Engineering Commons^™

Rapid Prototyping To Roll-To-Roll Manufacturing Of Microfluidic Devices, Amber Lee Boutiette

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Microfluidics constitutes a widely applicable field of enabling technologies with great potential to revolutionize healthcare and biotechnology. The ability to miniaturize and parallelize processes with microfluidics is seen as a solution for many problems with diagnostics technologies and accessibility. Unfortunately, fabricating microfluidics often require extremely expensive, time consuming, and specialized high-precision methods, making both prototyping and commercial-scale mass manufacturing difficult to accomplish. In this work, we evaluate the feasibility of using a unique roll-to-roll (R2R) micropatterning manufacturing process coupled with Additive Manufacturing (3D printing) to rapidly prototype and produce microfluidic devices at high-volume on film or paper backings for applications …

Characterization Of Nano-Cellulose Based Composites For Biomedical Applications, Mitchell P. Chesley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The number of orthopedic surgeries performed globally has steadily increased over the past decade due to the standardization of procedures as well as technological advancements. During this time orthopedic devices have been composed predominantly of metals, such as Titanium, Vanadium, Molybdenum, and Stainless steel, as well as their alloys, due to the high strength and durability of these materials. However, metals may, in fact, be suboptimal for orthopedic devices. For example, metals exhibit Young’s modulus much greater than the surrounding bone, inducing localized stress-shielding promoting cortical atrophy, which can lead to osteoporosis. In recent years polymers have been successfully explored …

Adherence To A Mediterranean Diet Is Associated With Cognitive Function In An Older Non- Mediterranean Sample: Findings From The Maine- Syracuse Longitudinal Study, Alexandra T. Wade, Merril F. Elias, Karen J. Murphy

Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Papers

Background: Adherence to a Mediterranean diet is associated with higher cognitive function and reduced risk of dementia in Mediterranean populations. However, few studies have investigated the association between Mediterranean diet adherence and cognition in populations outside of the Mediterranean basin. Furthermore, it is currently unknown whether the association between Mediterranean diet adherence and cognitive function differs between middle-aged and older individuals. Methods: Cross-sectional (n = 894) and longitudinal (n = 530) multivariable analyses were undertaken using data from community-dwelling adults from the Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study (MSLS). Mediterranean diet adherence was measured by applying a literature-based Mediterranean diet score to food …

Design, Construction And Application Of A Home-Built, Two-Photon Microscope, William P. Breeding

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Two-photon microscopy (TPM) is a powerful, versatile imaging modality for the study of biological systems. This thesis overviews the relevant physics involved in TPM, design considerations and process of constructing a home-built, two-photon microscope, and provides a set of procedures to operate the system. Furthermore, this work explores several applications of TPM through the study of single-cell metabolism and imaging the cellular-material interface. Explored in particular depth was the imaging of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) materials, with the goal of understanding the three-dimensional nature of fibroblast cell growth when embedded within the materials. This work uncovered several optical properties of CNF, …

Setting The Record Straight For Two Heroes In Hypertension: John J. Hay And Paul Dudley White, Merrill Elias, Amanda L. Goodell

Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Papers

Papers dealing with the history of the study of hypertension provide an invaluable window to our past. They identify our misconceptions, mistakes, and advances and describe the evolution of new knowledge. New knowledge develops in the context of contemporary scientific knowledge and zeitgeist. Zeitgeist is the German word for the defining mood or spirit of a particular era as expressed in the ideas and beliefs of the time.

The limitations of a scientist's knowledge and perspective at any given point in time must be considered in historical context. Therefore, we must tread carefully when criticizing a scientist's thinking and ideas …

3d Printed Bioinspired Vascularized Polymers, Kayla Marquis

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Biological vascular systems contain a network of three-dimensional channels that transport and deliver necessary nutrients throughout the organism. These systems are complex, adaptable, and possess the ability to detect and respond to external stimuli as needed. In this work, we mimic the complexity and adaptability of biological systems by incorporating vascular systems into polymeric materials. Vacant channels are created using a fugitive ink technique along with 3D gel printing. Upon completion of vascular channel construction, proof of principle testing is performed by inoculating the polymeric surface with bacteria and adding antibiotics to the vascular channels. The system is then characterized …

Arsenic Remediation Of Maine Drinking Water, Austin Steward

Honors College

Arsenic, a metalloid, is one of the most prominent toxins in Maine drinking water. There are approximately 86,500 Maine citizens exposed to water containing arsenic over the maximum contamination level causing adverse effects including nausea, multiple cancers, and a reduction of full scale IQ and executive function. In drinking water, arsenic arises both by the natural leaching from bedrock and from the use of chemicals such as pesticides, embalming fluids, and wood preservatives. Although there are many known arsenic water remediation techniques, finding a method compatible for multiple arsenic isotopes is challenging. In this work, we test the low-energy and …