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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Influence Of Environment On The Measurement Of Rates Of Charge Transport Across Agts/Sam//Ga2o3/Egain Junctions, Jabulani R. Barber, Hyo Jae Yoon, Carleen M. Bowers, Martin M. Thuo, Benjamin Breiten, Diana M. Gooding, George M. Whitesides Jun 2014

Influence Of Environment On The Measurement Of Rates Of Charge Transport Across Agts/Sam//Ga2o3/Egain Junctions, Jabulani R. Barber, Hyo Jae Yoon, Carleen M. Bowers, Martin M. Thuo, Benjamin Breiten, Diana M. Gooding, George M. Whitesides

Martin M. Thuo

This paper investigates the influence of the atmosphere used in the fabrication of top electrodes from the liquid eutectic of gallium and indium (EGaIn) (the so-called “EGaIn” electrodes), and in measurements of current density, J(V) (A/cm2), across self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) incorporated into Ag/SR//Ga2O3/EGaIn junctions, on values of J(V) obtained using these electrodes. A gas-tight measurement chamber was used to control the atmosphere in which the electrodes were formed, and also to control the environment in which the electrodes were used to measure current densities across SAM-based junctions. Seven different atmospheres—air, oxygen, nitrogen, argon, and ammonia, as well as air containing …


Fabrication Of Low-Cost Paper-Based Microfluidic Devices By Embossing Or Cut-And-Stack Methods, Martin M. Thuo, Ramses V. Martinez, Wen-Jie Lan, Xinyu Liu, Jabulani Barber, Manza B. Atkinson, Dineth Bandarage, Jean-Francis Bloch, George M. Whitesides Jun 2014

Fabrication Of Low-Cost Paper-Based Microfluidic Devices By Embossing Or Cut-And-Stack Methods, Martin M. Thuo, Ramses V. Martinez, Wen-Jie Lan, Xinyu Liu, Jabulani Barber, Manza B. Atkinson, Dineth Bandarage, Jean-Francis Bloch, George M. Whitesides

Martin M. Thuo

This article describes the use of embossing and “cut-and-stack” methods of assembly, to generate microfluidic devices from omniphobic paper and demonstrates that fluid flowing through these devices behaves similarly to fluid in an open-channel microfluidic device. The porosity of the paper to gases allows processes not possible in devices made using PDMS or other nonporous materials. Droplet generators and phase separators, for example, could be made by embossing “T”-shaped channels on paper. Vertical stacking of embossed or cut layers of omniphobic paper generated three-dimensional systems of microchannels. The gas permeability of the paper allowed fluid in the microchannel to contact …


Defining The Value Of Injection Current And Effective Electrical Contact Area For Egain-Based Molecular Tunneling Junctions, Felice C. Simeone, Hyo Jae Yoon, Martin M. Thuo, Jabulani R. Barber, Barbara Smith, George M. Whitesides Nov 2013

Defining The Value Of Injection Current And Effective Electrical Contact Area For Egain-Based Molecular Tunneling Junctions, Felice C. Simeone, Hyo Jae Yoon, Martin M. Thuo, Jabulani R. Barber, Barbara Smith, George M. Whitesides

Martin M. Thuo

Analysis of rates of tunneling across self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of n-alkanethiolates SCn (with n = number of carbon atoms) incorporated in junctions having structure AgTS-SAM//Ga2O3/EGaIn leads to a value for the injection tunnel current density J0 (i.e., the current flowing through an ideal junction with n = 0) of 103.6±0.3 A·cm–2 (V = +0.5 V). This estimation of J0 does not involve an extrapolation in length, because it was possible to measure current densities across SAMs over the range of lengths n = 1–18. This value of J0 is estimated under the assumption that values of the geometrical contact area …


A Microfluidic Paper-Based Electrochemical Biosensor Array For Multiplexed Detection Of Metabolic Biomarkers, Chen Zhao, Martin M. Thuo, Xinyu Liu Oct 2013

A Microfluidic Paper-Based Electrochemical Biosensor Array For Multiplexed Detection Of Metabolic Biomarkers, Chen Zhao, Martin M. Thuo, Xinyu Liu

Martin M. Thuo

Paper-based microfluidic devices have emerged as simple yet powerful platforms for performing low-cost analytical tests. This paper reports a microfluidic paper-based electrochemical biosensor array for multiplexed detection of physiologically relevant metabolic biomarkers. Different from existing paper-based electrochemical devices, our device includes an array of eight electrochemical sensors and utilizes a handheld custom-made electrochemical reader (potentiostat) for signal readout. The biosensor array can detect several analytes in a sample solution and produce multiple measurements for each analyte from a single run. Using the device, we demonstrate simultaneous detection of glucose, lactate and uric acid in urine, with analytical performance comparable to …


Paramagnetic Ionic Liquids For Measurements Of Density Using Magnetic Levitation, David K. Bwambok, Martin M. Thuo, Manza B.J. Atkinson, Katherine A. Mirica, Nathan D. Shapiro, George M. Whitesides Aug 2013

Paramagnetic Ionic Liquids For Measurements Of Density Using Magnetic Levitation, David K. Bwambok, Martin M. Thuo, Manza B.J. Atkinson, Katherine A. Mirica, Nathan D. Shapiro, George M. Whitesides

Martin M. Thuo

Paramagnetic ionic liquids (PILs) provide new capabilities to measurements of density using magnetic levitation (MagLev). In a typical measurement, a diamagnetic object of unknown density is placed in a container containing a PIL. The container is placed between two magnets (typically NdFeB, oriented with like poles facing). The density of the diamagnetic object can be determined by measuring its position in the magnetic field along the vertical axis (levitation height, h), either as an absolute value or relative to internal standards of known density. For density measurements by MagLev, PILs have three advantages over solutions of paramagnetic salts in aqueous …


Replacing −Ch2ch2– With −Conh– Does Not Significantly Change Rates Of Charge Transport Through Agts-Sam//Ga2o3/Egain Junctions, Martin M. Thuo, William F. Reus, Felice C. Simeone, Choongik Kim, Michael D. Schulz, Hyo Jae Yoon, George M. Whitesides Jun 2012

Replacing −Ch2ch2– With −Conh– Does Not Significantly Change Rates Of Charge Transport Through Agts-Sam//Ga2o3/Egain Junctions, Martin M. Thuo, William F. Reus, Felice C. Simeone, Choongik Kim, Michael D. Schulz, Hyo Jae Yoon, George M. Whitesides

Martin M. Thuo

This paper describes physical-organic studies of charge transport by tunneling through self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), based on systematic variations of the structure of the molecules constituting the SAM. Replacing a −CH2CH2– group with a −CONH– group changes the dipole moment and polarizability of a portion of the molecule and has, in principle, the potential to change the rate of charge transport through the SAM. In practice, this substitution produces no significant change in the rate of charge transport across junctions of the structure AgTS-S(CH2)mX(CH2)nH//Ga2O3/EGaIn (TS = template stripped, X = −CH2CH2– or −CONH–, and EGaIn = eutectic alloy of gallium and …


The Sam, Not The Electrodes, Dominates Charge Transport In Metal-Monolayer//Ga2o3/Gallium–Indium Eutectic Junctions, William F. Reus, Martin M. Thuo, Nathan D. Shapiro, Christian A. Nijhuis, George M. Whitesides May 2012

The Sam, Not The Electrodes, Dominates Charge Transport In Metal-Monolayer//Ga2o3/Gallium–Indium Eutectic Junctions, William F. Reus, Martin M. Thuo, Nathan D. Shapiro, Christian A. Nijhuis, George M. Whitesides

Martin M. Thuo

The liquid–metal eutectic of gallium and indium (EGaIn) is a useful electrode for making soft electrical contacts to self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). This electrode has, however, one feature whose effect on charge transport has been incompletely understood: a thin (approximately 0.7 nm) film—consisting primarily of Ga2O3—that covers its surface when in contact with air. SAMs that rectify current have been measured using this electrode in AgTS-SAM//Ga2O3/EGaIn (where AgTS = template-stripped Ag surface) junctions. This paper organizes evidence, both published and unpublished, showing that the molecular structure of the SAM (specifically, the presence of an accessible molecular orbital asymmetrically located within the …


Statistical Tools For Analyzing Measurements Of Charge Transport, William F. Reus, Christian A. Nijhuis, Jabulani R. Barber, Martin M. Thuo, Simon Tricard, George M. Whitesides Feb 2012

Statistical Tools For Analyzing Measurements Of Charge Transport, William F. Reus, Christian A. Nijhuis, Jabulani R. Barber, Martin M. Thuo, Simon Tricard, George M. Whitesides

Martin M. Thuo

This paper applies statistical methods to analyze the large, noisy data sets produced in measurements of tunneling current density (J) through self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) in large-area junctions. It describes and compares the accuracy and precision of procedures for summarizing data for individual SAMs, for comparing two or more SAMs, and for determining the parameters of the Simmons model (β and J0). For data that contain significant numbers of outliers (i.e., most measurements of charge transport), commonly used statistical techniques—e.g., summarizing data with arithmetic mean and standard deviation and fitting data using a linear, least-squares algorithm—are prone to large errors. The …


Electrical Resistance Of Agts–S(Ch2)N−1ch3//Ga2o3/Egain Tunneling Junctions, Ludovico Cademartiri, Martin M. Thuo, Christian A. Nijhuis, William F. Reus, Simon Tricard, Jubulani R. Barber, Rana N.S. Sodhi, Peter Brodersen, Choongik Kim, Ryan C. Chiechi, George M. Whitesides Feb 2012

Electrical Resistance Of Agts–S(Ch2)N−1ch3//Ga2o3/Egain Tunneling Junctions, Ludovico Cademartiri, Martin M. Thuo, Christian A. Nijhuis, William F. Reus, Simon Tricard, Jubulani R. Barber, Rana N.S. Sodhi, Peter Brodersen, Choongik Kim, Ryan C. Chiechi, George M. Whitesides

Martin M. Thuo

Tunneling junctions having the structure AgTS–S(CH2)n−1CH3//Ga2O3/EGaIn allow physical–organic studies of charge transport across self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). In ambient conditions, the surface of the liquid metal electrode (EGaIn, 75.5 wt % Ga, 24.5 wt % In, mp 15.7 °C) oxidizes and adsorbs―like other high-energy surfaces―adventitious contaminants. The interface between the EGaIn and the SAM thus includes a film of metal oxide, and probably also organic material adsorbed on this film; this interface will influence the properties and operation of the junctions. A combination of structural, chemical, and electrical characterizations leads to four conclusions about AgTS–S(CH2)n−1CH3//Ga2O3/EGaIn junctions. (i) The oxide is ∼0.7 …


Multizone Paper Platform For 3d Cell Cultures, Ratmir Derda, Sindy K.Y. Tang, Anna Laromaine, Bobak Mosadegh, Estrella Hong, Martin Mwangi, Akiko Mammoto, Donald E. Ingber, George M. Whitesides May 2011

Multizone Paper Platform For 3d Cell Cultures, Ratmir Derda, Sindy K.Y. Tang, Anna Laromaine, Bobak Mosadegh, Estrella Hong, Martin Mwangi, Akiko Mammoto, Donald E. Ingber, George M. Whitesides

Martin M. Thuo

In vitro 3D culture is an important model for tissues in vivo. Cells in different locations of 3D tissues are physiologically different, because they are exposed to different concentrations of oxygen, nutrients, and signaling molecules, and to other environmental factors (temperature, mechanical stress, etc). The majority of high-throughput assays based on 3D cultures, however, can only detect the average behavior of cells in the whole 3D construct. Isolation of cells from specific regions of 3D cultures is possible, but relies on low-throughput techniques such as tissue sectioning and micromanipulation. Based on a procedure reported previously ("cells-in-gels-in-paper" or CiGiP), this paper …


Odd-Even Effects In Charge Transport Across Self-Assembled Monolayers, Martin M. Thuo, William F. Reus, Christian A. Nijhuis, Jabulani R. Barber, Choongik Kim, Michael D. Schulz, George M. Whitesides Mar 2011

Odd-Even Effects In Charge Transport Across Self-Assembled Monolayers, Martin M. Thuo, William F. Reus, Christian A. Nijhuis, Jabulani R. Barber, Choongik Kim, Michael D. Schulz, George M. Whitesides

Martin M. Thuo

This paper compares charge transport across self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of n-alkanethiols containing odd and even numbers of methylenes. Ultraflat template-stripped silver (Ag(TS)) surfaces support the SAMs, while top electrodes of eutectic gallium-indium (EGaIn) contact the SAMs to form metal/SAM//oxide/EGaIn junctions. The EGaIn spontaneously reacts with ambient oxygen to form a thin (∼1 nm) oxide layer. This oxide layer enables EGaIn to maintain a stable, conical shape (convenient for forming microcontacts to SAMs) while retaining the ability to deform and flow upon contacting a hard surface. Conical electrodes of EGaIn conform (at least partially) to SAMs and generate high yields of …


Sequential Reactions With Grubbs Catalyst And Ad-Mix-Alpha/Beta Using Pdms Thimbles, Martin T. Mwangi, Michael D. Schulz, Ned B. Bowden Sep 2008

Sequential Reactions With Grubbs Catalyst And Ad-Mix-Alpha/Beta Using Pdms Thimbles, Martin T. Mwangi, Michael D. Schulz, Ned B. Bowden

Martin M. Thuo

Incompatible Grubbs catalyst and an osmium dihydroxylation catalyst were site-isolated from each other using polydimethylsiloxane thimbles. The Grubbs catalyst was added to the interior of the thimbles, and AD-mix-alpha/beta was added to the exterior. Organic substrates readily fluxed through the walls of the thimbles and reacted with each catalyst. A series of cascade reactions were developed including those with intermediates possessing low boiling points or that were foul smelling.


Repellent Properties Of Δ-Octalactone Against The Tsetse Fly, Glossina Morsitans Morsitans, Martin T. Mwangi, Nicholas K. Gikonyo, Isaiah O. Ndiege May 2008

Repellent Properties Of Δ-Octalactone Against The Tsetse Fly, Glossina Morsitans Morsitans, Martin T. Mwangi, Nicholas K. Gikonyo, Isaiah O. Ndiege

Martin M. Thuo

δ-octalactone, produced by several Bovidae, has been suggested as a potential repellant of tsetse fly attack. Racemic δ-octalactone was synthesized via an abbreviated route. The product was assayed against 3-day old starved teneral female tsetse flies, Glossina morsitans morsitans Wiedemann (Diptera: Glossinidae), in a choice wind tunnel and found to be a potent tsetse repellent at doses ≥0.05 mg in 200 μl of paraffin oil (0.05 >p >0.01).


Occlusion Of Grubbs' Catalysts In Active Membranes Of Polydimethylsiloxane:  Catalysis In Water And New Functional Group Selectivities, Martin T. Mwangi, M. Brett Runge, Ned B. Bowden Oct 2006

Occlusion Of Grubbs' Catalysts In Active Membranes Of Polydimethylsiloxane:  Catalysis In Water And New Functional Group Selectivities, Martin T. Mwangi, M. Brett Runge, Ned B. Bowden

Martin M. Thuo

The Grubbs' first and second generation catalysts were occluded into cross-linked slabs of polydimethylsiloxane with volumes from 1 mm3 to 1 cm3 by swelling the polymer with catalyst and methylene chloride. Methylene chloride was evaporated under vacuum to yield occluded catalysts where their solvent was polydimethylsiloxane. These occluded catalysts were reacted with alkenes dissolved in H2O or H2O/MeOH mixtures that diffused into the polydimethylsiloxane to react by ring-closing metathesis and cross metathesis. Control experiments revealed that the catalysts remained occluded and metathesis did not occur in the solvent. Occlusion of these catalysts allowed commercially available Grubbs' catalysts to be used …