Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Commons^™

82 - Characterization Of Manganese Ferrites For Combined Mph/Mpi Treatments, Alana Canty, Robert Ivkov, Hayden Carlton

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Magnetic particle hyperthermia (MPH) is a form of cancer treatment in which cancer cells are made more susceptible to treatments, primarily radiation, through heating. The heat is generated from exciting magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) within an alternating magnetic field (AMF)—nanoparticles which have been injected into a tumor—and both the heating quality and imaging quality of these MNPs are determined by their magnetic properties, with the primary one being anisotropy. Magnetic nanoparticles have been introduced as both a treatment option as well as a diagnostic tool through magnetic particle imaging (MPI). When used as a diagnostic tool, MNPs act as tracers to …

Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Field And Plasma Jets For Cancer Therapy, Edwin Ayobami Oshin

Biomedical Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) employs nanosecond-duration, high voltage pulses to induce oxidative stress, leading to temporary or permanent damage to cells or tissue (also known as reversible and irreversible electroporation), and has been considered a promising approach for cancer therapy. In parallel to this, nanosecond pulsed atmospheric pressure plasma jets (ns-APPJs) have also shown to be effective in inactivating cancer cells or increasing sensitivity of cells to electric fields. ns-APPJs are known to generate reactive chemical agents, including reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) which induces oxidative stress resulting in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and necrosis. In this dissertation, a …

Josephson Junctions: Fabrication And Applications For The Axion Dark Matter Experiment, Jonah M. Sachs

Senior Honors Papers / Undergraduate Theses

The observation of axions could revolutionize the world of physics. Through microwave frequency cavity readout of the photons associated with these axions, the ADMX project at WashU utilizes multiple different forms of the Josephson junction (JJ), a superconductive circuit element. The physics behind the JJ are essential to understanding its operation for resonant cavity readout in addition to parametric amplification. Parametric amplifiers produced using JJs can approach the signal-to-noise ratio set by quantum mechanics, and prove essential for the amplification chain used by the ADMX experiment for axionic detection. The limits of these amplifiers are set by the noise tuning …

Development Of Highly Sensitive & Selective Sensor, Megha Shinde

Biomedical Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This work presents the development of innovative electrochemical sensors for selective and sensitive dopamine (DA) detection using flexible laser-induced graphene (LIG) electrodes modified with advanced nanocomposites. An LIG electrode synthesized from pyralux film was functionalized with Nb₄C₃Tx MXene and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), significantly enhancing its electrochemical performance. The modified electrode exhibited a peak anodic current increase from 150 μA to 330.4 μA and demonstrated a wide linear detection range (100 nM to 10 μM) with a low detection limit of 1 nM and high sensitivity (160.96 μA/nM cm ^-2). It also displayed excellent selectivity against …

Development Of Flexible Lactate-Specific Molecularly Imprinted Polymers Based On Laser-Induced Graphene Electrochemical Biosensors For Disease Diagnosis, Christopher Animashaun

Biomedical Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Lactate is a critical biomarker linked to conditions such as sepsis, ischemia, cancer, and heart failure. Current lactate detection methods remain invasive, costly, and unsuitable for real-time, continuous monitoring. This study presents the development of a flexible, non-enzymatic electrochemical biosensor based on laser-induced graphene (LIG) electrodes modified with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for highly selective and sensitive lactate measurement. The integration of AuNPs enhanced surface conductivity and provided nanoscale heterogeneity, facilitating superior signal amplification. The optimized LIG/AuNP/MIP sensor achieved an extensive dynamic detection range from 0.1 μM to 1000 μM, with an outstanding detection limit of …

Revolutionizing Medical Implant Fabrication: Advances In Additive Manufacturing Of Biomedical Metals, Yuhua Li, Deyu Jiang, Rui Zhu, Chengliang Yang, Liqiang Wang, Lai Chang Zhang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Additive manufacturing has emerged as a transformative technology for producing biomedical metals and implants, offering the potential to revolutionize patient care and treatment outcomes. This article reviews the recent advances in additive manufacturing (AM) of biomedical metal implants, especially load-bearing biomedical alloys, biodegradable alloys, novel metals, and 4D printing, whose properties are systematically assessed to facilitate material selection for specific medical applications. The applications of the most cutting-edge artificial intelligence in AM and surface functional modification are also presented. This article also explores the application of AM in various medical specialties, such as orthopedics, dentistry, cardiology, and neurosurgery, demonstrating its …

Exploring The Impact Of Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes On Enhancing Water-Based Mud Performance, Attia Attia, Mohamed Saad Elhossieny Dr., Hesham Abuseda Dr., Ahmed Gouish Prof., Adel Salem Prof.

Petroleum Engineering and Gas

Drilling fluids are critical components in hydrocarbon and geothermal well construction, particularly in extreme downhole environments such as deep reservoirs and high-temperature geothermal systems. Key challenges in designing water-based drilling muds (WBDM) for these applications include effective thermal management, maintenance of rheological stability, and enhancement of thermal conductivity under high-temperature, high-pressure (HTHP) conditions. Recent advances in nanotechnology suggest that nanoscale additives, such as uniformly dispersed carbon nanotubes (CNTs), can significantly improve the thermorheological performance of drilling fluids compared to conventional formulations. However, stabilizing critical fluid properties—including viscosity, filtration efficiency, mud cake integrity, and gel strength—remains a persistent challenge in WBDM …

Recent Advances In Non-Enzymatic Electrochemical Sensors For Theophylline Detection, Gustria Ernis, Yulia M T A Putri, Muhammad Iqbal Syauqi, Prastika Krisma Jiwanti, Yeni Wahyuni Hartati, Takeshi Kondo, Qonita Kurnia Anjani, Jarnuzi Gunlazuardi

Journal of Electrochemistry

Detection of target analytes at low concentrations is significant in various fields, including pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and environmental protection. Theophylline (TP), a natural alkaloid used as a bronchodilator to treat respiratory disorders such as asthma, bronchitis, and emphysema, has a narrow therapeutic window with a safe plasma concentration ranging from 55.5–111.0 μmol·L^–1 in adults. Accurate monitoring of TP levels is essential because too low or too high can cause serious side effects. In this regard, non-enzymatic electrochemical sensors offer a practical solution with rapidity, portability, and high sensitivity. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the recent developments …

In-Situ Electrodeposition Of Feco-Mof On Au Ultramicroelectrode For Highly Sensitive Detection Of Epinephrine, Yan Chen, Shang Jian, Si-Yu Wan, Xiao-Tong Cui, Zhong-Gang Liu, Zheng Guo

Journal of Electrochemistry

Metal-organic framework (MOF) nanostructures have emerged as a prominent class of materials in the advancement of electrochemical sensors. The rational design of bimetallic MOF-functionalized microelectrode is of importance for improving the electrochemical performance but still in great challenge. In this work, the bimetallic FeCo-MOF nanostructures were assembled onto a gold disk ultramicroelectrode (Au UME, 5.2 μm in diameter) via an in-situ electrodeposition method, which enhanced the sensitive detection of epinephrine (EP). The in-situ electrodeposited FeCo-MOF exhibited a characteristic nanoflower-like morphology and was uniformly dispersed on the Au UME. The FeCo-MOF/Au UME demonstrated excellent electrochemical performance on the detection of EP …

Study On Dopamine Electrochemical Sensing Based On Au@Mos2, Ning An, Ni Su, Xin-Ran Li, Jian-Yu Liu, Qi-Yan Wang

Journal of Electrochemistry

Dopamine (DA) is a vital neurotransmitter, and accurate detection of its concentration is critical for both clinical diagnostics and neuroscience research. Due to its electrochemical activity, DA is commonly detected using electrochemical methods, which are favored for their simplicity, fast response time, and suitability for in vivo analysis. In this work, a highly sensitive DA electrochemical sensor was developed using an Au@MoS₂ composite, created by modifying molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) nanosheets with gold nanoparticles through HAuCl₄ reduction, and it was aimed at enhancing DA adsorption and improving detection performance. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), …

Investigating Spatial Mapping Of Lipid And Protein Alterations Within Cells And Tissues Using Raman Microspectroscopy, Elnaz Sheikh

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The progression of various diseases is associated with alterations in the microenvironment of cells, consisting of a variety of metabolites like lipids and proteins. It is well known that lipids and proteins are potential biomarkers for indicating alterations within the cell microenvironment induced by disease, and various methods are frequently used for their examination. To understand the chemical composition and spatial distribution of constituents in tissues and cells, confocal Raman spectroscopy and microscopy, as non-destructive tools, have shown potential for monitoring abnormalities at the cellular level with high resolution and can facilitate detection through targeting multiple biomarkers. The application of …

Synthesis, Characterization And Electrical Properties Evaluation Of Zirconium Dioxide Capacitors, Thomas P. Chandy

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis focuses on the fabrication and comprehensive characterization of thin-film capacitors utilizing zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) as the dielectric material, placed between aluminum electrodes. The research primarily aims to examine the impact of varying ZrO2 film thickness and the effects of post-deposition annealing on the structural, morphological, and electrical properties of the capacitors. A controlled sputtering deposition technique was employed to ensure uniform film growth, maintaining consistency in thickness and material quality across all samples.

A comprehensive set of characterization techniques was employed to analyze the capacitors. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to assess surface roughness, revealing fewer defects …

Synthesis, Characterization And Delamination Studies Of Metallic Thin Films Prepared Using Sputtering And Ebeam Evaporation Methods, Anoop Joseph

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In many mechanical applications, including the manufacturing, automotive, and cutting tool sectors, metallic thin film coatings are crucial due to their tribological and protective properties. This research focuses on the development of metallic thin films of Aluminum (Al), Chromium (Cr) and Titanium (Ti) using deposition techniques like Sputtering and Electron Beam Evaporation. Metallic thin films were fabricated, with variations in thickness for each material, allowing for an in-depth study of the effects of Sputtering and Ebeam Evaporation deposition method on film characteristics. The thickness of these metallic thin films were evaluated using High-Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy (HRSEM) and Profilometer while …

Analytical Electrochemistry Of Nickel, Platinum, And Platinum-Nickel Electrodepositions, Kyle James Troche

Nanoscience and Microsystems ETDs

Nickel and platinum electrodeposits have numerous applications in corrosion and wear-resistant coatings, electronic connectors, heat resistance, metal finishings, and catalysts. The addition of additives can vastly change the morphology of the deposition. Electrokinetic parameters can be calculated by conducting rotating disk electrode (RDE) experiments along with Koutecky-Levich analysis. Significant challenges need to be addressed to deposit uniform films of Pt-Ni alloys from a single co-deposition bath. The main challenge is platinum’s catalytic property to reduce the overpotential for the hydrogen generation reaction. An Investigation into methanol and carbon monoxide’s hydrogen generation reaction suppression was conducted. Electrodeposition of nickel, platinum, and …

Plasmonic Enhancement Of Photothermal Conversion Efficiency In Gold-Nanoparticle Hydrogels, Mai S. Rashwan, Abed M. Al-Sheikh, Harihara Baskaran, Clemens Burda

Faculty Scholarship

This study investigates the photothermal properties of citrate-capped gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) dispersed in agarose gel, examining various sizes and concentrations, particularly within a low-concentration range (0.2–2.5 nM). Heat transfer measurements are conducted on Au NP hydrogels using laser-light induced heating, revealing a size- and concentration-dependent temperature increase compared to the plain agarose gel matrix. Experimental data, combined with finite-element analysis, demonstrate that photothermal energy conversion efficiencies are dependent on NP size and concentration, while the thermal conductivity (TC) of all Au NP hydrogels remains constant and independent of these parameters within the tested concentration range. UV-visible spectroscopy indicates that …

Experimental Study For Improving Oil Recovery Using Organic Alkaline And Nano-Silica For An Egyptian Oil Field, Attia Attia, Mohamed Sadek Hamedi Al, Mayar Abdelrahman Hassan Eng.

Petroleum Engineering and Gas

The oil and gas industry continually seeks innovative methods to enhance hydrocarbon recovery due to the declining productivity of conventional techniques. Current recovery methods, such as water flooding and chemical flooding, often face limitations like high interfacial tension, unfavorable wettability, and reduced mobility of oil, especially under harsh reservoir conditions of high salinity. To address these challenges, this study explores the implementation of nanotechnology in enhanced oil recovery (EOR), focusing on the distinct and unique properties of nanoparticles. Nanoparticles, particularly SiO2, were chosen for their ability to significantly decrease interfacial tension, alter wettability, and improve oil mobility. SiO2 nanoparticles exhibit …

Current Nanocomposite Advances For Biomedical And Environmental Application Diversity, Narsimha Mamidi, Ramiro M. V. Delgadillo, Alan O. Sustaita, Karen Lozano, Murali M. Yallapu

School of Medicine Publications

Nanocomposite materials are emerging as key players in addressing critical challenges in healthcare, energy storage, and environmental remediation. These innovative systems hold great promise in engineering effective solutions for complex problems. Nanocomposites have demonstrated various advantages such as simplicity, versatility, lightweight, and potential cost-effectiveness. By reinforcing synthetic and natural polymers with nanomaterials, a range of nanocomposites have exhibited unique physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. Current research on nanocomposites has demonstrated promising clinical and translational applications. Over the past decade, the production of nanocomposites has emerged as a critical nano-structuring methodology due to their adaptability and controllable surface structure. This comprehensive …

Metal Nitrides As Cathode Hosts For Lithium-Sulfur Batteries, Hai-Ji Xiong, Cheng-Wei Zhu, Ding-Rong Deng, Qi-Hui Wu

Journal of Electrochemistry

Lithium-sulfur batteries are considered as one of the potential solutions as integrating renewable energy systems for large-scale energy storage because of their high theoretical energy density (2600 Wh·kg^–1) and specific capacity (1675 mAh·g^–1). Currently, various strategies have been proposed to overcome the technical barriers, e.g., “shuttle effect”, capacity decay and volumetric change, which impede the successful commercialization of lithium-sulfur batteries. This paper reviews the applications of metal nitrides as the cathode hosts for high-performance lithium-sulfur batteries, summarizes the design strategies of different host materials, and discusses the relationship between the properties of metal nitrides and their …

Enhancing Cycle Life Of Graphite ‖ Lifepo4 Batteries Via Copper Substituted Li2Ni1-XCuXO2 Cathode Prelithiation Additive, Jian-Ming Zheng, Jing-Wen Zhang, Tian-Peng Jiao

Journal of Electrochemistry

Lithium nickel oxide (Li₂NiO₂), as a sacrificial cathode prelithiation additive, has been used to compensate for the lithium loss for improving the lifespan of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, high-cost Li₂NiO₂ suffers from inferior delithiation kinetics during the first cycle. Herein, we investigate the effects of the cost-effective Cu substitution of Li₂Ni_1-xCu_xO₂ (x = 0, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7) synthesized by high-temperature solid-phase method on the structure, morphology, electrochemical performance of graphite‖LiFePO₄ battery. The X-ray Diffraction (XRD) refinement result demonstrates that Cu substitution strategy is favorable …

Sno2 Particles Embedded Into Carbon Coated Mesoporous SioX Rod As High Volumetric Capacity Anode For Lithium-Ion Batteries, Jia-Lin Guo, Ni-Ni Li, Peng Zheng

Journal of Electrochemistry

Due to the high capacity and moderate volume expansion of silicon protoxide SiO_x (160%) compared with that of Si (300%), reducing silicon dioxide SiO₂ into SiO_x while maintaining its special nano-morphology makes it attractive as an anode of Li-ion batteries. Herein, through a one-pot facile high-temperature annealing route, using SBA15 as the silicon source, and embedding tin dioxide SnO₂ particles into carbon coated SiO_x, the mesoporous SiO_x-SnO₂@C rod composite was prepared and tested as the anode material. The results revealed that the SnO₂ particles were distributed uniformly in the …