub.3 structure, between and around the doped LaCrO.sub.3 particles. Additional solid oxide electrolyte and fuel electrode layers can then be added to provide a fuel cell.

  16. Tape method of forming a thin layer of doped lanthanum chromite particles and of bonding such on an electrode

    DOEpatents

    Richards, V.L.; Singhal, S.C.; Pal, U.B.

    1992-07-21

    A combustible polymer film, useful for application of an interconnection on an electrode is made by: (1) providing doped LaCro[sub 3] particles; (2) dispersing doped LaCrO[sub 3] particles in a solvent, to provide a dispersion; (3) screening the dispersion to provide particles in the range of from 30 micrometers to 80 micrometers; (4) admixing a fugitive polymer with the particles; (5) casting the dispersion to provide a film; (6) drying the film; and (7) stripping the film. The film can then be applied to a porous, preheated electrode top surface, and then a dense skeletal LaCrO[sub 3] structure is electrochemically vapor deposited between and around the doped LaCrO[sub 3] particles. Additional solid oxide electrolyte and fuel electrode layers can then be added to provide a fuel cell. 4 figs.

  17. Highly stable multi-wall carbon nanotubes@poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrene sulfonate) core-shell composites with three-dimensional porous nano-network for electrochemical capacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zhou, Haihan; Han, Gaoyi; Chang, Yunzhen; Fu, Dongying; Xiao, Yaoming

    2015-01-01

    A facile and feasible electrochemical polymerization method has been used to construct the multi-wall carbon nanotubes@poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/poly(styrene sulfonate) (MWCNTs@PEDOT/PSS) core-shell composites with three-dimensional (3D) porous nano-network microstructure. The composites are characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron microscopy. This special core-shell nanostructure can significantly reduce the ions diffusion distance and the 3D porous nano-network microstructure effectively enlarges the electrode/electrolyte interface. The electrochemical tests including cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy tests are performed, the results manifest the MWCNTs@PEDOT/PSS core-shell composites have superior capacitive behaviors and excellent cyclic stability, and a high areal capacitance of 98.1 mF cm-2 is achieved at 5 mV s-1 cyclic voltammetry scan. Furthermore, the MWCNTs@PEDOT/PSS composites exhibit obviously superior capacitive performance than that of PEDOT/PSS and PEDOT/Cl electrodes, indicating the effective composite of MWCNTs and PEDOT noticeably boosts the capacitive performance of PEDOT-based electrodes for electrochemical energy storage. Such a highly stable core-shell 3D network structural composite is very promising to be used as electrode materials for the high-performance electrochemical capacitors.

  18. An improved method of crafting a multi-electrode spiral cuff for the selective.

    PubMed

    Rozman, Janez; Pečlin, Polona; Ribarič, Samo; Godec, Matjaž; Burja, Jaka

    2018-01-17

    This article reviews an improved methodology and technology for crafting a multi-electrode spiral cuff for the selective activation of nerve fibres in particular superficial regions of a peripheral nerve. The analysis, structural and mechanical properties of the spot welds used for the interconnections between the stimulating electrodes and stainless-steel lead wires are presented. The cuff consisted of 33 platinum electrodes embedded within a self-curling 17-mm-long silicone spiral sheet with a nominal internal diameter of 2.5 mm. The weld was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and nanohardness tests, while the interconnection was investigated using destructive load tests. The functionality of the cuff was tested in an isolated porcine vagus nerve. The results of the scanning electron microscopy show good alloying and none of the typical welding defects that occur between the wire and the platinum foil. The results of the destructive load tests show that the breaking loads were between 3.22 and 5 N. The results of the nanohardness testing show that the hardness of the weld was different for the particular sites on the weld sample. Finally, the results of the functional testing show that for different stimulation intensities both the compound action potential deflection and the shape are modulated.

  19. Simple and fast screening of G-quadruplex ligands with electrochemical detection system.

    PubMed

    Fan, Qiongxuan; Li, Chao; Tao, Yaqin; Mao, Xiaoxia; Li, Genxi

    2016-11-01

    Small molecules that may facilitate and stabilize the formation of G-quadruplexes can be used for cancer treatments, because the G-quadruplex structure can inhibit the activity of telomerase, an enzyme over-expressed in many cancer cells. Therefore, there is considerable interest in developing a simple and high-performance method for screening small molecules binding to G-quadruplex. Here, we have designed a simple electrochemical approach to screen such ligands based on the fact that the formation and stabilization of G-quadruplex by ligand may inhibit electron transfer of redox species to electrode surface. As a proof-of-concept study, two types of classical G-quadruplex ligands, TMPyP4 and BRACO-19, are studied in this work, which demonstrates that this method is fast and robust and it may be applied to screen G-quadruplex ligands for anticancer drugs testing and design in the future. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Methyl parathion detection in vegetables and fruits using silver@graphene nanoribbons nanocomposite modified screen printed electrode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Govindasamy, Mani; Mani, Veerappan; Chen, Shen-Ming; Chen, Tse-Wei; Sundramoorthy, Ashok Kumar

    2017-04-01

    We have developed a sensitive electrochemical sensor for Organophosphorus pesticide methyl parathion (MP) using silver particles supported graphene nanoribbons (Ag@GNRs). The Ag@GNRs nanocomposite was prepared through facile wet chemical strategy and characterized by TEM, EDX, XRD, Raman, UV-visible, electrochemical and impedance spectroscopies. The Ag@GNRs film modified screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE) delivers excellent electrocatalytic ability to the reduction of MP. The Ag@GNRs/SPCE detects sub-nanomolar concentrations of MP with excellent selectivity. The synergic effects between special electrocatalytic ability of Ag and excellent physicochemical properties of GNRs (large surface area, high conductivity, high area-normalized edge-plane structures and abundant catalytic sites) make the composite highly suitable for MP sensing. Most importantly, the method is successfully demonstrated in vegetables and fruits which revealed its potential real-time applicability in food analysis.

  1. CYP450 2B4 covalently attached to carbon and gold screen printed electrodes by diazonium salt and thiols monolayers.

    PubMed

    Alonso-Lomillo, M A; Yardimci, C; Domínguez-Renedo, O; Arcos-Martínez, M J

    2009-02-02

    An easy covalent immobilization method used to develop enzyme biosensors based on carbon and gold screen printed electrodes (SPCEs and gold SPEs) is described. The linkage of biomolecules through 4-nitrobenzenediazonium tetrafluoroborate, mercaptopropionic acid and thioctic acid monolayers has been attempted using bare SPCEs and gold SPEs, as well as gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) modified SPCEs and gold SPEs. Direct covalent attachment of Cytochrome P450 2B4 (CYP450 2B4) to the transducer has been carried out by carbodiimide and hydroxysuccinimide. Experimental variables in the immobilization process and in the chronoamperometric determination of Phenobarbital (PB) have been optimized by the experimental design methodology. Reproducibility of the different biosensors has been checked under the optimum conditions, yielding values lower than 6%. Their performances have been shown by the determination of PB in pharmaceutical drugs.

  2. Evaluation of Plastic Multi-Well Plates for Serological Screening of Salmonella Cultures with Spicer-Edwards Pooled Antisera

    PubMed Central

    Morris, George K.; Steele, Carolyn D.; Wells, Joy G.

    1972-01-01

    We compared the relative advantages of using glass test tubes and plastic multi-well plates in the serological identification of Salmonella cultures by the Spicer-Edwards method, and we conclude that the advantages of multi-well plates outweigh those of test tubes. Images PMID:4640740

  3. Electrochemical Sensor for Bilirubin Detection Using Screen Printed Electrodes Functionalized with Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene.

    PubMed

    Thangamuthu, Madasamy; Gabriel, Willimann Eric; Santschi, Christian; Martin, Olivier J F

    2018-03-07

    Practice oriented point-of-care diagnostics require easy-to-handle, miniaturized, and low-cost analytical tools. In a novel approach, screen printed carbon electrodes (SPEs), which were functionalized with nanomaterials, are employed for selective measurements of bilirubin, which is an important biomarker for jaundice. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and graphene separately deposited on SPEs provide the core of an electrochemical sensor for bilirubin. The electrocatalytic activity towards bilirubin oxidation (bilirubin to biliverdin) was observed at +0.25 V. In addition, a further peak corresponding to the electrochemical conversion of biliverdin into purpurin appeared at +0.48 V. When compared to MWCNT, the graphene type shows a 3-fold lower detection limit (0.3 ± 0.022 nM and 0.1 ± 0.018 nM, respectively), moreover, the graphene type exhibits a larger linear range (0.1-600 µM) than MWCNT (0.5-500 µM) with a two-fold better sensitivity, i.e., 30 nA µM -1 cm -2 , and 15 nA µM -1 cm -2 , respectively. The viability is validated through measurements of bilirubin in blood serum samples and the selectivity is ensured by inhibiting common interfering biological substrates using an ionic nafion membrane. The presented approach enables the design and implementation of low cost and miniaturized electrochemical sensors.

  4. Multi-projector auto-calibration and placement optimization for non-planar surfaces

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Dong; Xie, Jinghui; Zhao, Lu; Zhou, Lijing; Weng, Dongdong

    2015-10-01

    Non-planar projection has been widely applied in virtual reality and digital entertainment and exhibitions because of its flexible layout and immersive display effects. Compared with planar projection, a non-planar projection is more difficult to achieve because projector calibration and image distortion correction are difficult processes. This paper uses a cylindrical screen as an example to present a new method for automatically calibrating a multi-projector system in a non-planar environment without using 3D reconstruction. This method corrects the geometric calibration error caused by the screen's manufactured imperfections, such as an undulating surface or a slant in the vertical plane. In addition, based on actual projection demand, this paper presents the overall performance evaluation criteria for the multi-projector system. According to these criteria, we determined the optimal placement for the projectors. This method also extends to surfaces that can be parameterized, such as spheres, ellipsoids, and paraboloids, and demonstrates a broad applicability.

  5. [Rapid screening the alkaloids of poppy shell in hot pot condiment, beef noodle soup and seasoning by direct analysis in real time-tandem mass spectrometry].

    PubMed

    Zhang, Baile; Gao, Lihong; Xie, Yingshuang; Zhou, Wei; Chen, Xiaofeng; Lei, Chunni; Zhang, Huan

    2017-07-08

    A direct analysis in real time tandem mass spectrometry (DART-MS/MS) method was established for quickly screening five illegally added alkaloids of poppy shell from the hot pot condiment, beef noodle soup and seasoning. The samples were extracted and purified by acetonitrile, and then injected under the conditions of ionization temperature of 300℃, grid electrode voltage of 150 V and sampling rate of 0.8 mm/s using DART in the positive ion mode. The determination was conducted by tandem mass spectrometry in positive ESI mode under multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The method is simple and rapid, and can meet the requirement of rapid screening and analysis of large quantities of samples.

  6. A distribution-free multi-factorial profiler for harvesting information from high-density screenings.

    PubMed

    Besseris, George J

    2013-01-01

    Data screening is an indispensable phase in initiating the scientific discovery process. Fractional factorial designs offer quick and economical options for engineering highly-dense structured datasets. Maximum information content is harvested when a selected fractional factorial scheme is driven to saturation while data gathering is suppressed to no replication. A novel multi-factorial profiler is presented that allows screening of saturated-unreplicated designs by decomposing the examined response to its constituent contributions. Partial effects are sliced off systematically from the investigated response to form individual contrasts using simple robust measures. By isolating each time the disturbance attributed solely to a single controlling factor, the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney rank stochastics are employed to assign significance. We demonstrate that the proposed profiler possesses its own self-checking mechanism for detecting a potential influence due to fluctuations attributed to the remaining unexplainable error. Main benefits of the method are: 1) easy to grasp, 2) well-explained test-power properties, 3) distribution-free, 4) sparsity-free, 5) calibration-free, 6) simulation-free, 7) easy to implement, and 8) expanded usability to any type and size of multi-factorial screening designs. The method is elucidated with a benchmarked profiling effort for a water filtration process.

  7. A Distribution-Free Multi-Factorial Profiler for Harvesting Information from High-Density Screenings

    PubMed Central

    Besseris, George J.

    2013-01-01

    Data screening is an indispensable phase in initiating the scientific discovery process. Fractional factorial designs offer quick and economical options for engineering highly-dense structured datasets. Maximum information content is harvested when a selected fractional factorial scheme is driven to saturation while data gathering is suppressed to no replication. A novel multi-factorial profiler is presented that allows screening of saturated-unreplicated designs by decomposing the examined response to its constituent contributions. Partial effects are sliced off systematically from the investigated response to form individual contrasts using simple robust measures. By isolating each time the disturbance attributed solely to a single controlling factor, the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney rank stochastics are employed to assign significance. We demonstrate that the proposed profiler possesses its own self-checking mechanism for detecting a potential influence due to fluctuations attributed to the remaining unexplainable error. Main benefits of the method are: 1) easy to grasp, 2) well-explained test-power properties, 3) distribution-free, 4) sparsity-free, 5) calibration-free, 6) simulation-free, 7) easy to implement, and 8) expanded usability to any type and size of multi-factorial screening designs. The method is elucidated with a benchmarked profiling effort for a water filtration process. PMID:24009744

  8. Nickel-hydrogen battery with oxygen and electrolyte management features

    DOEpatents

    Sindorf, John F.

    1991-10-22

    A nickel-hydrogen battery or cell having one or more pressure vessels containing hydrogen gas and a plurality of cell-modules therein. Each cell-module includes a configuration of cooperatively associated oxygen and electrolyte mangement and component alignment features. A cell-module having electrolyte includes a negative electrode, a positive electrode adapted to facilitate oxygen diffusion, a separator disposed between the positive and negative electrodes for separating them and holding electrolyte for ionic conductivity, an absorber engaging the surface of the positive electrode facing away from the separator for providing electrolyte to the positive electrode, and a pair of surface-channeled diffusion screens for enclosing the positive and negative electrodes, absorber, and separator and for maintaining proper alignment of these components. The screens, formed in the shape of a pocket by intermittently sealing the edges together along as many as three sides, permit hydrogen gas to diffuse therethrough to the negative electrodes, and prevent the edges of the separator from swelling. Electrolyte is contained in the cell-module, absorbhed by the electrodes, the separator and the absorber.

  9. Involvement of flocculin in negative potential-applied ITO electrode adhesion of yeast cells

    PubMed Central

    Koyama, Sumihiro; Tsubouchi, Taishi; Usui, Keiko; Uematsu, Katsuyuki; Tame, Akihiro; Nogi, Yuichi; Ohta, Yukari; Hatada, Yuji; Kato, Chiaki; Miwa, Tetsuya; Toyofuku, Takashi; Nagahama, Takehiko; Konishi, Masaaki; Nagano, Yuriko; Abe, Fumiyoshi

    2015-01-01

    The purpose of this study was to develop novel methods for attachment and cultivation of specifically positioned single yeast cells on a microelectrode surface with the application of a weak electrical potential. Saccharomyces cerevisiae diploid strains attached to an indium tin oxide/glass (ITO) electrode to which a negative potential between −0.2 and −0.4 V vs. Ag/AgCl was applied, while they did not adhere to a gallium-doped zinc oxide/glass electrode surface. The yeast cells attached to the negative potential-applied ITO electrodes showed normal cell proliferation. We found that the flocculin FLO10 gene-disrupted diploid BY4743 mutant strain (flo10Δ /flo10Δ) almost completely lost the ability to adhere to the negative potential-applied ITO electrode. Our results indicate that the mechanisms of diploid BY4743 S. cerevisiae adhesion involve interaction between the negative potential-applied ITO electrode and the Flo10 protein on the cell wall surface. A combination of micropatterning techniques of living single yeast cell on the ITO electrode and omics technologies holds potential of novel, highly parallelized, microchip-based single-cell analysis that will contribute to new screening concepts and applications. PMID:26187908

  10. A novel instrumentation circuit for electrochemical measurements.

    PubMed

    Yin, Li-Te; Wang, Hung-Yu; Lin, Yang-Chiuan; Huang, Wen-Chung

    2012-01-01

    In this paper, a novel signal processing circuit which can be used for the measurement of H(+) ion and urea concentration is presented. A potentiometric method is used to detect the concentrations of H(+) ions and urea by using H(+) ion-selective electrodes and urea electrodes, respectively. The experimental data shows that this measuring structure has a linear pH response for the concentration range within pH 2 and 12, and the dynamic range for urea concentration measurement is in the range of 0.25 to 64 mg/dL. The designed instrumentation circuit possesses a calibration function and it can be applied to different sensing electrodes for electrochemical analysis. It possesses the advantageous properties of being multi-purpose, easy calibration and low cost.

  11. Microfluidic and Label-Free Multi-Immunosensors Based on Carbon Nanotube Microelectrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tsujita, Yuichi; Maehashi, Kenzo; Matsumoto, Kazuhiko; Chikae, Miyuki; Takamura, Yuzuru; Tamiya, Eiichi

    2009-06-01

    We fabricated microfluidic and label-free multi-immunosensors by the integration of carbon nanotube (CNT)-arrayed electrodes and microchannels with pneumatic micropumps made of poly(dimethylsiloxane). In the microfluidic systems, four kinds of sample solutions were transported from each liquid inlet to microchannels using six pneumatic micropumps. As a result, two kinds of antibodies were immobilized onto different CNT electrodes using the microfluidic systems. Next, two kinds of cancer markers, prostate specific antigen and human chorionic gonadotropin in phosphate buffer solution, were simultaneously detected by differential pulse voltammetry. Therefore, microfludic multi-immunosensors based on CNT electrodes and pneumatic micropumps are useful for the development of multiplex hand-held biosensors.

  12. Woven-grid sealed quasi-bipolar lead-acid battery construction and fabricating method

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Rippel, Wally E. (Inventor)

    1989-01-01

    A quasi-bipolar lead-acid battery construction includes a plurality of bipolar cells disposed in side-by-side relation to form a stack, and a pair of monoplanar plates at opposite ends of the stack, the cell stack and monopolar plates being contained within a housing of the battery. Each bipolar cell is loaded with an electrolyte and composed of a bipolar electrode plate and a pair of separator plates disposed on opposite sides of the electrode plate and peripherally sealed thereto. Each bipolar electrode plate is composed of a partition sheet and two bipolar electrode elements folded into a hairpin configuration and applied over opposite edges of the partition sheet so as to cover the opposite surfaces of the opposite halves thereof. Each bipolar electrode element is comprised of a woven grid with a hot-melt strip applied to a central longitudinal region of the grid along which the grid is folded into the hairpin configuration, and layers of negative and positive active material pastes applied to opposite halves of the grid on opposite sides of the central hot-melt strip. The grid is made up of strands of conductive and non-conductive yarns composing the respective transverse and longitudinal weaves of the grid. The conductive yarn has a multi-stranded glass core surrounded and covered by a lead sheath, whereas the non-conductive yarn has a multi-stranded glass core surrounded and covered by a thermally activated sizing.

  13. Focused Impedance Method (FIM) and Pigeon Hole Imaging (PHI) for localized measurements - a review

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Siddique-e Rabbani, K.

    2010-04-01

    This paper summarises up to date development in Focused Impedance Method (FIM) initiated by us. It basically involves taking the sum of two orthogonal tetra-polar impedance measurements around a common central region, giving a localized enhanced sensitivity. Although the basic idea requires 8 electrodes, versions with 6- and 4-electrodes were subsequently conceived and developed. The focusing effect has been verified in 2D and 3D phantoms and through numerical analysis. Dynamic stomach emptying, and ventilation of localized lung regions have been studied successfully suggesting further applications in monitoring of gastric acid secretion, artificial respiration, bladder emptying, etc. Multi-frequency FIM may help identify some diseases and disorders including certain cancers. FIM, being much simpler and having less number of electrodes, appears to have the potential to replace EIT for applications involving large and shallow organs. An enhancement of 6-electrode FIM led to Pigeon Hole Imaging (PHI) in a square matrix through backprojection in two orthogonal directions, good for localising of one or two well separated objects.

  14. Amperometric Immunosensors for screening of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in water

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ahmad, A.; Paschero, A.; Moore, E.

    2011-08-01

    An amperometric immunosensor with low limit detection was developed for the screening of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water. The system was based on detecting the specific substance using an immunological reaction by measuring the chemical responses to specific antibodies. An integrated biochip with a three electrode system was fabricated. Gold was used as the working electrode with platinum was used as the counter electrode. A modified Ag/AgCl reference electrode was employed to enhance the stability of the immunosensors. Indirect competition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was carried out within the electrode using alkaline phosphatase (AP) as the labelled-enzyme. The system shows acceptable reproducibility and good stability. The immunosensor exhibited a wide linear response to PAHs. A limit of detection for this sensor was in the range of 1 to 10 ng ml-1 in aqueous sample.

  15. Thermo-compressive transfer printing for facile alignment and robust device integration of nanowires.

    PubMed

    Lee, Won Seok; Won, Sejeong; Park, Jeunghee; Lee, Jihye; Park, Inkyu

    2012-06-07

    Controlled alignment and mechanically robust bonding between nanowires (NWs) and electrodes are essential requirements for reliable operation of functional NW-based electronic devices. In this work, we developed a novel process for the alignment and bonding between NWs and metal electrodes by using thermo-compressive transfer printing. In this process, bottom-up synthesized NWs were aligned in parallel by shear loading onto the intermediate substrate and then finally transferred onto the target substrate with low melting temperature metal electrodes. In particular, multi-layer (e.g. Cr/Au/In/Au and Cr/Cu/In/Au) metal electrodes are softened at low temperatures (below 100 °C) and facilitate submergence of aligned NWs into the surface of electrodes at a moderate pressure (∼5 bar). By using this thermo-compressive transfer printing process, robust electrical and mechanical contact between NWs and metal electrodes can be realized. This method is believed to be very useful for the large-area fabrication of NW-based electrical devices with improved mechanical robustness, electrical contact resistance, and reliability.

  16. Active C4 Electrodes for Local Field Potential Recording Applications

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Lu; Freedman, David; Sahin, Mesut; Ünlü, M. Selim; Knepper, Ronald

    2016-01-01

    Extracellular neural recording, with multi-electrode arrays (MEAs), is a powerful method used to study neural function at the network level. However, in a high density array, it can be costly and time consuming to integrate the active circuit with the expensive electrodes. In this paper, we present a 4 mm × 4 mm neural recording integrated circuit (IC) chip, utilizing IBM C4 bumps as recording electrodes, which enable a seamless active chip and electrode integration. The IC chip was designed and fabricated in a 0.13 μm BiCMOS process for both in vitro and in vivo applications. It has an input-referred noise of 4.6 μVrms for the bandwidth of 10 Hz to 10 kHz and a power dissipation of 11.25 mW at 2.5 V, or 43.9 μW per input channel. This prototype is scalable for implementing larger number and higher density electrode arrays. To validate the functionality of the chip, electrical testing results and acute in vivo recordings from a rat barrel cortex are presented. PMID:26861324

  17. Electrochemical DNA biosensor for bovine papillomavirus detection using polymeric film on screen-printed electrode.

    PubMed

    Nascimento, Gustavo A; Souza, Elaine V M; Campos-Ferreira, Danielly S; Arruda, Mariana S; Castelletti, Carlos H M; Wanderley, Marcela S O; Ekert, Marek H F; Bruneska, Danyelly; Lima-Filho, José L

    2012-01-01

    A new electrochemical DNA biosensor for bovine papillomavirus (BPV) detection that was based on screen-printed electrodes was comprehensively studied by electrochemical methods of cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). A BPV probe was immobilised on a working electrode (gold) modified with a polymeric film of poly-L-lysine (PLL) and chitosan. The experimental design was carried out to evaluate the influence of polymers, probe concentration (BPV probe) and immobilisation time on the electrochemical reduction of methylene blue (MB). The polymer poly-L-lysine (PLL), a probe concentration of 1 μM and an immobilisation time of 60 min showed the best result for the BPV probe immobilisation. With the hybridisation of a complementary target sequence (BPV target), the electrochemical signal decreased compared to a BPV probe immobilised on the modified PLL-gold electrode. Viral DNA that was extracted from cattle with papillomatosis also showed a decrease in the MB electrochemical reduction, which suggested that the decreased electrochemical signal corresponded to a bovine papillomavirus infection. The hybridisation specificity experiments further indicated that the biosensor could discriminate the complementary sequence from the non-complementary sequence. Thus, the results showed that the development of analytical devices, such as a biosensor, could assist in the rapid and efficient detection of bovine papillomavirus DNA and help in the prevention and treatment of papillomatosis in cattle. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Electrochemical sensor for hazardous food colourant quinoline yellow based on carbon nanotube-modified electrode.

    PubMed

    Zhao, Jun; Zhang, Yu; Wu, Kangbing; Chen, Jianwei; Zhou, Yikai

    2011-09-15

    A novel electrochemical method using multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWNT) film-modified electrode was developed for the detection of quinoline yellow. In pH 8 phosphate buffer, an irreversible oxidation peak at 0.71V was observed for quinoline yellow. Compared with the unmodified electrode, the MWNT film-modified electrode greatly increases the oxidation peak current of quinoline yellow, showing notable enhancement effect. The effects of pH value, amount of MWNT, accumulation potential and time were studied on the oxidation peak current of quinoline yellow. The linear range is from 0.75 to 20mgL(-1), and the limit of detection is 0.5mgL(-1). It was applied to the detection of quinoline yellow in commercial soft drinks, and the results consisted with the value that obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Selective deposition of nanostructured ruthenium oxide using Tobacco mosaic virus for micro-supercapacitors in solid Nafion electrolyte

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Gnerlich, Markus; Ben-Yoav, Hadar; Culver, James N.; Ketchum, Douglas R.; Ghodssi, Reza

    2015-10-01

    A three-dimensional micro-supercapacitor has been developed using a novel bottom-up assembly method combining genetically modified Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV-1Cys), photolithographically defined micropillars and selective deposition of ruthenium oxide on multi-metallic microelectrodes. The three-dimensional microelectrodes consist of a titanium nitride current collector with two functionalized areas: (1) gold coating on the active electrode area promotes TMV-1Cys adhesion, and (2) sacrificial nickel pads dissolve in ruthenium tetroxide plating solution to produce ruthenium oxide on all electrically connected areas. The microfabricated electrodes are arranged in an interdigitated pattern, and the capacitance per electrode has been measured as high as 203 mF cm-2 with solid Nafion electrolyte. The process integration of bio-templated ruthenium oxide with microfabricated electrodes and solid electrolyte is an important advance towards the energy storage needs of mass produced self-sufficient micro-devices.

  20. Computational analysis of species transport and electrochemical characteristics of a MOLB-type SOFC

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hwang, J. J.; Chen, C. K.; Lai, D. Y.

    A multi-physics model coupling electrochemical kinetics with fluid dynamics has been developed to simulate the transport phenomena in mono-block-layer built (MOLB) solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). A typical MOLB module is composed of trapezoidal flow channels, corrugated positive electrode-electrolyte-negative electrode (PEN) plates, and planar inter-connecters. The control volume-based finite difference method is employed for calculation, which is based on the conservation of mass, momentum, energy, species, and electric charge. In the porous electrodes, the flow momentum is governed by a Darcy model with constant porosity and permeability. The diffusion of reactants follows the Bruggman model. The chemistry within the plates is described via surface reactions with a fixed surface-to-volume ratio, tortuosity and average pore size. Species transports as well as the local variations of electrochemical characteristics, such as overpotential and current density distributions in the electrodes of an MOLB SOFC, are discussed in detail.

  1. Selective deposition of nanostructured ruthenium oxide using Tobacco mosaic virus for micro-supercapacitors in solid Nafion electrolyte

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Gnerlich, Markus; Ben-Yoav, Hadar; Culver, James N.

    A three-dimensional micro-supercapacitor has been developed using a novel bottom-up assembly method combining genetically modified Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV-1Cys), photolithographically defined micropillars and selective deposition of ruthenium oxide on multi-metallic microelectrodes. The three-dimensional microelectrodes consist of a titanium nitride current collector with two functionalized areas: (1) gold coating on the active electrode area promotes TMV-1Cys adhesion, and (2) sacrificial nickel pads dissolve in ruthenium tetroxide plating solution to produce ruthenium oxide on all electrically connected areas. The microfabricated electrodes are arranged in an interdigitated pattern, and the capacitance per electrode has been measured as high as 203 mF cm-2 withmore » solid Nafion electrolyte. The process integration of bio-templated ruthenium oxide with microfabricated electrodes and solid electrolyte is an important advance towards the energy storage needs of mass produced self-sufficient micro-devices.« less

  2. Screen-Printed Electrodes Modified with “Green” Metals for Electrochemical Stripping Analysis of Toxic Elements

    PubMed Central

    Economou, Anastasios

    2018-01-01

    This work reviews the field of screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) modified with “green” metals for electrochemical stripping analysis of toxic elements. Electrochemical stripping analysis has been established as a useful trace analysis technique offering many advantages compared to competing optical techniques. Although mercury has been the preferred electrode material for stripping analysis, the toxicity of mercury and the associated legal requirements in its use and disposal have prompted research towards the development of “green” metals as alternative electrode materials. When combined with the screen-printing technology, such environment-friendly metals can lead to disposable sensors for trace metal analysis with excellent operational characteristics. This review focuses on SPEs modified with Au, Bi, Sb, and Sn for stripping analysis of toxic elements. Different modification approaches (electroplating, bulk modification, use of metal precursors, microengineering techniques) are considered and representative applications are described. A developing related field, namely biosensing based on stripping analysis of metallic nanoprobe labels, is also briefly mentioned. PMID:29596391

  3. Screen-Printed Electrodes Modified with "Green" Metals for Electrochemical Stripping Analysis of Toxic Elements.

    PubMed

    Economou, Anastasios

    2018-03-29

    This work reviews the field of screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) modified with "green" metals for electrochemical stripping analysis of toxic elements. Electrochemical stripping analysis has been established as a useful trace analysis technique offering many advantages compared to competing optical techniques. Although mercury has been the preferred electrode material for stripping analysis, the toxicity of mercury and the associated legal requirements in its use and disposal have prompted research towards the development of "green" metals as alternative electrode materials. When combined with the screen-printing technology, such environment-friendly metals can lead to disposable sensors for trace metal analysis with excellent operational characteristics. This review focuses on SPEs modified with Au, Bi, Sb, and Sn for stripping analysis of toxic elements. Different modification approaches (electroplating, bulk modification, use of metal precursors, microengineering techniques) are considered and representative applications are described. A developing related field, namely biosensing based on stripping analysis of metallic nanoprobe labels, is also briefly mentioned.

  4. Thin-layer voltammetry of soluble species on screen-printed electrodes: proof of concept.

    PubMed

    Botasini, S; Martí, A C; Méndez, E

    2016-10-17

    Thin-layer diffusion conditions were accomplished on screen-printed electrodes by placing a controlled-weight onto the cast solution and allowing for its natural spreading. The restricted diffusive conditions were assessed by cyclic voltammetry at low voltage scan rates and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The relationship between the weight exerted over the drop and the thin-layer thickness achieved was determined, in such a way that the simple experimental set-up designed for this work could be developed into a commercial device with variable control of the thin-layer conditions. The experimental results obtained resemble those reported for the voltammetric features of electroactive soluble species employing electrodes modified with carbon nanotubes or graphene layers, suggesting that the attainment of the benefits reported for these nanomaterials could be done simply by forcing the solution to spread over the screen-printed electrodic system to form a thin layer solution. The advantages of thin-layer voltammetry in the kinetic characterization of quasi-reversible and irreversible processes are highlighted.

  5. Corrosion testing of candidates for the alkaline fuel cell cathode

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Singer, Joseph; Fielder, William L.

    1989-01-01

    It is desirable to employ a corrosion screening test for catalyst or support candidates for the fuel cell cathode before entering upon optimization of the candidate or of the catalytic electrode. To this end, corrosion test electrodes, intended for complete immersion and maximum wetting, have been made with 30 to 40 vol. pct Teflon; with perovskites this is about 10 to 15 pct. The candidates were synthesized by methods intended for single-phase product without special emphasis on high surface area, although the substances tested were no coarser than 2 m squared/g. A typical loading was 25 mg/cm sq of the pure substance, usually on gold screen, a few mm squared of which were left bare for contacting. Contact to the gold lead wire was made by welding with a micro-torch or a spot-welder. Corrosion testing consisted of obtaining current-voltage data under flowing inert gas in the potential region for reduction of O2. The electrode was immersed in 30 pct KOH. Observations were made at 20 C and 80 C, and the results compared with data from gold standards. Results with some perovskites, pyrochlores, spinels, and interstitial compounds will be discussed.

  6. Target-responsive aptamer release from manganese dioxide nanosheets for electrochemical sensing of cocaine with target recycling amplification.

    PubMed

    Chen, Zongbao; Lu, Minghua

    2016-11-01

    A novel electrochemical sensing platform based on manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanosheets was developed for sensitive screening of target cocaine with the signal amplification. Ferrocene-labeled cocaine aptamers were initially immobilized onto MnO2 nanosheets-modified screen-printed carbon electrode because of π-stacking interaction between nucleobases and nanosheets. The immobilized ferrocene-aptamer activated the electrical contact with the electrode, thereby resulting in the sensor circuit to switch on. Upon target cocaine introduction, the analyte reacted with the aptamer and caused the dissociation of ferrocene-aptamer from the electrode, thus giving rise to the detection circuit to switch off. The released aptamer was cleaved by DNase I with target recycling. Under optimal conditions, the decreasing percentage of the electronic signal relative to background current increased with the increasing cocaine concentration in the dynamic range of 0.1-20nM, and the detection limit was 32pM. The reproducibility, selectivity and method accuracy were acceptable. Importantly, this concept offers promise for rapid, simple, and cost-effective analysis of cocaine biological samples without the needs of sample separation and multiple washing steps. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Screening and Evaluation Tool (SET) Users Guide

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Pincock, Layne

    This document is the users guide to using the Screening and Evaluation Tool (SET). SET is a tool for comparing multiple fuel cycle options against a common set of criteria and metrics. It does this using standard multi-attribute utility decision analysis methods.

  8. A novel screen-printed mast cell-based electrochemical sensor for detecting spoilage bacterial quorum signaling molecules (N-acyl-homoserine-lactones) in freshwater fish.

    PubMed

    Jiang, Donglei; Liu, Yan; Jiang, Hui; Rao, Shengqi; Fang, Wu; Wu, Mangang; Yuan, Limin; Fang, Weiming

    2018-04-15

    A novel screen-printed cell-based electrochemical sensor was developed to assess bacterial quorum signaling molecules, N-acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs). Screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE), which possesses excellent properties such as low-cost, disposable and energy-efficient, was modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) to improve electrochemical signals and enhance the sensitivity. Rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) mast cells encapsulated in alginate/graphene oxide (NaAgl/GO) hydrogel were immobilized on the MWNTs/SPCE to serve as recognition element. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was employed to record the cell impedance signal as-influenced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum-sensing molecule, N-3-oxododecanoyl homoserine lactone (3OC 12 -HSL). Experimental results show that 3OC 12 -HSL caused a significant decrease in cell viability in a dose dependent manner. The EIS value decreased with concentrations of 3OC 12 -HSL in the range of 0.1-1μM, and the detection limit for 3OC 12 -HSL was calculated to be 0.094μM. These results were confirmed via cell viability, SEM, TEM analysis. Next, the sensor was successfully applied to monitoring the production of AHLs by spoilage bacteria in three different freshwater fish juice samples which efficiently proved the practicability of this cell based method. Therefore, the proposed cell sensor may serve as an innovative and effective approach to the measurement of quorum signaling molecule and thus provides a new avenue for real-time monitoring the spoilage bacteria in freshwater fish production. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Performance assessments of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes multi-electrode arrays using Cath.a-differentiated (CAD) cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jeong, Du Won; Jung, Jongjin; Kim, Gook Hwa; Yang, Cheol-Soo; Kim, Ju Jin; Jung, Sang Don; Lee, Jeong-O.

    2015-08-01

    In this work, Cath.a-differentiated (CAD) cells were used in place of primary neuronal cells to assess the performance of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) multi-electrode arrays (MEA). To fabricate high-performance MEA, VACNTs were directly grown on graphene/Pt electrodes via plasma enhanced chemical deposition technique. Here, graphene served as an intermediate layer lowering contact resistance between VACNTs and Pt electrode. In order to lower the electrode impedance and to enhance the cell adhesion, VACNTs-MEAs were treated with UV-ozone for 20 min. Impedance of VACNTs electrode at 1 kHz frequency exhibits a reasonable value (110 kΩ) for extracellular signal recording, and the signal to noise ratio the is good enough to measure low signal amplitude (15.7). Spontaneous firing events from CAD cells were successfully measured with VACNTs MEAs that were also found to be surprisingly robust toward the biological interactions.

  10. Performance assessments of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes multi-electrode arrays using Cath.a-differentiated (CAD) cells.

    PubMed

    Jeong, Du Won; Jung, Jongjin; Kim, Gook Hwa; Yang, Cheol-Soo; Kim, Ju Jin; Jung, Sang Don; Lee, Jeong-O

    2015-08-21

    In this work, Cath.a-differentiated (CAD) cells were used in place of primary neuronal cells to assess the performance of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) multi-electrode arrays (MEA). To fabricate high-performance MEA, VACNTs were directly grown on graphene/Pt electrodes via plasma enhanced chemical deposition technique. Here, graphene served as an intermediate layer lowering contact resistance between VACNTs and Pt electrode. In order to lower the electrode impedance and to enhance the cell adhesion, VACNTs-MEAs were treated with UV-ozone for 20 min. Impedance of VACNTs electrode at 1 kHz frequency exhibits a reasonable value (110 kΩ) for extracellular signal recording, and the signal to noise ratio the is good enough to measure low signal amplitude (15.7). Spontaneous firing events from CAD cells were successfully measured with VACNTs MEAs that were also found to be surprisingly robust toward the biological interactions.

  11. Electrocatalytic response of poly(cobalt tetraaminophthalocyanine)/multi-walled carbon nanotubes-Nafion modified electrode toward sulfadiazine in urine*

    PubMed Central

    Hong, Xiao-ping; Zhu, Yan; Zhang, Yan-zhen

    2012-01-01

    A highly sensitive amperometric sulfadiazine sensor fabricated by electrochemical deposition of poly(cobalt tetraaminophthalocyanine) (poly(CoIITAPc)) on the surface of a multi-walled carbon nanotubes-Nafion (MWCNTs-Nafion) modified electrode is described. This electrode showed a very attractive performance by combining the advantages of CoIITAPc, MWCNTs, and Nafion. Compared with the bare glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and the MWCNTs-Nafion modified electrode, the electrocatalytic activity of poly(CoIITAPc)-coated MWCNTs-Nafion GCE generated greatly improved electrochemical detections toward sulfadiazine including low oxidation potential, high current responses, and good anti-fouling performance. The oxidation peak currents of sulfadiazine obtained on the new modified electrode increased linearly while increasing the concentration of sulfadiazine from 0.5 to 43.5 μmol/L with the detection limit of 0.17 μmol/L. PMID:22661213

  12. A new system for parallel drug screening against multiple-resistant HIV mutants based on lentiviral self-inactivating (SIN) vectors and multi-colour analyses

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Despite progress in the development of combined antiretroviral therapies (cART), HIV infection remains a significant challenge for human health. Current problems of cART include multi-drug-resistant virus variants, long-term toxicity and enormous treatment costs. Therefore, the identification of novel effective drugs is urgently needed. Methods We developed a straightforward screening approach for simultaneously evaluating the sensitivity of multiple HIV gag-pol mutants to antiviral drugs in one assay. Our technique is based on multi-colour lentiviral self-inactivating (SIN) LeGO vector technology. Results We demonstrated the successful use of this approach for screening compounds against up to four HIV gag-pol variants (wild-type and three mutants) simultaneously. Importantly, the technique was adapted to Biosafety Level 1 conditions by utilising ecotropic pseudotypes. This allowed upscaling to a large-scale screening protocol exploited by pharmaceutical companies in a successful proof-of-concept experiment. Conclusions The technology developed here facilitates fast screening for anti-HIV activity of individual agents from large compound libraries. Although drugs targeting gag-pol variants were used here, our approach permits screening compounds that target several different, key cellular and viral functions of the HIV life-cycle. The modular principle of the method also allows the easy exchange of various mutations in HIV sequences. In conclusion, the methodology presented here provides a valuable new approach for the identification of novel anti-HIV drugs. PMID:23286882

  13. Simultaneous quantification of arginine, alanine, methionine and cysteine amino acids in supplements using a novel bioelectro-nanosensor based on CdSe quantum dot/modified carbon nanotube hollow fiber pencil graphite electrode via Taguchi method.

    PubMed

    Hooshmand, Sara; Es'haghi, Zarrin

    2017-11-30

    A number of four amino acids have been simultaneously determined at CdSe quantum dot-modified/multi-walled carbon nanotube hollow fiber pencil graphite electrode in different bodybuilding supplements. CdSe quantum dots were synthesized and applied to construct a modified carbon nanotube hollow fiber pencil graphite electrode. FT-IR, TEM, XRD and EDAX methods were applied for characterization of the synthesized CdSe QDs. The electro-oxidation of arginine (Arg), alanine (Ala), methionine (Met) and cysteine (Cys) at the surface of the modified electrode was studied. Then the Taguchi's method was applied using MINITAB 17 software to find out the optimum conditions for the amino acids determination. Under the optimized conditions, the differential pulse (DP) voltammetric peak currents of Arg, Ala, Met and Cys increased linearly with their concentrations in the ranges of 0.287-33670μM and detection limits of 0.081, 0.158, 0.094 and 0.116μM were obtained for them, respectively. Satisfactory results were achieved for calibration and validation sets. The prepared modified electrode represents a very good resolution between the voltammetric peaks of the four amino acids which makes it suitable for the detection of each in presence of others in real samples. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  14. A Multi-Receptor and Multi-Species Assay for Potential Endocrine Disruptor Targets (SLAS meeting)

    EPA Science Inventory

    Screening methods for detecting potential endocrine disrupting chemicals rely chiefly on transactivation assays targeting nuclear receptors such as the estrogen (ER) and androgen receptors (AR). These assays are predominately human-based; yet environmental exposure can affect div...

  15. Intracellular recording of action potentials by nanopillar electroporation.

    PubMed

    Xie, Chong; Lin, Ziliang; Hanson, Lindsey; Cui, Yi; Cui, Bianxiao

    2012-02-12

    Action potentials have a central role in the nervous system and in many cellular processes, notably those involving ion channels. The accurate measurement of action potentials requires efficient coupling between the cell membrane and the measuring electrodes. Intracellular recording methods such as patch clamping involve measuring the voltage or current across the cell membrane by accessing the cell interior with an electrode, allowing both the amplitude and shape of the action potentials to be recorded faithfully with high signal-to-noise ratios. However, the invasive nature of intracellular methods usually limits the recording time to a few hours, and their complexity makes it difficult to simultaneously record more than a few cells. Extracellular recording methods, such as multielectrode arrays and multitransistor arrays, are non-invasive and allow long-term and multiplexed measurements. However, extracellular recording sacrifices the one-to-one correspondence between the cells and electrodes, and also suffers from significantly reduced signal strength and quality. Extracellular techniques are not, therefore, able to record action potentials with the accuracy needed to explore the properties of ion channels. As a result, the pharmacological screening of ion-channel drugs is usually performed by low-throughput intracellular recording methods. The use of nanowire transistors, nanotube-coupled transistors and micro gold-spine and related electrodes can significantly improve the signal strength of recorded action potentials. Here, we show that vertical nanopillar electrodes can record both the extracellular and intracellular action potentials of cultured cardiomyocytes over a long period of time with excellent signal strength and quality. Moreover, it is possible to repeatedly switch between extracellular and intracellular recording by nanoscale electroporation and resealing processes. Furthermore, vertical nanopillar electrodes can detect subtle changes in action potentials induced by drugs that target ion channels.

  16. Intracellular recording of action potentials by nanopillar electroporation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xie, Chong; Lin, Ziliang; Hanson, Lindsey; Cui, Yi; Cui, Bianxiao

    2012-03-01

    Action potentials have a central role in the nervous system and in many cellular processes, notably those involving ion channels. The accurate measurement of action potentials requires efficient coupling between the cell membrane and the measuring electrodes. Intracellular recording methods such as patch clamping involve measuring the voltage or current across the cell membrane by accessing the cell interior with an electrode, allowing both the amplitude and shape of the action potentials to be recorded faithfully with high signal-to-noise ratios. However, the invasive nature of intracellular methods usually limits the recording time to a few hours, and their complexity makes it difficult to simultaneously record more than a few cells. Extracellular recording methods, such as multielectrode arrays and multitransistor arrays, are non-invasive and allow long-term and multiplexed measurements. However, extracellular recording sacrifices the one-to-one correspondence between the cells and electrodes, and also suffers from significantly reduced signal strength and quality. Extracellular techniques are not, therefore, able to record action potentials with the accuracy needed to explore the properties of ion channels. As a result, the pharmacological screening of ion-channel drugs is usually performed by low-throughput intracellular recording methods. The use of nanowire transistors, nanotube-coupled transistors and micro gold-spine and related electrodes can significantly improve the signal strength of recorded action potentials. Here, we show that vertical nanopillar electrodes can record both the extracellular and intracellular action potentials of cultured cardiomyocytes over a long period of time with excellent signal strength and quality. Moreover, it is possible to repeatedly switch between extracellular and intracellular recording by nanoscale electroporation and resealing processes. Furthermore, vertical nanopillar electrodes can detect subtle changes in action potentials induced by drugs that target ion channels.

  17. A multi-element screening method to identify metal targets for blood biomonitoring in green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas).

    PubMed

    Villa, C A; Finlayson, S; Limpus, C; Gaus, C

    2015-04-15

    Biomonitoring of blood is commonly used to identify and quantify occupational or environmental exposure to chemical contaminants. Increasingly, this technique has been applied to wildlife contaminant monitoring, including for green turtles, allowing for the non-lethal evaluation of chemical exposure in their nearshore environment. The sources, composition, bioavailability and toxicity of metals in the marine environment are, however, often unknown and influenced by numerous biotic and abiotic factors. These factors can vary considerably across time and space making the selection of the most informative elements for biomonitoring challenging. This study aimed to validate an ICP-MS multi-element screening method for green turtle blood in order to identify and facilitate prioritisation of target metals for subsequent fully quantitative analysis. Multi-element screening provided semiquantitative results for 70 elements, 28 of which were also determined through fully quantitative analysis. Of the 28 comparable elements, 23 of the semiquantitative results had an accuracy between 67% and 112% relative to the fully quantified values. In lieu of any available turtle certified reference materials (CRMs), we evaluated the use of human blood CRMs as a matrix surrogate for quality control, and compared two commonly used sample preparation methods for matrix related effects. The results demonstrate that human blood provides an appropriate matrix for use as a quality control material in the fully quantitative analysis of metals in turtle blood. An example for the application of this screening method is provided by comparing screening results from blood of green turtles foraging in an urban and rural region in Queensland, Australia. Potential targets for future metal biomonitoring in these regions were identified by this approach. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  18. Electrochemical sensor for sensitive detection of paracetamol based on novel multi-walled carbon nanotubes-derived organic-inorganic material.

    PubMed

    Hui, Junmin; Li, Wenjuan; Guo, Yanlei; Yang, Zhu; Wang, Yingxiong; Yu, Chao

    2014-03-01

    A new electrochemical sensor based on a novel organic-inorganic material (PNFCTs) was proposed for detection of paracetamol in this paper. First, PNFCTs were prepared with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and a derivative of 3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTC-NH2) via cross-linking method. Then, PNFCTs were coated onto the surface of the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to form porous organic conducting polymer films (PNFCTs/GCE), which could not only increase the loading of paracetamol efficiently but also provide an interface with exceptional electrical conductivity for paracetamol. Finally, gold nanoparticles (GNPs) were attached to the electrode surface through electrodepositing method, which obtained GNPs/PNFCTs/GCE electrode. The electrochemical behavior of paracetamol on GNPs/PNFCTs/GCE was explored by cyclic voltammetrys (CVs) and differential pulse voltammograms (DPVs). The results showed that the GNPs/PNFCTs/GCE exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity to paracetamol, which should be attributed to remarkable properties of the new composite nanomaterials with porous nanostructure and exceptional electrical conductivity. The wide liner range and detection limit were 0.3-575 and 0.1 μM, respectively. Finally, it was successfully used to detect paracetamol in dilution human serum and commercial tablets. The sensor shows great promise for simple, sensitive, and selective detection paracetamol and provides a promising approach in paracetamol clinical research and overdose diagnostic applications.

  19. Electroanalytical applications of screen-printable surfactant-induced sol-gel graphite composites

    DOEpatents

    Guadalupe, Ana R.; Guo, Yizhu

    2001-05-15

    A process for preparing sol-gel graphite composite electrodes is presented. This process preferably uses the surfactant bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) and eliminates the need for a cosolvent, an acidic catalyst, a cellulose binder and a thermal curing step from prior art processes. Fabrication of screen-printed electrodes by this process provides a simple approach for electroanalytical applications in aqueous and nonaqueous solvents. Examples of applications for such composite electrodes produced from this process include biochemical sensors such as disposable, single-use glucose sensors and ligand modified composite sensors for metal ion sensitive sensors.

  20. Glassy carbon/multi walled carbon nanotube/cadmium sulphide photoanode for light energy storage in vanadium photoelectrochemical cell

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Peimanifard, Zahra; Rashid-Nadimi, Sahar

    2015-12-01

    The aim of this study is utilizing the artificial photosynthesis, which is an attractive and challenging theme in the photoelectrocatalytic water splitting, to charge the vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB). In this work multi walled carbon nanotube/cadmium sulphide hybrid is employed as a photoanode material to oxidize VO2+ toVO2+ for charging the positive vanadium redox flow battery's half-cell. Characterization studies are also described using the scanning electron microscopic-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and UV-Visible methods. The phtoelectrochemical performance is characterized by cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry. Applied bias photon-to-current efficiency (ABPE) is achieved for both two and three-electrode configurations. The glassy carbon/multi walled carbon nanotube/cadmium sulphide yields high maximum ABPE of 2.6% and 2.12% in three and two-electrode setups, respectively. These results provide a useful guideline in designing photoelectrochemical cells for charging the vanadium redox flow batteries by sunlight as a low cost, free and abundant energy source, which does not rely on an external power input.

  1. Region-specific network plasticity in simulated and living cortical networks: comparison of the center of activity trajectory (CAT) with other statistics

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chao, Zenas C.; Bakkum, Douglas J.; Potter, Steve M.

    2007-09-01

    Electrically interfaced cortical networks cultured in vitro can be used as a model for studying the network mechanisms of learning and memory. Lasting changes in functional connectivity have been difficult to detect with extracellular multi-electrode arrays using standard firing rate statistics. We used both simulated and living networks to compare the ability of various statistics to quantify functional plasticity at the network level. Using a simulated integrate-and-fire neural network, we compared five established statistical methods to one of our own design, called center of activity trajectory (CAT). CAT, which depicts dynamics of the location-weighted average of spatiotemporal patterns of action potentials across the physical space of the neuronal circuitry, was the most sensitive statistic for detecting tetanus-induced plasticity in both simulated and living networks. By reducing the dimensionality of multi-unit data while still including spatial information, CAT allows efficient real-time computation of spatiotemporal activity patterns. Thus, CAT will be useful for studies in vivo or in vitro in which the locations of recording sites on multi-electrode probes are important.

  2. SPICODYN: A Toolbox for the Analysis of Neuronal Network Dynamics and Connectivity from Multi-Site Spike Signal Recordings.

    PubMed

    Pastore, Vito Paolo; Godjoski, Aleksandar; Martinoia, Sergio; Massobrio, Paolo

    2018-01-01

    We implemented an automated and efficient open-source software for the analysis of multi-site neuronal spike signals. The software package, named SPICODYN, has been developed as a standalone windows GUI application, using C# programming language with Microsoft Visual Studio based on .NET framework 4.5 development environment. Accepted input data formats are HDF5, level 5 MAT and text files, containing recorded or generated time series spike signals data. SPICODYN processes such electrophysiological signals focusing on: spiking and bursting dynamics and functional-effective connectivity analysis. In particular, for inferring network connectivity, a new implementation of the transfer entropy method is presented dealing with multiple time delays (temporal extension) and with multiple binary patterns (high order extension). SPICODYN is specifically tailored to process data coming from different Multi-Electrode Arrays setups, guarantying, in those specific cases, automated processing. The optimized implementation of the Delayed Transfer Entropy and the High-Order Transfer Entropy algorithms, allows performing accurate and rapid analysis on multiple spike trains from thousands of electrodes.

  3. Faraday cage-type electrochemiluminescence immunosensor for ultrasensitive detection of Vibrio vulnificus based on multi-functionalized graphene oxide.

    PubMed

    Guo, Zhiyong; Sha, Yuhong; Hu, Yufang; Yu, Zhongqing; Tao, Yingying; Wu, Yanjie; Zeng, Min; Wang, Sui; Li, Xing; Zhou, Jun; Su, Xiurong

    2016-10-01

    A novel Faraday cage-type electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensor devoted to the detection of Vibrio vulnificus (VV) was fabricated. The sensing strategy was presented by a unique Faraday cage-type immunocomplex based on immunomagnetic beads (IMBs) and multi-functionalized graphene oxide (GO) labeled with (2,2'-bipyridine)(5-aminophenanthroline)ruthenium (Ru-NH2). The multi-functionalized GO could sit on the electrode surface directly due to the large surface area, abundant functional groups, and good electronic transport property. It ensures that more Ru-NH2 is entirely caged and become "effective," thus improving sensitivity significantly, which resembles extending the outer Helmholtz plane (OHP) of the electrode. Under optimal conditions, the developed immunosensor achieves a limit of detection as low as 1 CFU/mL. Additionally, the proposed immunosensor with high sensitivity and selectivity can be used for the detection of real samples. The novel Faraday cage-type method has shown potential application for the diagnosis of VV and opens up a new avenue in ECL immunoassay. Graphical abstract Faraday cage-type immunoassay mode for ultrasensitive detection by extending OHP.

  4. A printed, dry electrode Frank configuration vest for ambulatory vectorcardiographic monitoring

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Paul, Gordon; Torah, Russel; Beeby, Steve; Tudor, John

    2017-02-01

    This paper describes the design and fabrication of a screen printed network of bio-potential measurement electrodes on a garment, in this case a vest. The electrodes are placed according to the Frank configuration, which allows monitoring of the electrical behavior of the heart in three spatial orientations. The vest is designed to provide stable contact pressure on the electrodes. The electrodes are fabricated from stencil printed carbon loaded rubber and are connected by screen printed silver polymer conductive tracks to an array of vias, which form an electrical connection to the other side of the textile. The vest is tested and compared to Frank configuration recordings that were obtained using standard self-adhesive ECG electrodes. The vest was successfully used to obtain Frank configuration recordings with minimal baseline drift. The vest is fabricated using only technologies found in standard textile production lines and can be used with a reduced setup effort compared to clinical 12-lead examinations.

  5. Indirect determination of sulfite using a polyphenol oxidase biosensor based on a glassy carbon electrode modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes and gold nanoparticles within a poly(allylamine hydrochloride) film.

    PubMed

    Sartori, Elen Romão; Vicentini, Fernando Campanhã; Fatibello-Filho, Orlando

    2011-12-15

    The modification of a glassy carbon electrode with multi-walled carbon nanotubes and gold nanoparticles within a poly(allylamine hydrochloride) film for the development of a biosensor is proposed. This approach provides an efficient method used to immobilize polyphenol oxidase (PPO) obtained from the crude extract of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.). The principle of the analytical method is based on the inhibitory effect of sulfite on the activity of PPO, in the reduction reaction of o-quinone to catechol and/or the reaction of o-quinone with sulfite. Under the optimum experimental conditions using the differential pulse voltammetry technique, the analytical curve obtained was linear in the concentration of sulfite in the range from 0.5 to 22 μmol L(-1) with a detection limit of 0.4 μmol L(-1). The biosensor was applied for the determination of sulfite in white and red wine samples with results in close agreement with those results obtained using a reference iodometric method (at a 95% confidence level). Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Electrochemical sensor for terbutaline sulfate based on a glassy carbon electrode modified with grapheme and multi-walled carbon nanotubes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Li, Zhou; Hua, Xin; Pei, Hongying; Shen, Yuan; Shen, Guijun

    2017-12-01

    A glass carbon electrode was prepared that coated with a composite film containing grapheme and multi-walled carbon nanotubes. It was used to study the electrochemical response of terbutaline sulfate. Under the optimized conditions, the oxidation peak current was found to be proportional to its concentration in the range of 0.2-5 μmol·L-1 and 5-40 μmol·L-1).Compared with the bare GC electrode, the GN-MWNTs-modified GC (GN-MWNTs/GC) had many advantages such as relatively high sensitivity, good stability and long life time. The modified electrode was used to determine the TES tablets with satisfactory results.

  7. Photogrammetry-Based Head Digitization for Rapid and Accurate Localization of EEG Electrodes and MEG Fiducial Markers Using a Single Digital SLR Camera.

    PubMed

    Clausner, Tommy; Dalal, Sarang S; Crespo-García, Maité

    2017-01-01

    The performance of EEG source reconstruction has benefited from the increasing use of advanced head modeling techniques that take advantage of MRI together with the precise positions of the recording electrodes. The prevailing technique for registering EEG electrode coordinates involves electromagnetic digitization. However, the procedure adds several minutes to experiment preparation and typical digitizers may not be accurate enough for optimal source reconstruction performance (Dalal et al., 2014). Here, we present a rapid, accurate, and cost-effective alternative method to register EEG electrode positions, using a single digital SLR camera, photogrammetry software, and computer vision techniques implemented in our open-source toolbox, janus3D . Our approach uses photogrammetry to construct 3D models from multiple photographs of the participant's head wearing the EEG electrode cap. Electrodes are detected automatically or semi-automatically using a template. The rigid facial features from these photo-based models are then surface-matched to MRI-based head reconstructions to facilitate coregistration to MRI space. This method yields a final electrode coregistration error of 0.8 mm, while a standard technique using an electromagnetic digitizer yielded an error of 6.1 mm. The technique furthermore reduces preparation time, and could be extended to a multi-camera array, which would make the procedure virtually instantaneous. In addition to EEG, the technique could likewise capture the position of the fiducial markers used in magnetoencephalography systems to register head position.

  8. Photogrammetry-Based Head Digitization for Rapid and Accurate Localization of EEG Electrodes and MEG Fiducial Markers Using a Single Digital SLR Camera

    PubMed Central

    Clausner, Tommy; Dalal, Sarang S.; Crespo-García, Maité

    2017-01-01

    The performance of EEG source reconstruction has benefited from the increasing use of advanced head modeling techniques that take advantage of MRI together with the precise positions of the recording electrodes. The prevailing technique for registering EEG electrode coordinates involves electromagnetic digitization. However, the procedure adds several minutes to experiment preparation and typical digitizers may not be accurate enough for optimal source reconstruction performance (Dalal et al., 2014). Here, we present a rapid, accurate, and cost-effective alternative method to register EEG electrode positions, using a single digital SLR camera, photogrammetry software, and computer vision techniques implemented in our open-source toolbox, janus3D. Our approach uses photogrammetry to construct 3D models from multiple photographs of the participant's head wearing the EEG electrode cap. Electrodes are detected automatically or semi-automatically using a template. The rigid facial features from these photo-based models are then surface-matched to MRI-based head reconstructions to facilitate coregistration to MRI space. This method yields a final electrode coregistration error of 0.8 mm, while a standard technique using an electromagnetic digitizer yielded an error of 6.1 mm. The technique furthermore reduces preparation time, and could be extended to a multi-camera array, which would make the procedure virtually instantaneous. In addition to EEG, the technique could likewise capture the position of the fiducial markers used in magnetoencephalography systems to register head position. PMID:28559791

  9. Super-resolution imaging using multi- electrode CMUTs: theoretical design and simulation using point targets.

    PubMed

    You, Wei; Cretu, Edmond; Rohling, Robert

    2013-11-01

    This paper investigates a low computational cost, super-resolution ultrasound imaging method that leverages the asymmetric vibration mode of CMUTs. Instead of focusing on the broadband received signal on the entire CMUT membrane, we utilize the differential signal received on the left and right part of the membrane obtained by a multi-electrode CMUT structure. The differential signal reflects the asymmetric vibration mode of the CMUT cell excited by the nonuniform acoustic pressure field impinging on the membrane, and has a resonant component in immersion. To improve the resolution, we propose an imaging method as follows: a set of manifold matrices of CMUT responses for multiple focal directions are constructed off-line with a grid of hypothetical point targets. During the subsequent imaging process, the array sequentially steers to multiple angles, and the amplitudes (weights) of all hypothetical targets at each angle are estimated in a maximum a posteriori (MAP) process with the manifold matrix corresponding to that angle. Then, the weight vector undergoes a directional pruning process to remove the false estimation at other angles caused by the side lobe energy. Ultrasound imaging simulation is performed on ring and linear arrays with a simulation program adapted with a multi-electrode CMUT structure capable of obtaining both average and differential received signals. Because the differential signals from all receiving channels form a more distinctive temporal pattern than the average signals, better MAP estimation results are expected than using the average signals. The imaging simulation shows that using differential signals alone or in combination with the average signals produces better lateral resolution than the traditional phased array or using the average signals alone. This study is an exploration into the potential benefits of asymmetric CMUT responses for super-resolution imaging.

  10. Analysis of polyphenols in white wine by CZE with amperometric detection using carbon nanotube-modified electrodes.

    PubMed

    Moreno, Mónica; Arribas, Alberto Sánchez; Bermejo, Esperanza; Zapardiel, Antonio; Chicharro, Manuel

    2011-04-01

    A method for the simultaneous detection of five polyphenols (caffeic, chlorogenic, ferulic and gallic acids and (+)-catechin) by CZE with electrochemical detection was developed. Separation of these polyphenols was performed in a 100 mM borate buffer (pH 9.2) within 15 min. Under optimized separation conditions, the performance of glassy carbon (GC) electrodes modified with multiwalled carbon nanotube layer obtained from different dispersions was examined. GC electrode modified with a dispersion of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNT) in polyethylenimine has proven to be the most suitable CNT-based electrode for its application as amperometric detector for the CZE separation of the studied compounds. The excellent electrochemical properties of this electrode allowed the detection of the selected polyphenols at +200 mV and improved the efficiency and the resolution of their CZE separation. Limits of detection below 3.1 μM were obtained with linear ranges covering the 10⁻⁵ to 10⁻⁴  M range. The proposed method has been successfully applied for the detection (ferulic, caffeic and gallic acids and (+)-catechin) and the quantification (gallic acid and (+)-catechin) of polyphenols in two different white wines without any preconcentration step. A remarkable signal stability was observed on the electrode performance despite the presence of potential fouling substances in wine. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  11. Flexible electrode belt for EIT using nanofiber web dry electrodes.

    PubMed

    Oh, Tong In; Kim, Tae Eui; Yoon, Sun; Kim, Kap Jin; Woo, Eung Je; Sadleir, Rosalind J

    2012-10-01

    Efficient connection of multiple electrodes to the body for impedance measurement and voltage monitoring applications is of critical importance to measurement quality and practicality. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) experiments have generally required a cumbersome procedure to attach the multiple electrodes needed in EIT. Once placed, these electrodes must then maintain good contact with the skin during measurements that may last several hours. There is usually also the need to manage the wires that run between the electrodes and the EIT system. These problems become more severe as the number of electrodes increases, and may limit the practicality and portability of this imaging method. There have been several trials describing human-electrode interfaces using configurations such as electrode belts, helmets or rings. In this paper, we describe an electrode belt we developed for long-term EIT monitoring of human lung ventilation. The belt included 16 embossed electrodes that were designed to make good contact with the skin. The electrodes were fabricated using an Ag-plated PVDF nanofiber web and metallic threads. A large contact area and padding were used behind each electrode to improve subject comfort and reduce contact impedances. The electrodes were incorporated, equally spaced, into an elasticated fabric belt. We tested the electrode belt in conjunction with the KHU Mark1 multi-frequency EIT system, and demonstrate time-difference images of phantoms and human subjects during normal breathing and running. We found that the Ag-plated PVDF nanofiber web electrodes were suitable for long-term measurement because of their flexibility and durability. Moreover, the contact impedance and stability of the Ag-plated PVDF nanofiber web electrodes were found to be comparable to similarly tested Ag/AgCl electrodes.

  12. Fabrication of Metal Nanoparticle-Modified Screen Printed Carbon Electrodes for the Evaluation of Hydrogen Peroxide Content in Teeth Whitening Strips

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Popa, Adriana; Abenojar, Eric C.; Vianna, Adam; Buenviaje, Czarina Y. A.; Yang, Jiahua; Pascual, Cherrie B.; Samia, Anna Cristina S.

    2015-01-01

    A laboratory experiment in which students synthesize Ag, Au, and Pt nanoparticles (NPs) and use them to modify screen printed carbon electrodes for the electroanalysis of the hydrogen peroxide content in commercially available teeth whitening strips is described. This experiment is designed for two 3-h laboratory periods and can be adapted for…

  13. A Multi-Parametric Device with Innovative Solid Electrodes for Long-Term Monitoring of pH, Redox-Potential and Conductivity in a Nuclear Waste Repository

    PubMed Central

    Daoudi, Jordan; Betelu, Stephanie; Tzedakis, Theodore; Bertrand, Johan; Ignatiadis, Ioannis

    2017-01-01

    We present an innovative electrochemical probe for the monitoring of pH, redox potential and conductivity in near-field rocks of deep geological radioactive waste repositories. The probe is composed of a monocrystalline antimony electrode for pH sensing, four AgCl/Ag-based reference or Cl− selective electrodes, one Ag2S/Ag-based reference or S2− selective electrode, as well as four platinum electrodes, a gold electrode and a glassy-carbon electrode for redox potential measurements. Galvanostatic electrochemistry impedance spectroscopy using AgCl/Ag-based and platinum electrodes measure conductivity. The use of such a multi-parameter probe provides redundant information, based as it is on the simultaneous behaviour under identical conditions of different electrodes of the same material, as well as on that of electrodes made of different materials. This identifies the changes in physical and chemical parameters in a solution, as well as the redox reactions controlling the measured potential, both in the solution and/or at the electrode/solution interface. Understanding the electrochemical behaviour of selected materials thus is a key point of our research, as provides the basis for constructing the abacuses needed for developing robust and reliable field sensors. PMID:28608820

  14. A Multi-Parametric Device with Innovative Solid Electrodes for Long-Term Monitoring of pH, Redox-Potential and Conductivity in a Nuclear Waste Repository.

    PubMed

    Daoudi, Jordan; Betelu, Stephanie; Tzedakis, Theodore; Bertrand, Johan; Ignatiadis, Ioannis

    2017-06-13

    We present an innovative electrochemical probe for the monitoring of pH, redox potential and conductivity in near-field rocks of deep geological radioactive waste repositories. The probe is composed of a monocrystalline antimony electrode for pH sensing, four AgCl/Ag-based reference or Cl - selective electrodes, one Ag₂S/Ag-based reference or S 2- selective electrode, as well as four platinum electrodes, a gold electrode and a glassy-carbon electrode for redox potential measurements. Galvanostatic electrochemistry impedance spectroscopy using AgCl/Ag-based and platinum electrodes measure conductivity. The use of such a multi-parameter probe provides redundant information, based as it is on the simultaneous behaviour under identical conditions of different electrodes of the same material, as well as on that of electrodes made of different materials. This identifies the changes in physical and chemical parameters in a solution, as well as the redox reactions controlling the measured potential, both in the solution and/or at the electrode/solution interface. Understanding the electrochemical behaviour of selected materials thus is a key point of our research, as provides the basis for constructing the abacuses needed for developing robust and reliable field sensors.

  15. Integrated photoelectrochemical cell and system having a liquid electrolyte

    DOEpatents

    Deng, Xunming; Xu, Liwei

    2010-07-06

    An integrated photoelectrochemical (PEC) cell generates hydrogen and oxygen from water while being illuminated with radiation. The PEC cell employs a liquid electrolyte, a multi-junction photovoltaic electrode, and a thin ion-exchange membrane. A PEC system and a method of making such PEC cell and PEC system are also disclosed.

  16. Voltammetric determination of In3+ based on the bifunctionality of a multi-walled carbon nanotubes-nafion modified electrode.

    PubMed

    Li, Junhua; Zhang, Fuxing; Wang, Jianqiu; Xu, Zhifeng; Zeng, Rongying

    2009-05-01

    Due to the strong cation-exchange ability of Nafion and the excellent properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), a highly sensitive and mercury-free method of determining trace levels of In(3+) has been established based on the bifunctionality of a MWCNTs/Nafion modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The MWCNTs/Nafion modified GCE detects In(3+) in a 0.01 M HAc-NaAc buffer solution at pH 5.0 using anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV). The experimental results suggest that a sensitive anodic stripping peak appears at -0.58 V on anodic stripping voltammograms, which can be used as an analytical signal for the determination of In(3+). A good linear relationship between the stripping peak currents and the In(3+) concentration is obtained, covering the concentration range from 5.0 x 10(-10) to 2.0 x 10(-7) M, with a correlation coefficient of 0.999; the detection limit is 1.0 x 10(-11) M. This proposed method has been applied to detect In(3+) as a new way.

  17. Diagnosis of schistosomiasis japonica with interfacial co-assembly-based multi-channel electrochemical immunosensor arrays

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Deng, Wangping; Xu, Bin; Hu, Haiyan; Li, Jianyong; Hu, Wei; Song, Shiping; Feng, Zheng; Fan, Chunhai

    2013-05-01

    Schistosomiasis control remains to be an important and challenging task in the world. However, lack of quick, simple, sensitive and specific sero-diagnostic test is still a hurdle in the control practice. The commonly employed enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA) relies on the native soluble egg antigen (SEA) that is limited in supply. Here we developed an electrochemical immunosensor array (ECISA) assay with an interfacial co-assembly strategy. A recombinant Schistosoma japonicum (Sj) calcium-binding protein (SjE16) was used as a principal antigen, while the SEA as a minor, co-assembling agent, with a ratio of 8:1 (SjE16: SEA, Sj16EA), which was co-immobilized on a disposable 16-channel screen-printed carbon electrode array. A portable electrochemical detector was employed to detect antibodies in serum samples. The sensitivity of ECISA reached 100% with minimal cross-reactions. Therefore, we have demonstrated that this rapid, sensitive and specific ECISA technique has the potential to perform large-scale on-site screening of Sj infection.

  18. Modeling the evolution of lithium-ion particle contact distributions using a fabric tensor approach

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Stershic, A. J.; Simunovic, S.; Nanda, J.

    2015-08-25

    Electrode microstructure and processing can strongly influence lithium-ion battery performance such as capacity retention, power, and rate. Battery electrodes are multi-phase composite structures wherein conductive diluents and binder bond active material to a current collector. The structure and response of this composite network during repeated electrochemical cycling directly affects battery performance characteristics. We propose the fabric tensor formalism for describing the structure and evolution of the electrode microstructure. Fabric tensors are directional measures of particulate assemblies based on inter-particle connectivity, relating to the structural and transport properties of the electrode. Fabric tensor analysis is applied to experimental data-sets for positivemore » electrode made of lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide, captured by X-ray tomography for several compositions and consolidation pressures. We show that fabric tensors capture the evolution of inter-particle contact distribution and are therefore good measures for the internal state of and electronic transport within the electrode. The fabric tensor analysis is also applied to Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations of electrode microstructures using spherical particles with size distributions from the tomography. Furthermore, these results do not follow the experimental trends, which indicates that the particle size distribution alone is not a sufficient measure for the electrode microstructures in DEM simulations.« less

  19. Novel screening techniques for ion channel targeting drugs

    PubMed Central

    Obergrussberger, Alison; Stölzle-Feix, Sonja; Becker, Nadine; Brüggemann, Andrea; Fertig, Niels; Möller, Clemens

    2015-01-01

    Ion channels are integral membrane proteins that regulate the flux of ions across the cell membrane. They are involved in nearly all physiological processes, and malfunction of ion channels has been linked to many diseases. Until recently, high-throughput screening of ion channels was limited to indirect, e.g. fluorescence-based, readout technologies. In the past years, direct label-free biophysical readout technologies by means of electrophysiology have been developed. Planar patch-clamp electrophysiology provides a direct functional label-free readout of ion channel function in medium to high throughput. Further electrophysiology features, including temperature control and higher-throughput instruments, are continually being developed. Electrophysiological screening in a 384-well format has recently become possible. Advances in chip and microfluidic design, as well as in cell preparation and handling, have allowed challenging cell types to be studied by automated patch clamp. Assays measuring action potentials in stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, relevant for cardiac safety screening, and neuronal cells, as well as a large number of different ion channels, including fast ligand-gated ion channels, have successfully been established by automated patch clamp. Impedance and multi-electrode array measurements are particularly suitable for studying cardiomyocytes and neuronal cells within their physiological network, and to address more complex physiological questions. This article discusses recent advances in electrophysiological technologies available for screening ion channel function and regulation. PMID:26556400

  20. Novel screening techniques for ion channel targeting drugs.

    PubMed

    Obergrussberger, Alison; Stölzle-Feix, Sonja; Becker, Nadine; Brüggemann, Andrea; Fertig, Niels; Möller, Clemens

    2015-01-01

    Ion channels are integral membrane proteins that regulate the flux of ions across the cell membrane. They are involved in nearly all physiological processes, and malfunction of ion channels has been linked to many diseases. Until recently, high-throughput screening of ion channels was limited to indirect, e.g. fluorescence-based, readout technologies. In the past years, direct label-free biophysical readout technologies by means of electrophysiology have been developed. Planar patch-clamp electrophysiology provides a direct functional label-free readout of ion channel function in medium to high throughput. Further electrophysiology features, including temperature control and higher-throughput instruments, are continually being developed. Electrophysiological screening in a 384-well format has recently become possible. Advances in chip and microfluidic design, as well as in cell preparation and handling, have allowed challenging cell types to be studied by automated patch clamp. Assays measuring action potentials in stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes, relevant for cardiac safety screening, and neuronal cells, as well as a large number of different ion channels, including fast ligand-gated ion channels, have successfully been established by automated patch clamp. Impedance and multi-electrode array measurements are particularly suitable for studying cardiomyocytes and neuronal cells within their physiological network, and to address more complex physiological questions. This article discusses recent advances in electrophysiological technologies available for screening ion channel function and regulation.

  1. Electrochemical approach for acute myocardial infarction diagnosis based on direct antibodies-free analysis of human blood plasma.

    PubMed

    Suprun, Elena V; Saveliev, Anatoly A; Evtugyn, Gennady A; Lisitsa, Alexander V; Bulko, Tatiana V; Shumyantseva, Victoria V; Archakov, Alexander I

    2012-03-15

    A novel direct antibodies-free electrochemical approach for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) diagnosis has been developed. For this purpose, a combination of the electrochemical assay of plasma samples with chemometrics was proposed. Screen printed carbon electrodes modified with didodecyldimethylammonium bromide were used for plasma charactrerization by cyclic (CV) and square wave voltammetry and square wave (SWV) voltammetry. It was shown that the cathodic peak in voltammograms at about -250 mV vs. Ag/AgCl can be associated with AMI. In parallel tests, cardiac myoglobin and troponin I, the AMI biomarkers, were determined in each sample by RAMP immunoassay. The applicability of the electrochemical testing for AMI diagnostics was confirmed by statistical methods: generalized linear model (GLM), linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA), artificial neural net (multi-layer perception, MLP), and support vector machine (SVM), all of which were created to obtain the "True-False" distribution prediction where "True" and "False" are, respectively, positive and negative decision about an illness event. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Corrosion testing of candidates for the alkaline fuel cell cathode

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Singer, Joseph; Fielder, William L.

    1989-01-01

    Current/voltage data was obtained for specially made corrosion electrodes of some oxides and of gold materials for the purpose of developing a screening test of catalysts and supports for use at the cathode of the alkaline fuel cell. The data consists of measurements of current at fixed potentials and cyclic voltammograms. These data will have to be correlated with longtime performance data in order to fully evaluate this approach to corrosion screening. Corrosion test screening of candidates for the oxygen reduction electrode of the alkaline fuel cell was applied to two substances, the pyrochlore Pb2Ru2O6.5 and the spinel NiCo2O4. The substrate gold screen and a sample of the IFC Orbiter Pt-Au performance electrode were included as blanks. The pyrochlore data indicate relative stability, although nothing yet can be said about long term stability. The spinel was plainly unstable. For this type of testing to be validated, comparisons will have to be made with long term performance tests.

  3. Multi-electrode double layer capacitor having single electrolyte seal and aluminum-impregnated carbon cloth electrodes

    DOEpatents

    Farahmandi, C. J.; Dispennette, J. M.; Blank, E.; Kolb, A. C.

    1999-05-25

    A single cell, multi-electrode high performance double layer capacitor includes first and second flat stacks of electrodes adapted to be housed in a closeable two-part capacitor case which includes only a single electrolyte seal. Each electrode stack has a plurality of electrodes connected in parallel, with the electrodes of one stack being interleaved with the electrodes of the other stack to form an interleaved stack, and with the electrodes of each stack being electrically connected to respective capacitor terminals. A porous separator sleeve is inserted over the electrodes of one stack before interleaving to prevent electrical shorts between the electrodes. The electrodes are made by folding a compressible, low resistance, aluminum-impregnated carbon cloth, made from activated carbon fibers, around a current collector foil, with a tab of the foils of each electrode of each stack being connected in parallel and connected to the respective capacitor terminal. The height of the interleaved stack is somewhat greater than the inside height of the closed capacitor case, thereby requiring compression of the interleaved electrode stack when placed inside of the case, and thereby maintaining the interleaved electrode stack under modest constant pressure. The closed capacitor case is filled with an electrolytic solution and sealed. A preferred electrolytic solution is made by dissolving an appropriate salt into acetonitrile (CH[sub 3]CN). In one embodiment, the two parts of the capacitor case are conductive and function as the capacitor terminals. 32 figs.

  4. Multi-electrode double layer capacitor having single electrolyte seal and aluminum-impregnated carbon cloth electrodes

    DOEpatents

    Farahmandi, C Joseph [San Diego, CA; Dispennette, John M [Oceanside, CA; Blank, Edward [San Diego, CA; Kolb, Alan C [Rancho Santa Fe, CA

    1999-05-25

    A single cell, multi-electrode high performance double layer capacitor includes first and second flat stacks of electrodes adapted to be housed in a closeable two-part capacitor case which includes only a single electrolyte seal. Each electrode stack has a plurality of electrodes connected in parallel, with the electrodes of one stack being interleaved with the electrodes of the other stack to form an interleaved stack, and with the electrodes of each stack being electrically connected to respective capacitor terminals. A porous separator sleeve is inserted over the electrodes of one stack before interleaving to prevent electrical shorts between the electrodes. The electrodes are made by folding a compressible, low resistance, aluminum-impregnated carbon cloth, made from activated carbon fibers, around a current collector foil, with a tab of the foils of each electrode of each stack being connected in parallel and connected to the respective capacitor terminal. The height of the interleaved stack is somewhat greater than the inside height of the closed capacitor case, thereby requiring compression of the interleaved electrode stack when placed inside of the case, and thereby maintaining the interleaved electrode stack under modest constant pressure. The closed capacitor case is filled with an electrolytic solution and sealed. A preferred electrolytic solution is made by dissolving an appropriate salt into acetonitrile (CH.sub.3 CN). In one embodiment, the two parts of the capacitor case are conductive and function as the capacitor terminals.

  5. Multi-electrode double layer capacitor having single electrolyte seal and aluminum-impregnated carbon cloth electrodes

    DOEpatents

    Farahmandi, C. Joseph; Dispennette, John M.; Blank, Edward; Kolb, Alan C.

    1999-01-19

    A single cell, multi-electrode high performance double layer capacitor includes first and second flat stacks of electrodes adapted to be housed in a closeable two-part capacitor case which includes only a single electrolyte seal. Each electrode stack has a plurality of electrodes connected in parallel, with the electrodes of one stack being interleaved with the electrodes of the other stack to form an interleaved stack, and with the electrodes of each stack being electrically connected to respective capacitor terminals. A porous separator sleeve is inserted over the electrodes of one stack before interleaving to prevent electrical shorts between the electrodes. The electrodes are made by folding a compressible, low resistance, aluminum-impregnated carbon cloth, made from activated carbon fibers, around a current collector foil, with a tab of the foils of each electrode of each stack being connected in parallel and connected to the respective capacitor terminal. The height of the interleaved stack is somewhat greater than the inside height of the closed capacitor case, thereby requiring compression of the interleaved electrode stack when placed inside of the case, and thereby maintaining the interleaved electrode stack under modest constant pressure. The closed capacitor case is filled with an electrolytic solution and sealed. A preferred electrolytic solution is made by dissolving an appropriate salt into acetonitrile (CH.sub.3 CN). In one embodiment, the two parts of the capacitor case are conductive and function as the capacitor terminals.

  6. Multi-electrode double layer capacitor having single electrolyte seal and aluminum-impregnated carbon cloth electrodes

    DOEpatents

    Farahmandi, C.J.; Dispennette, J.M.; Blank, E.; Kolb, A.C.

    1999-01-19

    A single cell, multi-electrode high performance double layer capacitor includes first and second flat stacks of electrodes adapted to be housed in a closeable two-part capacitor case which includes only a single electrolyte seal. Each electrode stack has a plurality of electrodes connected in parallel, with the electrodes of one stack being interleaved with the electrodes of the other stack to form an interleaved stack, and with the electrodes of each stack being electrically connected to respective capacitor terminals. A porous separator sleeve is inserted over the electrodes of one stack before interleaving to prevent electrical shorts between the electrodes. The electrodes are made by folding a compressible, low resistance, aluminum-impregnated carbon cloth, made from activated carbon fibers, around a current collector foil, with a tab of the foils of each electrode of each stack being connected in parallel and connected to the respective capacitor terminal. The height of the interleaved stack is somewhat greater than the inside height of the closed capacitor case, thereby requiring compression of the interleaved electrode stack when placed inside of the case, and thereby maintaining the interleaved electrode stack under modest constant pressure. The closed capacitor case is filled with an electrolytic solution and sealed. A preferred electrolytic solution is made by dissolving an appropriate salt into acetonitrile (CH{sub 3}CN). In one embodiment, the two parts of the capacitor case are conductive and function as the capacitor terminals. 32 figs.

  7. Screen-printed immunosensor modified with carbon nanotubes in a continuous-flow system for the Botrytis cinerea determination in apple tissues.

    PubMed

    Fernández-Baldo, Martín A; Messina, Germán A; Sanz, Maria I; Raba, Julio

    2009-08-15

    Botrytis cinerea is a plant-pathogenic fungus that produces the disease known as grey mould in a wide variety of agriculturally important hosts in many countries. This paper describes the development of an immunosensor coupled to carbon-based screen-printed electrodes (SPCE) modified with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which show a rapid and sensitive determination of B. cinerea in apple tissues (Red-delicious) using a competitive immunoassay method. Both the infected plant tissue sample and the B. cinerea-specific monoclonal antibody are allowed to react immunologically with the B. cinerea purified antigens immobilized on a rotating disk. Then, the bound antibodies are quantified by a horseradish peroxidise (HRP) enzyme labeled second antibodies specific to mouse IgG, using 4-tertbutylcatechol (4-TBC) as enzymatic mediators. The HRP, in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, catalyses the oxidation of 4-TBC to 4-tertbutyl o-benzoquinone. The electrochemical reduction back to 4-TBC is detected on SPCE-CNT at -0.15 V. The response current is inversely proportional to the amount of the B. cinerea antigens present in the fruit sample. The time consumed per assay was 30 min and the calculated detection limits for electrochemical method and the ELISA procedure are 0.02 and 10 microg mL(-1), respectively. Moreover the intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation were below 7%. This electrochemical immunosensor promises to be usefully suited to the detection and quantification of B. cinerea in apparently healthy plant prior to the development of the symptoms.

  8. Bipolar plating of metal contacts onto oxide interconnection for solid oxide electrochemical cell

    DOEpatents

    Isenberg, A.O.

    1987-03-10

    Disclosed is a method of forming an adherent metal deposit on a conducting layer of a tube sealed at one end. The tube is immersed with the sealed end down into an aqueous solution containing ions of the metal to be deposited. An ionically conducting aqueous fluid is placed inside the tube and a direct current is passed from a cathode inside the tube to an anode outside the tube. Also disclosed is a multi-layered solid oxide fuel cell tube which consists of an inner porous ceramic support tube, a porous air electrode covering the support tube, a non-porous electrolyte covering a portion of the air electrode, a non-porous conducting interconnection covering the remaining portion of the electrode, and a metal deposit on the interconnection. 1 fig.

  9. Bipolar plating of metal contacts onto oxide interconnection for solid oxide electrochemical cell

    DOEpatents

    Isenberg, Arnold O.

    1987-01-01

    Disclosed is a method of forming an adherent metal deposit on a conducting layer of a tube sealed at one end. The tube is immersed with the sealed end down into an aqueous solution containing ions of the metal to be deposited. An ionically conducting aqueous fluid is placed inside the tube and a direct current is passed from a cathode inside the tube to an anode outside the tube. Also disclosed is a multi-layered solid oxide fuel cell tube which consists of an inner porous ceramic support tube, a porous air electrode covering the support tube, a non-porous electrolyte covering a portion of the air electrode, a non-porous conducting interconnection covering the remaining portion of the electrode, and a metal deposit on the interconnection.

  10. Photovoltaic and Impedance Spectroscopy Study of Screen-Printed TiO₂ Based CdS Quantum Dot Sensitized Solar Cells.

    PubMed

    Atif, M; Farooq, W A; Fatehmulla, Amanullah; Aslam, M; Ali, Syed Mansoor

    2015-01-19

    Cadmium sulphide (CdS) quantum dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) based on screen-printed TiO₂ were assembled using a screen-printing technique. The CdS quantum dots (QDs) were grown by using the Successive Ionic Layer Adsorption and Reaction (SILAR) method. The optical properties were studied by UV-Vis absorbance spectroscopy. Photovoltaic characteristics and impedance spectroscopic measurements of CdS QDSSCs were carried out under air mass 1.5 illuminations. The experimental results of capacitance against voltage indicate a trend from positive to negative capacitance because of the injection of electrons from the Fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) electrode into TiO₂.

  11. A three-dimensional meso-macroscopic model for Li-Ion intercalation batteries

    DOE PAGES

    Allu, S.; Kalnaus, S.; Simunovic, S.; ...

    2016-06-09

    Through this study, we present a three-dimensional computational formulation for electrode-electrolyte-electrode system of Li-Ion batteries. The physical consistency between electrical, thermal and chemical equations is enforced at each time increment by driving the residual of the resulting coupled system of nonlinear equations to zero. The formulation utilizes a rigorous volume averaging approach typical of multiphase formulations used in other fields and recently extended to modeling of supercapacitors [1]. Unlike existing battery modeling methods which use segregated solution of conservation equations and idealized geometries, our unified approach can model arbitrary battery and electrode configurations. The consistency of multi-physics solution also allowsmore » for consideration of a wide array of initial conditions and load cases. The formulation accounts for spatio-temporal variations of material and state properties such as electrode/void volume fractions and anisotropic conductivities. The governing differential equations are discretized using the finite element method and solved using a nonlinearly consistent approach that provides robust stability and convergence. The new formulation was validated for standard Li-ion cells and compared against experiments. Finally, its scope and ability to capture spatio-temporal variations of potential and lithium distribution is demonstrated on a prototypical three-dimensional electrode problem.« less

  12. Symplicity multi-electrode radiofrequency renal denervation system feasibility study.

    PubMed

    Whitbourn, Robert; Harding, Scott A; Walton, Antony

    2015-05-01

    The aim of this study was to test the safety and performance of the Symplicity™ multi-electrode radio-frequency renal denervation system which was designed to reduce procedure time during renal denervation. The multi-electrode radiofrequency renal denervation system feasibility study is a prospective, non-randomised, open label, feasibility study that enrolled 50 subjects with hypertension. The study utilises a new renal denervation catheter which contains an array of four electrodes mounted in a helical configuration at 90 degrees from each other to deliver radiofrequency energy simultaneously to all four renal artery quadrants for 60 seconds. The protocol specified one renal denervation treatment towards the distal end of each main renal artery with radiofrequency energy delivered for 60 seconds per treatment. Total treatment time for both renal arteries was two minutes. The 12-month change in office systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 24-hour SBP was -19.2±25.2 mmHg, p<0.001, and -7.6±20.0 mmHg, p=0.020, respectively. There were three patients with access-site complications, none of which was related to energy delivery; all were treated successfully. No new renal artery stenosis or hypertensive emergencies occurred. The Symplicity multi-electrode radiofrequency renal denervation system was associated with a significant reduction in SBP at 12 months and minimal complications whilst it also reduced procedure time. NCT01699529.

  13. A MUSIC-based method for SSVEP signal processing.

    PubMed

    Chen, Kun; Liu, Quan; Ai, Qingsong; Zhou, Zude; Xie, Sheng Quan; Meng, Wei

    2016-03-01

    The research on brain computer interfaces (BCIs) has become a hotspot in recent years because it offers benefit to disabled people to communicate with the outside world. Steady state visual evoked potential (SSVEP)-based BCIs are more widely used because of higher signal to noise ratio and greater information transfer rate compared with other BCI techniques. In this paper, a multiple signal classification based method was proposed for multi-dimensional SSVEP feature extraction. 2-second data epochs from four electrodes achieved excellent accuracy rates including idle state detection. In some asynchronous mode experiments, the recognition accuracy reached up to 100%. The experimental results showed that the proposed method attained good frequency resolution. In most situations, the recognition accuracy was higher than canonical correlation analysis, which is a typical method for multi-channel SSVEP signal processing. Also, a virtual keyboard was successfully controlled by different subjects in an unshielded environment, which proved the feasibility of the proposed method for multi-dimensional SSVEP signal processing in practical applications.

  14. Combinatorial support vector machines approach for virtual screening of selective multi-target serotonin reuptake inhibitors from large compound libraries.

    PubMed

    Shi, Z; Ma, X H; Qin, C; Jia, J; Jiang, Y Y; Tan, C Y; Chen, Y Z

    2012-02-01

    Selective multi-target serotonin reuptake inhibitors enhance antidepressant efficacy. Their discovery can be facilitated by multiple methods, including in silico ones. In this study, we developed and tested an in silico method, combinatorial support vector machines (COMBI-SVMs), for virtual screening (VS) multi-target serotonin reuptake inhibitors of seven target pairs (serotonin transporter paired with noradrenaline transporter, H(3) receptor, 5-HT(1A) receptor, 5-HT(1B) receptor, 5-HT(2C) receptor, melanocortin 4 receptor and neurokinin 1 receptor respectively) from large compound libraries. COMBI-SVMs trained with 917-1951 individual target inhibitors correctly identified 22-83.3% (majority >31.1%) of the 6-216 dual inhibitors collected from literature as independent testing sets. COMBI-SVMs showed moderate to good target selectivity in misclassifying as dual inhibitors 2.2-29.8% (majority <15.4%) of the individual target inhibitors of the same target pair and 0.58-7.1% of the other 6 targets outside the target pair. COMBI-SVMs showed low dual inhibitor false hit rates (0.006-0.056%, 0.042-0.21%, 0.2-4%) in screening 17 million PubChem compounds, 168,000 MDDR compounds, and 7-8181 MDDR compounds similar to the dual inhibitors. Compared with similarity searching, k-NN and PNN methods, COMBI-SVM produced comparable dual inhibitor yields, similar target selectivity, and lower false hit rate in screening 168,000 MDDR compounds. The annotated classes of many COMBI-SVMs identified MDDR virtual hits correlate with the reported effects of their predicted targets. COMBI-SVM is potentially useful for searching selective multi-target agents without explicit knowledge of these agents. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Sensing Properties of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Grown in MW Plasma Torch: Electronic and Electrochemical Behavior, Gas Sensing, Field Emission, IR Absorption

    PubMed Central

    Majzlíková, Petra; Sedláček, Jiří; Prášek, Jan; Pekárek, Jan; Svatoš, Vojtěch; Bannov, Alexander G.; Jašek, Ondřej; Synek, Petr; Eliáš, Marek; Zajíčková, Lenka; Hubálek, Jaromír

    2015-01-01

    Vertically aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (VA-MWCNTs) with an average diameter below 80 nm and a thickness of the uniform VA-MWCNT layer of about 16 μm were grown in microwave plasma torch and tested for selected functional properties. IR absorption important for a construction of bolometers was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Basic electrochemical characterization was performed by cyclic voltammetry. Comparing the obtained results with the standard or MWCNT‐modified screen-printed electrodes, the prepared VA-MWCNT electrodes indicated their high potential for the construction of electrochemical sensors. Resistive CNT gas sensor revealed a good sensitivity to ammonia taking into account room temperature operation. Field emission detected from CNTs was suitable for the pressure sensing application based on the measurement of emission current in the diode structure with bending diaphragm. The advantages of microwave plasma torch growth of CNTs, i.e., fast processing and versatility of the process, can be therefore fully exploited for the integration of surface-bound grown CNTs into various sensing structures. PMID:25629702

  16. A glucose bio-battery prototype based on a GDH/poly(methylene blue) bioanode and a graphite cathode with an iodide/tri-iodide redox couple.

    PubMed

    Wang, Jen-Yuan; Nien, Po-Chin; Chen, Chien-Hsiao; Chen, Lin-Chi; Ho, Kuo-Chuan

    2012-07-01

    A glucose bio-battery prototype independent of oxygen is proposed based on a glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) bioanode and a graphite cathode with an iodide/tri-iodide redox couple. At the bioanode, a NADH electrocatalyst, poly(methylene blue) (PMB), which can be easily grown on the electrode (screen-printed carbon paste electrode, SPCE) by electrodeposition, is harnessed and engineered. We find that carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are capable of significantly increasing the deposition amount of PMB and thus enhancing the PMB's electrocatalysis of NADH oxidation and the glucose bio-battery's performance. The choice of the iodide/tri-iodide redox couple eliminates the dependence of oxygen for this bio-battery, thus enabling the bio-battery with a constant current-output feature similar to that of the solar cells. The present glucose bio-battery prototype can attain a maximum power density of 2.4 μW/cm(2) at 25 °C. Crown Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  17. Synthesis, characterization and electrochemical properties of 5-aza[5]helicene-CH2O-CO-MWCNTs nanocomposite

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Fontana, F.; Melone, F.; Iannazzo, D.; Leonardi, S. G.; Neri, G.

    2017-03-01

    In this study, we report the preparation of a novel nanocomposite, 5-aza[5]helicene-CH2O-CO-MWCNTs, obtained by grafting the 5-aza[5]helicene moiety on the surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Thermogravimetry (TGA), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet (UV), and photoluminescence (PL) measurements provided evidence that the organic moiety is covalently grafted to the MWCNTs. The 5-aza[5]helicene-CH2O-CO-MWCNTs nanocomposite was utilized to fabricate modified commercial screen-printed carbon electrodes. Its electrochemical behavior was studied in neutral buffer solution in the presence of ferricyanide and hydroquinone (HQ). Finally, the electrochemical sensing of epinephrine in the presence of ascorbic acid by using the linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) technique was investigated. Results have demonstrated the enhanced electrocatalytic activity and excellent ability of the 5-aza[5]helicene-CH2O-CO-MWCNTs-modified electrode in the separation between the anodic peaks of epinephrine (EP) and ascorbic acid (AA), even in the presence of a high amount of AA, with a detection limit (S/N = 3) of 5 μmol l-1.

  18. Efficient screening of environmental isolates for Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains that are suitable for brewing.

    PubMed

    Fujihara, Hidehiko; Hino, Mika; Takashita, Hideharu; Kajiwara, Yasuhiro; Okamoto, Keiko; Furukawa, Kensuke

    2014-01-01

    We developed an efficient screening method for Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains from environmental isolates. MultiPlex PCR was performed targeting four brewing S. cerevisiae genes (SSU1, AWA1, BIO6, and FLO1). At least three genes among the four were amplified from all S. cerevisiae strains. The use of this method allowed us to successfully obtain S. cerevisiae strains.

  19. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    CATO DM; DAHL MM; PHILO GL

    This report documents the results of tests designed to characterize the relationship between temperature and the measured potential of electrodes installed on multi-probe corrosion monitoring systems in waste tanks. This report also documents the results of tests designed to demonstrate the impact of liquid in-leakage into electrode bodies as well as the contamination of primary reference electrodes by diffusion through the electrode tip.

  20. Improving resistivity survey resolution at sites with limited spatial extent using buried electrode arrays

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kiflu, H.; Kruse, S.; Loke, M. H.; Wilkinson, P. B.; Harro, D.

    2016-12-01

    Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) surveys are widely used in geological, environmental and engineering studies. However, the effectiveness of surface ERT surveys is limited by decreasing resolution with depth and near the ends of the survey line. Increasing the array length will increase depth of investigation, but may not be possible at urban sites where access is limited. One novel method of addressing these limitations while maintaining lateral coverage is to install an array of deep electrodes. Referred to here as the Multi-Electrode Resistivity Implant Technique (MERIT), self-driving pointed electrodes are implanted at depth below each surface electrode in an array, using direct-push technology. Optimal sequences of readings have been identified with the "Compare R" method of Wilkinson. Numerical, laboratory, and field case studies are applied to examine the effectiveness of the MERIT method, particularly for use in covered karst terrain. In the field case studies, resistivity images are compared against subsurface structure defined from borings, GPR surveys, and knowledge of prior land use. In karst terrain where limestone has a clay overburden, traditional surface resistivity methods suffer from lack of current penetration through the shallow clay layer. In these settings, the MERIT method is found to improve resolution of features between the surface and buried array, as well as increasing depth of penetration and enhancing imaging capabilities at the array ends. The method functions similar to a cross-borehole array between horizontal boreholes, and suffers from limitations common to borehole arrays. Inversion artifacts are common at depths close to the buried array, and because some readings involve high geometric factors, inversions are more susceptible to noise than traditional surface arrays. Results are improved by using errors from reciprocal measurements to weight the data during the inversion.

  1. Exploration of the Memory Effect on the Photon-Assisted Tunneling via a Single Quantum Dot:. a Generalized Floquet Theoretical Approach

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Chen, Hsing-Ta; Ho, Tak-San; Chu, Shih-I.

    The generalized Floquet approach is developed to study memory effect on electron transport phenomena through a periodically driven single quantum dot in an electrode-multi-level dot-electrode nanoscale quantum device. The memory effect is treated using a multi-function Lorentzian spectral density (LSD) model that mimics the spectral density of each electrode in terms of multiple Lorentzian functions. For the symmetric single-function LSD model involving a single-level dot, the underlying single-particle propagator is shown to be related to a 2×2 effective time-dependent Hamiltonian that includes both the periodic external field and the electrode memory effect. By invoking the generalized Van Vleck (GVV) nearly degenerate perturbation theory, an analytical Tien-Gordon-like expression is derived for arbitrary order multi-photon resonance d.c. tunneling current. Numerically converged simulations and the GVV analytical results are in good agreement, revealing the origin of multi-photon coherent destruction of tunneling and accounting for the suppression of the staircase jumps of d.c. current due to the memory effect. Specially, a novel blockade phenomenon is observed, showing distinctive oscillations in the field-induced current in the large bias voltage limit.

  2. Feature Extraction with GMDH-Type Neural Networks for EEG-Based Person Identification.

    PubMed

    Schetinin, Vitaly; Jakaite, Livija; Nyah, Ndifreke; Novakovic, Dusica; Krzanowski, Wojtek

    2018-08-01

    The brain activity observed on EEG electrodes is influenced by volume conduction and functional connectivity of a person performing a task. When the task is a biometric test the EEG signals represent the unique "brain print", which is defined by the functional connectivity that is represented by the interactions between electrodes, whilst the conduction components cause trivial correlations. Orthogonalization using autoregressive modeling minimizes the conduction components, and then the residuals are related to features correlated with the functional connectivity. However, the orthogonalization can be unreliable for high-dimensional EEG data. We have found that the dimensionality can be significantly reduced if the baselines required for estimating the residuals can be modeled by using relevant electrodes. In our approach, the required models are learnt by a Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) algorithm which we have made capable of discovering reliable models from multidimensional EEG data. In our experiments on the EEG-MMI benchmark data which include 109 participants, the proposed method has correctly identified all the subjects and provided a statistically significant ([Formula: see text]) improvement of the identification accuracy. The experiments have shown that the proposed GMDH method can learn new features from multi-electrode EEG data, which are capable to improve the accuracy of biometric identification.

  3. A sensitive electrochemical immunosensor based on poly(2-aminobenzylamine) film modified screen-printed carbon electrode for label-free detection of human immunoglobulin G.

    PubMed

    Putnin, Thitirat; Jumpathong, Watthanachai; Laocharoensuk, Rawiwan; Jakmunee, Jaroon; Ounnunkad, Kontad

    2018-08-01

    This work focuses on fabricating poly(2-aminobenzylamine)-modified screen-printed carbon electrode as an electrochemical immunosensor for the label-free detection of human immunoglobulin G. To selectively detect immunoglobulin G, the anti-immunoglobulin G antibody with high affinity to immunoglobulin G was covalently linked with the amine group of poly(2-aminobenzylamine) film-deposited screen-printed carbon electrode. The selectivity for immunoglobulin G was subsequently assured by being challenged with redox-active interferences and adventitious adsorption did not significantly interfere the analyte signal. To obviate the use of costly secondary antibody, the [Fe(CN) 6 ] 4-/3- redox probe was instead applied to measure the number of human immunoglobulin G through the immunocomplex formation that is quantitatively related to the level of the differential pulse voltammetric current. The resulting immunosensor exhibited good sensitivity with the detection limit of 0.15 ng mL -1 , limit of quantitation of 0.50 ng mL -1 and the linear range from 1.0 to 50 ng mL -1 . Given those striking analytical performances and the affordability arising from using cheap screen-printed carbon electrode with label-free detection, the immunosensor serves as a promising model for the next-step development of a diagnostic tool.

  4. Pencil It in: Exploring the Feasibility of Hand-Drawn Pencil Electrochemical Sensors and Their Direct Comparison to Screen-Printed Electrodes

    PubMed Central

    Bernalte, Elena; Foster, Christopher W.; Brownson, Dale A.C.; Mosna, Morgane; Smith, Graham C.; Banks, Craig E.

    2016-01-01

    We explore the fabrication, physicochemical characterisation (SEM, Raman, EDX and XPS) and electrochemical application of hand-drawn pencil electrodes (PDEs) upon an ultra-flexible polyester substrate; investigating the number of draws (used for their fabrication), the pencil grade utilised (HB to 9B) and the electrochemical properties of an array of batches (i.e, pencil boxes). Electrochemical characterisation of the PDEs, using different batches of HB grade pencils, is undertaken using several inner- and outer-sphere redox probes and is critically compared to screen-printed electrodes (SPEs). Proof-of-concept is demonstrated for the electrochemical sensing of dopamine and acetaminophen using PDEs, which are found to exhibit competitive limits of detection (3σ) upon comparison to SPEs. Nonetheless, it is important to note that a clear lack of reproducibility was demonstrated when utilising these PDEs fabricated using the HB pencils from different batches. We also explore the suitability and feasibility of a pencil-drawn reference electrode compared to screen-printed alternatives, to see if one can draw the entire sensing platform. This article reports a critical assessment of these PDEs against that of its screen-printed competitors, questioning the overall feasibility of PDEs’ implementation as a sensing platform. PMID:27589815

  5. Effects of addition of different carbon materials on the electrochemical performance of nickel hydroxide electrode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sierczynska, Agnieszka; Lota, Katarzyna; Lota, Grzegorz

    Nickel hydroxide is used as an active material in positive electrodes of rechargeable alkaline batteries. The capacity of nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries depends on the specific capacity of the positive electrode and utilization of the active material because of the Ni(OH) 2/NiOOH electrode capacity limitation. The practical capacity of the positive nickel electrode depends on the efficiency of the conductive network connecting the Ni(OH) 2 particle with the current collector. As β-Ni(OH) 2 is a kind of semiconductor, the additives are necessary to improve the conductivity between the active material and the current collector. In this study the effect of adding different carbon materials (flake graphite, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT)) on the electrochemical performance of pasted nickel-foam electrode was established. A method of production of MWNT special type of catalysts had an influence on the performance of the nickel electrodes. The electrochemical tests showed that the electrode with added MWNT (110-170 nm diameter) exhibited better electrochemical properties in the chargeability, specific discharge capacity, active material utilization, discharge voltage and cycling stability. The nickel electrodes with MWNT addition (110-170 nm diameter) have exhibited a specific capacity close to 280 mAh g -1 of Ni(OH) 2, and the degree of active material utilization was ∼96%.

  6. Fabrication of Lab-on-Paper Using Porous Au-Paper Electrode: Application to Tumor Marker Electrochemical Immunoassays.

    PubMed

    Ge, Shenguang; Zhang, Yan; Yan, Mei; Huang, Jiadong; Yu, Jinghua

    2017-01-01

    A simple, low-cost, and sensitive electrochemical lab-on-paper assay is developed based on a novel gold nanoparticle modified porous paper working electrode for use in point-of-care testing (POCT). Electrochemical methods are introduced for lab-on-paper based on screen-printed paper electrodes. To further improve specificity, performance, and sensitivity for point-of-care testing, a novel porous Au-paper working electrode (Au-PWE) is designed for lab-on-paper using growth of an interconnected Au nanoparticle (NP) layer on the surface of cellulose fibers in order to enhance the conductivity of the paper sample zone and immobilize the primary antibodies (Ab1). With a sandwich-type immunoassay format, Pd-Au bimetallic nanoparticles possessing peroxidase-like activity are used as a matrix to immobilize secondary antibodies (Ab2) for rapid detection of targets. This lab-on-paper based immunodevice is applied to the diagnosis of a cancer biomarker in clinical serum samples.

  7. Chronic In Vivo Stability Assessment of Carbon Fiber Microelectrode Arrays

    PubMed Central

    Patel, Paras R.; Zhang, Huanan; Robbins, Matthew T.; Nofar, Justin B.; Marshall, Shaun P.; Kobylarek, Michael J.; Kozai, Takashi D. Y.; Kotov, Nicholas A.; Chestek, Cynthia A.

    2016-01-01

    Objective Individual carbon fiber microelectrodes can record unit activity in both acute and semi-chronic (∼1 month) implants. Additionally, new methods have been developed to insert a 16 channel array of carbon fiber microelectrodes. Before assessing the in vivo long-term viability of these arrays, accelerated soak tests were carried out to determine the most stable site coating material. Next, a multi-animal, multi-month, chronic implantation study was carried out with carbon fiber microelectrode arrays and silicon electrodes. Approach Carbon fibers were first functionalized with one of two different formulations of PEDOT and subjected to accelerated aging in a heated water bath. After determining the best PEDOT formula to use, carbon fiber arrays were chronically implanted in rat motor cortex. Some rodents were also implanted with a single silicon electrode, while others received both. At the end of the study a subset of animals were perfused and the brain tissue sliced. Tissue sections were stained for astrocytes, microglia, and neurons. The local reactive responses were assessed using qualitative and quantitative methods. Main results Electrophysiology recordings showed the carbon fibers detecting unit activity for at least 3 months with average amplitudes of ∼200 μV. Histology analysis showed the carbon fiber arrays with a minimal to non-existent glial scarring response with no adverse effects on neuronal density. Silicon electrodes showed large glial scarring that impacted neuronal counts. Significance This study has validated the use of carbon fiber microelectrode arrays as a chronic neural recording technology. These electrodes have demonstrated the ability to detect single units with high amplitude over 3 months, and show the potential to record for even longer periods. In addition, the minimal reactive response should hold stable indefinitely, as any response by the immune system may reach a steady state after 12 weeks. PMID:27705958

  8. Chronic in vivo stability assessment of carbon fiber microelectrode arrays

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Patel, Paras R.; Zhang, Huanan; Robbins, Matthew T.; Nofar, Justin B.; Marshall, Shaun P.; Kobylarek, Michael J.; Kozai, Takashi D. Y.; Kotov, Nicholas A.; Chestek, Cynthia A.

    2016-12-01

    Objective. Individual carbon fiber microelectrodes can record unit activity in both acute and semi-chronic (∼1 month) implants. Additionally, new methods have been developed to insert a 16 channel array of carbon fiber microelectrodes. Before assessing the in vivo long-term viability of these arrays, accelerated soak tests were carried out to determine the most stable site coating material. Next, a multi-animal, multi-month, chronic implantation study was carried out with carbon fiber microelectrode arrays and silicon electrodes. Approach. Carbon fibers were first functionalized with one of two different formulations of PEDOT and subjected to accelerated aging in a heated water bath. After determining the best PEDOT formula to use, carbon fiber arrays were chronically implanted in rat motor cortex. Some rodents were also implanted with a single silicon electrode, while others received both. At the end of the study a subset of animals were perfused and the brain tissue sliced. Tissue sections were stained for astrocytes, microglia, and neurons. The local reactive responses were assessed using qualitative and quantitative methods. Main results. Electrophysiology recordings showed the carbon fibers detecting unit activity for at least 3 months with average amplitudes of ∼200 μV. Histology analysis showed the carbon fiber arrays with a minimal to non-existent glial scarring response with no adverse effects on neuronal density. Silicon electrodes showed large glial scarring that impacted neuronal counts. Significance. This study has validated the use of carbon fiber microelectrode arrays as a chronic neural recording technology. These electrodes have demonstrated the ability to detect single units with high amplitude over 3 months, and show the potential to record for even longer periods. In addition, the minimal reactive response should hold stable indefinitely, as any response by the immune system may reach a steady state after 12 weeks.

  9. Plasma nitriding monitoring reactor: A model reactor for studying plasma nitriding processes using an active screen

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Hamann, S., E-mail: hamann@inp-greifswald.de; Röpcke, J.; Börner, K.

    2015-12-15

    A laboratory scale plasma nitriding monitoring reactor (PLANIMOR) has been designed to study the basics of active screen plasma nitriding (ASPN) processes. PLANIMOR consists of a tube reactor vessel, made of borosilicate glass, enabling optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and infrared absorption spectroscopy. The linear setup of the electrode system of the reactor has the advantages to apply the diagnostic approaches on each part of the plasma process, separately. Furthermore, possible changes of the electrical field and of the heat generation, as they could appear in down-scaled cylindrical ASPN reactors, are avoided. PLANIMOR has been used for the nitriding of steelmore » samples, achieving similar results as in an industrial scale ASPN reactor. A compact spectrometer using an external cavity quantum cascade laser combined with an optical multi-pass cell has been applied for the detection of molecular reaction products. This allowed the determination of the concentrations of four stable molecular species (CH{sub 4}, C{sub 2}H{sub 2}, HCN, and NH{sub 3}). With the help of OES, the rotational temperature of the screen plasma could be determined.« less

  10. Electrochemical Affinity Biosensors Based on Disposable Screen-Printed Electrodes for Detection of Food Allergens

    PubMed Central

    Vasilescu, Alina; Nunes, Gilvanda; Hayat, Akhtar; Latif, Usman; Marty, Jean-Louis

    2016-01-01

    Food allergens are proteins from nuts and tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, soy, eggs or milk which trigger severe adverse reactions in the human body, involving IgE-type antibodies. Sensitive detection of allergens in a large variety of food matrices has become increasingly important considering the emergence of functional foods and new food manufacturing technologies. For example, proteins such as casein from milk or lysozyme and ovalbumin from eggs are sometimes used as fining agents in the wine industry. Nonetheless, allergen detection in processed foods is a challenging endeavor, as allergen proteins are degraded during food processing steps involving heating or fermentation. Detection of food allergens was primarily achieved via Enzyme-Linked Immuno Assay (ELISA) or by chromatographic methods. With the advent of biosensors, electrochemical affinity-based biosensors such as those incorporating antibodies and aptamers as biorecognition elements were also reported in the literature. In this review paper, we highlight the success achieved in the design of electrochemical affinity biosensors based on disposable screen-printed electrodes towards detection of protein allergens. We will discuss the analytical figures of merit for various disposable screen-printed affinity sensors in relation to methodologies employed for immobilization of bioreceptors on transducer surface. PMID:27827963

  11. Facile synthesis of amorphous FeOOH/MnO2 composites as screen-printed electrode materials for all-printed solid-state flexible supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Lu, Qiang; Liu, Li; Yang, Shuanglei; Liu, Jun; Tian, Qingyong; Yao, Weijing; Xue, Qingwen; Li, Mengxiao; Wu, Wei

    2017-09-01

    More convenience and intelligence life lead by flexible/wearable electronics requires innovation and hommization of power sources. Here, amorphous FeOOH/MnO2 composite as screen-printed electrode materials for supercapacitors (SCs) is synthesized by a facile method, and solid-state flexible SCs with aesthetic design are fabricated by fully screen-printed process on different substrates, including PET, paper and textile. The amorphous FeOOH/MnO2 composite shows a high specific capacitance and a good rate capability (350.2 F g-1 at a current density of 0.5 A g-1 and 159.5 F g-1 at 20 A g-1). It also possesses 95.6% capacitance retention even after 10 000 cycles. Moreover, the all-printed solid-state flexible SC device exhibits a high area specific capacitance of 5.7 mF cm-2 and 80% capacitance retention even after 2000 cycles. It also shows high mechanical flexibility. Simultaneously, these printed SCs on different substrates in series are capable to light up a 1.9 V yellow light emitting diode (LED), even after bending and stretching.

  12. Electrochemical Affinity Biosensors Based on Disposable Screen-Printed Electrodes for Detection of Food Allergens.

    PubMed

    Vasilescu, Alina; Nunes, Gilvanda; Hayat, Akhtar; Latif, Usman; Marty, Jean-Louis

    2016-11-05

    Food allergens are proteins from nuts and tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, soy, eggs or milk which trigger severe adverse reactions in the human body, involving IgE-type antibodies. Sensitive detection of allergens in a large variety of food matrices has become increasingly important considering the emergence of functional foods and new food manufacturing technologies. For example, proteins such as casein from milk or lysozyme and ovalbumin from eggs are sometimes used as fining agents in the wine industry. Nonetheless, allergen detection in processed foods is a challenging endeavor, as allergen proteins are degraded during food processing steps involving heating or fermentation. Detection of food allergens was primarily achieved via Enzyme-Linked Immuno Assay (ELISA) or by chromatographic methods. With the advent of biosensors, electrochemical affinity-based biosensors such as those incorporating antibodies and aptamers as biorecognition elements were also reported in the literature. In this review paper, we highlight the success achieved in the design of electrochemical affinity biosensors based on disposable screen-printed electrodes towards detection of protein allergens. We will discuss the analytical figures of merit for various disposable screen-printed affinity sensors in relation to methodologies employed for immobilization of bioreceptors on transducer surface.

  13. A Microelectrode Array with Reproducible Performance Shows Loss of Consistency Following Functionalization with a Self-Assembled 6-Mercapto-1-hexanol Layer.

    PubMed

    Corrigan, Damion K; Vezza, Vincent; Schulze, Holger; Bachmann, Till T; Mount, Andrew R; Walton, Anthony J; Terry, Jonathan G

    2018-06-09

    For analytical applications involving label-free biosensors and multiple measurements, i.e., across an electrode array, it is essential to develop complete sensor systems capable of functionalization and of producing highly consistent responses. To achieve this, a multi-microelectrode device bearing twenty-four equivalent 50 µm diameter Pt disc microelectrodes was designed in an integrated 3-electrode system configuration and then fabricated. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used for initial electrochemical characterization of the individual working electrodes. These confirmed the expected consistency of performance with a high degree of measurement reproducibility for each microelectrode across the array. With the aim of assessing the potential for production of an enhanced multi-electrode sensor for biomedical use, the working electrodes were then functionalized with 6-mercapto-1-hexanol (MCH). This is a well-known and commonly employed surface modification process, which involves the same principles of thiol attachment chemistry and self-assembled monolayer (SAM) formation commonly employed in the functionalization of electrodes and the formation of biosensors. Following this SAM formation, the reproducibility of the observed electrochemical signal between electrodes was seen to decrease markedly, compromising the ability to achieve consistent analytical measurements from the sensor array following this relatively simple and well-established surface modification. To successfully and consistently functionalize the sensors, it was necessary to dilute the constituent molecules by a factor of ten thousand to support adequate SAM formation on microelectrodes. The use of this multi-electrode device therefore demonstrates in a high throughput manner irreproducibility in the SAM formation process at the higher concentration, even though these electrodes are apparently functionalized simultaneously in the same film formation environment, confirming that the often seen significant electrode-to-electrode variation in label-free SAM biosensing films formed under such conditions is not likely to be due to variation in film deposition conditions, but rather kinetically controlled variation in the SAM layer formation process at these microelectrodes.

  14. Multiplex screening of persistent organic pollutants in fish using spectrally encoded microspheres

    USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

    Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are food contaminants of global public health concern and known to be carcinogenic and endocrine disruptors. Their monitoring is essential and an easy-to-use, rapid and affordable multi-analyte screening method with simplified sample preparation can be a valuable...

  15. Breast EIT using a new projected image reconstruction method with multi-frequency measurements.

    PubMed

    Lee, Eunjung; Ts, Munkh-Erdene; Seo, Jin Keun; Woo, Eung Je

    2012-05-01

    We propose a new method to produce admittivity images of the breast for the diagnosis of breast cancer using electrical impedance tomography(EIT). Considering the anatomical structure of the breast, we designed an electrode configuration where current-injection and voltage-sensing electrodes are separated in such a way that internal current pathways are approximately along the tangential direction of an array of voltage-sensing electrodes. Unlike conventional EIT imaging methods where the number of injected currents is maximized to increase the total amount of measured data, current is injected only twice between two pairs of current-injection electrodes attached along the circumferential side of the breast. For each current injection, the induced voltages are measured from the front surface of the breast using as many voltage-sensing electrodes as possible. Although this electrode configurational lows us to measure induced voltages only on the front surface of the breast,they are more sensitive to an anomaly inside the breast since such an injected current tends to produce a more uniform internal current density distribution. Furthermore, the sensitivity of a measured boundary voltage between two equipotential lines on the front surface of the breast is improved since those equipotential lines are perpendicular to the primary direction of internal current streamlines. One should note that this novel data collection method is different from those of other frontal plane techniques such as the x-ray projection and T-scan imaging methods because we do not get any data on the plane that is perpendicular to the current flow. To reconstruct admittivity images using two measured voltage data sets, a new projected image reconstruction algorithm is developed. Numerical simulations demonstrate the frequency-difference EIT imaging of the breast. The results show that the new method is promising to accurately detect and localize small anomalies inside the breast.

  16. Rapid electrochemical detection of polyaniline-labeled Escherichia coli O157:H7.

    PubMed

    Setterington, Emma B; Alocilja, Evangelyn C

    2011-01-15

    There is a high demand for rapid, sensitive, and field-ready detection methods for Escherichia coli O157:H7, a highly infectious and potentially fatal food and water borne pathogen. In this study, E. coli O157:H7 cells are isolated via immunomagnetic separation (IMS) and labeled with biofunctionalized electroactive polyaniline (immuno-PANI). Labeled cell complexes are deposited onto a disposable screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) sensor and pulled to the electrode surface by an external magnetic field, to amplify the electrochemical signal generated by the polyaniline. Cyclic voltammetry is used to detect polyaniline and signal magnitude indicates the presence or absence of E. coli O157:H7. As few as 7CFU of E. coli O157:H7 (corresponding to an original concentration of 70 CFU/ml) were successfully detected on the SPCE sensor. The assay requires 70 min from sampling to detection, giving it a major advantage over standard culture methods in applications requiring high-throughput screening of samples and rapid results. The method can be performed with portable, handheld instrumentation and no biological modification of the sensor surface is required. Potential applications include field-based pathogen detection for food and water safety, environmental monitoring, healthcare, and biodefense. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  17. Rationale and design of the ADDITION-Leicester study, a systematic screening programme and Randomised Controlled Trial of multi-factorial cardiovascular risk intervention in people with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus detected by screening

    PubMed Central

    2010-01-01

    Background Earlier diagnosis followed by multi-factorial cardiovascular risk intervention may improve outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Latent phase identification through screening requires structured, appropriately targeted population-based approaches. Providers responsible for implementing screening policy await evidence of clinical and cost effectiveness from randomised intervention trials in screen-detected T2DM cases. UK South Asians are at particularly high risk of abnormal glucose tolerance and T2DM. To be effective national screening programmes must achieve good coverage across the population by identifying barriers to the detection of disease and adapting to the delivery of earlier care. Here we describe the rationale and methods of a systematic community screening programme and randomised controlled trial of cardiovascular risk management within a UK multiethnic setting (ADDITION-Leicester). Design A single-blind cluster randomised, parallel group trial among people with screen-detected T2DM comparing a protocol driven intensive multi-factorial treatment with conventional care. Methods ADDITION-Leicester consists of community-based screening and intervention phases within 20 general practices coordinated from a single academic research centre. Screening adopts a universal diagnostic approach via repeated 75g-Oral Glucose Tolerance Tests within an eligible non-diabetic population of 66,320 individuals aged 40-75 years (25-75 years South Asian). Volunteers also provide detailed medical and family histories; complete health questionnaires, undergo anthropometric measures, lipid profiling and a proteinuria assessment. Primary outcome is reduction in modelled Coronary Heart Disease (UKPDS CHD) risk at five years. Seven thousand (30% of South Asian ethnic origin) volunteers over three years will be recruited to identify a screen-detected T2DM cohort (n = 285) powered to detected a 6% relative difference (80% power, alpha 0.05) between treatment groups at one year. Randomisation will occur at practice-level with newly diagnosed T2DM cases receiving either conventional (according to current national guidelines) or intensive (algorithmic target-driven multi-factorial cardiovascular risk intervention) treatments. Discussion ADDITION-Leicester is the largest multiethnic (targeting >30% South Asian recruitment) community T2DM and vascular risk screening programme in the UK. By assessing feasibility and efficacy of T2DM screening, it will inform national disease prevention policy and contribute significantly to our understanding of the health care needs of UK South Asians. Trial registration Clinicaltrial.gov (NCT00318032). PMID:20170482

  18. Electrochemical lactate biosensor based upon chitosan/carbon nanotubes modified screen-printed graphite electrodes for the determination of lactate in embryonic cell cultures.

    PubMed

    Hernández-Ibáñez, Naiara; García-Cruz, Leticia; Montiel, Vicente; Foster, Christopher W; Banks, Craig E; Iniesta, Jesús

    2016-03-15

    l-lactate is an essential metabolite present in embryonic cell culture. Changes of this important metabolite during the growth of human embryo reflect the quality and viability of the embryo. In this study, we report a sensitive, stable, and easily manufactured electrochemical biosensor for the detection of lactate within embryonic cell cultures media. Screen-printed disposable electrodes are used as electrochemical sensing platforms for the miniaturization of the lactate biosensor. Chitosan/multi walled carbon nanotubes composite have been employed for the enzymatic immobilization of the lactate oxidase enzyme. This novel electrochemical lactate biosensor analytical efficacy is explored towards the sensing of lactate in model (buffer) solutions and is found to exhibit a linear response towards lactate over the concentration range of 30.4 and 243.9 µM in phosphate buffer solution, with a corresponding limit of detection (based on 3-sigma) of 22.6 µM and exhibits a sensitivity of 3417 ± 131 µAM(-1) according to the reproducibility study. These novel electrochemical lactate biosensors exhibit a high reproducibility, with a relative standard deviation of less than 3.8% and an enzymatic response over 82% after 5 months stored at 4 °C. Furthermore, high performance liquid chromatography technique has been utilized to independently validate the electrochemical lactate biosensor for the determination of lactate in a commercial embryonic cell culture medium providing excellent agreement between the two analytical protocols. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Fascicular nerve stimulation and recording using a novel double-aisle regenerative electrode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Delgado-Martínez, I.; Righi, M.; Santos, D.; Cutrone, A.; Bossi, S.; D'Amico, S.; Del Valle, J.; Micera, S.; Navarro, X.

    2017-08-01

    Objective. As artificial prostheses become more refined, they are most often used as a therapeutic option for hand amputation. By contrast to extra- or intraneural interfaces, regenerative nerve electrodes are designed to enable electrical interfaces with regrowing axonal bundles of injured nerves, aiming to achieve high selectivity for recording and stimulation. However, most of the developed designs pose an obstacle to the regrowth mechanisms due to low transparency and cause impairment to the nerve regeneration. Approach. Here we present the double-aisle electrode, a new type of highly transparent, non-obstructive regenerative electrode. Using a double-side thin-film polyimide planar multi-contact electrode, two nerve fascicles can regenerate without physical impairment through two electrically isolated aisles. Main results. We show that this electrode can be used to selectively record and stimulate fascicles, acutely as well as chronically, and allow regeneration in nerve gaps of several millimeters without impairment. Significance. This multi-aisle regenerative electrode may be suitable for neuroprosthetic applications, such as prostheses, for the restoration of hand function after amputation or severe nerve injuries.

  20. The use of experimental design in the development of an HPLC-ECD method for the analysis of captopril.

    PubMed

    Khamanga, Sandile M; Walker, Roderick B

    2011-01-15

    An accurate, sensitive and specific high performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD) method that was developed and validated for captopril (CPT) is presented. Separation was achieved using a Phenomenex(®) Luna 5 μm (C(18)) column and a mobile phase comprised of phosphate buffer (adjusted to pH 3.0): acetonitrile in a ratio of 70:30 (v/v). Detection was accomplished using a full scan multi channel ESA Coulometric detector in the "oxidative-screen" mode with the upstream electrode (E(1)) set at +600 mV and the downstream (analytical) electrode (E(2)) set at +950 mV, while the potential of the guard cell was maintained at +1050 mV. The detector gain was set at 300. Experimental design using central composite design (CCD) was used to facilitate method development. Mobile phase pH, molarity and concentration of acetonitrile (ACN) were considered the critical factors to be studied to establish the retention time of CPT and cyclizine (CYC) that was used as the internal standard. Twenty experiments including centre points were undertaken and a quadratic model was derived for the retention time for CPT using the experimental data. The method was validated for linearity, accuracy, precision, limits of quantitation and detection, as per the ICH guidelines. The system was found to produce sharp and well-resolved peaks for CPT and CYC with retention times of 3.08 and 7.56 min, respectively. Linear regression analysis for the calibration curve showed a good linear relationship with a regression coefficient of 0.978 in the concentration range of 2-70 μg/mL. The linear regression equation was y=0.0131x+0.0275. The limits of detection (LOQ) and quantitation (LOD) were found to be 2.27 and 0.6 μg/mL, respectively. The method was used to analyze CPT in tablets. The wide range for linearity, accuracy, sensitivity, short retention time and composition of the mobile phase indicated that this method is better for the quantification of CPT than the pharmacopoeial methods. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. Direct electron transfer of Phanerochaete chrysosporium cellobiose dehydrogenase at platinum and palladium nanoparticles decorated carbon nanotubes modified electrodes.

    PubMed

    Bozorgzadeh, Somayyeh; Hamidi, Hassan; Ortiz, Roberto; Ludwig, Roland; Gorton, Lo

    2015-10-07

    In the present work, platinum and palladium nanoparticles (PtNPs and PdNPs) were decorated on the surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by a simple thermal decomposition method. The prepared nanohybrids, PtNPs-MWCNTs and PdNPs-MWCNTs, were cast on the surface of spectrographic graphite electrodes and then Phanerochaete chrysosporium cellobiose dehydrogenase (PcCDH) was adsorbed on the modified layer. Direct electron transfer between PcCDH and the nanostructured modified electrodes was studied using flow injection amperometry and cyclic voltammetry. The maximum current responses (Imax) and the apparent Michaelis-Menten constants (K) for the different PcCDH modified electrodes were calculated by fitting the data to the Michaelis-Menten equation and compared. The sensitivity towards lactose was 3.07 and 3.28 μA mM(-1) at the PcCDH/PtNPs-MWCNTs/SPGE and PcCDH/PdNPs-MWCNTs/SPGE electrodes, respectively, which were higher than those measured at the PcCDH/MWCNTs/SPGE (2.60 μA mM(-1)) and PcCDH/SPGE (0.92 μA mM(-1)). The modified electrodes were additionally tested as bioanodes for biofuel cell applications.

  2. DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Small, Leo J.; Brumbach, Michael T.; Clem, Paul G.

    A new multi-step, solution-phase method for the spontaneous deposition of tungsten from a room temperature ethereal solution is reported. This immersion process relies on the deposition of a sacrificial zinc coating which is galvanically displaced by the ether-mediated reduction of oxophilic WCl 6. Subsequent thermal treatment renders a crystalline, metallic tungsten film. The chemical evolution of the surface and formation of a complex intermediate tungsten species is characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Efficient metallic tungsten deposition is first characterized on a graphite substrate and then demonstrated on a functional carbon foam electrode. The resulting electrochemicalmore » performance of the modified electrode is interrogated with the canonical aqueous ferricyanide system. A tungsten-coated carbon foam electrode showed that both electrode resistance and overall electrochemical cell resistance were reduced by 50%, resulting in a concomitant decrease in redox peak separation from 1.902 V to 0.783 V. Furthermore, this process promises voltage efficiency gains in electrodes for energy storage technologies and demonstrates the viability of a new route to tungsten coating for technologies and industries where high conductivity and chemical stability are paramount.« less

  3. Electrodes of carbonized MWCNT-cellulose paper for supercapacitor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sun, Xiaogang; Cai, Manyuan; Chen, Long; Qiu, Zhiwen; Liu, Zhenghong

    2017-07-01

    A flexible composite paper of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and cellulose fiber (CF) were fabricated by traditional paper-making method. Then, the MWCNT/CF papers were carbonized at high temperature in vacuum to remove organic component. The carbonized MWCNT/CF (MWCNT/CCF) papers are consisted of MWCNT and carbon fiber. The papers were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and four-point probe resistance meter. The electrochemical performances of the supercapacitors were tested by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge >with 1 moL/L LiPF6 as electrolyte. The MWCNT/CCF electrode yielded a specific capacitance of 156F/g at a current density of 50 mA/g by galvanostatic charge/discharge measurement, which is 1.29 times higher than MWCNT/CF electrode of 68F/g. The MWCNT/CCF electrodes also displayed an excellent specific capacitance retention of 84% after 2000 continuous charge/discharge cycles at a current density of 400 mA/g. The increase of specific capacitance can be attributed to enhanced electrical conductivity of MWCNT/CCF papers and improved contact interface between electrolyte and electrodes.

  4. High-performance thin-layer chromatography screening of multi class antibiotics in animal food by bioluminescent bioautography and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

    PubMed

    Chen, Yisheng; Schwack, Wolfgang

    2014-08-22

    The world-wide usage and partly abuse of veterinary antibiotics resulted in a pressing need to control residues in animal-derived foods. Large-scale screening for residues of antibiotics is typically performed by microbial agar diffusion tests. This work employing high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) combined with bioautography and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry introduces a rapid and efficient method for a multi-class screening of antibiotic residues. The viability of the bioluminescent bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri to the studied antibiotics (16 species of 5 groups) was optimized on amino plates, enabling detection sensitivity down to the strictest maximum residue limits. The HPTLC method was developed not to separate the individual antibiotics, but for cleanup of sample extracts. The studied antibiotics either remained at the start zones (tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, and macrolides) or migrated into the front (amphenicols), while interfering co-extracted matrix compounds were dispersed at hRf 20-80. Only after a few hours, the multi-sample plate image clearly revealed the presence or absence of antibiotic residues. Moreover, molecular information as to the suspected findings was rapidly achieved by HPTLC-mass spectrometry. Showing remarkable sensitivity and matrix-tolerance, the established method was successfully applied to milk and kidney samples. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Multi-input and -output logic circuits based on bioelectrocatalysis with horseradish peroxidase and glucose oxidase immobilized in multi-responsive copolymer films on electrodes.

    PubMed

    Yu, Xue; Lian, Wenjing; Zhang, Jiannan; Liu, Hongyun

    2016-06-15

    Herein, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N,N'-dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate) copolymer films were polymerized on electrode surface with a simple one-step method, and the enzyme horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was embedded in the films simultaneously, which were designated as P(NiPAAm-co-DMEM)-HRP. The films exhibited a reversible structure change with the external stimuli, such as pH, CO2, temperature and SO4(2-), causing the cyclic voltammetric (CV) response of electroactive K3Fe(CN)6 at the film electrodes to display the corresponding multi-stimuli sensitive ON-OFF behavior. Based on the switchable CV property of the system and the electrochemical reduction of H2O2 catalyzed by HRP in the films and mediated by Fe(CN)6(3-) in solution, a 5-input/3-output logic gate was established. To further increase the complexity of the logic system, another enzyme glucose oxidase (GOD) was added into the films, designated as P(NiPAAm-co-DMEM)-HRP-GOD. In the presence of oxygen, the oxidation of glucose in the solution was catalyzed by GOD in the films, and the produced H2O2 in situ was recognized and electrocatalytically reduced by HRP and mediated by Fe(CN)6(3-). Based on the bienzyme films, a cascaded or concatenated 4-input/3-output logic gate system was proposed. The present work combined the multi-responsive interface with bioelectrocatalysis to construct cascaded logic circuits, which might open a new avenue to develop biocomputing elements with more sophisticated functions and design novel glucose biosensors. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Catheter-based renal denervation for resistant hypertension: Twenty-four month results of the EnligHTN I first-in-human study using a multi-electrode ablation system.

    PubMed

    Tsioufis, Costas P; Papademetriou, Vasilios; Dimitriadis, Kyriakos S; Kasiakogias, Alexandros; Tsiachris, Dimitrios; Worthley, Matthew I; Sinhal, Ajay R; Chew, Derek P; Meredith, Ian T; Malaiapan, Yuvi; Thomopoulos, Costas; Kallikazaros, Ioannis; Tousoulis, Dimitrios; Worthley, Stephen G

    2015-12-15

    Long term safety and efficacy data of multi-electrode ablation system for renal denervation (RDN) in patients with drug resistant hypertension (dRHT) are limited. We studied 46 patients (age: 60 ± 10 years, 4.7 ± 1.0 antihypertensive drugs) with drug resistant hypertension (dRHT). Reduction in office BP at 24 months from baseline was -29/-13 mmHg, while the reduction in 24-hour ambulatory BP and in home BP at 24 months were -13/-7 mmHg and -11/-6 mmHg respectively (p<0.05 for all). A correlation analysis revealed that baseline office and ambulatory BP were related to the extent of office and ambulatory BP drop. Apart from higher body mass index (33.3 ± 4.7 vs 29.5 ± 6.2 kg/m(2), p<0.05), there were no differences in patients that were RDN responders defined as ≥10 mmHg decrease (74%, n=34) compared to non-responders. Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed no prognosticators of RDN response (p=NS for all). At 24 months there were no new serious device or procedure related adverse events. The EnligHTN I study shows that the multi-electrode ablation system provides a safe method of RDN in dRHT accompanied by a clinically relevant and sustained BP reduction. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Model-Based Comparison of Deep Brain Stimulation Array Functionality with Varying Number of Radial Electrodes and Machine Learning Feature Sets.

    PubMed

    Teplitzky, Benjamin A; Zitella, Laura M; Xiao, YiZi; Johnson, Matthew D

    2016-01-01

    Deep brain stimulation (DBS) leads with radially distributed electrodes have potential to improve clinical outcomes through more selective targeting of pathways and networks within the brain. However, increasing the number of electrodes on clinical DBS leads by replacing conventional cylindrical shell electrodes with radially distributed electrodes raises practical design and stimulation programming challenges. We used computational modeling to investigate: (1) how the number of radial electrodes impact the ability to steer, shift, and sculpt a region of neural activation (RoA), and (2) which RoA features are best used in combination with machine learning classifiers to predict programming settings to target a particular area near the lead. Stimulation configurations were modeled using 27 lead designs with one to nine radially distributed electrodes. The computational modeling framework consisted of a three-dimensional finite element tissue conductance model in combination with a multi-compartment biophysical axon model. For each lead design, two-dimensional threshold-dependent RoAs were calculated from the computational modeling results. The models showed more radial electrodes enabled finer resolution RoA steering; however, stimulation amplitude, and therefore spatial extent of the RoA, was limited by charge injection and charge storage capacity constraints due to the small electrode surface area for leads with more than four radially distributed electrodes. RoA shifting resolution was improved by the addition of radial electrodes when using uniform multi-cathode stimulation, but non-uniform multi-cathode stimulation produced equivalent or better resolution shifting without increasing the number of radial electrodes. Robust machine learning classification of 15 monopolar stimulation configurations was achieved using as few as three geometric features describing a RoA. The results of this study indicate that, for a clinical-scale DBS lead, more than four radial electrodes minimally improved in the ability to steer, shift, and sculpt axonal activation around a DBS lead and a simple feature set consisting of the RoA center of mass and orientation enabled robust machine learning classification. These results provide important design constraints for future development of high-density DBS arrays.

  8. Model-Based Comparison of Deep Brain Stimulation Array Functionality with Varying Number of Radial Electrodes and Machine Learning Feature Sets

    PubMed Central

    Teplitzky, Benjamin A.; Zitella, Laura M.; Xiao, YiZi; Johnson, Matthew D.

    2016-01-01

    Deep brain stimulation (DBS) leads with radially distributed electrodes have potential to improve clinical outcomes through more selective targeting of pathways and networks within the brain. However, increasing the number of electrodes on clinical DBS leads by replacing conventional cylindrical shell electrodes with radially distributed electrodes raises practical design and stimulation programming challenges. We used computational modeling to investigate: (1) how the number of radial electrodes impact the ability to steer, shift, and sculpt a region of neural activation (RoA), and (2) which RoA features are best used in combination with machine learning classifiers to predict programming settings to target a particular area near the lead. Stimulation configurations were modeled using 27 lead designs with one to nine radially distributed electrodes. The computational modeling framework consisted of a three-dimensional finite element tissue conductance model in combination with a multi-compartment biophysical axon model. For each lead design, two-dimensional threshold-dependent RoAs were calculated from the computational modeling results. The models showed more radial electrodes enabled finer resolution RoA steering; however, stimulation amplitude, and therefore spatial extent of the RoA, was limited by charge injection and charge storage capacity constraints due to the small electrode surface area for leads with more than four radially distributed electrodes. RoA shifting resolution was improved by the addition of radial electrodes when using uniform multi-cathode stimulation, but non-uniform multi-cathode stimulation produced equivalent or better resolution shifting without increasing the number of radial electrodes. Robust machine learning classification of 15 monopolar stimulation configurations was achieved using as few as three geometric features describing a RoA. The results of this study indicate that, for a clinical-scale DBS lead, more than four radial electrodes minimally improved in the ability to steer, shift, and sculpt axonal activation around a DBS lead and a simple feature set consisting of the RoA center of mass and orientation enabled robust machine learning classification. These results provide important design constraints for future development of high-density DBS arrays. PMID:27375470

  9. An electrochemical genosensor for Salmonella typhi on gold nanoparticles-mercaptosilane modified screen printed electrode.

    PubMed

    Das, Ritu; Sharma, Mukesh K; Rao, Vepa K; Bhattacharya, B K; Garg, Iti; Venkatesh, V; Upadhyay, Sanjay

    2014-10-20

    In this work, we fabricated a system of integrated self-assembled layer of organosilane 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxy silane (MPTS) on the screen printed electrode (SPE) and electrochemically deposited gold nanoparticle for Salmonella typhi detection employing Vi gene as a molecular marker. Thiolated DNA probe was immobilized on a gold nanoparticle (AuNP) modified SPE for DNA hybridization assay using methylene blue as redox (electroactive) hybridization indicator, and signal was monitored by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) method. The modified SPE was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) method. The DNA biosensor showed excellent performances with high sensitivity and good selectivity. The current response was linear with the target sequence concentrations ranging from 1.0 × 10(-11) to 0.5 × 10(-8)M and the detection limit was found to be 50 (± 2.1)pM. The DNA biosensor showed good discrimination ability to the one-base, two-base and three-base mismatched sequences. The fabricated genosensor could also be regenerated easily and reused for three to four times for further hybridization studies. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. A Device for Long-Term Perfusion, Imaging, and Electrical Interfacing of Brain Tissue In vitro

    PubMed Central

    Killian, Nathaniel J.; Vernekar, Varadraj N.; Potter, Steve M.; Vukasinovic, Jelena

    2016-01-01

    Distributed microelectrode array (MEA) recordings from consistent, viable, ≥500 μm thick tissue preparations over time periods from days to weeks may aid in studying a wide range of problems in neurobiology that require in vivo-like organotypic morphology. Existing tools for electrically interfacing with organotypic slices do not address necrosis that inevitably occurs within thick slices with limited diffusion of nutrients and gas, and limited removal of waste. We developed an integrated device that enables long-term maintenance of thick, functionally active, brain tissue models using interstitial perfusion and distributed recordings from thick sections of explanted tissue on a perforated multi-electrode array. This novel device allows for automated culturing, in situ imaging, and extracellular multi-electrode interfacing with brain slices, 3-D cell cultures, and potentially other tissue culture models. The device is economical, easy to assemble, and integrable with standard electrophysiology tools. We found that convective perfusion through the culture thickness provided a functional benefit to the preparations as firing rates were generally higher in perfused cultures compared to their respective unperfused controls. This work is a step toward the development of integrated tools for days-long experiments with more consistent, healthier, thicker, and functionally more active tissue cultures with built-in distributed electrophysiological recording and stimulation functionality. The results may be useful for the study of normal processes, pathological conditions, and drug screening strategies currently hindered by the limitations of acute (a few hours long) brain slice preparations. PMID:27065793

  11. Non-gassing nickel-cadmium battery electrodes and cells

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Luksha, E.; Gordy, D. J.

    1972-01-01

    The concept of a negative limited nongassing nickel-cadmium battery was demonstrated by constructing and testing practical size experimental cells of approximately 25 Ah capacity. These batteries operated in a gas-free manner and had measured energy densities of 10-11 Wh/lb. Thirty cells were constructed for extensive testing. Some small cells were tested for over 200 cycles at 100% depth. For example, a small cell with an electrodeposited cadmium active mass on a silver screen still had 55% of its theoretical capacity (initial efficiency was 85%). There was no evidence of deterioration of gassing properties with cycling of the nickel electrodes. The charge temperature was observed to be the most critical variable governing nickel electrode gassing. This variable was shown to be age dependent. Four types of cadmium electrodes were tested: an electrodeposited cadmium active mass on a cadmium or silver substrate, a porous sintered silver substrate based electrode, and a Teflon bonded pressed cadmium electrode. The electrodeposited cadmium mass on a silver screen was found to be the best all-around electrode from a performance point of view and from the point of view of manufacturing them in a size required for a 25 Ah size battery.

  12. 96X Screen-Printed Gold Electrode Platform to Evaluate Electroactive Polymers as Marine Antifouling Coatings.

    PubMed

    Brisset, Hugues; Briand, Jean-François; Barry-Martinet, Raphaëlle; Duong, The Hy; Frère, Pierre; Gohier, Frédéric; Leriche, Philippe; Bressy, Christine

    2018-04-17

    Several alternatives are currently investigated to prevent and control the natural process of colonization of any seawater submerged surfaces by marine organisms. Since few years we develop an approach based on addressable electroactive coatings containing conducting polymers or polymers with lateral redox groups. In this article we describe the use of a screen-printed plate formed by 96 three-electrode electrochemical cells to assess the potential of these electroactive coatings to prevent the adhesion of marine bacteria. This novel platform is intended to control and record the redox properties of the electroactive coating in each well during the bioassay (15 h) and to allow screening its antiadhesion activity with enough replicates to support significant conclusions. Validation of this platform was carried out with poly(ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) as electroactive coating obtained by electropolymerization of EDOT monomer in artificial seawater electrolyte on the working electrode of each electrochemical cell of the 96-well microplate.

  13. Combinatorial electrochemical synthesis and screening of Pt-WO3 catalysts for electro-oxidation of methanol

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jayaraman, Shrisudersan; Baeck, Sung-Hyeon; Jaramillo, Thomas F.; Kleiman-Shwarsctein, Alan; McFarland, Eric W.

    2005-06-01

    An automated system for high-throughput electrochemical synthesis and screening of fuel cell electro-oxidation catalysts is described. This system consists of an electrode probe that contains counter and reference electrodes that can be positioned inside an array of electrochemical cells created within a polypropylene block. The electrode probe is attached to an automated of X-Y-Z motion system. An externally controlled potentiostat is used to apply the electrochemical potential to the catalyst substrate. The motion and electrochemical control are integrated using a user-friendly software interface. During automated synthesis the deposition potential and/or current may be controlled by a pulse program triggered by the software using a data acquisition board. The screening includes automated experiments to obtain cyclic voltammograms. As an example, a platinum-tungsten oxide (Pt-WO3) library was synthesized and characterized for reactivity towards methanol electro-oxidation.

  14. Screen test for cadmium and nickel plates as developed and used within the Aerospace Corporation

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Phan, A. H.; Zimmerman, A. H.

    1994-01-01

    A new procedure described here was recently developed to quantify loading uniformity of nickel and cadmium plates and to screen finished electrodes prior to cell assembly. The technique utilizes the initial solubility rates of the active material in a standard chemical deloading solution at fixed conditions. The method can provide a reproducible indication of plate loading uniformity in situations where high surface loading limits the free flow of deloading solution into the internal porosity of the sinter plate. A preliminary study indicates that 'good' cell performance is associated with higher deloading rates.

  15. Time-frequency optimization for discrimination between imagination of right and left hand movements based on two bipolar electroencephalography channels

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Yang, Yuan; Chevallier, Sylvain; Wiart, Joe; Bloch, Isabelle

    2014-12-01

    To enforce a widespread use of efficient and easy to use brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), the inter-subject robustness should be increased and the number of electrodes should be reduced. These two key issues are addressed in this contribution, proposing a novel method to identify subject-specific time-frequency characteristics with a minimal number of electrodes. In this method, two alternative criteria, time-frequency discrimination factor ( TFDF) and F score, are proposed to evaluate the discriminative power of time-frequency regions. Distinct from classical measures (e.g., Fisher criterion, r 2 coefficient), the TFDF is based on the neurophysiologic phenomena, on which the motor imagery BCI paradigm relies, rather than only from statistics. F score is based on the popular Fisher's discriminant and purely data driven; however, it differs from traditional measures since it provides a simple and effective measure for quantifying the discriminative power of a multi-dimensional feature vector. The proposed method is tested on BCI competition IV datasets IIa and IIb for discriminating right and left hand motor imagery. Compared to state-of-the-art methods, our method based on both criteria led to comparable or even better classification results, while using fewer electrodes (i.e., only two bipolar channels, C3 and C4). This work indicates that time-frequency optimization can not only improve the classification performance but also contribute to reducing the number of electrodes required in motor imagery BCIs.

  16. Synthesis multi-projector content for multi-projector three dimension display using a layered representation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Qin, Chen; Ren, Bin; Guo, Longfei; Dou, Wenhua

    2014-11-01

    Multi-projector three dimension display is a promising multi-view glass-free three dimension (3D) display technology, can produce full colour high definition 3D images on its screen. One key problem of multi-projector 3D display is how to acquire the source images of projector array while avoiding pseudoscopic problem. This paper analysis the displaying characteristics of multi-projector 3D display first and then propose a projector content synthetic method using tetrahedral transform. A 3D video format that based on stereo image pair and associated disparity map is presented, it is well suit for any type of multi-projector 3D display and has advantage in saving storage usage. Experiment results show that our method solved the pseudoscopic problem.

  17. Detection of Total Phenol in Green and Black Teas by Flow Injection System and Unmodified Screen Printed Electrode

    PubMed Central

    de Mattos, Ivanildo Luiz; Zagal, José Heraclito

    2010-01-01

    A flow injection system using an unmodified gold screen-printed electrode was employed for total phenol determination in black and green teas. In order to avoid passivation of the electrode surface due to the redox reaction, preoxidation of the sample was realized by hexacyanoferrate(III) followed by addition of an EDTA solution. The complex formed in the presence of EDTA minimizes or avoids polymerization of the oxidized phenols. The previously filtered tea sample and hexacyanoferrate(III) reagent were introduced simultaneously into two-carrier streams producing two reproducible zones. At confluence point, the pre-oxidation of the phenolic compounds occurs while this zone flows through the coiled reactor and receives the EDTA solution before phenol detection. The consumption of ferricyanide was monitorized at 360 mV versus Ag/AgCl and reflected the total amount of phenolic compounds present in the sample. Results were reported as gallic acid equivalents (GAEs). The proposed system is robust, versatile, environmentally-friendly (since the reactive is used only in the presence of the sample), and allows the analysis of about 35–40 samples per hour with detection limit = 1 mg/L without the necessity for surface cleaning after each measurement. Precise results are in agreement with those obtained by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. PMID:21461407

  18. Flow injection amperometric sensor with a carbon nanotube modified screen printed electrode for determination of hydroquinone.

    PubMed

    Upan, Jantima; Reanpang, Preeyaporn; Chailapakul, Orawon; Jakmunee, Jaroon

    2016-01-01

    Flow injection amperometric (FI-Amp) sensor was developed for sensitive and selective determination of hydroquinone. A simple screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE) was modified with various nanomaterials for improvement of sensitivity on the determination of quinone. As a result, the appropriate sensitivity is obtained from the SPCE modified with carbon nanotube (CNT) which indicated that CNT contributed to the transfer of electron to quinone. The reproducibility (n=9) and repeatability (n=111) of SPCE-CNT were obtained at 4.4% and 3.6%RSD, respectively. The SPCE-CNT electrode and enzymatic column were incorporated to the FI-Amp system to determine hydroquinone. Laccase was immobilized on silica gel using a cross-linking method by glutaraldehyde modification and then packed in the column. The laccase column has high efficiency for catalytic oxidation of hydroquinone to quinone, which further detects by amperometric detection. Parameters affecting response of the proposed sensor, i.e., pH, ionic strength, and temperature have been optimized. The proposed system provided a wide linear range between 1 and 50 µM with detection limit of 0.1 µM. Satisfactory recoveries in the range of 91.2-103.8% were obtained for the analysis of water sample. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. Complexity Optimization and High-Throughput Low-Latency Hardware Implementation of a Multi-Electrode Spike-Sorting Algorithm

    PubMed Central

    Dragas, Jelena; Jäckel, David; Hierlemann, Andreas; Franke, Felix

    2017-01-01

    Reliable real-time low-latency spike sorting with large data throughput is essential for studies of neural network dynamics and for brain-machine interfaces (BMIs), in which the stimulation of neural networks is based on the networks' most recent activity. However, the majority of existing multi-electrode spike-sorting algorithms are unsuited for processing high quantities of simultaneously recorded data. Recording from large neuronal networks using large high-density electrode sets (thousands of electrodes) imposes high demands on the data-processing hardware regarding computational complexity and data transmission bandwidth; this, in turn, entails demanding requirements in terms of chip area, memory resources and processing latency. This paper presents computational complexity optimization techniques, which facilitate the use of spike-sorting algorithms in large multi-electrode-based recording systems. The techniques are then applied to a previously published algorithm, on its own, unsuited for large electrode set recordings. Further, a real-time low-latency high-performance VLSI hardware architecture of the modified algorithm is presented, featuring a folded structure capable of processing the activity of hundreds of neurons simultaneously. The hardware is reconfigurable “on-the-fly” and adaptable to the nonstationarities of neuronal recordings. By transmitting exclusively spike time stamps and/or spike waveforms, its real-time processing offers the possibility of data bandwidth and data storage reduction. PMID:25415989

  20. Complexity optimization and high-throughput low-latency hardware implementation of a multi-electrode spike-sorting algorithm.

    PubMed

    Dragas, Jelena; Jackel, David; Hierlemann, Andreas; Franke, Felix

    2015-03-01

    Reliable real-time low-latency spike sorting with large data throughput is essential for studies of neural network dynamics and for brain-machine interfaces (BMIs), in which the stimulation of neural networks is based on the networks' most recent activity. However, the majority of existing multi-electrode spike-sorting algorithms are unsuited for processing high quantities of simultaneously recorded data. Recording from large neuronal networks using large high-density electrode sets (thousands of electrodes) imposes high demands on the data-processing hardware regarding computational complexity and data transmission bandwidth; this, in turn, entails demanding requirements in terms of chip area, memory resources and processing latency. This paper presents computational complexity optimization techniques, which facilitate the use of spike-sorting algorithms in large multi-electrode-based recording systems. The techniques are then applied to a previously published algorithm, on its own, unsuited for large electrode set recordings. Further, a real-time low-latency high-performance VLSI hardware architecture of the modified algorithm is presented, featuring a folded structure capable of processing the activity of hundreds of neurons simultaneously. The hardware is reconfigurable “on-the-fly” and adaptable to the nonstationarities of neuronal recordings. By transmitting exclusively spike time stamps and/or spike waveforms, its real-time processing offers the possibility of data bandwidth and data storage reduction.

  1. Computer Simulation Study of Graphene Oxide Supercapacitors: Charge Screening Mechanism.

    PubMed

    Park, Sang-Won; DeYoung, Andrew D; Dhumal, Nilesh R; Shim, Youngseon; Kim, Hyung J; Jung, YounJoon

    2016-04-07

    Graphene oxide supercapacitors in the parallel plate configuration are studied via molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The full range of electrode oxidation from 0 to 100% is examined by oxidizing the graphene surface with hydroxyl groups. Two different electrolytes, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMI(+)BF4(-)) as an ionic liquid and its 1.3 M solution in acetonitrile as an organic electrolyte, are considered. While the area-specific capacitance tends to decrease with increasing electrode oxidation for both electrolytes, its details show interesting differences between the organic electrolyte and ionic liquid, including the extent of decrease. For detailed insight into these differences, the screening mechanisms of electrode charges by electrolytes and their variations with electrode oxidation are analyzed with special attention paid to the aspects shared by and the contrasts between the organic electrolyte and ionic liquid.

  2. Longitudinal Hierarchy Co3O4 Mesocrystals with High-dense Exposure Facets and Anisotropic Interfaces for Direct-Ethanol Fuel Cells.

    PubMed

    Hassen, Diab; El-Safty, Sherif A; Tsuchiya, Koichi; Chatterjee, Abhijit; Elmarakbi, Ahmed; Shenashen, Mohamed A; Sakai, Masaru

    2016-04-14

    Novel electrodes are needed for direct ethanol fuel cells with improved quality. Hierarchical engineering can produce catalysts composed of mesocrystals with many exposed active planes and multi-diffused voids. Here we report a simple, one-pot, hydrothermal method for fabricating Co3O4/carbon/substrate electrodes that provides control over the catalyst mesocrystal morphology (i.e., corn tubercle pellets or banana clusters oriented along nanotube domains, or layered lamina or multiple cantilevered sheets). These morphologies afforded catalysts with a high density of exposed active facets, a diverse range of mesopores in the cage interior, a window architecture, and vertical alignment to the substrate, which improved efficiency in an ethanol electrooxidation reaction compared with a conventional platinum/carbon electrode. On the atomic scale, the longitudinally aligned architecture of the Co3O4 mesocrystals resulted in exposed low- and high-index single and interface surfaces that had improved electron transport and diffusion compared with currently used electrodes.

  3. A Flexible Cotton-Based Supercapacitor Electrode with High Stability Prepared by Multiwalled CNTs/PANI

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hao, Tianqi; Wang, Wei; Yu, Dan

    2018-05-01

    Multiwalled nanotubes/cotton composite was prepared firstly as conductive fabric, and then, polyaniline (PANI) doped with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were fabricated on the conductive fabric to make flexible cotton-based supercapacitor electrodes. The doping of MWCNTs cannot only provide good conductivity and large specific surface area of the electrode, but also help to increase the loading of aniline monomer in the polyaniline polymerization. Field emission scanning electron microscopy was applied to observe the surface morphology of the composite, and Fourier transform infrared and Energy dispersion spectrum were used to analysis the existence of PANI. Electrochemical tests were adopted to measure the electrochemical performance. The results demonstrated the multivariate mixture composite flexible electrode exhibited a specific capacitance of 590.93 F g-1 at a scan rate of 0.001 V s-1 and an excellent capacitance retention of 89% at 0.1 V s-1 after 3000 cycles. Based on our method, the cycle stability of the composite was great and so was the capacitance retention.

  4. Longitudinal Hierarchy Co3O4 Mesocrystals with High-dense Exposure Facets and Anisotropic Interfaces for Direct-Ethanol Fuel Cells

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hassen, Diab; El-Safty, Sherif A.; Tsuchiya, Koichi; Chatterjee, Abhijit; Elmarakbi, Ahmed; Shenashen, Mohamed. A.; Sakai, Masaru

    2016-04-01

    Novel electrodes are needed for direct ethanol fuel cells with improved quality. Hierarchical engineering can produce catalysts composed of mesocrystals with many exposed active planes and multi-diffused voids. Here we report a simple, one-pot, hydrothermal method for fabricating Co3O4/carbon/substrate electrodes that provides control over the catalyst mesocrystal morphology (i.e., corn tubercle pellets or banana clusters oriented along nanotube domains, or layered lamina or multiple cantilevered sheets). These morphologies afforded catalysts with a high density of exposed active facets, a diverse range of mesopores in the cage interior, a window architecture, and vertical alignment to the substrate, which improved efficiency in an ethanol electrooxidation reaction compared with a conventional platinum/carbon electrode. On the atomic scale, the longitudinally aligned architecture of the Co3O4 mesocrystals resulted in exposed low- and high-index single and interface surfaces that had improved electron transport and diffusion compared with currently used electrodes.

  5. A Flexible Cotton-Based Supercapacitor Electrode with High Stability Prepared by Multiwalled CNTs/PANI

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hao, Tianqi; Wang, Wei; Yu, Dan

    2018-07-01

    Multiwalled nanotubes/cotton composite was prepared firstly as conductive fabric, and then, polyaniline (PANI) doped with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were fabricated on the conductive fabric to make flexible cotton-based supercapacitor electrodes. The doping of MWCNTs cannot only provide good conductivity and large specific surface area of the electrode, but also help to increase the loading of aniline monomer in the polyaniline polymerization. Field emission scanning electron microscopy was applied to observe the surface morphology of the composite, and Fourier transform infrared and Energy dispersion spectrum were used to analysis the existence of PANI. Electrochemical tests were adopted to measure the electrochemical performance. The results demonstrated the multivariate mixture composite flexible electrode exhibited a specific capacitance of 590.93 F g-1 at a scan rate of 0.001 V s-1 and an excellent capacitance retention of 89% at 0.1 V s-1 after 3000 cycles. Based on our method, the cycle stability of the composite was great and so was the capacitance retention.

  6. Longitudinal Hierarchy Co3O4 Mesocrystals with High-dense Exposure Facets and Anisotropic Interfaces for Direct-Ethanol Fuel Cells

    PubMed Central

    Hassen, Diab; El-Safty, Sherif A.; Tsuchiya, Koichi; Chatterjee, Abhijit; Elmarakbi, Ahmed; Shenashen, Mohamed. A.; Sakai, Masaru

    2016-01-01

    Novel electrodes are needed for direct ethanol fuel cells with improved quality. Hierarchical engineering can produce catalysts composed of mesocrystals with many exposed active planes and multi-diffused voids. Here we report a simple, one-pot, hydrothermal method for fabricating Co3O4/carbon/substrate electrodes that provides control over the catalyst mesocrystal morphology (i.e., corn tubercle pellets or banana clusters oriented along nanotube domains, or layered lamina or multiple cantilevered sheets). These morphologies afforded catalysts with a high density of exposed active facets, a diverse range of mesopores in the cage interior, a window architecture, and vertical alignment to the substrate, which improved efficiency in an ethanol electrooxidation reaction compared with a conventional platinum/carbon electrode. On the atomic scale, the longitudinally aligned architecture of the Co3O4 mesocrystals resulted in exposed low- and high-index single and interface surfaces that had improved electron transport and diffusion compared with currently used electrodes. PMID:27075551

  7. Safety and efficacy of a multi-electrode renal sympathetic denervation system in resistant hypertension: the EnligHTN I trial.

    PubMed

    Worthley, Stephen G; Tsioufis, Costas P; Worthley, Matthew I; Sinhal, Ajay; Chew, Derek P; Meredith, Ian T; Malaiapan, Yuvi; Papademetriou, Vasilios

    2013-07-01

    Catheter-based renal artery sympathetic denervation has emerged as a novel therapy for treatment of patients with drug-resistant hypertension. Initial studies were performed using a single electrode radiofrequency catheter, but recent advances in catheter design have allowed the development of multi-electrode systems that can deliver lesions with a pre-determined pattern. This study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the EnligHTN(™) multi-electrode system. We conducted the first-in-human, prospective, multi-centre, non-randomized study in 46 patients (67% male, mean age 60 years, and mean baseline office blood pressure 176/96 mmHg) with drug-resistant hypertension. The primary efficacy objective was change in office blood pressure from baseline to 6 months. Safety measures included all adverse events with a focus on the renal artery and other vascular complications and changes in renal function. Renal artery denervation, using the EnligHTN system significantly reduced the office blood pressure from baseline to 1, 3, and 6 months by -28/10, -27/10 and -26/10 mmHg, respectively (P < 0.0001). No acute renal artery injury or other serious vascular complications occurred. Small, non-clinically relevant, changes in average estimated glomerular filtration rate were reported from baseline (87 ± 19 mL/min/1.73 m2) to 6 months post-procedure (82 ± 20 mL/min/1.73 m2). Renal sympathetic denervation, using the EnligHTN multi-electrode catheter results in a rapid and significant office blood pressure reduction that was sustained through 6 months. The EnligHTN system delivers a promising therapy for the treatment of drug-resistant hypertension.

  8. Roll-to-roll production of spray coated N-doped carbon nanotube electrodes for supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Karakaya, Mehmet; Zhu, Jingyi; Raghavendra, Achyut J.; Podila, Ramakrishna; Parler, Samuel G.; Kaplan, James P.; Rao, Apparao M.

    2014-12-01

    Although carbon nanomaterials are being increasingly used in energy storage, there has been a lack of inexpensive, continuous, and scalable synthesis methods. Here, we present a scalable roll-to-roll (R2R) spray coating process for synthesizing randomly oriented multi-walled carbon nanotubes electrodes on Al foils. The coin and jellyroll type supercapacitors comprised such electrodes yield high power densities (˜700 mW/cm3) and energy densities (1 mW h/cm3) on par with Li-ion thin film batteries. These devices exhibit excellent cycle stability with no loss in performance over more than a thousand cycles. Our cost analysis shows that the R2R spray coating process can produce supercapacitors with 10 times the energy density of conventional activated carbon devices at ˜17% lower cost.

  9. Integration of Multiple Components in Polystyrene-based Microfluidic Devices Part 1: Fabrication and Characterization

    PubMed Central

    Johnson, Alicia S.; Anderson, Kari B.; Halpin, Stephen T.; Kirkpatrick, Douglas C.; Spence, Dana M.; Martin, R. Scott

    2012-01-01

    In Part I of a two-part series, we describe a simple, and inexpensive approach to fabricate polystyrene devices that is based upon melting polystyrene (from either a Petri dish or powder form) against PDMS molds or around electrode materials. The ability to incorporate microchannels in polystyrene and integrate the resulting device with standard laboratory equipment such as an optical plate reader for analyte readout and micropipettors for fluid propulsion is first described. A simple approach for sample and reagent delivery to the device channels using a standard, multi-channel micropipette and a PDMS-based injection block is detailed. Integration of the microfluidic device with these off-chip functions (sample delivery and readout) enables high throughput screens and analyses. An approach to fabricate polystyrene-based devices with embedded electrodes is also demonstrated, thereby enabling the integration of microchip electrophoresis with electrochemical detection through the use of a palladium electrode (for a decoupler) and carbon-fiber bundle (for detection). The device was sealed against a PDMS-based microchannel and used for the electrophoretic separation and amperometric detection of dopamine, epinephrine, catechol, and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid. Finally, these devices were compared against PDMS-based microchips in terms of their optical transparency and absorption of an anti-platelet drug, clopidogrel. Part I of this series lays the foundation for Part II, where these devices were utilized for various on-chip cellular analysis. PMID:23120747

  10. Step-By-Step Instructions for Retina Recordings with Perforated Multi Electrode Arrays

    PubMed Central

    Idrees, Saad; Mutter, Marion; Benkner, Boris; Münch, Thomas A.

    2014-01-01

    Multi-electrode arrays are a state-of-the-art tool in electrophysiology, also in retina research. The output cells of the retina, the retinal ganglion cells, form a monolayer in many species and are well accessible due to their proximity to the inner retinal surface. This structure has allowed the use of multi-electrode arrays for high-throughput, parallel recordings of retinal responses to presented visual stimuli, and has led to significant new insights into retinal organization and function. However, using conventional arrays where electrodes are embedded into a glass or ceramic plate can be associated with three main problems: (1) low signal-to-noise ratio due to poor contact between electrodes and tissue, especially in the case of strongly curved retinas from small animals, e.g. rodents; (2) insufficient oxygen and nutrient supply to cells located on the bottom of the recording chamber; and (3) displacement of the tissue during recordings. Perforated multi-electrode arrays (pMEAs) have been found to alleviate all three issues in brain slice recordings. Over the last years, we have been using such perforated arrays to study light evoked activity in the retinas of various species including mouse, pig, and human. In this article, we provide detailed step-by-step instructions for the use of perforated MEAs to record visual responses from the retina, including spike recordings from retinal ganglion cells and in vitro electroretinograms (ERG). In addition, we provide in-depth technical and methodological troubleshooting information, and show example recordings of good quality as well as examples for the various problems which might be encountered. While our description is based on the specific equipment we use in our own lab, it may also prove useful when establishing retinal MEA recordings with other equipment. PMID:25165854

  11. Optical Breast Shape Capture and Finite Element Mesh Generation for Electrical Impedance Tomography

    PubMed Central

    Forsyth, J.; Borsic, A.; Halter, R.J.; Hartov, A.; Paulsen, K.D.

    2011-01-01

    X-Ray mammography is the standard for breast cancer screening. The development of alternative imaging modalities is desirable because Mammograms expose patients to ionizing radiation. Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) may be used to determine tissue conductivity, a property which is an indicator of cancer presence. EIT is also a low-cost imaging solution and does not involve ionizing radiation. In breast EIT, impedance measurements are made using electrodes placed on the surface of the patient’s breast. The complex conductivity of the volume of the breast is estimated by a reconstruction algorithm. EIT reconstruction is a severely ill-posed inverse problem. As a result, noisy instrumentation and incorrect modelling of the electrodes and domain shape produce significant image artefacts. In this paper, we propose a method that has the potential to reduce these errors by accurately modelling the patient breast shape. A 3D hand-held optical scanner is used to acquire the breast geometry and electrode positions. We develop methods for processing the data from the scanner and producing volume meshes accurately matching the breast surface and electrode locations, which can be used for image reconstruction. We demonstrate this method for a plaster breast phantom and a human subject. Using this approach will allow patient-specific finite element meshes to be generated which has the potential to improve the clinical value of EIT for breast cancer diagnosis. PMID:21646711

  12. An Initial Study of the Diagnostic Utility of the Emotional and Behavioural Screener in Lithuania

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Sointu, Erkko; Lambert, Matthew C.; Nordness, Philip D.; Geležiniene, Renata; Epstein, Michael H.

    2018-01-01

    In schools, screening is an effective method to identify students at-risk for emotional and behavioural disorders. Several intervention programmes such as Positive Behaviour Interventions and Supports, Response to Intervention, and Multi-tiered Systems of Supports call for the use of psychometrically sound screening instruments. This study…

  13. Failure analysis of fuel cell electrodes using three-dimensional multi-length scale X-ray computed tomography

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pokhrel, A.; El Hannach, M.; Orfino, F. P.; Dutta, M.; Kjeang, E.

    2016-10-01

    X-ray computed tomography (XCT), a non-destructive technique, is proposed for three-dimensional, multi-length scale characterization of complex failure modes in fuel cell electrodes. Comparative tomography data sets are acquired for a conditioned beginning of life (BOL) and a degraded end of life (EOL) membrane electrode assembly subjected to cathode degradation by voltage cycling. Micro length scale analysis shows a five-fold increase in crack size and 57% thickness reduction in the EOL cathode catalyst layer, indicating widespread action of carbon corrosion. Complementary nano length scale analysis shows a significant reduction in porosity, increased pore size, and dramatically reduced effective diffusivity within the remaining porous structure of the catalyst layer at EOL. Collapsing of the structure is evident from the combination of thinning and reduced porosity, as uniquely determined by the multi-length scale approach. Additionally, a novel image processing based technique developed for nano scale segregation of pore, ionomer, and Pt/C dominated voxels shows an increase in ionomer volume fraction, Pt/C agglomerates, and severe carbon corrosion at the catalyst layer/membrane interface at EOL. In summary, XCT based multi-length scale analysis enables detailed information needed for comprehensive understanding of the complex failure modes observed in fuel cell electrodes.

  14. Simultaneous detection of morphine and codeine in urine samples of heroin addicts using multi-walled carbon nanotubes modified SnO2-Zn2SnO4 nanocomposites paste electrode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Taei, M.; Hasanpour, F.; Hajhashemi, V.; Movahedi, M.; Baghlani, H.

    2016-02-01

    The SnO2-Zn2SnO4 nanocomposite was successfully prepared via a simple solid state method. Then, a chemically modified electrode based on incorporating SnO2-Zn2SnO4 into multi-walled carbon nanotube paste matrix (MWCNTs/SnO2-Zn2SnO4/CPE) was prepared for the simultaneous determination of morphine(MO) and codeine (CO). The measurements were carried out by application of differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), cyclic voltammetry, and chronoamperometry. The MWCNTs/SnO2-Zn2SnO4/CPE showed an efficient electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of MO and CO. The separation of the oxidation peak potential for MO-CO was about 550 mV. The calibration curves obtained for MO and CO were in the ranges of 0.1-310 μmol L-1 and 0.1-600.0 μmol L-1, respectively. The detection limits (S/N = 3) were 0.009 μmol L-1 for both drugs. The method also successfully employed as a selective, simple, and precise method for the determination of MO and CO in pharmaceutical and biological samples.

  15. A disposable amperometric dual-sensor for the detection of hemoglobin and glycated hemoglobin in a finger prick blood sample.

    PubMed

    Moon, Jong-Min; Kim, Dong-Min; Kim, Moo Hyun; Han, Jin-Yeong; Jung, Dong-Keun; Shim, Yoon-Bo

    2017-05-15

    A disposable microfluidic amperometric dual-sensor was developed for the detection of glycated hemoglobin (HbA 1C ) and total hemoglobin (Hb), separately, in a finger prick blood sample. The accurate level of total Hb was determined through the measurements of the cathodic currents of total Hb catalyzed by a toluidine blue O (TBO)-modified working electrode. Subsequently, after washing unbound Hb in the fluidic channel of dual sensor with PBS, the cathodic current by only HbA 1C captured on aptamer was monitored using another aptamer/TBO-modified working electrode in the channel. To modify the sensor probe, poly(2,2´:5´,5″-terthiophene-3´-p-benzoic acid) and a multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composite layer (pTBA@MWCNT) was electropolymerized on a screen printed carbon electrode (SPCE), followed by immobilization of TBO for the total Hb probe and aptamer/TBO for the HbA 1C probe, respectively. The characterization of each sensor surface was performed using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The experimental conditions affecting the analytical signal were optimized in terms of the amount of TBO, pH, temperature, binding time, applied potential, and the content ratio of monomer and MWCNT. The dynamic ranges of Hb and HbA 1C were from 0.1 to 10µM and from 0.006 to 0.74µM, with detection limits of 82(±4.2)nM and 3.7(±0.8)nM, respectively. The reliability of the proposed microfluidic dual-sensor for a finger prick blood sample (1µL) was evaluated in parallel with a conventional method (HPLC) for point-of-care analysis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Cathode material for lithium ion accumulators prepared by screen printing for Smart Textile applications

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Syrový, T.; Kazda, T.; Syrová, L.; Vondrák, J.; Kubáč, L.; Sedlaříková, M.

    2016-03-01

    The presented study is focused on the development of LiFePO4 based cathode for thin and flexible screen printed secondary lithium based accumulators. An ink formulation was developed for the screen printing technique, which enabled mass production of accumulator's cathode for Smart Label and Smart Textile applications. The screen printed cathode was compared with an electrode prepared by the bar coating technique using an ink formulation based on the standard approach of ink composition. Obtained LiFePO4 cathode layers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and galvanostatic charge/discharge measurements at different loads. The discharge capacity, capacity retention and stability at a high C rate of the LiFePO4 cathode were improved when Super P and PVDF were replaced by conductive polymers PEDOT:PSS. The achieved capacity during cycling at various C rates was approximately the same at the beginning and at the end, and it was about 151 mAh/g for cycling under 1C. The obtained results of this novelty electrode layer exceed the parameters of several electrode layers based on LiFePO4 published in literature in terms of capacity, cycling stability and overcomes them in terms of simplicity/industrial process ability of cathode layer fabrication and electrode material preparation.

  17. Exploiting enzyme catalysis in ultra-low ion strength media for impedance biosensing of avian influenza virus using a bare interdigitated electrode.

    PubMed

    Fu, Yingchun; Callaway, Zachary; Lum, Jacob; Wang, Ronghui; Lin, Jianhan; Li, Yanbin

    2014-02-18

    Enzyme catalysis is broadly used in various fields but generally applied in media with high ion strength. Here, we propose the exploitation of enzymatic catalysis in ultra-low ion strength media to induce ion strength increase for developing a novel impedance biosensing method. Avian influenza virus H5N1, a serious worldwide threat to poultry and human health, was adopted as the analyte. Magnetic beads were modified with H5N1-specific aptamer to capture the H5N1 virus. This was followed by binding concanavalin A (ConA), glucose oxidase (GOx), and Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) to create bionanocomposites through a ConA-glycan interaction. The yielded sandwich complex was transferred to a glucose solution to trigger an enzymatic reaction to produce gluconic acid, which ionized to increase the ion strength of the solution, thus decreasing the impedance on a screen-printed interdigitated array electrode. This method took advantages of the high efficiency of enzymatic catalysis and the high susceptibility of electrochemical impedance on the ion strength and endowed the biosensor with high sensitivity and a detection limit of 8 × 10(-4) HAU in 200 μL sample, which was magnitudes lower than that of some analogues based on biosensing methods. Furthermore, the proposed method required only a bare electrode for measurements of ion strength change and had negligible change on the surficial properties of the electrode, though some modification of magnetic beads/Au nanoparticles and the construction of a sandwich complex were still needed. This helped to avoid the drawbacks of commonly used electrode immobilization methods. The merit for this method makes it highly useful and promising for applications. The proposed method may create new possibilities in the broad and well-developed enzymatic catalysis fields and find applications in developing sensitive, rapid, low-cost, and easy-to-operate biosensing and biocatalysis devices.

  18. An EMG-CT method using multiple surface electrodes in the forearm.

    PubMed

    Nakajima, Yasuhiro; Keeratihattayakorn, Saran; Yoshinari, Satoshi; Tadano, Shigeru

    2014-12-01

    Electromyography computed tomography (EMG-CT) method is proposed for visualizing the individual muscle activities in the human forearm. An EMG conduction model was formulated for reverse-estimation of muscle activities using EMG signals obtained with multi surface electrodes. The optimization process was calculated using sequential quadratic programming by comparing the estimated EMG values from the model with the measured values. The individual muscle activities in the deep region were estimated and used to produce an EMG tomographic image. For validation of the method, isometric contractions of finger muscles were examined for three subjects, applying a flexion load (4.9, 7.4 and 9.8 N) to the proximal interphalangeal joint of the middle finger. EMG signals in the forearm were recorded during the tasks using multiple surface electrodes, which were bound around the subject's forearm. The EMG-CT method illustrates the distribution of muscle activities within the forearm. The change in amplitude and area of activated muscles can be observed. The normalized muscle activities of all three subjects appear to increase monotonically with increases in the load. Kinesiologically, this method was able to estimate individual muscle activation values and could provide a novel tool for studying hand function and development of an examination for evaluating rehabilitation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Performance of Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes Grown on Conductive Substrates as Supercapacitors Electrodes using Organic and Ionic liquid electrolytes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Winchester, Andrew; Ghosh, Sujoy; Turner, Ben; Zhang, X. F.; Talapatra, Saikat

    2012-02-01

    In this work we will present the use of Multi Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWNT) directly grown on inconel substrates via chemical vapor deposition, as electrode materials for electrochemical double layer capacitors (EDLC). The performance of the MWNT EDLC electrodes were investigated using two electrolytes, an organic electrolyte, tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate in propylene carbonate (Et4NBF4 in PC), and a room temperature ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIM-PF6). Cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements to obtain values for the capacitance and internal resistance of these devices will be presented and compared.

  20. Electronic properties of electron-doped [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester and silylmethylfullerene

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Furutani, Sho; Okada, Susumu

    2017-06-01

    Electronic properties of electron-doped chemically decorated C60 fullerenes, [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) and silylmethylfullerene (SIMEF), by a planar electrode were studied using density functional theory combined with the effective screening medium method to simulate the heterointerface between the chemically decorated C60 and cationic counter materials. We find that the distribution of accumulated electrons and induced electric field depend on the molecular arrangement with respect to the external electric field of the electrode. We also show that the quantum capacitance of the molecule is sensitive to molecular arrangement owing to the asymmetric distribution of the accumulated electrons.

  1. Performance of 7-cells Dye Sensitized Solar Module in Z-type Series Interconnection

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nur Anggraini, Putri; Muliani, Lia; Maulani Nursam, Natalita; Hidayat, Jojo

    2018-01-01

    Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC) is becoming attractive research topic as third generation solar cells technology since it provides clean energy and low cost fabrication. In this study, DSSC was fabricated into module scale, which is important for practical applications. The module was prepared in sandwich structure consisting of TiO2 working electrode and Pt counter electrode on conductive substrate with an area of 100 mm x 100 mm, which was distributed into seven active cells. TiO2 paste was deposited on FTO glass as working electrode with a size of 10 mm x 98 mm per unit cell by screen printing method. Each cell was connected in Z-type series that able to produce high voltage. I - V measurement was applied in two methods consisting of laboratory testing using sun simulator under 500 W/m2 of illumination and outdoor testing using a digital multimeter under direct sunlight. The result shows that DSSC module has photoconversion efficiency of 1.08% and 1.17% for laboratory and outdoor testing, respectively. The module was also tested in three different times to monitor its stability performance.

  2. Unified selective sorting approach to analyse multi-electrode extracellular data

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Veerabhadrappa, R.; Lim, C. P.; Nguyen, T. T.; Berk, M.; Tye, S. J.; Monaghan, P.; Nahavandi, S.; Bhatti, A.

    2016-06-01

    Extracellular data analysis has become a quintessential method for understanding the neurophysiological responses to stimuli. This demands stringent techniques owing to the complicated nature of the recording environment. In this paper, we highlight the challenges in extracellular multi-electrode recording and data analysis as well as the limitations pertaining to some of the currently employed methodologies. To address some of the challenges, we present a unified algorithm in the form of selective sorting. Selective sorting is modelled around hypothesized generative model, which addresses the natural phenomena of spikes triggered by an intricate neuronal population. The algorithm incorporates Cepstrum of Bispectrum, ad hoc clustering algorithms, wavelet transforms, least square and correlation concepts which strategically tailors a sequence to characterize and form distinctive clusters. Additionally, we demonstrate the influence of noise modelled wavelets to sort overlapping spikes. The algorithm is evaluated using both raw and synthesized data sets with different levels of complexity and the performances are tabulated for comparison using widely accepted qualitative and quantitative indicators.

  3. Unified selective sorting approach to analyse multi-electrode extracellular data

    PubMed Central

    Veerabhadrappa, R.; Lim, C. P.; Nguyen, T. T.; Berk, M.; Tye, S. J.; Monaghan, P.; Nahavandi, S.; Bhatti, A.

    2016-01-01

    Extracellular data analysis has become a quintessential method for understanding the neurophysiological responses to stimuli. This demands stringent techniques owing to the complicated nature of the recording environment. In this paper, we highlight the challenges in extracellular multi-electrode recording and data analysis as well as the limitations pertaining to some of the currently employed methodologies. To address some of the challenges, we present a unified algorithm in the form of selective sorting. Selective sorting is modelled around hypothesized generative model, which addresses the natural phenomena of spikes triggered by an intricate neuronal population. The algorithm incorporates Cepstrum of Bispectrum, ad hoc clustering algorithms, wavelet transforms, least square and correlation concepts which strategically tailors a sequence to characterize and form distinctive clusters. Additionally, we demonstrate the influence of noise modelled wavelets to sort overlapping spikes. The algorithm is evaluated using both raw and synthesized data sets with different levels of complexity and the performances are tabulated for comparison using widely accepted qualitative and quantitative indicators. PMID:27339770

  4. A method for multi-codon scanning mutagenesis of proteins based on asymmetric transposons.

    PubMed

    Liu, Jia; Cropp, T Ashton

    2012-02-01

    Random mutagenesis followed by selection or screening is a commonly used strategy to improve protein function. Despite many available methods for random mutagenesis, nearly all generate mutations at the nucleotide level. An ideal mutagenesis method would allow for the generation of 'codon mutations' to change protein sequence with defined or mixed amino acids of choice. Herein we report a method that allows for mutations of one, two or three consecutive codons. Key to this method is the development of a Mu transposon variant with asymmetric terminal sequences. As a demonstration of the method, we performed multi-codon scanning on the gene encoding superfolder GFP (sfGFP). Characterization of 50 randomly chosen clones from each library showed that more than 40% of the mutants in these three libraries contained seamless, in-frame mutations with low site preference. By screening only 500 colonies from each library, we successfully identified several spectra-shift mutations, including a S205D variant that was found to bear a single excitation peak in the UV region.

  5. Monitoring of microbial cell viability using nanostructured electrodes modified with Graphene/Alumina nanocomposite.

    PubMed

    Hassan, Rabeay Y A; Mekawy, Moataz M; Ramnani, Pankaj; Mulchandani, Ashok

    2017-05-15

    Microbial infections are rapidly increasing; however most of the existing microbiological and molecular detection methods are time consuming and/or cannot differentiate between the viable and dead cells which may overestimate the risk of infections. Therefore, a bioelectrochemical sensing platform with a high potential to the microbial-electrode interactions was designed based on decorated graphene oxide (GO) sheet with alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) nanocrystals. GO-Al 2 O 3 nanocomposite was synthesized using self-assembly of GO and Al 2 O 3 and characterized using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman-spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Enhancement of electrocatalytic activity of the composite-modified electrode was demonstrated. Thus, using the GO-Al 2 O 3 nanocomposite modified electrode, the cell viability was determined by monitoring the bioelectrochemical response of the living microbial cells (bacteria and yeast) upon stimulation with carbon source. The bioelectrochemical assay was optimized to obtain high sensitivity and the method was applied to monitor cell viability and screen susceptibility of metabolically active cells (E. coli, B. subtilis, Enterococcus, P. aeruginosa and Salmonella typhi) to antibiotics such as ampicillin and kanamycin. Therefore, the developed assay is suitable for cell proliferation and cytotoxicity testing. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Control of edge effects of oxidant electrode

    DOEpatents

    Carr, Peter; Chi, Chen H.

    1981-09-08

    Described is an electrode assembly comprising; a. a porous electrode having a first and second exterior face with a cavity formed in the interior between said exterior faces thereby having first and second interior faces positioned opposite the first and second exterior faces; b. a counter electrode positioned facing each of the first and second exterior faces of the porous electrode; c. means for passing an oxidant through said porous electrode; and d. screening means for blocking the interior face of the porous electrode a greater amount than the blocking of the respective exterior face of the porous electrode, thereby maintaining a differential of oxidant electrode surface between the interior face and the exterior face. The electrode assembly is useful in a metal, halogen, halogen hydrate electrical energy storage device.

  7. Development of an Electrochemical Immunosensor for Fumonisins Detection in Foods

    PubMed Central

    Kadir, Mohamad Kamal Abdul; Tothill, Ibtisam E.

    2010-01-01

    An electrochemical affinity sensor for the determination of fumonisins mycotoxins (Fms) using monoclonal antibody modified screen-printed gold electrode with carbon counter and silver-silver chloride pseudo-reference electrode is reported in this work. A direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was initially developed, exhibiting a detection limit of 100 µg·L-1 for fumonisins. This was then transferred to the surface of a bare gold screen-printed electrode (SPGE) and detection was performed by chronoamperometry, monitoring the reaction of 3,3’,5,5’-Tetramethylbenzidine dihydrochloride (TMB) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) catalysed by HRP at −100 mV potential vs. onboard Ag-AgCl pseudo-reference electrode. The immunosensor exhibited detection limit of 5 µg·L−1 fumonisins with a dynamic range from 1 µg·L−1–1000 µg·L−1. The sensor also performed well in extracted corn samples. PMID:22069591

  8. A versatile all-channel stimulator for electrode arrays, with real-time control

    PubMed Central

    Wagenaar, Daniel A; Potter, Steve M

    2008-01-01

    Over the last few decades, technology to record through ever increasing numbers of electrodes has become available to electrophysiologists. For the study of distributed neural processing, however, the ability to stimulate through equal numbers of electrodes, and thus to attain bidirectional communication, is of paramount importance. Here, we present a stimulation system for multi-electrode arrays which interfaces with existing commercial recording hardware, and allows stimulation through any electrode in the array, with rapid switching between channels. The system is controlled through real-time Linux, making it extremely flexible: stimulation sequences can be constructed on-the-fly, and arbitrary stimulus waveforms can be used if desired. A key feature of this design is that it can be readily and inexpensively reproduced in other labs, since it interfaces to standard PC parallel ports and uses only off-the-shelf components. Moreover, adaptation for use with in vivo multi-electrode probes would be straightforward. In combination with our freely available data-acquisition software, MeaBench, this system can provide feedback stimulation in response to recorded action potentials within 15 ms. PMID:15876621

  9. Mesoscale Effective Property Simulations Incorporating Conductive Binder

    DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

    Trembacki, Bradley L.; Noble, David R.; Brunini, Victor E.

    Lithium-ion battery electrodes are composed of active material particles, binder, and conductive additives that form an electrolyte-filled porous particle composite. The mesoscale (particle-scale) interplay of electrochemistry, mechanical deformation, and transport through this tortuous multi-component network dictates the performance of a battery at the cell-level. Effective electrode properties connect mesoscale phenomena with computationally feasible battery-scale simulations. We utilize published tomography data to reconstruct a large subsection (1000+ particles) of an NMC333 cathode into a computational mesh and extract electrode-scale effective properties from finite element continuum-scale simulations. We present a novel method to preferentially place a composite binder phase throughout the mesostructure,more » a necessary approach due difficulty distinguishing between non-active phases in tomographic data. We compare stress generation and effective thermal, electrical, and ionic conductivities across several binder placement approaches. Isotropic lithiation-dependent mechanical swelling of the NMC particles and the consideration of strain-dependent composite binder conductivity significantly impact the resulting effective property trends and stresses generated. Lastly, our results suggest that composite binder location significantly affects mesoscale behavior, indicating that a binder coating on active particles is not sufficient and that more accurate approaches should be used when calculating effective properties that will inform battery-scale models in this inherently multi-scale battery simulation challenge.« less

  10. A microfluidic device with multi-valves system to enable several simultaneous exposure tests on Caenorhabditis elegans

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jung, Jaehoon; Nakajima, Masahiro; Masaru, Takeuchi; Huang, Qiang; Fukuda, Toshio

    2014-03-01

    In this paper, we report on a microfluidic device with a multi-valve system to conduct several exposure tests on Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) simultaneously. It has pneumatic valves and no-moving-parts (NMP) valves. An NMP valve is incorporated with a chamber and enables the unidirectional movement of C. elegans in the chamber; once worms are loaded into the chamber, they cannot exit, regardless of the flow direction. To demonstrate the ability of the NMP valve to handle worms, we made a microfluidic device with three chambers. Each chamber was used to expose worms to Cd and Cu solutions, and K-medium. A pair of electrodes was installed in the device and the capacitance in-between the electrode was measured. When a C. elegans passed through the electrodes, the capacitance was changed. The capacitance change was proportional to the body volume of the worm, thus the body volume change by the heavy metal exposure was measured in the device. Thirty worms were divided into three groups and exposed to each solution. We confirmed that the different solutions induced differences in the capacitance changes for each group. These results indicate that our device is a viable method for simultaneously analyzing the effect of multiple stimuli on C. elegans.

  11. Mesoscale Effective Property Simulations Incorporating Conductive Binder

    DOE PAGES

    Trembacki, Bradley L.; Noble, David R.; Brunini, Victor E.; ...

    2017-07-26

    Lithium-ion battery electrodes are composed of active material particles, binder, and conductive additives that form an electrolyte-filled porous particle composite. The mesoscale (particle-scale) interplay of electrochemistry, mechanical deformation, and transport through this tortuous multi-component network dictates the performance of a battery at the cell-level. Effective electrode properties connect mesoscale phenomena with computationally feasible battery-scale simulations. We utilize published tomography data to reconstruct a large subsection (1000+ particles) of an NMC333 cathode into a computational mesh and extract electrode-scale effective properties from finite element continuum-scale simulations. We present a novel method to preferentially place a composite binder phase throughout the mesostructure,more » a necessary approach due difficulty distinguishing between non-active phases in tomographic data. We compare stress generation and effective thermal, electrical, and ionic conductivities across several binder placement approaches. Isotropic lithiation-dependent mechanical swelling of the NMC particles and the consideration of strain-dependent composite binder conductivity significantly impact the resulting effective property trends and stresses generated. Lastly, our results suggest that composite binder location significantly affects mesoscale behavior, indicating that a binder coating on active particles is not sufficient and that more accurate approaches should be used when calculating effective properties that will inform battery-scale models in this inherently multi-scale battery simulation challenge.« less

  12. Improved 2-D resistivity imaging of features in covered karst terrain with arrays of implanted electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Kiflu, H. G.; Kruse, S. E.; Harro, D.; Loke, M. H.; Wilkinson, P. B.

    2013-12-01

    Electrical resistivity tomography is commonly used to identify geologic features associated with sinkhole formation. In covered karst terrain, however, it can be difficult to resolve the depth to top of limestone with this method. This is due to the fact that array lengths, and hence depth of resolution, are often limited by residential or commercial lot dimensions in urban environments. Furthermore, the sediments mantling the limestone are often clay-rich and highly conductive. The resistivity method has limited sensitivity to resistive zones beneath conductive zones. This sensitivity can be improved significantly with electrodes implanted at depth in the cover sediments near the top of limestone. An array of deep electrodes is installed with direct push technology in the karst cover. When combined with a surface array in which each surface electrode is underlain by a deep electrode, the array geometry is similar to a borehole array turned on its side. This method, called the Multi-Electrode Resistivity Implant Technique (MERIT), offers the promise of significantly improved resolution of epikarst and cover collapse development zones in the overlying sediment, the limestone or at the sediment-bedrock interface in heterogeneous karst environments. With a non-traditional array design, the question of optimal array geometries arises. Optimizing array geometries is complicated by the fact that many plausible 4-electrode readings will produce negative apparent resistivity values, even in homogeneous terrain. Negative apparent resistivities cannot be used in inversions based on the logarithm of the apparent resistivity. New algorithms for seeking optimal array geometries have been developed by modifying the 'Compare R' method of Wilkinson and Loke. The optimized arrays show significantly improved resolution over basic arrays adapted from traditional 2D surface geometries. Several MERIT case study surveys have been conducted in covered karst in west-central Florida, with 28-electrode arrays with electrodes 2-5 meters apart, and the deep arrays buried at 4-8 meters depth. Ground penetrating radar surveys, SPT borings and coring data provide selected 'ground truthing'. The case studies show that inclusion of the deep electrode array permits karst features such as undulations at the top of limestone and raveling zones within surficial sediments to be imaged. These features are not accessible from surface arrays with equivalent surface footprints. The method also has better resolution at depth at the ends of the lines, where surface arrays are typically plotted with a trapezoidal truncation due to poor resolution at the lower corners of the profile.

  13. Simultaneous multi-patch-clamp and extracellular-array recordings: Single neuron reflects network activity

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Vardi, Roni; Goldental, Amir; Sardi, Shira; Sheinin, Anton; Kanter, Ido

    2016-11-01

    The increasing number of recording electrodes enhances the capability of capturing the network’s cooperative activity, however, using too many monitors might alter the properties of the measured neural network and induce noise. Using a technique that merges simultaneous multi-patch-clamp and multi-electrode array recordings of neural networks in-vitro, we show that the membrane potential of a single neuron is a reliable and super-sensitive probe for monitoring such cooperative activities and their detailed rhythms. Specifically, the membrane potential and the spiking activity of a single neuron are either highly correlated or highly anti-correlated with the time-dependent macroscopic activity of the entire network. This surprising observation also sheds light on the cooperative origin of neuronal burst in cultured networks. Our findings present an alternative flexible approach to the technique based on a massive tiling of networks by large-scale arrays of electrodes to monitor their activity.

  14. Simultaneous multi-patch-clamp and extracellular-array recordings: Single neuron reflects network activity.

    PubMed

    Vardi, Roni; Goldental, Amir; Sardi, Shira; Sheinin, Anton; Kanter, Ido

    2016-11-08

    The increasing number of recording electrodes enhances the capability of capturing the network's cooperative activity, however, using too many monitors might alter the properties of the measured neural network and induce noise. Using a technique that merges simultaneous multi-patch-clamp and multi-electrode array recordings of neural networks in-vitro, we show that the membrane potential of a single neuron is a reliable and super-sensitive probe for monitoring such cooperative activities and their detailed rhythms. Specifically, the membrane potential and the spiking activity of a single neuron are either highly correlated or highly anti-correlated with the time-dependent macroscopic activity of the entire network. This surprising observation also sheds light on the cooperative origin of neuronal burst in cultured networks. Our findings present an alternative flexible approach to the technique based on a massive tiling of networks by large-scale arrays of electrodes to monitor their activity.

  15. Simultaneous multi-patch-clamp and extracellular-array recordings: Single neuron reflects network activity

    PubMed Central

    Vardi, Roni; Goldental, Amir; Sardi, Shira; Sheinin, Anton; Kanter, Ido

    2016-01-01

    The increasing number of recording electrodes enhances the capability of capturing the network’s cooperative activity, however, using too many monitors might alter the properties of the measured neural network and induce noise. Using a technique that merges simultaneous multi-patch-clamp and multi-electrode array recordings of neural networks in-vitro, we show that the membrane potential of a single neuron is a reliable and super-sensitive probe for monitoring such cooperative activities and their detailed rhythms. Specifically, the membrane potential and the spiking activity of a single neuron are either highly correlated or highly anti-correlated with the time-dependent macroscopic activity of the entire network. This surprising observation also sheds light on the cooperative origin of neuronal burst in cultured networks. Our findings present an alternative flexible approach to the technique based on a massive tiling of networks by large-scale arrays of electrodes to monitor their activity. PMID:27824075

  16. Investigation of pumping mechanism for non-Newtonian blood flow with AC electrothermal forces in a microchannel by hybrid boundary element method and immersed boundary-lattice Boltzmann method.

    PubMed

    Ren, Qinlong

    2018-02-10

    Efficient pumping of blood flow in a microfluidic device is essential for rapid detection of bacterial bloodstream infections (BSI) using alternating current (AC) electrokinetics. Compared with AC electro-osmosis (ACEO) phenomenon, the advantage of AC electrothermal (ACET) mechanism is its capability of pumping biofluids with high electrical conductivities at a relatively high AC voltage frequency. In the current work, the microfluidic pumping of non-Newtonian blood flow using ACET forces is investigated in detail by modeling its multi-physics process with hybrid boundary element method (BEM) and immersed boundary-lattice Boltzmann method (IB-LBM). The Carreau-Yasuda model is used to simulate the realistic rheological behavior of blood flow. The ACET pumping efficiency of blood flow is studied in terms of different AC voltage magnitudes and frequencies, thermal boundary conditions of electrodes, electrode configurations, channel height, and the channel length per electrode pair. Besides, the effect of rheological behavior on the blood flow velocity is theoretically analyzed by comparing with the Newtonian fluid flow using scaling law analysis under the same physical conditions. The results indicate that the rheological behavior of blood flow and its frequency-dependent dielectric property make the pumping phenomenon of blood flow different from that of the common Newtonian aqueous solutions. It is also demonstrated that using a thermally insulated electrode could enhance the pumping efficiency dramatically. Besides, the results conclude that increasing the AC voltage magnitude is a more economical pumping approach than adding the number of electrodes with the same energy consumption when the Joule heating effect is acceptable. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  17. Performance model of a recirculating stack nickel hydrogen cell

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Zimmerman, Albert H.

    1994-01-01

    A theoretical model of the nickel hydrogen battery cell has been utilized to describe the chemical and physical changes during charge and overcharge in a recirculating stack nickel hydrogen cell. In particular, the movement of gas and electrolyte have been examined as a function of the amount of electrolyte put into the cell stack during cell activation, and as a function of flooding in regions of the gas screen in this cell design. Additionally, a two-dimensional variation on this model has been utilized to describe the effects of non-uniform loading in the nickel-electrode on the movement of gas and electrolyte within the recirculating stack nickel hydrogen cell. The type of nonuniform loading that has been examined here is that associated with higher than average loading near the surface of the sintered nickel electrode, a condition present to some degree in many nickel electrodes made by electrochemical impregnation methods. The effects of high surface loading were examined primarily under conditions of overcharge, since the movement of gas and electrolyte in the overcharging condition was typically where the greatest effects of non-uniform loading were found. The results indicate that significant changes in the capillary forces between cell components occur as the percentage of free volume in the stack filled by electrolyte becomes very high. These changes create large gradients in gas-filled space and oxygen concentrations near the boundary between the separator and the hydrogen electrode when the electrolyte fill is much greater than about 95 percent of the stack free volume. At lower electrolyte fill levels, these gaseous and electrolyte gradients become less extreme, and shift through the separator towards the nickel electrode. Similarly, flooding of areas in the gas screen cause higher concentrations of oxygen gas to approach the platinum/hydrogen electrode that is opposite the back side of the nickel electrode. These results illustrate the need for appropriate pore size distributions, and the maintenance of both convective electrolyte and gas flow paths through the stack, if the recirculating stack nickel hydrogen cell design is to work properly.

  18. A new screening method for amphetamine and methamphetamine using dansyl chloride derivatization and cartridge fluorescence.

    PubMed

    Yamada, H; Ikeda-Wada, S; Oguri, K

    1998-07-01

    A new screening method for amphetamines was developed. It consists of derivatization with dansyl chloride, extraction of the derivative using a Sep-Pak C18 or a Bond Elut C18, solid phase extraction columns, and visualization of the fluorescence of the cartridge. A control test using drug-free urine showed no fluorescence. Amphetamine, methamphetamine and the methylenedioxy derivatives exhibited strong fluorescence, while related compounds, such as N-ethylamphetamine and fenetylline, were negative or weakly positive. The disadvantage of the present method is that it is a multi-step procedure and 20-30 min is required for screening. However, since it has a different specificity from the widely used immunochemical technique, it is suggested to be a useful screen for amphetamines.

  19. Electrical receptive fields of retinal ganglion cells: Influence of presynaptic neurons

    PubMed Central

    Apollo, Nicholas V.; Garrett, David J.

    2018-01-01

    Implantable retinal stimulators activate surviving neurons to restore a sense of vision in people who have lost their photoreceptors through degenerative diseases. Complex spatial and temporal interactions occur in the retina during multi-electrode stimulation. Due to these complexities, most existing implants activate only a few electrodes at a time, limiting the repertoire of available stimulation patterns. Measuring the spatiotemporal interactions between electrodes and retinal cells, and incorporating them into a model may lead to improved stimulation algorithms that exploit the interactions. Here, we present a computational model that accurately predicts both the spatial and temporal nonlinear interactions of multi-electrode stimulation of rat retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). The model was verified using in vitro recordings of ON, OFF, and ON-OFF RGCs in response to subretinal multi-electrode stimulation with biphasic pulses at three stimulation frequencies (10, 20, 30 Hz). The model gives an estimate of each cell’s spatiotemporal electrical receptive fields (ERFs); i.e., the pattern of stimulation leading to excitation or suppression in the neuron. All cells had excitatory ERFs and many also had suppressive sub-regions of their ERFs. We show that the nonlinearities in observed responses arise largely from activation of presynaptic interneurons. When synaptic transmission was blocked, the number of sub-regions of the ERF was reduced, usually to a single excitatory ERF. This suggests that direct cell activation can be modeled accurately by a one-dimensional model with linear interactions between electrodes, whereas indirect stimulation due to summated presynaptic responses is nonlinear. PMID:29432411

  20. Multiple-element semiquantitative analysis of one-milligram geochemical samples by D.C. arc emission spectrography

    USGS Publications Warehouse

    Rait, N.

    1981-01-01

    A modified method is described for a 1-mg sample multi-element semiquantitative spectrographic analysis. This method uses a direct-current arc source, carbon instead of graphite electrodes, and an 80% argon-20% oxygen atmosphere instead of air. Although this is a destructive method, an analysis can be made for 68 elements in all mineral and geochemical samples. Carbon electrodes have been an aid in improving the detection limits of many elements. The carbon has a greater resistance to heat conductance and develops a better tip, facilitating sample volatilization and counter balancing the cooling effect of a flow of the argon-oxygen mixture around the anode. Where such an argon-oxygen atmosphere is used instead of air, the cyanogen band lines are greatly diminished in intensity, and thus more spectral lines of analysis elements are available for use; the spectral background is also lower. The main advantage of using the carbon electrode and the 80% argon-20% oxygen atmosphere is the improved detection limits of 36 out of 68 elements. The detection limits remain the same for 23 elements, and are not as good for only nine elements. ?? 1981.

  1. Solid-contact pH-selective electrode using multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

    PubMed

    Crespo, Gastón A; Gugsa, Derese; Macho, Santiago; Rius, F Xavier

    2009-12-01

    Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) are shown to be efficient transducers of the ionic-to-electronic current. This enables the development of a new solid-contact pH-selective electrode that is based on the deposition of a 35-microm thick layer of MWCNT between the acrylic ion-selective membrane and the glassy carbon rod used as the electrical conductor. The ion-selective membrane was prepared by incorporating tridodecylamine as the ionophore, potassium tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate as the lipophilic additive in a polymerized methylmethacrylate and an n-butyl acrylate matrix. The potentiometric response shows Nernstian behaviour and a linear dynamic range between 2.89 and 9.90 pH values. The response time for this electrode was less than 10 s throughout the whole working range. The electrode shows a high selectivity towards interfering ions. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and chronopotentiometry techniques were used to characterise the electrochemical behaviour and the stability of the carbon-nanotube-based ion-selective electrodes.

  2. Evaluation of excitation strategy with multi-plane electrical capacitance tomography sensor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Mao, Mingxu; Ye, Jiamin; Wang, Haigang; Zhang, Jiaolong; Yang, Wuqiang

    2016-11-01

    Electrical capacitance tomography (ECT) is an imaging technique for measuring the permittivity change of materials. Using a multi-plane ECT sensor, three-dimensional (3D) distribution of permittivity may be represented. In this paper, three excitation strategies, including single-electrode excitation, dual-electrode excitation in the same plane, and dual-electrode excitation in different planes are investigated by numerical simulation and experiment for two three-plane ECT sensors with 12 electrodes in total. In one sensor, the electrodes on the middle plane are in line with the others. In the other sensor, they are rotated 45° with reference to the other two planes. A linear back projection algorithm is used to reconstruct the images and a correlation coefficient is used to evaluate the image quality. The capacitance data and sensitivity distribution with each measurement strategy and sensor model are analyzed. Based on simulation and experimental results using noise-free and noisy capacitance data, the performance of the three strategies is evaluated.

  3. Development of electrochemical sensor for the determination of palladium ions (Pd2+) using flexible screen printed un-modified carbon electrode.

    PubMed

    Velmurugan, Murugan; Thirumalraj, Balamurugan; Chen, Shen-Ming; Al-Hemaid, Fahad M A; Ajmal Ali, M; Elshikh, Mohamed S

    2017-01-01

    To date, the development of different modified electrodes have received much attention in electrochemistry. The modified electrodes have some drawbacks such as high cost, difficult to handle and not eco friendly. Hence, we report an electrochemical sensor for the determination of palladium ions (Pd 2+ ) using an un-modified screen printed carbon electrode has been developed for the first time, which are characterized and studied via scanning electron microscope and cyclic voltammetry. Prior to determination of Pd 2+ ions, the operational conditions of un-modified SPCE was optimized using cyclic voltammetry and showed excellent electro-analytical behavior towards the determination of Pd 2+ ions. Electrochemical determination of Pd 2+ ions reveal that the un-modified electrode showed lower detection limit of 1.32μM with a linear ranging from 3 to 133.35μM towards the Pd 2+ ions concentration via differential pulse voltammetry. The developed sensor also applied to the successfully determination of trace level Pd 2+ ions in spiked water samples. In addition, the advantage of this type of electrode is simple, disposable and cost effective in electrochemical sensors. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  4. Learning intervention-induced deformations for non-rigid MR-CT registration and electrode localization in epilepsy patients

    PubMed Central

    Onofrey, John A.; Staib, Lawrence H.; Papademetris, Xenophon

    2015-01-01

    This paper describes a framework for learning a statistical model of non-rigid deformations induced by interventional procedures. We make use of this learned model to perform constrained non-rigid registration of pre-procedural and post-procedural imaging. We demonstrate results applying this framework to non-rigidly register post-surgical computed tomography (CT) brain images to pre-surgical magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of epilepsy patients who had intra-cranial electroencephalography electrodes surgically implanted. Deformations caused by this surgical procedure, imaging artifacts caused by the electrodes, and the use of multi-modal imaging data make non-rigid registration challenging. Our results show that the use of our proposed framework to constrain the non-rigid registration process results in significantly improved and more robust registration performance compared to using standard rigid and non-rigid registration methods. PMID:26900569

  5. Carbon dots-decorated multiwalled carbon nanotubes nanocomposites as a high-performance electrochemical sensor for detection of H2O2 in living cells.

    PubMed

    Bai, Jing; Sun, Chunhe; Jiang, Xiue

    2016-07-01

    A novel enzyme-free hydrogen peroxide sensor composed of carbon dots (CDs) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was prepared. It was found that the carbon dots-decorated multi-walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposites (CDs/MWCNTs) modified glassy carbon (GC) electrode (CDs/MWCNTs/GCE) exhibited a significant synergistic electrocatalytic activity towards hydrogen peroxide reduction as compared to carbon dots or multi-walled carbon nanotubes alone, and the CDs/MWCNTs/GCE has shown a low detection limit as well as excellent stability, selectivity, and reproducibility. These remarkable analytical advantages enable the practical application of CDs/MWCNTs/GCE for the real-time tracking of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) released from human cervical cancer cells with satisfactory results. The enhanced electrochemical activity can be assigned to the edge plane-like defective sites and lattice oxygen in the CDs/MWCNTs nanocomposites due to the small amount of decoration of carbon dots on the multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Based on a facile preparation method and with good electrochemical properties, the CDs/MWCNTs nanocomposites represent a new class of carbon electrode for electrochemical sensor applications. Graphical Abstract CDs/MWCNTs exhibited good electrocatalytic activity and stability to H2O2 reduction and can be used for real-time detection of H2O2 released from living cells.

  6. Rheology of cellulose nanofibrils/silver nanowires suspension for the production of transparent and conductive electrodes by screen printing

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Hoeng, Fanny; Denneulin, Aurore; Reverdy-Bruas, Nadège; Krosnicki, Guillaume; Bras, Julien

    2017-02-01

    With the aim of processing silver nanowires-based electrodes using screen printing process, this study proposes to evaluate the suitability of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) as a thickening agent for providing a high viscosity silver nanowires screen printing ink. Rheology of CNF suspension has been specifically investigated according to screen printing process requirements using both rotational and oscillating rheology. It has been found that CNF indeed act as a thickener and stabilizer for the silver nanowires suspension. However, the solid dominant visco-elastic behavior of the CNF suspension was not suitable for screen printing and leads to defects within the printed film. CNF visco-elastic properties were modified by adding hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) to the suspension. Homogeneous transparent conductive layers have been obtained when using CNF-HPMC as a matrix for silver nanowires. The screen printed layers were characterized and performances of Rsh = 12 ± 5 Ω□-1 and T%500nm = 74,8% were achieved without any additional post-treatment to the film.

  7. Development of scintillating screens based on the single crystalline films of Ce doped (Gd,Y)3(Al,Ga,Sc)5O12 multi-component garnets

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zorenko, Yuriy; Gorbenko, Vitaliy; Savchyn, Volodymyr; Zorenko, Tanya; Fedorov, Alexander; Sidletskiy, Oleg

    2014-09-01

    The paper is dedicated to development of scintillators based on single crystalline films of Ce doped (Gd,Y)3(Al,Ga,Sc)5O12 multi-component garnets onto Gd3Ga5O12 substrates using the liquid phase epitaxy method.

  8. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells for space and electric vehicle applications: From basic research to technology development

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Srinivasan, Supramaniam; Mukerjee, Sanjeev; Parthasarathy, A.; CesarFerreira, A.; Wakizoe, Masanobu; Rho, Yong Woo; Kim, Junbom; Mosdale, Renaut A.; Paetzold, Ronald F.; Lee, James

    1994-01-01

    The proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is one of the most promising electrochemical power sources for space and electric vehicle applications. The wide spectrum of R&D activities on PEMFC's, carried out in our Center from 1988 to date, is as follows (1) Electrode Kinetic and Electrocatalysis of Oxygen Reduction; (2) Optimization of Structures of Electrodes and of Membrane and Electrode Assemblies; (3) Selection and Evaluation of Advanced Proton Conducting Membranes and of Operating Conditions to Attain High Energy Efficiency; (4) Modeling Analysis of Fuel Cell Performance and of Thermal and Water Management; and (5) Engineering Design and Development of Multicell Stacks. The accomplishments on these tasks may be summarized as follows: (1) A microelectrode technique was developed to determine the electrode kinetic parameters for the fuel cell reactions and mass transport parameters for the H2 and O2 reactants in the proton conducting membrane. (2) High energy efficiencies and high power densities were demonstrated in PEMFCs with low platinum loading electrodes (0.4 mg/cm(exp 2) or less), advanced membranes and optimized structures of membrane and electrode assemblies, as well as operating conditions. (3) The modeling analyses revealed methods to minimize mass transport limitations, particularly with air as the cathodic reactant; and for efficient thermal and water management. (4) Work is in progress to develop multi-kilowatt stacks with the electrodes containing low platinum loadings.

  9. Estimation of muscle strength during motion recognition using multichannel surface EMG signals.

    PubMed

    Nagata, Kentaro; Nakano, Takemi; Magatani, Kazushige; Yamada, Masafumi

    2008-01-01

    The use of kinesiological electromyography is established as an evaluation tool for various kinds of applied research, and surface electromyogram (SEMG) has been widely used as a control source for human interfaces such as in a myoelectric prosthetic hand (we call them 'SEMG interfaces'). It is desirable to be able to control the SEMG interfaces with the same feeling as body movement. The existing SEMG interface mainly focuses on how to achieve accurate recognition of the intended movement. However, detecting muscular strength and reduced number of electrodes are also an important factor in controlling them. Therefore, our objective in this study is the development of and the estimation method for muscular strength that maintains the accuracy of hand motion recognition to reflect the result of measured power in a controlled object. Although the muscular strength can be evaluated by various methods, in this study a grasp force index was applied to evaluate the muscular strength. In order to achieve our objective, we directed our attention to measuring all valuable information for SEMG. This work proposes an application method of two simple linear models, and the selection method of an optimal electrode configuration to use them effectively. Our system required four SEMG measurement electrodes in which locations differed for every subject depending on the individual's characteristics, and those were selected from a 96ch multi electrode using the Monte Carlo method. From the experimental results, the performance in six normal subjects indicated that the recognition rate of four motions were perfect and the grasp force estimated result fit well with the actual measurement result.

  10. Influence of the UV radiation on the screen-printed pH-sensitive layers based on graphene and ruthenium dioxide

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Pepłowski, A.; Grudziński, D.; Raczyński, T.; Wróblewski, G.; Janczak, D.; Jakubowska, M.

    2017-08-01

    Electrodes for measuring pH of the solution were fabricated by the means of screen-printing technology. Potentiometric sensors' layers comprised of composite with polymer matrix and graphene nanoplatelets/ruthenium (IV) oxide nanopowder as functional phase. Transceivers were printed on the elastic PMMA foil. Regarding potential application of the sensors in the wearable devices, dynamic response of the electrodes to changing ultraviolet radiation levels was assessed, since RuO2 is reported to be UV-sensitive. Observed changes of the electrodes' potential were of sub-millivolt magnitude, being comparable to simultaneously observed signal drift. Given this stability under varying UV conditions and previously verified good flexibility, fabricated sensors meet the requirements for wearable applications.

  11. Deposition of tungsten metal by an immersion process

    DOE PAGES

    Small, Leo J.; Brumbach, Michael T.; Clem, Paul G.; ...

    2017-03-23

    A new multi-step, solution-phase method for the spontaneous deposition of tungsten from a room temperature ethereal solution is reported. This immersion process relies on the deposition of a sacrificial zinc coating which is galvanically displaced by the ether-mediated reduction of oxophilic WCl 6. Subsequent thermal treatment renders a crystalline, metallic tungsten film. The chemical evolution of the surface and formation of a complex intermediate tungsten species is characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Efficient metallic tungsten deposition is first characterized on a graphite substrate and then demonstrated on a functional carbon foam electrode. The resulting electrochemicalmore » performance of the modified electrode is interrogated with the canonical aqueous ferricyanide system. A tungsten-coated carbon foam electrode showed that both electrode resistance and overall electrochemical cell resistance were reduced by 50%, resulting in a concomitant decrease in redox peak separation from 1.902 V to 0.783 V. Furthermore, this process promises voltage efficiency gains in electrodes for energy storage technologies and demonstrates the viability of a new route to tungsten coating for technologies and industries where high conductivity and chemical stability are paramount.« less

  12. Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes/Graphite Nanosheets Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode for the Simultaneous Determination of Acetaminophen and Dopamine.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Susu; He, Ping; Zhang, Guangli; Lei, Wen; He, Huichao

    2015-01-01

    Graphite nanosheets prepared by thermal expansion and successive sonication were utilized for the construction of a multi-walled carbon nanotubes/graphite nanosheets based amperometric sensing platform to simultaneously determine acetaminophen and dopamine in the presence of ascorbic acid in physiological conditions. The synergistic effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and graphite nanosheets catalyzed the electrooxidation of acetaminophen and dopamine, leading to a remarkable potential difference up to 200 mV. The as-prepared modified electrode exhibited linear responses to acetaminophen and dopamine in the concentration ranges of 2.0 × 10(-6) - 2.4 × 10(-4) M (R = 0.999) and 2.0 × 10(-6) - 2.0 × 10(-4) M (R = 0.998), respectively. The detection limits were down to 2.3 × 10(-7) M for acetaminophen and 3.5 × 10(-7) M for dopamine (S/N = 3). Based on the simple preparation and prominent electrochemical properties, the obtained multi-walled carbon nanotubes/graphite nanosheets modified electrode would be a good candidate for the determination of acetaminophen and dopamine without the interference of ascorbic acid.

  13. Chip-based generation of carbon nanodots via electrochemical oxidation of screen printed carbon electrodes and the applications for efficient cell imaging and electrochemiluminescence enhancement

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Xu, Yuanhong; Liu, Jingquan; Zhang, Jizhen; Zong, Xidan; Jia, Xiaofang; Li, Dan; Wang, Erkang

    2015-05-01

    A portable lab-on-a-chip methodology to generate ionic liquid-functionalized carbon nanodots (CNDs) was developed via electrochemical oxidation of screen printed carbon electrodes. The CNDs can be successfully applied for efficient cell imaging and solid-state electrochemiluminescence sensor fabrication on the paper-based chips.A portable lab-on-a-chip methodology to generate ionic liquid-functionalized carbon nanodots (CNDs) was developed via electrochemical oxidation of screen printed carbon electrodes. The CNDs can be successfully applied for efficient cell imaging and solid-state electrochemiluminescence sensor fabrication on the paper-based chips. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Experimental section; Fig. S1. XPS spectra of the as-prepared CNDs after being dialyzed for 72 hours; Fig. S2. LSCM images showing time-dependent fluorescence signals of HeLa cells treated by the as-prepared CNDs; Tripropylamine analysis using the Nafion/CNDs modified ECL sensor. See DOI: 10.1039/c5nr01765c

  14. Novel neural interface for implant electrodes: improving electroactivity of polypyrrole through MWNT incorporation.

    PubMed

    Green, R A; Williams, C M; Lovell, N H; Poole-Warren, L A

    2008-04-01

    Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) can be incorporated into conductive polymers to produce superior materials for neural interfaces with high interfacial areas, conductivity and electrochemical stability. This paper explores the addition of MWNTs to polypyrrole (PPy) through two methods, layering and codeposition. Conductivity of PPy doped with polystyrene sulfonate (PSS), a commonly used dopant, was improved by 50% when MWNTs were layered with PPy/PSS. The film electrochemical stability was improved from 38% activity to 66% activity after 400 cycles of oxidation and reduction. Growth inhibition assays indicated that MWNTs are not growth inhibitory. The electroactive polymer-MWNT composites produced demonstrate properties that suggest they are promising candidates for biomedical electrode coatings.

  15. Patient perceptions of stool DNA testing for pan-digestive cancer screening: A survey questionnaire

    PubMed Central

    Yang, Dennis; Hillman, Shauna L; Harris, Ann M; Sinicrope, Pamela S; Devens, Mary E; Ahlquist, David A

    2014-01-01

    AIM: To explore patient interest in a potential multi-organ stool-DNA test (MUST) for pan-digestive cancer screening. METHODS: A questionnaire was designed and mailed to 1200 randomly-selected patients from the Mayo Clinic registry. The 29-item survey questionnaire included items related to demographics, knowledge of digestive cancers, personal and family history of cancer, personal concern of cancer, colorectal cancer (CRC) screening behavior, interest in MUST, importance of test features in a cancer screening tool, and comparison of MUST with available CRC screening tests. All responses were summarized descriptively. χ2 and Rank Sum Test were used for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. RESULTS: Completed surveys were returned by 434 (29% aged 50-59, 37% 60-69, 34% 70-79, 52% women). Most participants (98%) responded they would use MUST. In order of importance, respondents rated multi-cancer detection, absence of bowel preparation, safety and noninvasiveness as most attractive characteristics. For CRC screening, MUST was preferred over colorectal-only stool-DNA testing (53%), occult blood testing (75%), colonoscopy (84%), sigmoidoscopy (91%), and barium enema (95%), P < 0.0001 for each. Among those not previously screened, most (96%) indicated they would use MUST if available. Respondents were confident in their ability to follow instructions to perform MUST (98%). Only 9% of respondents indicated that fear of finding cancer was a concern with MUST, and only 3% indicated unpleasantness of stool sampling as a potential barrier. CONCLUSION: Patients are receptive to the concept of MUST, preferred MUST over conventional CRC screening modalities and valued its potential feature of multi-cancer detection. PMID:24803808

  16. Immobilized enzyme reactors in HPLC and its application in inhibitor screening: A review

    PubMed Central

    Fang, Si-Meng; Wang, Hai-Na; Zhao, Zhong-Xi; Wang, Wei-Hong

    2011-01-01

    This paper sets out to summarize the literatures based on immobilized enzyme bio-chromatography and its application in inhibitors screening in the last decade. In order to screen enzyme inhibitors from a mass of compounds in preliminary screening, multi-pore materials with good biocompatibility are used for the supports of immobilizing enzymes, and then the immobilized enzyme reactor applied as the immobilized enzyme stationary phase in HPLC. Therefore, a technology platform of high throughput screening is gradually established to screen the enzyme inhibitors as new anti-tumor drugs. Here, we briefly summarize the selective methods of supports, immobilization techniques, co-immobilized enzymes system and the screening model. PMID:29403726

  17. Multi-layer plastic/glass microfluidic systems containing electrical and mechanical functionality.

    PubMed

    Han, Arum; Wang, Olivia; Graff, Mason; Mohanty, Swomitra K; Edwards, Thayne L; Han, Ki-Ho; Bruno Frazier, A

    2003-08-01

    This paper describes an approach for fabricating multi-layer microfluidic systems from a combination of glass and plastic materials. Methods and characterization results for the microfabrication technologies underlying the process flow are presented. The approach is used to fabricate and characterize multi-layer plastic/glass microfluidic systems containing electrical and mechanical functionality. Hot embossing, heat staking of plastics, injection molding, microstenciling of electrodes, and stereolithography were combined with conventional MEMS fabrication techniques to realize the multi-layer systems. The approach enabled the integration of multiple plastic/glass materials into a single monolithic system, provided a solution for the integration of electrical functionality throughout the system, provided a mechanism for the inclusion of microactuators such as micropumps/valves, and provided an interconnect technology for interfacing fluids and electrical components between the micro system and the macro world.

  18. Screen-printed electrode-based electrochemical detector coupled with in-situ ionic-liquid-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction for determination of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene.

    PubMed

    Fernández, Elena; Vidal, Lorena; Iniesta, Jesús; Metters, Jonathan P; Banks, Craig E; Canals, Antonio

    2014-03-01

    A novel method is reported, whereby screen-printed electrodes (SPELs) are combined with dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction. In-situ ionic liquid (IL) formation was used as an extractant phase in the microextraction technique and proved to be a simple, fast and inexpensive analytical method. This approach uses miniaturized systems both in sample preparation and in the detection stage, helping to develop environmentally friendly analytical methods and portable devices to enable rapid and onsite measurement. The microextraction method is based on a simple metathesis reaction, in which a water-immiscible IL (1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide, [Hmim][NTf2]) is formed from a water-miscible IL (1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, [Hmim][Cl]) and an ion-exchange reagent (lithium bis[(trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl]imide, LiNTf2) in sample solutions. The explosive 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) was used as a model analyte to develop the method. The electrochemical behavior of TNT in [Hmim][NTf2] has been studied in SPELs. The extraction method was first optimized by use of a two-step multivariate optimization strategy, using Plackett-Burman and central composite designs. The method was then evaluated under optimum conditions and a good level of linearity was obtained, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9990. Limits of detection and quantification were 7 μg L(-1) and 9 μg L(-1), respectively. The repeatability of the proposed method was evaluated at two different spiking levels (20 and 50 μg L(-1)), and coefficients of variation of 7 % and 5 % (n = 5) were obtained. Tap water and industrial wastewater were selected as real-world water samples to assess the applicability of the method.

  19. Methods and devices for high-throughput dielectrophoretic concentration

    DOEpatents

    Simmons, Blake A.; Cummings, Eric B.; Fiechtner, Gregory J.; Fintschenko, Yolanda; McGraw, Gregory J.; Salmi, Allen

    2010-02-23

    Disclosed herein are methods and devices for assaying and concentrating analytes in a fluid sample using dielectrophoresis. As disclosed, the methods and devices utilize substrates having a plurality of pores through which analytes can be selectively prevented from passing, or inhibited, on application of an appropriate electric field waveform. The pores of the substrate produce nonuniform electric field having local extrema located near the pores. These nonuniform fields drive dielectrophoresis, which produces the inhibition. Arrangements of electrodes and porous substrates support continuous, bulk, multi-dimensional, and staged selective concentration.

  20. Systematic cloning of human minisatellites from ordered array charomid libraries.

    PubMed

    Armour, J A; Povey, S; Jeremiah, S; Jeffreys, A J

    1990-11-01

    We present a rapid and efficient method for the isolation of minisatellite loci from human DNA. The method combines cloning a size-selected fraction of human MboI DNA fragments in a charomid vector with hybridization screening of the library in ordered array. Size-selection of large MboI fragments enriches for the longer, more variable minisatellites and reduces the size of the library required. The library was screened with a series of multi-locus probes known to detect a large number of hypervariable loci in human DNA. The gridded library allowed both the rapid processing of positive clones and the comparative evaluation of the different multi-locus probes used, in terms of both the relative success in detecting hypervariable loci and the degree of overlap between the sets of loci detected. We report 23 new human minisatellite loci isolated by this method, which map to 14 autosomes and the sex chromosomes.

  1. Computationally efficient approach for solving time dependent diffusion equation with discrete temporal convolution applied to granular particles of battery electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Senegačnik, Jure; Tavčar, Gregor; Katrašnik, Tomaž

    2015-03-01

    The paper presents a computationally efficient method for solving the time dependent diffusion equation in a granule of the Li-ion battery's granular solid electrode. The method, called Discrete Temporal Convolution method (DTC), is based on a discrete temporal convolution of the analytical solution of the step function boundary value problem. This approach enables modelling concentration distribution in the granular particles for arbitrary time dependent exchange fluxes that do not need to be known a priori. It is demonstrated in the paper that the proposed method features faster computational times than finite volume/difference methods and Padé approximation at the same accuracy of the results. It is also demonstrated that all three addressed methods feature higher accuracy compared to the quasi-steady polynomial approaches when applied to simulate the current densities variations typical for mobile/automotive applications. The proposed approach can thus be considered as one of the key innovative methods enabling real-time capability of the multi particle electrochemical battery models featuring spatial and temporal resolved particle concentration profiles.

  2. Acoustic resonator with Al electrodes on an AlN layer and using a GaAs substrate

    DOEpatents

    Kline, Gerald R.; Lakin, Kenneth M.

    1985-12-03

    A method of fabricating an acoustic wave resonator wherein all processing steps are accomplished from a single side of said substrate. The method involves deposition of a multi-layered Al/AlN structure on a GaAs substrate followed by a series of fabrication steps to define a resonator from said composite. The resulting resonator comprises an AlN layer between two Al layers and another layer of AlN on an exterior of one of said Al layers.

  3. Method of construction of a multi-cell solar array

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Routh, D. E.; Hollis, B. R., Jr.; Feltner, W. R. (Inventor)

    1979-01-01

    The method of constructing a high voltage, low power, multicell solar array is described. A solar cell base region is formed in a substrate such as but not limited to silicon or sapphire. A protective coating is applied on the base and a patterned etching of the coating and base forms discrete base regions. A semiconductive junction and upper active region are formed in each base region, and defined by photolithography. Thus, discrete cells which are interconnected by metallic electrodes are formed.

  4. Portable electrochemical system using screen-printed electrodes for monitoring corrosion inhibitors.

    PubMed

    Squissato, André L; Silva, Weberson P; Del Claro, Augusto T S; Rocha, Diego P; Dornellas, Rafael M; Richter, Eduardo M; Foster, Christopher W; Banks, Craig E; Munoz, Rodrigo A A

    2017-11-01

    This work presents a portable electrochemical system for the continuous monitoring of corrosion inhibitors in a wide range of matrices including ethanol, seawater and mineral oil following simple dilution of the samples. Proof-of-concept is demonstrated for the sensing of 2,5-dimercapto-1,3,5-thiadiazole (DMCT), an important corrosion inhibitor. Disposable screen-printed graphitic electrodes (SPGEs) associated with a portable batch-injection cell are proposed for the amperometric determination of DMCT following sample dilution with electrolyte (95% v/v ethanol + 5% v/v 0.1molL -1 H 2 SO 4 solution). This electrolyte was compatible with all samples and the organic-resistant SPGE could be used continuously for more than 200 injections (100µL injected at 193µLs -1 ) free from effects of adsorption of DMCT, which have a great affinity for metallic surfaces, and dissolution of the other reported SPGE inks which has hampered prior research efforts. Fast (180h -1 ) and precise responses (RSD < 3% n = 10) with a detection limit of 0.3µmolL -1 was obtained. The accuracy of the proposed method was attested through recovery tests (93-106%) and the reasonable agreement of results of DMCT concentrations in samples analyzed by both proposed and spectrophotometric (comparative) methods. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. [Study of Cervical Exfoliated Cell's DNA Quantitative Analysis Based on Multi-Spectral Imaging Technology].

    PubMed

    Wu, Zheng; Zeng, Li-bo; Wu, Qiong-shui

    2016-02-01

    The conventional cervical cancer screening methods mainly include TBS (the bethesda system) classification method and cellular DNA quantitative analysis, however, by using multiple staining method in one cell slide, which is staining the cytoplasm with Papanicolaou reagent and the nucleus with Feulgen reagent, the study of achieving both two methods in the cervical cancer screening at the same time is still blank. Because the difficulty of this multiple staining method is that the absorbance of the non-DNA material may interfere with the absorbance of DNA, so that this paper has set up a multi-spectral imaging system, and established an absorbance unmixing model by using multiple linear regression method based on absorbance's linear superposition character, and successfully stripped out the absorbance of DNA to run the DNA quantitative analysis, and achieved the perfect combination of those two kinds of conventional screening method. Through a series of experiment we have proved that between the absorbance of DNA which is calculated by the absorbance unmixxing model and the absorbance of DNA which is measured there is no significant difference in statistics when the test level is 1%, also the result of actual application has shown that there is no intersection between the confidence interval of the DNA index of the tetraploid cells which are screened by using this paper's analysis method when the confidence level is 99% and the DNA index's judging interval of cancer cells, so that the accuracy and feasibility of the quantitative DNA analysis with multiple staining method expounded by this paper have been verified, therefore this analytical method has a broad application prospect and considerable market potential in early diagnosis of cervical cancer and other cancers.

  6. Potentiometric determination of antihistaminic diphenhydramine hydrochloride in pharmaceutical preparations and biological fluids using screen-printed electrode.

    PubMed

    Frag, Eman Y Z; Mohamed, Gehad G; El-Sayed, Wael G

    2011-10-01

    The performance characteristic of sensitive screen-printed (SPE) and carbon paste (CPE) electrodes was investigated for the determination of diphenhydramine hydrochloride (DPH) drug in pure, pharmaceutical preparations and biological fluids. Different experimental conditions namely types of materials used to prepare the working electrode (plasticizer), titrant, pH, temperature and life time were studied. Under these conditions, the SPE shows the best performance than CPE with respect to total potential change and potential break at the end point. The SPE and CPE exhibit suitable response to DPH in a concentration range of 1.0.10(-2) to 1.0.10(-6) mol/L with a limit of detection 9.70.10(-7) and 9.80.10(-7) mol/L, respectively. The slope of the system was 55.2±1.0 and 54.7±1.0 mV/decade over pH range 3.0-8.0 and 3-7 for SPE and CPE, respectively. Selectivity coefficients for DPH relative to a numbers of potential interfering substances were investigated. The SPE and CPE show a fast response time of 10 and 16s and were used over a period of 2 months with a good reproducibility. The sensors were applied successfully to determine DPH in pharmaceutical preparations and biological fluids. The results are compared with the official method. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  7. Breast Cancer Screening in the Era of Density Notification Legislation: Summary of 2014 Massachusetts Experience and Suggestion of An Evidence-Based Management Algorithm by Multi-disciplinary Expert Panel

    PubMed Central

    Freer, Phoebe E.; Slanetz, Priscilla J.; Haas, Jennifer S.; Tung, Nadine M.; Hughes, Kevin S.; Armstrong, Katrina; Semine, A. Alan; Troyan, Susan L.; Birdwell, Robyn L.

    2015-01-01

    Purpose Stemming from breast density notification legislation in Massachusetts effective 2015, we sought to develop a collaborative evidence-based approach to density notification that could be used by practitioners across the state. Our goal was to develop an evidence-based consensus management algorithm to help patients and health care providers follow best practices to implement a coordinated, evidence-based, cost-effective, sustainable practice and to standardize care in recommendations for supplemental screening. Methods We formed the Massachusetts Breast Risk Education and Assessment Task Force (MA-BREAST) a multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary panel of expert radiologists, surgeons, primary care physicians, and oncologists to develop a collaborative approach to density notification legislation. Using evidence-based data from the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER), the Cochrane review, National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, American Cancer Society (ACS) recommendations, and American College of Radiology (ACR) appropriateness criteria, the group collaboratively developed an evidence-based best-practices algorithm. Results The expert consensus algorithm uses breast density as one element in the risk stratification to determine the need for supplemental screening. Women with dense breasts and otherwise low risk (<15% lifetime risk), do not routinely require supplemental screening per the expert consensus. Women of high risk (>20% lifetime) should consider supplemental screening MRI in addition to routine mammography regardless of breast density. Conclusion We report the development of the multi-disciplinary collaborative approach to density notification. We propose a risk stratification algorithm to assess personal level of risk to determine the need for supplemental screening for an individual woman. PMID:26290416

  8. Simulation-Based Validation for Four-Dimensional Multi-Channel Ultrasound Current Source Density Imaging

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Zhaohui; Witte, Russell S.

    2015-01-01

    Ultrasound current source density imaging (UCSDI), which has application to the heart and brain, exploits the acoustoelectric (AE) effect and Ohm's law to detect and map an electrical current distribution. In this study, we describe 4-D UCSDI simulations of a dipole field for comparison and validation with bench-top experiments. The simulations consider the properties of the ultrasound pulse as it passes through a conductive medium, the electric field of the injected dipole, and the lead field of the detectors. In the simulation, the lead fields of detectors and electric field of the dipole were calculated by the finite element (FE) method, and the convolution and correlation in the computation of the detected AE voltage signal were accelerated using 3-D fast Fourier transforms. In the bench-top experiment, an electric dipole was produced in a bath of 0.9% NaCl solution containing two electrodes, which injected an ac pulse (200 Hz, 3 cycles) ranging from 0 to 140 mA. Stimulating and recording electrodes were placed in a custom electrode chamber made on a rapid prototype printer. Each electrode could be positioned anywhere on an x-y grid (5 mm spacing) and individually adjusted in the depth direction for precise control of the geometry of the current sources and detecting electrodes. A 1-MHz ultrasound beam was pulsed and focused through a plastic film to modulate the current distribution inside the saline-filled tank. AE signals were simultaneously detected at a sampling frequency of 15 MHz on multiple recording electrodes. A single recording electrode is sufficient to form volume images of the current flow and electric potentials. The AE potential is sensitive to the distance from the dipole, but is less sensitive to the angle between the detector and the dipole. Multi-channel UCSDI potentially improves 4-D mapping of bioelectric sources in the body at high spatial resolution, which is especially important for diagnosing and guiding treatment of cardiac and neurologic disorders, including arrhythmia and epilepsy. PMID:24569247

  9. Development of a simple, low cost chronoamperometric assay for fructose based on a commercial graphite-nanoparticle modified screen-printed carbon electrode.

    PubMed

    Nicholas, Phil; Pittson, Robin; Hart, John P

    2018-02-15

    This paper describes the development of a simple, low cost chronoamperometric assay, for the measurement of fructose, using a graphite-nanoparticle modified screen-printed electrode (SPCE-G-COOH). Cyclic voltammetry showed that the response of the SPCE-G-COOH enhanced the sensitivity and precision, towards the enzymatically generated ferrocyanide species, over a plain SPCE; therefore the former was employed in subsequent studies. Calibration studies were carried out using chronoamperometry with a 40µl mixture containing fructose, mediator and FDH, deposited onto the SPCE-G-COOH. The response was linear from 0.1mM to 1.0mM. A commercial fruit juice sample was analysed using the developed assay and the fructose concentration was calculated to be 477mM with a precision of 3.03% (n=5). Following fortification (477mM fructose) the mean recovery was found to be 97.12% with a coefficient of variation of 6.42% (n=5); consequently, the method holds promise for the analysis of commercial fruit juices. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Amperometric Biosensor Based on Diamine Oxidase/Platinum Nanoparticles/Graphene/Chitosan Modified Screen-Printed Carbon Electrode for Histamine Detection.

    PubMed

    Apetrei, Irina Mirela; Apetrei, Constantin

    2016-03-24

    This work describes the development and optimization studies of a novel biosensor employed in the detection and quantification of histamine in freshwater fish samples. The proposed biosensor is based on a modified carbon screen-printed electrode with diamineoxidase, graphene and platinum nanoparticles, which detects the hydrogen peroxide formed by the chemical process biocatalysed by the enzyme diamine oxidase and immobilized onto the nanostructurated surface of the receptor element. The amperometric measurements with the biosensor have been implemented in buffer solution of pH 7.4, applying an optimal low potential of +0.4 V. The novel biosensor shows high sensitivity (0.0631 μA·μM), low detection limit (2.54 × 10(-8) M) and a broad linear domain from 0.1 to 300 μM. The applicability in natural complex samples and the analytical parameters of this enzyme sensor have been performed in the quantification of histamine in freshwater fish. An excellent correlation among results achieved with the developed biosensor and results found with the standard method for all freshwater fish samples has been achieved.

  11. 3D spongy graphene-modified screen-printed sensors for the voltammetric determination of the narcotic drug codeine.

    PubMed

    Mohamed, Mona A; El-Gendy, Dalia M; Ahmed, Nashaat; Banks, Craig E; Allam, Nageh K

    2018-03-15

    Adenine-functionalized spongy graphene (FSG) composite, fabricated via a facile and green synthetic method, has been explored as a potential electrocatalyst toward the electroanalytical sensing of codeine phosphate (COD). The synthesized composite is characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and thermogravimetric analysis. The FSG was electrically wired via modification upon screen-printed (macro electrode) sensors, which behave as a hybrid electrode material for the sensitive and selective codeine phosphate (COD) determination in the presence of paracetamol (PAR) and caffeine (CAF). The FSG- modified sensor showed an excellent electrocatalytic response towards the sensing of COD with a wide linear response range of 2.0 × 10 -8 -2.0 × 10 -4 M and a detection limit (LOD) of 5.8 × 10 -9 M, indicating its potential for the sensing of COD in clinical samples and pharmaceutical formulations. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Amperometric Biosensor Based on Diamine Oxidase/Platinum Nanoparticles/Graphene/Chitosan Modified Screen-Printed Carbon Electrode for Histamine Detection

    PubMed Central

    Apetrei, Irina Mirela; Apetrei, Constantin

    2016-01-01

    This work describes the development and optimization studies of a novel biosensor employed in the detection and quantification of histamine in freshwater fish samples. The proposed biosensor is based on a modified carbon screen-printed electrode with diamineoxidase, graphene and platinum nanoparticles, which detects the hydrogen peroxide formed by the chemical process biocatalysed by the enzyme diamine oxidase and immobilized onto the nanostructurated surface of the receptor element. The amperometric measurements with the biosensor have been implemented in buffer solution of pH 7.4, applying an optimal low potential of +0.4 V. The novel biosensor shows high sensitivity (0.0631 μA·μM), low detection limit (2.54 × 10−8 M) and a broad linear domain from 0.1 to 300 μM. The applicability in natural complex samples and the analytical parameters of this enzyme sensor have been performed in the quantification of histamine in freshwater fish. An excellent correlation among results achieved with the developed biosensor and results found with the standard method for all freshwater fish samples has been achieved. PMID:27023541

  13. Oxidation of ammonium sulfite by a multi-needle-to-plate gas phase pulsed corona discharge reactor

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Ren, Hua; Lu, Na; Shang, Kefeng; Li, Jie; Wu, Yan

    2013-03-01

    The oxidation of ammonium sulfite in the ammonia-based flue gas desulfurization (FGD) process was investigated in a multi-needle-to-plate gas phase pulsed corona discharge reactor in this paper. The effect of several parameters, including capacitance and peak pulse voltage of discharge system, electrode gap and bubbling gas flow rate on the oxidation rate of ammonium sulfite was reviewed. The oxidation rate of ammonium sulfite could reach 47.2% at the capacitance, the peak pulse voltage, electrode gap and bubbling gas flow rate equal to 2 nF, -24.6 k V, 35 mm and 4 L min-1 within treatment time of 40 min The experimental results indicate that the gas phase pulsed discharge system with a multi-needle-to-plate electrode can oxide the ammonium sulfite. The oxidation rate increased with the applied capacitance and peak pulse voltage and decreased with the electrode gap. As the bubbling gas flow rate increased, the oxidation rate increased first and then tended to reach a stationary value. These results would be important for the process optimization of the (NH4)2SO3 to (NH4)2SO4 oxidation.

  14. Impact of electrode preparation on the bending of asymmetric planar electro-active polymer microstructures

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Weiss, Florian M.; Töpper, Tino; Osmani, Bekim; Winterhalter, Carla; Müller, Bert

    2014-03-01

    Compliant electrodes of microstructures have been a research topic for many years because of the increasing interest in consumer electronics, robotics, and medical applications. This interest includes electrically activated polymers (EAP), mainly applied in robotics, lens systems, haptics and foreseen in a variety of medical devices. Here, the electrodes consist of metals such as gold, graphite, conductive polymers or certain composites. The common metal electrodes have been magnetron sputtered, thermally evaporated or prepared using ion implantation. In order to compare the functionality of planar metal electrodes in EAP microstructures, we have investigated the mechanical properties of magnetron sputtered and thermally evaporated electrodes taking advantage of cantilever bending of the asymmetric, rectangular microstructures. We demonstrate that the deflection of the sputtered electrodes is up to 39 % larger than that of thermally evaporated nanometer-thin film on a single silicone film. This difference has even more impact on nanometer-thin, multi-stack, low-voltage EAP actuators. The stiffening effect of many metallic electrode layers is expected to be one of the greatest drawbacks in the multi-stack approaches, which will be even more pronounced if the elastomer layer thickness will be in the sub-micrometer range. Additionally, an improvement in voltage and strain resolution is presented, which is as low as 2 V or 5 × 10-5 above 10 V applied.

  15. Electrochemiluminescence sensor for melamine based on a Ru(bpy)₃²⁺-doped silica nanoparticles/carboxylic acid functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes/Nafion composite film modified electrode.

    PubMed

    Chen, Xiaomei; Lian, Sai; Ma, Ying; Peng, Aihong; Tian, Xiaotian; Huang, Zhiyong; Chen, Xi

    2016-01-01

    In this work, a sensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor for the determination of melamine (MEL) was developed based on a Ru(bpy)3(2+)-doped silica nanoparticles (RUDS)/carboxylic acid functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CMWCNTs)/Nafion composite film modified electrode. The homogeneous spherical RUDS were synthesized by a reverse microemulsion method. As Ru(bpy)3(2+) were encapsulated in the RUDS, Ru(bpy)3(2+) dropping from the modified electrode can be greatly prevented, which is helpful for obtaining a stable ECL signal. Moreover, to improve the conductivity of the film and promote the electron transfer rate on electrode surface, CMWCNTs with excellent electrical conductivity and large surface area were applied in the construction of the sensing film. As CMWCNTs acted as electron bridges making more Ru(bpy)3(2+) participate in the reaction, the ECL intensity was greatly enhanced. Under the optimum conditions, the relative ECL signal (△IECL) was proportional to the logarithmic MEL concentration ranging from 5×10(-13) to 1×10(-7) mol L(-1) with a detection limit of 1×10(-13) mol L(-1). To verify the reliability, the thus-fabricated ECL sensor was applied to determine the concentration of MEL in milk. Based on these investigations, the proposed ECL sensor exhibited good feasibility and high sensitivity for the determination of MEL, promising the applicability of this sensor in practical analysis. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Cochlear Implant Electrode Localization Using an Ultra-High Resolution Scan Mode on Conventional 64-Slice and New Generation 192-Slice Multi-Detector Computed Tomography.

    PubMed

    Carlson, Matthew L; Leng, Shuai; Diehn, Felix E; Witte, Robert J; Krecke, Karl N; Grimes, Josh; Koeller, Kelly K; Bruesewitz, Michael R; McCollough, Cynthia H; Lane, John I

    2017-08-01

    A new generation 192-slice multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) clinical scanner provides enhanced image quality and superior electrode localization over conventional MDCT. Currently, accurate and reliable cochlear implant electrode localization using conventional MDCT scanners remains elusive. Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric temporal bones were implanted with full-length cochlear implant electrodes. Specimens were subsequently scanned with conventional 64-slice and new generation 192-slice MDCT scanners utilizing ultra-high resolution modes. Additionally, all specimens were scanned with micro-CT to provide a reference criterion for electrode position. Images were reconstructed according to routine temporal bone clinical protocols. Three neuroradiologists, blinded to scanner type, reviewed images independently to assess resolution of individual electrodes, scalar localization, and severity of image artifact. Serving as the reference standard, micro-CT identified scalar crossover in one specimen; imaging of all remaining cochleae demonstrated complete scala tympani insertions. The 192-slice MDCT scanner exhibited improved resolution of individual electrodes (p < 0.01), superior scalar localization (p < 0.01), and reduced blooming artifact (p < 0.05), compared with conventional 64-slice MDCT. There was no significant difference between platforms when comparing streak or ring artifact. The new generation 192-slice MDCT scanner offers several notable advantages for cochlear implant imaging compared with conventional MDCT. This technology provides important feedback regarding electrode position and course, which may help in future optimization of surgical technique and electrode design.

  17. DNA impedance biosensor for detection of cancer, TP53 gene mutation, based on gold nanoparticles/aligned carbon nanotubes modified electrode.

    PubMed

    Fayazfar, H; Afshar, A; Dolati, M; Dolati, A

    2014-07-11

    For the first time, a new platform based on electrochemical growth of Au nanoparticles on aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (A-MWCNT) was developed for sensitive lable-free DNA detection of the TP53 gene mutation, one of the most popular genes in cancer research. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to monitor the sequence-specific DNA hybridization events related to TP53 gene. Compared to the bare Ta or MWCNT/Ta electrodes, the synergistic interactions of vertically aligned MWCNT array and gold nanoparticles at modified electrode could improve the density of the probe DNA attachment and resulting the sensitivity of the DNA sensor greatly. Using EIS, over the extended DNA concentration range, the change of charge transfer resistance was found to have a linear relationship in respect to the logarithm of the complementary oligonucleotides sequence concentrations in the wide range of 1.0×10(-15)-1.0×10(-7)M, with a detection limit of 1.0×10(-17)M (S/N=3). The prepared sensor also showed good stability (14 days), reproducibility (RSD=2.1%) and could be conveniently regenerated via dehybridization in hot water. The significant improvement in sensitivity illustrates that combining gold nanoparticles with the on-site fabricated aligned MWCNT array represents a promising platform for achieving sensitive biosensor for fast mutation screening related to most human cancer types. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  18. Electrochemical Oscillations of Nickel Electrodissolution in an Epoxy-Based Microchip Flow Cell

    PubMed Central

    Cioffi, Alexander G.; Martin, R. Scott; Kiss, István Z.

    2011-01-01

    We investigate the nonlinear dynamics of transpassive electrodissolution of nickel in sulfuric acid in an epoxy-based microchip flow cell. We observed bistability, smooth, relaxation, and period-2 waveform current oscillations with external resistance attached to the electrode in the microfabricated electrochemical cell with 0.05 mm diameter Ni wire under potentiostatic control. Experiments with 1mm × 0.1 mm Ni electrode show spontaneous oscillations without attached external resistance; similar surface area electrode in macrocell does not exhibit spontaneous oscillations. Combined experimental and numerical studies show that spontaneous oscillation with the on-chip fabricated electrochemical cell occurs because of the unusually large ohmic potential drop due to the constrained current in the narrow flow channel. This large IR potential drop is expected to have an important role in destabilizing negative differential resistance electrochemical (e.g., metal dissolution and electrocatalytic) systems in on-chip integrated microfludic flow cells. The proposed experimental setup can be extendend to multi-electrode configurations; the epoxy-based substrate procedure thus holds promise in electroanalytical applications that require collector-generator multi-electrodes wires with various electrode sizes, compositions, and spacings as well as controlled flow conditions. PMID:21822407

  19. Electrochemical Oscillations of Nickel Electrodissolution in an Epoxy-Based Microchip Flow Cell.

    PubMed

    Cioffi, Alexander G; Martin, R Scott; Kiss, István Z

    2011-08-01

    We investigate the nonlinear dynamics of transpassive electrodissolution of nickel in sulfuric acid in an epoxy-based microchip flow cell. We observed bistability, smooth, relaxation, and period-2 waveform current oscillations with external resistance attached to the electrode in the microfabricated electrochemical cell with 0.05 mm diameter Ni wire under potentiostatic control. Experiments with 1mm × 0.1 mm Ni electrode show spontaneous oscillations without attached external resistance; similar surface area electrode in macrocell does not exhibit spontaneous oscillations. Combined experimental and numerical studies show that spontaneous oscillation with the on-chip fabricated electrochemical cell occurs because of the unusually large ohmic potential drop due to the constrained current in the narrow flow channel. This large IR potential drop is expected to have an important role in destabilizing negative differential resistance electrochemical (e.g., metal dissolution and electrocatalytic) systems in on-chip integrated microfludic flow cells. The proposed experimental setup can be extendend to multi-electrode configurations; the epoxy-based substrate procedure thus holds promise in electroanalytical applications that require collector-generator multi-electrodes wires with various electrode sizes, compositions, and spacings as well as controlled flow conditions.

  20. Carbon nanotube-based multi electrode arrays for neuronal interfacing: progress and prospects

    PubMed Central

    Bareket-Keren, Lilach; Hanein, Yael

    2013-01-01

    Carbon nanotube (CNT) coatings have been demonstrated over the past several years as a promising material for neuronal interfacing applications. In particular, in the realm of neuronal implants, CNTs have major advantages owing to their unique mechanical and electrical properties. Here we review recent investigations utilizing CNTs in neuro-interfacing applications. Cell adhesion, neuronal engineering and multi electrode recordings with CNTs are described. We also highlight prospective advances in this field, in particular, progress toward flexible, bio-compatible CNT-based technology. PMID:23316141

  1. Self-cleaning threaded rod spinneret for high-efficiency needleless electrospinning

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zheng, Gaofeng; Jiang, Jiaxin; Wang, Xiang; Li, Wenwang; Zhong, Weizheng; Guo, Shumin

    2018-07-01

    High-efficiency production of nanofibers is the key to the application of electrospinning technology. This work focuses on multi-jet electrospinning, in which a threaded rod electrode is utilized as the needless spinneret to achieve high-efficiency production of nanofibers. A slipper block, which fits into and moves through the threaded rod, is designed to transfer polymer solution evenly to the surface of the rod spinneret. The relative motion between the slipper block and the threaded rod electrode promotes the instable fluctuation of the solution surface, thus the rotation of threaded rod electrode decreases the critical voltage for the initial multi-jet ejection and the diameter of nanofibers. The residual solution on the surface of threaded rod is cleaned up by the moving slipper block, showing a great self-cleaning ability, which ensures the stable multi-jet ejection and increases the productivity of nanofibers. Each thread of the threaded rod electrode serves as an independent spinneret, which enhances the electric field strength and constrains the position of the Taylor cone, resulting in high productivity of uniform nanofibers. The diameter of nanofibers decreases with the increase of threaded rod rotation speed, and the productivity increases with the solution flow rate. The rotation of electrode provides an excess force for the ejection of charged jets, which also contributes to the high-efficiency production of nanofibers. The maximum productivity of nanofibers from the threaded rod spinneret is 5-6 g/h, about 250-300 times as high as that from the single-needle spinneret. The self-cleaning threaded rod spinneret is an effective way to realize continuous multi-jet electrospinning, which promotes industrial applications of uniform nanofibrous membrane.

  2. Development of "one-pot" method for multi-class compounds in porcine formula feed by multi-function impurity adsorption cleaning followed ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry detection.

    PubMed

    Wang, Peilong; Wang, Xiao; Zhang, Wei; Su, Xiaoou

    2014-02-01

    A novel and efficient determination method for multi-class compounds including β-agonists, sedatives, nitro-imidazoles and aflatoxins in porcine formula feed based on a fast "one-pot" extraction/multifunction impurity adsorption (MFIA) clean-up procedure has been developed. 23 target analytes belonging to four different class compounds could be determined simultaneously in a single run. Conditions for "one-pot" extraction were studied in detail. Under the optimized conditions, the multi-class compounds in porcine formula feed samples were extracted and purified with methanol contained ammonia and absorbents by one step. The compounds in extracts were purified by using multi types of absorbent based on MFIA in one pot. The multi-walled carbon nanotubes were employed to improved clean-up efficiency. Shield BEH C18 column was used to separate 23 target analytes, followed by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) detection using an electro-spray ionization source in positive mode. Recovery studies were done at three fortification levels. Overall average recoveries of target compounds in porcine formula feed at each levels were >51.6% based on matrix fortified calibration with coefficients of variation from 2.7% to 13.2% (n=6). The limit of determination (LOD) of these compounds in porcine formula feed sample matrix was <5.0 μg/kg. This method was successfully applied in screening and confirmation of target drugs in >30 porcine formula feed samples. It was demonstrated that the integration of the MFIA protocol with the MS/MS instrument could serve as a valuable strategy for rapid screening and reliable confirmatory analysis of multi-class compounds in real samples. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  3. Application of Multi-Parameter Data Visualization by Means of Multidimensional Scaling to Evaluate Possibility of Coal Gasification

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jamróz, Dariusz; Niedoba, Tomasz; Surowiak, Agnieszka; Tumidajski, Tadeusz; Szostek, Roman; Gajer, Mirosław

    2017-09-01

    The application of methods drawing upon multi-parameter visualization of data by transformation of multidimensional space into two-dimensional one allow to show multi-parameter data on computer screen. Thanks to that, it is possible to conduct a qualitative analysis of this data in the most natural way for human being, i.e. by the sense of sight. An example of such method of multi-parameter visualization is multidimensional scaling. This method was used in this paper to present and analyze a set of seven-dimensional data obtained from Janina Mining Plant and Wieczorek Coal Mine. It was decided to examine whether the method of multi-parameter data visualization allows to divide the samples space into areas of various applicability to fluidal gasification process. The "Technological applicability card for coals" was used for this purpose [Sobolewski et al., 2012; 2017], in which the key parameters, important and additional ones affecting the gasification process were described.

  4. High-throughput cocrystal slurry screening by use of in situ Raman microscopy and multi-well plate.

    PubMed

    Kojima, Takashi; Tsutsumi, Shunichirou; Yamamoto, Katsuhiko; Ikeda, Yukihiro; Moriwaki, Toshiya

    2010-10-31

    Cocrystal has attracted much attention in order to improve poor physicochemical properties, since cocrystal former crystallize with the ionic drugs as well as nonionic drugs. Cocrystal screening was usually conducted by crystallization, slurry and co-grinding techniques, however sensitivity, cost and time for screening were limited because of issues such as dissociation of cocrystal during crystallization and cost and time required for slurry and co-grinding methods. To overcome these issues, novel high-throughput cocrystal slurry screening was developed by using in situ Raman microscope and a multi-well plate. Cocrystal screening of indomethacin was conducted with 46 cocrystal formers and potential cocrystals were prepared on a large scale for the characterization with powder X-ray diffractometry, thermal analysis, and Raman microscopy and (1)H NMR spectroscopy. Compared with the characterization of scale-up cocrystals, the cocrystal screening indicated that indomethacin structured novel cocrystals with D/L-mandelic acid, nicotinamide, lactamide and benzamide which was not obtained in the screening with crystallization technique previously reported. In addition, the screening provided not only information of cocrystal formation within a day but also information of equilibrium of cocrystal formation and polymorphic transformation in one screening. Information obtained in this screening allows effective solid form selection by saving cost and time for the development. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  5. Diazonium-protein adducts for graphite electrode microarrays modification: direct and addressed electrochemical immobilization.

    PubMed

    Corgier, Benjamin P; Marquette, Christophe A; Blum, Loïc J

    2005-12-28

    Diazonium cation electrodeposition was investigated for the direct and electro-addressed immobilization of proteins. For the first time, this reaction was triggered directly onto diazonium-modified proteins. Screen-printed (SP) graphite electrode microarrays were studied as active support for this immobilization. A 10-microelectrode (eight working electrodes, 0.2 mm2 each; one reference; and one auxiliary) setup was used to study the addressing possibilities of the method. These electrode microarrays were shown to be able to covalently graft diazonium cations through electrochemical reduction. Cyclic voltammetry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to characterize the electrochemical grafting onto our SP graphite surface and suggested that a diazonium monolayer was deposited. Rabbit and human immunoglobulins (IgGs) were then chemically coupled to an aniline derivative (4-carboxymethylaniline), followed by diazotation to form an aryl diazonium function available for the electrodeposition. These modified proteins were both successfully electro-addressed at the surface of the graphite electrodes without cross-talk or interference. The immuno-biochip obtained using this novel approach enabled the specific detection of anti-rabbit IgG antibodies with a detection limit of 50 fmol of protein. A promising strategy to immobilize markedly different biological entities was then presented, providing an excellent spatial specificity of the electro-addressing.

  6. Determination of set potential voltages for cucumber mosaic virus detection using screen printed carbon electrode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Uda, M. N. A.; Hasfalina, C. M.; Samsuzana, A. A.; Faridah, S.; Rafidah A., R.; Hashim, U.; Ariffin, Shahrul A. B.; Gopinath, Subash C. B.

    2017-03-01

    Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) is a most dangerous pathogen among the cucurbit plant which it striking cucumbers, zucchinis, squashes, watermelons but it also striking to non-cucurbit such as peppers, tobaccos, celeries, beans and tomatoes. Symptoms shown by this virus when they starting to strike are very significant and at the end can kill the hosts they infected. In order to detect these viruses, biosensor such as screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) is developed and fixes a set potential voltage is defined using Chronoamperometry (CM) immunosensor technique. For short introduction, CM is a process which is a constant applied potential voltage between the working and reference electrode is maintained in order to create an electrons transfer for the oxidation or reduction species taking place at the surface of working electrode is measured and in this manuscript, complete details about measurement were used to finding the stable set potential voltages will be pointed out.

  7. Glucose Fuel Cells with a MicroChannel Fabricated on Flexible Polyimide Film

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sano, Ryohei; Fukushi, Yudai; Sasaki, Tsubasa; Mogi, Hiroshi; Koide, Syohei; Ikoma, Ryuta; Akatsuka, Wataru; Tsujimura, Seiya; Nishioka, Yasushiro

    2013-12-01

    In this work, a glucose fuel cell was fabricated using microfabrication processes assigned for microelectromechanical systems. The fuel cell was equipped with a microchannel to flow an aqueous solution of glucose. The cell was fabricated on a flexible polyimide substrate, and its porous carbon-coated aluminum (Al) electrodes of 2.8 mm in width and 11 mm in length were formed using photolithography and screen printing techniques. Porous carbon was deposited by screen printing of carbon black ink on the Al electrode surfaces in order to increase the effective electrode surface area and to absorb more enzymes on the electrode surfaces. The microchannel with a depth of 200 μm was fabricated using a hot embossing technique. A maximum power of 0.45 μW at 0.5 V that corresponds to a power density of 1.45 μW/cm2 was realized by introducing a 200 mM concentrated glucose solution at room temperature.

  8. An electrochemical ELISA-like immunosensor for miRNAs detection based on screen-printed gold electrodes modified with reduced graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes.

    PubMed

    Tran, H V; Piro, B; Reisberg, S; Huy Nguyen, L; Dung Nguyen, T; Duc, H T; Pham, M C

    2014-12-15

    We design an electrochemical immunosensor for miRNA detection, based on screen-printed gold electrodes modified with reduced graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes. An original immunological approach is followed, using antibodies directed to DNA.RNA hybrids. An electrochemical ELISA-like amplification strategy was set up using a secondary antibody conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (HRP). Hydroquinone is oxidized into benzoquinone by the HRP/H2O2 catalytic system. In turn, benzoquinone is electroreduced into hydroquinone at the electrode. The catalytic reduction current is related to HRP amount immobilized on the surface, which itself is related to miRNA.DNA surface density on the electrode. This architecture, compared to classical optical detection, lowers the detection limit down to 10 fM. Two miRNAs were studied: miR-141 (a prostate biomarker) and miR-29b-1 (a lung cancer biomarker). Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. TeraSCREEN: multi-frequency multi-mode Terahertz screening for border checks

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Alexander, Naomi E.; Alderman, Byron; Allona, Fernando; Frijlink, Peter; Gonzalo, Ramón; Hägelen, Manfred; Ibáñez, Asier; Krozer, Viktor; Langford, Marian L.; Limiti, Ernesto; Platt, Duncan; Schikora, Marek; Wang, Hui; Weber, Marc Andree

    2014-06-01

    The challenge for any security screening system is to identify potentially harmful objects such as weapons and explosives concealed under clothing. Classical border and security checkpoints are no longer capable of fulfilling the demands of today's ever growing security requirements, especially with respect to the high throughput generally required which entails a high detection rate of threat material and a low false alarm rate. TeraSCREEN proposes to develop an innovative concept of multi-frequency multi-mode Terahertz and millimeter-wave detection with new automatic detection and classification functionalities. The system developed will demonstrate, at a live control point, the safe automatic detection and classification of objects concealed under clothing, whilst respecting privacy and increasing current throughput rates. This innovative screening system will combine multi-frequency, multi-mode images taken by passive and active subsystems which will scan the subjects and obtain complementary spatial and spectral information, thus allowing for automatic threat recognition. The TeraSCREEN project, which will run from 2013 to 2016, has received funding from the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme under the Security Call. This paper will describe the project objectives and approach.

  10. Freestanding Aligned Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes for Supercapacitor Devices

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Moreira, João Vitor Silva; Corat, Evaldo José; May, Paul William; Cardoso, Lays Dias Ribeiro; Lelis, Pedro Almeida; Zanin, Hudson

    2016-11-01

    We report on the synthesis and electrochemical properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for supercapacitor devices. Freestanding vertically-aligned MWCNTs and MWCNT powder were grown concomitantly in a one-step chemical vapour deposition process. Samples were characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopies and Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopies. At similar film thicknesses and surface areas, the freestanding MWCNT electrodes showed higher electrochemical capacitance and gravimetric specific energy and power than the randomly-packed nanoparticle-based electrodes. This suggests that more ordered electrode film architectures facilitate faster electron and ion transport during the charge-discharge processes. Energy storage and supply or supercapacitor devices made from these materials could bridge the gap between rechargeable batteries and conventional high-power electrostatic capacitors.

  11. Ethylene Removal in Strong Electric Field Formed by Floating Multi-Electrode

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Nagasawa, Takeshi

    Ethylene gas that contains the acetic acid ester element can be removed by applying the pulse voltage to the floating multi-electrode device. This phenomenon is caused in the weak discharge by the strong electric field between the narrow electrodes. This device is possible in very small electric power (<1.5Wh). When this device was installed in the container for preservation, the following results were obtained: Each removal effect of ethylene gas is 16ppm/35min for bananas 10.8kg, 14ppm/6 hour for 50 apples, and 3.5ppm/30min for 2 melons. However, ethylene gas that doesn't contain the acetic acid ester cannot be removed (ex. ethylene pure gas and Japanese apricot).

  12. Lactoferrin Isolation Using Monolithic Column Coupled with Spectrometric or Micro-Amperometric Detector

    PubMed Central

    Adam, Vojtech; Zitka, Ondrej; Dolezal, Petr; Zeman, Ladislav; Horna, Ales; Hubalek, Jaromir; Sileny, Jan; Krizkova, Sona; Trnkova, Libuse; Kizek, Rene

    2008-01-01

    Lactoferrin is a multifunctional protein with antimicrobial activity and others to health beneficial properties. The main aim of this work was to propose easy to use technique for lactoferrin isolation from cow colostrum samples. Primarily we utilized sodium dodecyl sulphate – polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis for isolation of lactoferrin from the real samples. Moreover we tested automated microfluidic Experion electrophoresis system to isolate lactoferrin from the collostrum sample. The well developed signal of lactoferrin was determined with detection limit (3 S/N) of 20 ng/ml. In spite of the fact that Experion is faster than SDS-PAGE both separation techniques cannot be used in routine analysis. Therefore we have tested third separation technique, ion exchange chromatography, using monolithic column coupled with UV-VIS detector (LC-UV-VIS). We optimized wave length (280 nm), ionic strength of the elution solution (1.5 M NaCl) and flow rate of the retention and elution solutions (0.25 ml/min and 0.75 ml/min. respectively). Under the optimal conditions the detection limit was estimated as 0.1 μg/ml of lactoferrin measured. Using LC-UV-VIS we determined that lactoferrin concentration varied from 0.5 g/l to 1.1 g/l in cow colostrums collected in the certain time interval up to 72 hours after birth. Further we focused on miniaturization of detection device. We tested amperometric detection at carbon electrode. The results encouraged us to attempt to miniaturise whole detection system and to test it on analysis of real samples of human faeces, because lactoferrin level in faeces is closely associated with the inflammations of intestine mucous membrane. For the purpose of miniaturization we employed the technology of printed electrodes. The detection limit of lactoferrin was estimated as 10 μg/ml measured by the screen-printed electrodes fabricated by us. The fabricated electrodes were compared with commercially available ones. It follows from the obtained results that the responses measured by commercial electrodes are app. ten times higher compared with those measured by the electrodes fabricated by us. This phenomenon relates with smaller working electrode surface area of the electrodes fabricated by us (about 50 %) compared to the commercial ones. The screen-printed electrodes fabricated by us were utilized for determination of lactoferrin faeces. Regarding to fact that sample of faeces was obtained from young and healthy man the amount of lactoferrin in sample was under the limit of detection of this method. PMID:27879717

  13. Application of a Portable Multi-Analyte Biosensor for Organic Acid Determination in Silage.

    PubMed

    Pilas, Johanna; Yazici, Yasemen; Selmer, Thorsten; Keusgen, Michael; Schöning, Michael J

    2018-05-08

    Multi-analyte biosensors may offer the opportunity to perform cost-effective and rapid analysis with reduced sample volume, as compared to electrochemical biosensing of each analyte individually. This work describes the development of an enzyme-based biosensor system for multi-parametric determination of four different organic acids. The biosensor array comprises five working electrodes for simultaneous sensing of ethanol, formate, d-lactate, and l-lactate, and an integrated counter electrode. Storage stability of the biosensor was evaluated under different conditions (stored at +4 °C in buffer solution and dry at −21 °C, +4 °C, and room temperature) over a period of 140 days. After repeated and regular application, the individual sensing electrodes exhibited the best stability when stored at −21 °C. Furthermore, measurements in silage samples (maize and sugarcane silage) were conducted with the portable biosensor system. Comparison with a conventional photometric technique demonstrated successful employment for rapid monitoring of complex media.

  14. Application of a Portable Multi-Analyte Biosensor for Organic Acid Determination in Silage

    PubMed Central

    Pilas, Johanna; Yazici, Yasemen; Selmer, Thorsten; Keusgen, Michael

    2018-01-01

    Multi-analyte biosensors may offer the opportunity to perform cost-effective and rapid analysis with reduced sample volume, as compared to electrochemical biosensing of each analyte individually. This work describes the development of an enzyme-based biosensor system for multi-parametric determination of four different organic acids. The biosensor array comprises five working electrodes for simultaneous sensing of ethanol, formate, d-lactate, and l-lactate, and an integrated counter electrode. Storage stability of the biosensor was evaluated under different conditions (stored at +4 °C in buffer solution and dry at −21 °C, +4 °C, and room temperature) over a period of 140 days. After repeated and regular application, the individual sensing electrodes exhibited the best stability when stored at −21 °C. Furthermore, measurements in silage samples (maize and sugarcane silage) were conducted with the portable biosensor system. Comparison with a conventional photometric technique demonstrated successful employment for rapid monitoring of complex media. PMID:29738487

  15. An amperometric NO2 sensor based on La10Si5NbO27.5 electrolyte and nano-structured CuO sensing electrode.

    PubMed

    Wang, Ling; Han, Bingxu; Dai, Lei; Zhou, Huizhu; Li, Yuehua; Wu, Yinlin; Zhu, Jing

    2013-11-15

    A novel amperometric-type NO2 sensor based on La10Si5NbO27.5 (LSNO) electrolyte and nano-structured CuO sensing electrode was fabricated and tested. A bilayer LSNO electrolyte including both a dense layer and a porous layer was prepared by conventional solid state reaction method and screen-printing technology. The nano-structured CuO sensing electrode was in situ fabricated in LSNO porous layer by impregnating method. The composition and microstructure of the sample were characterized by XRD and SEM, respectively. The results showed that the CuO particles with diameters range of 200-500 nm were homogeneously dispersed on the LSNO backbone in porous layer. The sensor exhibited well sensing characteristics to NO2. The response current was almost linear to NO2 concentration in the range of 25-500 ppm at 600-800 °C. With increase of operating temperature, the sensitivity increased and reached 297 nA/ppm at 800 °C. The response currents toward NO2 were slightly affected by coexistent O2 (0-21 vol%) and CO2 (0-5 vol%). Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  16. Computational Insights into Materials and Interfaces for Capacitive Energy Storage

    PubMed Central

    Zhan, Cheng; Lian, Cheng; Zhang, Yu; Thompson, Matthew W.; Xie, Yu; Wu, Jianzhong; Kent, Paul R. C.; Cummings, Peter T.; Wesolowski, David J.

    2017-01-01

    Supercapacitors such as electric double‐layer capacitors (EDLCs) and pseudocapacitors are becoming increasingly important in the field of electrical energy storage. Theoretical study of energy storage in EDLCs focuses on solving for the electric double‐layer structure in different electrode geometries and electrolyte components, which can be achieved by molecular simulations such as classical molecular dynamics (MD), classical density functional theory (classical DFT), and Monte‐Carlo (MC) methods. In recent years, combining first‐principles and classical simulations to investigate the carbon‐based EDLCs has shed light on the importance of quantum capacitance in graphene‐like 2D systems. More recently, the development of joint density functional theory (JDFT) enables self‐consistent electronic‐structure calculation for an electrode being solvated by an electrolyte. In contrast with the large amount of theoretical and computational effort on EDLCs, theoretical understanding of pseudocapacitance is very limited. In this review, we first introduce popular modeling methods and then focus on several important aspects of EDLCs including nanoconfinement, quantum capacitance, dielectric screening, and novel 2D electrode design; we also briefly touch upon pseudocapactive mechanism in RuO2. We summarize and conclude with an outlook for the future of materials simulation and design for capacitive energy storage. PMID:28725531

  17. A novel 384-multiwell microelectrode array for the impedimetric monitoring of Tau protein induced neurodegenerative processes.

    PubMed

    Jahnke, Heinz-Georg; Krinke, Dana; Seidel, Diana; Lilienthal, Katharina; Schmidt, Sabine; Azendorf, Ronny; Fischer, Michael; Mack, Till; Striggow, Frank; Althaus, Holger; Schober, Andreas; Robitzki, Andrea A

    2017-02-15

    Over the last decades, countless bioelectronic monitoring systems were developed for the analysis of cells as well as complex tissues. Most studies addressed the sensitivity and specificity of the bioelectronic detection method in comparison to classical molecular biological assays. In contrast, the up scaling as a prerequisite for the practical application of these novel bioelectronic monitoring systems is mostly only discussed theoretically. In this context, we developed a novel 384-multiwell microelectrode array (MMEA) based measurement system for the sensitive label-free real-time monitoring of neurodegenerative processes by impedance spectroscopy. With respect to the needs of productive screening systems for robust and reproducible measurements on high numbers of plates, we focused on reducing the critical contacting of more than 400 electrodes for a 384-MMEA. Therefore, we introduced an on top array of immersive counter electrodes that are individually addressed by a multiplexer and connected all measurement electrodes on the 384-MMEA to a single contact point. More strikingly, our novel approach provided a comparable signal stability and sensitivity similar to an array with integrated counter electrodes. Next, we optimized a SH-SY5Y cell based tauopathy model by introducing a novel 5-fold Tau mutation eliminating the need of artificial tauopathy induction. In combination with our novel 384-MMEA based measurement system, the concentration and time dependent neuroregenerative effect of the kinase inhibitor SRN-003-556 could be quantitatively monitored. Thus, our novel screening system could be a useful tool to identify and develop potential novel therapeutics in the field of Tau-related neurodegenerative diseases. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  18. Failure Modes in Capacitors When Tested Under a Time-Varying Stress

    NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

    Liu, David (Donhang)

    2011-01-01

    Steady step surge testing (SSST) is widely applied to screen out potential power-on failures in solid tantalum capacitors. The test simulates the power supply's on and off characteristics. Power-on failure has been the prevalent failure mechanism for solid tantalum capacitors for decoupling applications. On the other hand, the SSST can also be reviewed as an electrically destructive test under a time-varying stress. It consists of rapidly charging the capacitor with incremental voltage increases, through a low resistance in series, until the capacitor under test is electrically shorted. Highly accelerated life testing (HALT) is usually a time-efficient method for determining the failure mechanism in capacitors; however, a destructive test under a time-varying stress like SSST is even more effective. It normally takes days to complete a HALT test, but it only takes minutes for a time-varying stress test to produce failures. The advantage of incorporating specific time-varying stress into a statistical model is significant in providing an alternative life test method for quickly revealing the failure modes in capacitors. In this paper, a time-varying stress has been incorporated into the Weibull model to characterize the failure modes. The SSST circuit and transient conditions to correctly test the capacitors is discussed. Finally, the SSST was applied for testing polymer aluminum capacitors (PA capacitors), Ta capacitors, and multi-layer ceramic capacitors with both precious metal electrode (PME) and base-metal-electrodes (BME). It appears that testing results are directly associated to the dielectric layer breakdown in PA and Ta capacitors and are independent on the capacitor values, the way the capacitors being built, and the manufactures. The testing results also reveal that ceramic capacitors exhibit breakdown voltages more than 20 times the rated voltage, and the breakdown voltages are inverse proportional to the dielectric layer thickness. The possibility of ceramic capacitors in front-end decoupling applications to block the surge noise from a power supply is also discussed.

  19. THEORETICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL MODELING OF MULTI-SPECIES TRANSPORT IN SOILS UNDER ELECTRIC FIELDS

    EPA Science Inventory

    Electrokinetics employs the use of electrodes implanted in soils-contaminated media. Electrodes are supplied with direct current (dc) facilitating ionic transport and subsequent removal. This project investigates the feasibility and efficiency of electrokinetic transport of lea...

  20. In-situ synthetize multi-walled carbon nanotubes@MnO2 nanoflake core-shell structured materials for supercapacitors

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Zheng, Huajun; Wang, Jiaoxia; Jia, Yi; Ma, Chun'an

    2012-10-01

    A new type of core-shell structured material consisting of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanoflake is synthesized using an in-situ co-precipitation method. By scanning electron microscopy and transition electron microscope, it is confirmed that the core-shell nanostructure is formed by the uniform incorporation of birnessite-type MnO2 nanoflake growth round the surface of the activated-MWCNTs. That core-shell structured material electrode presents excellent electrochemical capacitance properties with the specific capacitance reaching 380 F g-1 at the current density of 5 A g-1 in 0.5 M Na2SO4 electrolyte. In addition, the electrode also exhibits good performance (the power density: 11.28 kW kg-1 at 5 A g-1) and long-term cycling stability (retaining 82.7% of its initial capacitance after 3500 cycles at 5 A g-1). It mainly attributes to MWCNTs not only providing considerable specific surface area for high mass loading of MnO2 nanoflakes to ensure effective utilization of MnO2 nanoflake, but also offering an electron pathway to improve electrical conductivity of the electrode materials. It is clearly indicated that such core-shell structured materials including MWCNTs and MnO2 nanoflake may find important applications for supercapacitors.

  1. The relationship between structural stability and electrochemical performance of multi-element doped alpha nickel hydroxide

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Miao, Chengcheng; Zhu, Yanjuan; Huang, Liangguo; Zhao, Tengqi

    2015-01-01

    The multi-element doped alpha nickel hydroxide has been prepared by supersonic co-precipitation method. Three kinds of samples A, B and C are prepared by chemically coprecipitating Ni/Al, Ni/Al/Mn and Ni/Al/Mn/Yb, respectively. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), Particle size distribution (PSD) measurement, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) are used to characterize the physical properties of the synthesized α-Ni(OH)2 samples, such as chemical composition, morphology, structural stability of the crystal. The results show that all samples are nano-sized materials and the interlayer spacing becomes larger and the structural stability becomes better with the increase of doped elements and doped ratio. The prepared alpha nickel hydroxide samples are added into micro-sized beta nickel hydroxide to form biphase electrode materials for Ni-MH battery. The electrochemical characterization of the biphase electrodes, including cyclic voltammetry (CV) and charge/discharge test, are also performed. The results demonstrate that the biphase electrode with sample C exhibits better electrochemical reversibility and cyclic stability, higher charge efficient and discharge potential, larger proton diffusion coefficient (5.81 × 10-12 cm2 s-1) and discharge capacity (309.0 mAh g-1). Hence, it indicates that all doped elements can produce the synergic effect and further improve the electrochemical properties of the alpha nickel hydroxide.

  2. Electrochemical Quantification of the Antioxidant Capacity of Medicinal Plants Using Biosensors

    PubMed Central

    Rodríguez-Sevilla, Erika; Ramírez-Silva, María-Teresa; Romero-Romo, Mario; Ibarra-Escutia, Pedro; Palomar-Pardavé, Manuel

    2014-01-01

    The working area of a screen-printed electrode, SPE, was modified with the enzyme tyrosinase (Tyr) using different immobilization methods, namely entrapment with water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), cross-linking using glutaraldehyde (GA), and cross-linking using GA and human serum albumin (HSA); the resulting electrodes were termed SPE/Tyr/PVA, SPE/Tyr/GA and SPE/Tyr/HSA/GA, respectively. These biosensors were characterized by means of amperometry and EIS techniques. From amperometric evaluations, the apparent Michaelis-Menten constant, Km′, of each biosensor was evaluated while the respective charge transfer resistance, Rct, was assessed from impedance measurements. It was found that the SPE/Tyr/GA had the smallest Km′ (57 ± 7) μM and Rct values. This electrode also displayed both the lowest detection and quantification limits for catechol quantification. Using the SPE/Tyr/GA, the Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) was determined from infusions prepared with “mirto” (Salvia microphylla), “hHierba dulce” (Lippia dulcis) and “salve real” (Lippia alba), medicinal plants commonly used in Mexico. PMID:25111237

  3. Electrochemical quantification of the antioxidant capacity of medicinal plants using biosensors.

    PubMed

    Rodríguez-Sevilla, Erika; Ramírez-Silva, María-Teresa; Romero-Romo, Mario; Ibarra-Escutia, Pedro; Palomar-Pardavé, Manuel

    2014-08-08

    The working area of a screen-printed electrode, SPE, was modified with the enzyme tyrosinase (Tyr) using different immobilization methods, namely entrapment with water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), cross-linking using glutaraldehyde (GA), and cross-linking using GA and human serum albumin (HSA); the resulting electrodes were termed SPE/Tyr/PVA, SPE/Tyr/GA and SPE/Tyr/HSA/GA, respectively. These biosensors were characterized by means of amperometry and EIS techniques. From amperometric evaluations, the apparent Michaelis-Menten constant, Km', of each biosensor was evaluated while the respective charge transfer resistance, Rct, was assessed from impedance measurements. It was found that the SPE/Tyr/GA had the smallest Km' (57 ± 7) µM and Rct values. This electrode also displayed both the lowest detection and quantification limits for catechol quantification. Using the SPE/Tyr/GA, the Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) was determined from infusions prepared with "mirto" (Salvia microphylla), "hHierba dulce" (Lippia dulcis) and "salve real" (Lippia alba), medicinal plants commonly used in Mexico.

  4. Construction and electrochemical characterization of microelectrodes for improved sensitivity in paper-based analytical devices

    PubMed Central

    Santhiago, Murilo; Wydallis, John B.; Kubota, Lauro T.; Henry, Charles S.

    2013-01-01

    This work presents a simple, low cost method for creating microelectrodes for electrochemical paper-based analytical devices (ePADs). The microelectrodes were constructed by backfilling small holes made in polyester sheets using a CO2 laser etching system. To make electrical connections, the working electrodes were combined with silver screen-printed paper in a sandwich type two-electrode configuration. The devices were characterized using linear sweep voltammetry and the results are in good agreement with theoretical predictions for electrode size and shape. As a proof-of-concept, cysteine was measured using cobalt phthalocyanine as a redox mediator. The rate constant (kobs) for the chemical reaction between cysteine and the redox mediator was obtained by chronoamperometry and found to be on the order of 105 s−1 M−1. Using a microelectrode array, it was possible to reach a limit of detection of 4.8 μM for cysteine. The results show that carbon paste microelectrodes can be easily integrated with paper-based analytical devices. PMID:23581428

  5. Construction and electrochemical characterization of microelectrodes for improved sensitivity in paper-based analytical devices.

    PubMed

    Santhiago, Murilo; Wydallis, John B; Kubota, Lauro T; Henry, Charles S

    2013-05-21

    This work presents a simple, low cost method for creating microelectrodes for electrochemical paper-based analytical devices (ePADs). The microelectrodes were constructed by backfilling small holes made in polyester sheets using a CO2 laser etching system. To make electrical connections, the working electrodes were combined with silver screen-printed paper in a sandwich type two-electrode configuration. The devices were characterized using linear sweep voltammetry, and the results are in good agreement with theoretical predictions for electrode size and shape. As a proof-of-concept, cysteine was measured using cobalt phthalocyanine as a redox mediator. The rate constant (k(obs)) for the chemical reaction between cysteine and the redox mediator was obtained by chronoamperometry and found to be on the order of 10(5) s(-1) M(-1). Using a microelectrode array, it was possible to reach a limit of detection of 4.8 μM for cysteine. The results show that carbon paste microelectrodes can be easily integrated with paper-based analytical devices.

  6. [Morphology determination of multi-needle bipolar corona discharge by OES].

    PubMed

    Chen, Hai-Feng; Su, Peng-Hao; Zhu, Yi-Min

    2009-01-01

    Using the method of OES (optical emission spectrum) for measuring N2 emission spectrum, the spacial distribution of energetic electrons in multi-needle bipolar corona discharge at atmospheric pressure was investigated. According to the distribution of N2 second positive band's intensity ISPB, the outline of ionisation region was drawn accurately. The relationship between ISPB and discharge current I was obtained through the sum of ISPB. There are two ionisation regions in the multi-needle bipolar corona discharge. One is near the HV electrode and the other is near the grounded electrode. The ionisation region exists around the needlepoint within 2-3 mm. The volume of ionisation region becomes big with the applied voltage U increasing. The ionisation region of negative corona is bigger than that of positive corona. Near the HV discharge electrode, the outline of electron avalanche is similar to the configuration of electric field lines in the ionisation region, so the electron avalanche along the axis direction of needle develops farther than that along the radial direction. The electric field in the migration area is weak, and the distribution of space charges is large along the radial direction. The sum of ISPB in each ionisation region is second order linear with I, but the quadratic coefficient is very small. So the sum of ISPB is nearly linear with I, the distribution of ISPB is corresponding to the density distribution of energetic electrons. So the charged particles forming the discharge current in ionisation region are electrons. No emission spectrum of N2 can be measured in migration area, so there is no energetic electron. The energetic electrons only exist in ionisation region and the charged particles in migration area are ions.

  7. Synthesis and loading-dependent characteristics of nitrogen-doped graphene foam/carbon nanotube/manganese oxide ternary composite electrodes for high performance supercapacitors.

    PubMed

    Cheng, Tao; Yu, Baozhi; Cao, Linli; Tan, Huiyun; Li, Xinghua; Zheng, Xinliang; Li, Weilong; Ren, Zhaoyu; Bai, Jinbo

    2017-09-01

    The ternary composite electrodes, nitrogen-doped graphene foam/carbon nanotube/manganese dioxide (NGF/CNT/MnO 2 ), have been successfully fabricated via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and facile hydrothermal method. The morphologies of the MnO 2 nanoflakes presented the loading-dependent characteristics and the nanoflake thickness could also be tuned by MnO 2 mass loading in the fabrication process. The correlation between their morphology and electrochemical performance was systematically investigated by controlling MnO 2 mass loading in the ternary composite electrodes. The electrochemical properties of the flexible ternary electrode (MnO 2 mass loading of 70%) exhibited a high areal capacitance of 3.03F/cm 2 and a high specific capacitance of 284F/g at the scan rate of 2mV/s. Moreover, it was interesting to find that the capacitance of the NGF/CNT/MnO 2 composite electrodes showed a 51.6% increase after 15,000 cycles. The gradual increase in specific capacitance was due to the formation of defective regions in the MnO 2 nanostructures during the electrochemical cycles of the electrodes, which further resulted in increased porosity, surface area, and consequently increased electrochemical capacity. This work demonstrates a rarely reported conclusion about loading-dependent characteristics for the NGF/CNT/MnO 2 ternary composite electrodes. It will bring new perspectives on designing novel ternary or multi-structure for various energy storage applications. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Improved thermal oxidation stability of solution-processable silver nanowire transparent electrode by reduced graphene oxide.

    PubMed

    Ahn, Yumi; Jeong, Youngjun; Lee, Youngu

    2012-12-01

    Solution-processable silver nanowire-reduced graphene oxide (AgNW-rGO) hybrid transparent electrode was prepared in order to replace conventional ITO transparent electrode. AgNW-rGO hybrid transparent electrode exhibited high optical transmittance and low sheet resistance, which is comparable to ITO transparent electrode. In addition, it was found that AgNW-rGO hybrid transparent electrode exhibited highly enhanced thermal oxidation and chemical stabilities due to excellent gas-barrier property of rGO passivation layer onto AgNW film. Furthermore, the organic solar cells with AgNW-rGO hybrid transparent electrode showed good photovoltaic behavior as much as solar cells with AgNW transparent electrode. It is expected that AgNW-rGO hybrid transparent electrode can be used as a key component in various optoelectronic application such as display panels, touch screen panels, and solar cells.

  9. Impacts of selected stimulation patterns on the perception threshold in electrocutaneous stimulation

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Background Consistency is one of the most important concerns to convey stable artificially induced sensory feedback. However, the constancy of perceived sensations cannot be guaranteed, as the artificially evoked sensation is a function of the interaction of stimulation parameters. The hypothesis of this study is that the selected stimulation parameters in multi-electrode cutaneous stimulation have significant impacts on the perception threshold. Methods The investigated parameters included the stimulated location, the number of active electrodes, the number of pulses, and the interleaved time between a pair of electrodes. Biphasic, rectangular pulses were applied via five surface electrodes placed on the forearm of 12 healthy subjects. Results Our main findings were: 1) the perception thresholds at the five stimulated locations were significantly different (p < 0.0001), 2) dual-channel simultaneous stimulation lowered the perception thresholds and led to smaller variance in perception thresholds compared to single-channel stimulation, 3) the perception threshold was inversely related to the number of pulses, and 4) the perception threshold increased with increasing interleaved time when the interleaved time between two electrodes was below 500 μs. Conclusions To maintain a consistent perception threshold, our findings indicate that dual-channel simultaneous stimulation with at least five pulses should be used, and that the interleaved time between two electrodes should be longer than 500 μs. We believe that these findings have implications for design of reliable sensory feedback codes. PMID:21306616

  10. Effect of nano-scale characteristics of graphene on electrochemical performance of activated carbon supercapacitor electrodes

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Jasni, M. R. M.; Deraman, M.; Suleman, M.; Hamdan, E.; Sazali, N. E. S.; Nor, N. S. M.; Shamsudin, S. A.

    2016-02-01

    Graphene with its typical nano-scale characteristic properties has been widely used as an additive in activated carbon electrodes in order to enhance the performance of the electrodes for their use in high performance supercapacitors. Activated carbon monoliths (ACMs) electrodes have been prepared by carbonization and activation of green monoliths (GMs) of pre-carbonized fibers of oil palm empty fruit bunches or self-adhesive carbon grains (SACGs) and SACGs added with 6 wt% of KOH-treated multi-layer graphene. ACMs electrodes have been assembled in symmetrical supercapacitor cells that employed aqueous KOH electrolyte (6 M). The cells have been tested with cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic charge discharge methods to investigate the effect of graphene addition on the specific capacitance (Csp), specific energy (E), specific power (P), equivalent series resistance (ESR) and response time (τo) of the supercapacitor cells. The results show that the addition of graphene in the GMs change the values of Csp, Emax, Pmax, ESR and τo from (61-96) F/g, 2 Wh/kg, 104 W/kg, 2.6 Ω and 38 s, to the respective values of (110-124) F/g, 3 Wh/kg, 156 W/kg, 3.4 Ω and 63 s. This study demonstrates that the graphene addition in the GMs has a significant effect on the electrochemical behavior of the electrodes.

  11. Computational design and multivariate optimization of an electrochemical metoprolol sensor based on molecular imprinting in combination with carbon nanotubes.

    PubMed

    Nezhadali, Azizollah; Mojarrab, Maliheh

    2016-06-14

    This work describes the development of an electrochemical sensor based on a new molecularly imprinted polymer for detection of metoprolol (MTP) at ultra-trace level. The polypyrrole (PPy) was electrochemically synthesized on the tip of a pencil graphite electrode (PGE) which modified whit functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The fabrication process of the sensor was characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and the measurement process was carried out by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). A computational approach was used to screening functional monomers and polymerization solvent for rational design of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP). Based on computational results, pyrrole and water were selected as functional monomer and polymerization solvent, respectively. Several significant parameters controlling the performance of the MIP sensor were examined and optimized using multivariate optimization methods such as Plackett-Burman design (PBD) and central composite design (CCD). Under the selected optimal conditions, MIP sensor was showed a linear range from 0.06 to 490 μmol L(-1) MTP, a limit of detection of 2.88 nmol L(-1), a highly reproducible response (RSD 3.9%) and a good selectivity in the presence of structurally related molecules. Furthermore, the applicability of the method was successfully tested with determination of MTP in real samples (tablet, and serum). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Sensitivity and specificity of the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator pre-implant screening tool.

    PubMed

    Zeb, Mehmood; Curzen, Nick; Allavatam, Venugopal; Wilson, David; Yue, Arthur; Roberts, Paul; Morgan, John

    2015-09-15

    The sensitivity and specificity of the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S-ICD) pre-implant screening tool required clinical evaluation. Bipolar vectors were derived from electrodes positioned at locations similar to those employed for S-ICD sensing and pre-implant screening electrodes, and recordings collected through 80-electrode PRIME®-ECGs, in six different postures, from 40 subjects (10 healthy controls, and 30 patients with complex congenital heart disease (CCHD); 10 with Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), 10 with single ventricle physiology (SVP), and 10 with transposition of great arteries (TGA)). The resulting vectors were analysed using the S-ICD pre-implant screening tool (Boston Scientific) and processed through the sensing algorithm of S-ICD (Boston Scientific). The data were then evaluated using 2 × 2 contingency tables. Fisher exact and McNemar tests were used for a comparison of the different categories of CCHD, and p < 0.05 vs. controls considered to be statistically significant. 57% of patients were male, mean age of 36.3 years. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the S-ICD screening tool were 95%, 79%, 59% and 98%, respectively, for controls, and 84%, 79%, 76% and 86%, respectively, in patients with CCHD (p = 0.0001). The S-ICD screening tool was comparatively more sensitive in normal controls but less specific in both CCHD patients and controls; a possible explanation for the reported high incidence of inappropriate S-ICD shocks. Thus, we propose a pre-implant screening device using the S-ICD sensing algorithm to minimise false exclusion and selection, and hence minimise potentially inappropriate shocks. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. An enhanced electrochemical platform based on graphene oxide and multi-walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposite for sensitive determination of Sunset Yellow and Tartrazine.

    PubMed

    Qiu, Xinlan; Lu, Limin; Leng, Jing; Yu, Yongfang; Wang, Wenmin; Jiang, Min; Bai, Ling

    2016-01-01

    A novel electrochemical platform was designed for the simultaneous determination of Sunset Yellow (SY) and Tartrazine (TT), synthetic food dyes, by combining the signal amplification properties of graphene oxide (GO) and the excellent electronic and antifouling properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Stable dispersion of GO/MWCNTs composite was produced by sonication mixing. Compared with glassy carbon, MWCNTs and GO electrodes, GO/MWCNTs electrode exhibited strong enhancement effect and greatly increased the oxidation signal of SY and TT. Under optimized conditions, the enhanced anodic peak currents represented the excellent analytical performance of simultaneous detection of SY and TT in the range of 0.09-8.0 μM, with a low limit of detection of 0.025 μM for SY and 0.01 μM for TT (S/N = 3), respectively. To further validate its possible application, the proposed method was successfully used for the determination of SY and TT in orange juice with satisfactory results. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  14. Construction of an improved amperometric acrylamide biosensor based on hemoglobin immobilized onto carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes/iron oxide nanoparticles/chitosan composite film.

    PubMed

    Batra, Bhawna; Lata, Suman; Pundir, C S

    2013-11-01

    A method is described for construction of an improved amperometric acrylamide biosensor based on covalent immobilization of hemoglobin (Hb) onto nanocomposite of carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (cMWCNT) and iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4NPs) electrodeposited onto Au electrode through chitosan (CHIT) film. The Hb/cMWCNT-Fe3O4NP/CHIT/Au electrode was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and differential pulse voltammetry at different stages of its construction. The biosensor was based on interaction between acrylamide and Hb, which led to decrease in the electroactivity of Hb, i.e., current generated during its reversible conversion [Fe(II)/Fe(III)]. The biosensor showed optimum response within 8 s at pH 5.0 and 30 °C. The linear working range for acrylamide was 3-90 nM, with a detection limit of 0.02 nM and sensitivity of 36.9 μA/nM/cm(2). The biosensor was evaluated and employed for determination of acrylamide in potato crisps.

  15. Evaluation of carrier collection probability in bifacial interdigitated-back-contact crystalline silicon solar cells by the internal quantum efficiency mapping method

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Tachibana, Tomihisa; Tanahashi, Katsuto; Mochizuki, Toshimitsu; Shirasawa, Katsuhiko; Takato, Hidetaka

    2018-04-01

    Bifacial interdigitated-back-contact (IBC) silicon solar cells with a high bifaciality of 0.91 were fabricated. Screen printing and firing technology were used to reduce the production cost. For the first time, the relationship between the rear side structure and carrier collection probability was evaluated using internal quantum efficiency (IQE) mapping. The measurement results showed that the screen-printed electrode and back surface field (BSF) area led to low IQE. The low carrier collection probability by BSF area can be explained by electrical shading effects. Thus, it is clear that the IQE mapping system is useful to evaluate the IBC cell.

  16. A new approach to spike sorting for multi-neuronal activities recorded with a tetrode--how ICA can be practical.

    PubMed

    Takahashi, Susumu; Anzai, Yuichiro; Sakurai, Yoshio

    2003-07-01

    Multi-neuronal recording with a tetrode is a powerful technique to reveal neuronal interactions in local circuits. However, it is difficult to detect precise spike timings among closely neighboring neurons because the spike waveforms of individual neurons overlap on the electrode when more than two neurons fire simultaneously. In addition, the spike waveforms of single neurons, especially in the presence of complex spikes, are often non-stationary. These problems limit the ability of ordinary spike sorting to sort multi-neuronal activities recorded using tetrodes into their single-neuron components. Though sorting with independent component analysis (ICA) can solve these problems, it has one serious limitation that the number of separated neurons must be less than the number of electrodes. Using a combination of ICA and the efficiency of ordinary spike sorting technique (k-means clustering), we developed an automatic procedure to solve the spike-overlapping and the non-stationarity problems with no limitation on the number of separated neurons. The results for the procedure applied to real multi-neuronal data demonstrated that some outliers which may be assigned to distinct clusters if ordinary spike-sorting methods were used can be identified as overlapping spikes, and that there are functional connections between a putative pyramidal neuron and its putative dendrite. These findings suggest that the combination of ICA and k-means clustering can provide insights into the precise nature of functional circuits among neurons, i.e. cell assemblies.

  17. Fabric-based active electrode design and fabrication for health monitoring clothing.

    PubMed

    Merritt, Carey R; Nagle, H Troy; Grant, Edward

    2009-03-01

    In this paper, two versions of fabric-based active electrodes are presented to provide a wearable solution for ECG monitoring clothing. The first version of active electrode involved direct attachment of surface-mountable components to a textile screen-printed circuit using polymer thick film techniques. The second version involved attaching a much smaller, thinner, and less obtrusive interposer containing the active electrode circuitry to a simplified textile circuit. These designs explored techniques for electronic textile interconnection, chip attachment to textiles, and packaging of circuits on textiles for durability. The results from ECG tests indicate that the performance of each active electrode is comparable to commercial Ag/AgCl electrodes. The interposer-based active electrodes survived a five-cycle washing test while maintaining good signal integrity.

  18. Collaborative filtering on a family of biological targets.

    PubMed

    Erhan, Dumitru; L'heureux, Pierre-Jean; Yue, Shi Yi; Bengio, Yoshua

    2006-01-01

    Building a QSAR model of a new biological target for which few screening data are available is a statistical challenge. However, the new target may be part of a bigger family, for which we have more screening data. Collaborative filtering or, more generally, multi-task learning, is a machine learning approach that improves the generalization performance of an algorithm by using information from related tasks as an inductive bias. We use collaborative filtering techniques for building predictive models that link multiple targets to multiple examples. The more commonalities between the targets, the better the multi-target model that can be built. We show an example of a multi-target neural network that can use family information to produce a predictive model of an undersampled target. We evaluate JRank, a kernel-based method designed for collaborative filtering. We show their performance on compound prioritization for an HTS campaign and the underlying shared representation between targets. JRank outperformed the neural network both in the single- and multi-target models.

  19. A facile electrochemical intercalation and microwave assisted exfoliation methodology applied to screen-printed electrochemical-based sensing platforms to impart improved electroanalytical outputs.

    PubMed

    Pierini, Gastón D; Foster, Christopher W; Rowley-Neale, Samuel J; Fernández, Héctor; Banks, Craig E

    2018-06-12

    Screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) are ubiquitous with the field of electrochemistry allowing researchers to translate sensors from the laboratory to the field. In this paper, we report an electrochemically driven intercalation process where an electrochemical reaction uses an electrolyte as a conductive medium as well as the intercalation source, which is followed by exfoliation and heating/drying via microwave irradiation, and applied to the working electrode of screen-printed electrodes/sensors (termed EDI-SPEs) for the first time. This novel methodology results in an increase of up to 85% of the sensor area (electrochemically active surface area, as evaluated using an outer-sphere redox probe). Upon further investigation, it is found that an increase in the electroactive area of the EDI-screen-printed based electrochemical sensing platforms is critically dependent upon the analyte and its associated electrochemical mechanism (i.e. adsorption vs. diffusion). Proof-of-concept for the electrochemical sensing of capsaicin, a measure of the hotness of chillies and chilli sauce, within both model aqueous solutions and a real sample (Tabasco sauce) is demonstrated in which the electroanalytical sensitivity (a plot of signal vs. concentration) is doubled when utilising EDI-SPEs over that of SPEs.

  20. Environmental Screening of Electrode Materials for a Rechargeable Aluminum Battery with an AlCl₃/EMIMCl Electrolyte.

    PubMed

    Ellingsen, Linda Ager-Wick; Holland, Alex; Drillet, Jean-Francois; Peters, Willi; Eckert, Martin; Concepcion, Carlos; Ruiz, Oscar; Colin, Jean-François; Knipping, Etienne; Pan, Qiaoyan; Wills, Richard G A; Majeau-Bettez, Guillaume

    2018-06-01

    Recently, rechargeable aluminum batteries have received much attention due to their low cost, easy operation, and high safety. As the research into rechargeable aluminum batteries with a room-temperature ionic liquid electrolyte is relatively new, research efforts have focused on finding suitable electrode materials. An understanding of the environmental aspects of electrode materials is essential to make informed and conscious decisions in aluminum battery development. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the relative environmental performance of electrode material candidates for rechargeable aluminum batteries with an AlCl₃/EMIMCl (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride) room-temperature ionic liquid electrolyte. To this end, we used a lifecycle environmental screening framework to evaluate 12 candidate electrode materials. We found that all of the studied materials are associated with one or more drawbacks and therefore do not represent a "silver bullet" for the aluminum battery. Even so, some materials appeared more promising than others did. We also found that aluminum battery technology is likely to face some of the same environmental challenges as Li-ion technology but also offers an opportunity to avoid others. The insights provided here can aid aluminum battery development in an environmentally sustainable direction.

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