Nanotechnology Commons^™

Explorations Of Dna-Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Interactions To Develop Multiplexed Molecularly Specific Biosensors For Inflammation, Amelia K. Ryan

Dissertations and Theses

Inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-12 (IL-12) are central regulators of immune signaling and key biomarkers of disease, yet existing assays for their detection remain slow, invasive, and lack multiplexing ability. This dissertation advances the development of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) optical nanosensors capable of real-time, multiplexed, and molecularly specific cytokine detection through innovative use of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) interfaces.

First, an IL-6-specific DNA aptamer was employed as both a dispersing agent and recognition probe for SWCNT fluorescence sensing. Sequence modifications, including anchor domains, truncations, and thermally induced refolding, were systematically tested to optimize sensitivity and selectivity. The …

An Electrochemical Sensor For Tenofovir Monitoring, Abdellatif Ait Lahcen, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

Effective monitoring of tenofovir (TFV) adherence is critical for ensuring the success of antiretroviral therapies in preventing and managing HIV, as nonadherence can lead to treatment failure and the development of drug-resistant strains. In this study, a highly sensitive and selective novel biomimetic sensor for TFV determination is developed utilizing laser-scribed graphene (LSG) modified with gold spiky nanostructures (AuNSp) and molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP). The MIP layer is engineered with precise control to maximize molecular specificity for TFV. Electrochemical characterization demonstrates excellent performance, including the broadest linear detection range (10 nM to 200 μM) reported to date with a sensitivity …

Hafnium Oxide-Based Nanoheterostructures For Catalytic Radiosensitization And Enhanced X-Ray Radiotherapy, Marlen Dariela Calix Quezada

Theses and Dissertations

Orthovoltage X-ray beams are attractive for surface and intra-operative radiotherapy. Yet, their clinical utility is constrained by rapid attenuation and the limited dose that can be delivered without harming healthy tissue. High-Z hafnium oxide (HfO₂) nanoparticles can boost local energy deposition through the photoelectric effect, while catalytic surface defects accelerate water radiolysis. Harnessing both mechanisms in a single nano-heterostructure could enable potent radiosensitization at diagnostic-range energies.

This thesis develops and evaluates HfO₂-based nanoheterostructures, both bare and Au-decorated, as catalytic radiosensitizers.

Two types of HfO₂ were evaluated, one was synthesized following a specific route and the …

Monte Carlo Modeling Of Spin Polarized Photoemission From Gaas At Low Temperatures And Positive Electron Affinity Surfaces, John Rison Callahan

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Research and development of new photocathode materials are essential to the continuing success and productivity of accelerator technology. High-quality photocathodes characterized by high quantum efficiencies, long lifetimes, low mean transverse energies, and robustness to vacuum environments and operation loads are becoming increasingly essential to the successful operation of the next generation of high brightness accelerator applications. For nuclear and high-energy physics experiments and other applications that rely on spin-polarized electron beams, photocathodes must also demonstrate high electron spin polarizations. The development of state of-the-art spin-polarized photocathodes will require both development of methods to improve the quality of already existing cathode …

Electrochemical Strategies For Microrna Quantification Leveraging Amplification And Nanomaterials: A Review, Alexander Hunt, Gymama Slaughter

Center for Bioelectronics Publications

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and have emerged as critical biomarkers in various diseases, including cancer. Their stability in bodily fluids and role as oncogenes or tumor suppressors make them attractive targets for non-invasive diagnostics. However, conventional detection methods, such as Northern blotting, RT-PCR, and microarrays, are limited by low sensitivity, lengthy protocols, and limited specificity. Electrochemical biosensors offer a promising alternative, providing high sensitivity, rapid response times, portability, and cost-effectiveness. These biosensors translate miRNA hybridization events into quantifiable electrochemical signals, often leveraging redox-active labels, mediators, or intercalators. Recent advancements in nanomaterials and signal amplification …

Mxenes In Biosensing: Enhancing Sensitivity And Flexibility - A Review Of Properties, Applications, And Future Directions, Ali Mohammad Amani, Lobat Tayebi, Ehsan Vafa, Alireza Jahanbin, Milad Abbasi, Ahmed Vaez, Hesam Kamyab, Lalitha Gnanasekaran, Shreeshivadasan Chelliapan

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

MXenes are a novel type of nanostructured material that has received a lot of attention for their potential applications in bioanalysis owing to their unique features. These materials, made from transition metal nitrides, carbides, or carbonitrides, have a number of advantages, including high hydrophilicity, a large surface area, strong metallic conductivity, superior ion transport capabilities, biocompatibility, and low diffusion barriers. Their surfaces are easily manipulated, making them more adaptable for a variety of applications, including biosensing. The outstanding properties of MXenes have attracted researchers of different fields, including renewable energy, fuel cells, supercapacitors, electronics, and catalysis. In the context of …

Targeting Bone In Cancer Therapy: Advances And Challenges Of Bisphosphonate-Based Drug Delivery Systems, Fariba Ganji, Mohammadmahdi Eshaghi, Hossein Shaki, Lobat Tayebi

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Background and Purpose: Bisphosphonates (BPs) are well-known for their strong affinity toward bone mineral matrices and are widely used to inhibit excessive osteoclast activity associated with various bone disorders. Beyond their clinical use, their unique bone-targeting capability has positioned them as promising ligands for drug delivery systems aimed at treating bone-related cancers. Approach: The review analyses published studies on BP-functionalized drug delivery systems, including direct drug conjugates, calcium-based nanomaterials, carbon-based nanostructures, and self-assembling systems such as micelles and liposomes. In vitro assays (e.g. hydroxyapatite binding, cell viability) and in vivo biodistribution studies are discussed to evaluate targeting efficiency and …

Cellax Nanoparticles: Taxane Nanoformulations For Solid Tumor Targeting, Lobat Tayebi, Mehran Alavi

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Nanoparticles (NPs), specifically polymer-modified NPs, have illustrated unique therapeutic advantages compared to bulk materials. Cellax NPs have provided a promising approach to cancer therapy by improving drug delivery, targeting the tumor microenvironment, and potentially overcoming drug resistance, all while reducing overall toxicity compared to traditional taxane treatment. By the flash nanoprecipitation (FNP) method, docetaxel and cabazitaxel have been formulated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) modified-acetylated carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) polymer to increase biocompatibility, bioavailability, specific targeting, and modulate the tumor microenvironment. However, there are some challenges and clinical limitations related to this formulation, encompassing optimum targeted delivery to tumors, overcoming biological barriers, such …

Immune Pathway Modulation In Melanoma Using Chitosan Nanoparticle-Mediated Dsrna Delivery, Bethel C. Iwuji

Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)

Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division, which typically results in the formation of tumours. Even with advances in treatments, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death globally. Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer which is highly malignant, develops in the pigment-producing cells of the skin, melanocytes, and in the late stages of the disease poses a significant challenge for therapeutic intervention due to its multidrug resistance. The innate immune system is the first line of defence against invading pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi, and can recognize and destroy …

Development Of Novel Carbohydrate-Based Nanoparticles For Precision Drug Delivery, Krystal Ann Hughes

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Nanoparticle-based drug delivery has made tremendous advancements in the last decade. However, several critical factors, including precision drug delivery at the site of interest, long-term storage stability, and controlling release profiles of drugs in the systemic circulation, need to be addressed for successful clinical translation of nanomedicine. This dissertation presents novel carbohydrate-based nanoparticles that achieve precise intracellular delivery and therapeutic release at the disease site. We present the formulation and optimization of polymeric and polymer-lipid hybrid nanoparticles that enable precision intracellular delivery and passive accumulation of therapeutics in the bone marrow. Intracellular delivery is highly impactful and sought after. One …

Targeting Myeloid Cell Iron Metabolism In Salmonella-Induced Colitis, Mariella Arcos Padilla

Biomedical Engineering ETDs

Salmonellosis is a severe infection caused by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, leading to significant global morbidity and mortality.

Previous studies have shown that mice lacking the iron storage protein ferritin heavy chain (FTH1) in myeloid cells exhibit worsened Salmonella infection. Nuclear receptor co-activator 4 (NCOA4) directs FTH1 autophagic degradation to release iron from storage during conditions of low iron. However, the role of myeloid NCOA4 in regulating bacterial infections remains unclear.

Here, we found that myeloid NCOA4 deficiency augments spleen iron levels and increases cellular iron accumulation, oxidative stress, and ferroptosis in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) cells. This deficiency also …

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Trackable Pathology-Triggered Polymersomes Toward Enzyme Replacement Theranostics For Gm1 Gangliosidosis, Dorian Foster

All Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the development and optimization of pathology-responsive polymersomes for simultaneous enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in the treatment of GM1 gangliosidosis (GM1). While therapeutic strategies exist for similar, non-neuropathic lysosomal storage disorders, implementation towards GM1 faces significant challenges due to the blood-brain barrier.

Herein, we developed and characterized a range of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid-b-polylactic acid (HA-PLA) polymersomes (PSs) capable of encapsulating therapeutic enzymes in their hydrophilic core. These polymersomes exhibit pathophysiology-triggered responsiveness, degrading in the presence of acidic conditions, which is characteristic of lysosomes, and enzymes such as hexosaminidase A, which …

Synthesis Of Photocleavable Molecules For Neurological Applications, Nishal Madujith Egodawaththa Arachchilage Don

Theses and Dissertations

In recent biomedical research, the precise control of molecular dynamics through light activation has emerged as a powerful tool, particularly in the field of neurobiology. This approach involves the use of photocleavable cages or photoprotective groups (PPGs) that are chemically tethered to biologically active molecules such as neurotransmitters or calcium chelators. These cages remain inert until exposed to specific wavelengths of light, typically in the visible range, triggering the release of the active compound with high spatiotemporal precision.

For neurotransmitter systems, such as glutamate (Glu), which plays a critical role in synaptic transmission and memory formation, researchers have developed novel …

Nanobubble Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound Imaging: A Review, Pinunta Nittayacharn, Felipe M. Berg, Dorian Durig, Agata A. Exner

Faculty Scholarship

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound is currently used worldwide with clinical indications in cardiology and radiology, and it continues to evolve and develop through innovative technological advancements. Clinically utilized contrast agents for ultrasound consist of hydrophobic gas microbubbles stabilized with a biocompatible shell. These agents are used commonly in echocardiography, with emerging applications in cancer diagnosis and therapy. Microbubbles are a blood pool agent with diameters between 1 and 10 μm, which precludes their use in other extravascular applications. To expand the potential use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound beyond intravascular applications, sub-micron agents, often called nanobubbles or ultra-fine bubbles, have recently emerged as a …

Mechanisms Of Extracellular Vesicle Uptake And Implications For The Design Of Cancer Therapeutics, Stephanie R Jackson Cullison, Joseph P Flemming, Kubra Karagoz, Peter J Wermuth, Mỹ G Mahoney

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

The translation of pre-clinical anti-cancer therapies to regulatory approval has been promising, but slower than hoped. While innovative and effective treatments continue to achieve or seek approval, setbacks are often attributed to a lack of efficacy, failure to achieve clinical endpoints, and dose-limiting toxicities. Successful efforts have been characterized by the development of therapeutics designed to specifically deliver optimal and effective dosing to tumour cells while minimizing off-target toxicity. Much effort has been devoted to the rational design and application of synthetic nanoparticles to serve as targeted therapeutic delivery vehicles. Several challenges to the successful application of this modality as …

Fabrication And Optimization Of A Silodosin In Situ-Forming Plga Implants For The Treatment Of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: In Vitro And In Vivo Study, Eman Gomaa

Nanotechnology Research Centre

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are common in older men, and alpha-adrenoceptor blockers continue to be a key part of managing these symptoms. This study aimed to formulate injectable poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) in situ-forming implants (ISFIs) loaded with silodosin (SLD) to address symptoms associated with BPH. This method, which ensures prolonged therapeutic effects of SLD, is intended to decrease dosing frequency and improve treatment outcomes, leading to better patient adherence. Methods: An appropriate solvent with favorable PLGA solubility, viscosity, and in vitro release profile was selected. Additionally, an I-optimal design was employed as …

Evaluation Of Virtual Distance Learning And Teaching In The Architectural Design Studio Experience Of Professors And Students Of The College Of Architecture And Planning - Qassim University - Kingdom Of Saudi Arabia., Abdulaziz Ibrahim Alhrabi

Journal of Engineering Research

The paper deals with the evaluation of distance learning of the architectural design studio during the Corona pandemic, and the extent to which distance learning and teaching were achieved between the professor and the student. The paper aims to share and evaluate the experience of distance learning and teaching of the architectural design studio, in the College of Architecture and Planning at Qassim University. The research problem is that the Corona virus crisis generates many ideas for educational programs and media, but there is a deficiency in knowledge of many programs that achieve the continuity of the educational process remotely, …

Optimal Site Layout Planning For Construction Projects Over Waterways, Rana M. Azzam, Nashwa Mohamed Yossef Prof, Adel I. Eldosouky Prof

Journal of Engineering Research

Construction site layout planning is an important part of a project's success. An effective construction layout plan can enhance the performance of the construction process by improving productivity, ensuring safety, and reducing costs. Given the importance of bridges over a waterway and the lack of interest in previous research for planning a construction site over a waterway. This paper concentrates on the problems of site planning for such projects, including the problem of limited site space. The study indicated that constructing an offshore terminal is one of the primary requirements for projects with limited space being carried out on a …

Developing Paths In Areas Of Distinguished Value Between Preservation And Extinction (A Case Study Of The Railway Axis In The Maadi Area), Kamal Mahmoud Elgabalawy

Journal of Engineering Research

Abstract: proportion of the place, and thus the loss of the distinctive general character of the area, which leads to its extinction. These areas are of distinguished value, with all the thought and culture they carry of society over time. Among the areas classified as having distinguished value is the Maadi suburb, which is located in the south of Cairo Governorate, where boundaries and foundations for preserving them have been set through the Central Administration for Studies, Research, and Policies of the National Coordination Organization. The Ministry of Culture, approved by the Supreme Council for Planning and Urban Development by …

Review Of Wood Drying Technologies, Mohamed Salah Elmetwaly, Lotfy Hassan Rabie Saker, Mohamed Sameh Salem

Journal of Engineering Research

Abstract- This article provides a comprehensive review of drying optimization in data centers by examining the limitations of drying methods and discussing advances proposed by scientists through whom we can provide a comparison between different drying systems with an emphasis on improving energy efficiency and thermal performance. Wood drying under atmospheric pressure has many advantages, including the ability to dry at lower temperatures (by reducing the likelihood of some drying defects), significantly reduced drying times, color preservation, increased energy efficiency, better control of volatile organic compound emissions, and the ability to dry very large cross sections. Previous studies have achieved …

"Towards A Methodology For Studying The Impact Of Integrating Motion Systems In The External Envelope Of A Building On Natural Lighting Inside The Building– (An Applied Study On A Government School In Greater Cairo)", Nashwa Youssif

Journal of Engineering Research

يدرك المصمم ما للعناصر البيئية ولا سيما الإضاءة الطبيعية من دور فاعل في الوصول إلى تصميم ناجح يحقق أفضل أداء إستخدامي، فالإضاءة الطبيعية تذهب إلى صميم عمل المعماري فيستعين بها للإيحاء بشكل الفراغات ولونها وملمس سطوحها.

وهناك العديد من الأساليب الحديثة التي تساعد المعماري علي إتخاذ قراراته التصميمية الخاصة بتصميم المبنى وكيفية الإستفادة من الإضاءة الطبيعية داخل المباني، وهذه الأساليب تهدف إلى زيادة إحترام البيئة وتفترض تحسينات في النظم البيئية من العزل الحراري وإستغلال مصادر الطاقة الطبيعية والإهتمام بنظم الإضاءة الطبيعية والمواد البنائية.

وتعد تقنية دمج الأنظمة الحركية بالغلاف الخارجي للمبنى مع الإستفادة من الإضاءة الطبيعية داخل هذا …

Advances In Biomedical Research And Treatments: What Is Acceptable?, Michael L. Clancy, Khalid M. Iskandarani, Mitchell C. Mccrea

Journal of Health Ethics

This study investigated the technology acceptance (TA) of twenty-first century biomedical treatments by adults in the United States. A new TA instrument was created, using five distinct levels: (1) Healing and Prevention, (2) Replacement Organs, (3) Enhancements-Medical, (4) Enhancements-Discretionary, and (5) Transhumans. An on-line survey produced 353 usable responses, which showed distinct patterns for each of five biomedical treatment levels. There was clear support for Levels 1–3, but very strong opposition to Levels 4–5. The TA finding draws the line between which human interventions are acceptable versus others that should be prohibited through public policies and medical guidelines.

Single-Step Aerosol Methods For Lignin Valorization: From Fundamentals To Scale-Up, Sujit Sagar Modi

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Growing consumption of fossil resources for energy and materials production has significantly increased greenhouse gas emissions, which will have an increasingly negative, and potentially catastrophic, environmental impact in the future. Lignocellulosic biomass is one of the few sustainable carbon resources that has the abundance and geographical distribution to displace fossil-based fuels and materials. However, the under-utilization of by-products such as lignin fraction remains a key challenge in expanding the utilization of lignocellulosic materials, necessitating the development of technologies for valorization of lignin into high-value products. Lignin is a promising precursor for the synthesis of a diverse range of high-value nanomaterials. …

Investigations On V2o5 And Its Derivative Nanocomposites For Photocatalytic Textile Organic Dye Degradation, Jenifer A

Theses and Dissertations

In recent times, organic dyes from industrial sludge become one of the significant causes of water contamination due to their utility in textile and paper manufacturing industries. These organic dyes are highly toxic and carcinogenic. Fortunately, the photocatalytic degradation process is a practical tool for decomposing toxic organic matter in wastewater by utilizing light. The photodegradation process can be performed using semiconductor materials to purify wastewater. Thus, semiconductor photocatalysis is a desirable alternative technique for decolorizing various organic pollutants.

In this context, the present work reports the preparation and characterization of V2O5 nanocomposites by facile methods and tests them against …

Efficacy Of In-House Nanosilver Polyurethane Hydrogel Dressing On Second-Degree Burn Wounds In A Porcine Model, Pasakorn Brikshavana, Tapanat Songkasupa, Pleansaung Vichit, Onrampa Supsombon, Arunrode Nilrattanaprasert, Theerayuth Kaewamatawong

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of hydrogel containing nanosilver particles on a second-degree burn wound in a porcine model. The second degree burn wound was performed using 1 cm in diameter, on 100 °C heated cylindrical brass bar applied to the dorsum of pig skin. Burn wounds were randomly divided into three groups of wound dressings (WDs) including commercial polyurethane hydrogel (Cutinova Hydro®, Gr. A), in-house hydrogel (Gr. B) and in-house nanosilver hydrogel (Gr. C). The wound contraction rate and hyperemic zone were measured and investigated at 3, 7, 14 and 21 days after dressing. …

The Bioremediation Effect Of Microalgae On Wastewater: A Green Technology Approach, Mohamed Ahmed Reda Hamed Dr, Marwa Abdelfattah Abdallah Dr

Journal of Engineering Research

The present study lays an emphasis on the microalgae-based for simultaneous wastewater bioremediation using Chlorella vulgaris and Micrococcus luteus mixed algal cultures to remove its constituent pollutants, amazing green technology guarantees benefits with the decrease in the formation of dangerous solid sludge. Ten days of fully monitoring laboratory experimental program were performed in batch cultures to investigate the effect of various dominant mixing ratios for attaining wastewater concentrations and different governing temperature ranges on the performance of microalgae treatment. The results revealed that there is a significant impact of both wastewater concentrations and temperature treatment conditions on the capability of …

Indicators And Evidence Of Environmental Sustainability For Pedestrian In Public Parks (Towards An Approach For Formulating A Guideline Evaluation Model), Nashwa Youssif

Journal of Engineering Research

يتناول البحث أحد المجالات التي فرضت تواجدها في الأونة الأخيرة علي الساحة العلمية والبحثية التي تتعلق بالعلاقة التبادلية التأثير بين الإنسان والفراغ العمراني حيث يتنامي الإهتمام بالخصائص الإنسانيه و مدي توافقها مع هذا الفراغ العمراني.

وتعد مسارات المشاة من أهم الحيزات العمرانية التى تشكل النسيج العمراني وأحد أهم وسائل التواصل الإجتماعي والثقافي والوظيفي نظرآ لإرتباطها بالغالبية العظمي من أفراد المجتمع، ومساعدتها على جذب العديـد من الأنشطة داخل الحدائق العامة. مما يشير إلي ضرورة الإهتمام بتحسين بيئة حركة المشاه كمدخل للتواصل والإستدامة.

ومن هنا تتمثل مشكلة البحث في نقص الدراسات حول تقييم العلاقة بين معايير الاستدامة التصميمية والنظم البيئية لمسارات المشاة …

A Third Generation Long-Acting Dimeric Dolutegravir Prodrug Nanoformulation, Bhoomika Suresh Gowda

Theses & Dissertations

Dolutegravir (DTG) is an integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI) widely used as a part of first-line combination antiretroviral therapy. DTG has a high barrier to resistance However, one therapeutic challenge centers on its life-long daily use. Sub-optimal adherence to daily oral pills underscore the need for long-acting formulations. To these ends, our research activities have focused on the development and translation of ultra-long-acting ART. Monomeric ester prodrugs provided initial success in extending the apparent half-life of DTG and other INSTIs. One is the DTG prodrug formulation called NM2DTG. NM2DTG’s significantly extended the parent drug’s apparent half-life [Nature Communications, 3226 (2022)]. …

Exosomal Cannabidiol: A Promising Candidate For Targeted Oral Delivery Against Breast Cancer., Disha Nagesh Moholkar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cancer therapies are limited by lack of specificity, selectivity and numerous adverse effects. Repurposing potential anticancer compounds with appropriate drug carriers can help overcome these drawbacks. In our present study, we address the major obstacle for cannabidiol (CBD): its low oral bioavailability, using exosomes. Exosomes (Exo) are promising non-toxic and biocompatible drug delivery vehicles Our project aims are to address the research gap by formulating exosomal cannabidiol (ExoCBD): a tumor-targeted oral delivery system for the treatment of breast cancer. The targeting approach relies on the overexpression of folate receptors at the tumor site by using folic acid functionalized exosomes (FA-Exo). …

Employing Interactive Architecture Techniques In Architectural Design Methodologies To Retrieve Ancient Egyptian Identity, Dina Elwy Aly Hamed Hussein Dr. Lobna Abd-Allah Abd-Elfattah Agha , Dr. Azza Sobhi Ragab Elsakka

Journal of Engineering Research

Architectural projects often rely on modern technologies like smart architecture and environmental treatments, neglecting the principles and philosophy that reflect civilization, ideas, culture, and traditions. This leads to short-lived buildings that depend on these technologies without any purpose of preserving them. Technicians must constantly renew technology to improve production and without benefits, as threats of superior artificial intelligence have been warned, that autonomous machines may perform tasks without programmers understanding how to reach this level. Instead of relying solely on environmental or smart technology, we should make technology serve the design idea rather than relying solely on it. Considering this, …