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Knowledge Management
(2001)
Knowledge-based productivity in “low-tech” industries: evidence from firms in developing countries
(2014)
Using firm-level data from five developing countries—Brazil, Ecuador, South Africa, Tanzania, and Bangladesh—and three industries—food processing, textiles, and the garments and leather products—this article examines the importance of various sources of knowledge for explaining productivity and formally tests whether sector- or country-specific characteristics dominate these relationships. Knowledge sources driving productivity appear mainly sector specific. Also differences in the level of development affect the effectiveness of knowledge sources. In the food processing sector, firms with higher educated managers are more productive, and in least-developed countries, additionally those with technology licenses and imported machinery and equipment. In the capital-intensive textiles sector, productivity is higher in firms that conduct R&D. In the garments and leather products sector, higher education of the managers, licensing, and R&D raise productivity.
The Kremer-Grest (KG) bead-spring model is a near standard in Molecular Dynamic simulations of generic polymer properties. It owes its popularity to its computational efficiency, rather than its ability to represent specific polymer species and conditions. Here we investigate how to adapt the model to match the universal properties of a wide range of chemical polymers species. For this purpose we vary a single parameter originally introduced by Faller and Müller-Plathe, the chain stiffness. Examples include polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, cis-polyisoprene, polydimethylsiloxane, polyethyleneoxide and styrene-butadiene rubber. We do this by matching the number of Kuhn segments per chain and the number of Kuhn segments per cubic Kuhn volume for the polymer species and for the Kremer-Grest model. We also derive mapping relations for converting KG model units back to physical units, in particular we obtain the entanglement time for the KG model as function of stiffness allowing for a time mapping. To test these relations, we generate large equilibrated well entangled polymer melts, and measure the entanglement moduli using a static primitive-path analysis of the entangled melt structure as well as by simulations of step-strain deformation of the model melts. The obtained moduli for our model polymer melts are in good agreement with the experimentally expected moduli.
The Kremer–Grest (KG) polymer model is a standard model for studying generic polymer properties in molecular dynamics simulations. It owes its popularity to its simplicity and computational efficiency, rather than its ability to represent specific polymers species and conditions. Here we show that by tuning the chain stiffness it is possible to adapt the KG model to model melts of real polymers. In particular, we provide mapping relations from KG to SI units for a wide range of commodity polymers. The connection between the experimental and the KG melts is made at the Kuhn scale, i.e., at the crossover from the chemistry-specific small scale to the universal large scale behavior. We expect Kuhn scale-mapped KG models to faithfully represent universal properties dominated by the large scale conformational statistics and dynamics of flexible polymers. In particular, we observe very good agreement between entanglement moduli of our KG models and the experimental moduli of the target polymers.
Kyphoplasty of Osteoporotic Fractured Vertebrae: A Finite Element Analysis about Two Types of Cement
(2019)
Light-addressable potentiometric sensors (LAPS) consisting of a p-Si-SiO2 and p-Si-SiO2-Au structure, respectively, have been tested for a label-free electrical detection of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) hybridization. Three different strategies for immobilizing single-stranded probe DNA (ssDNA) molecules on a LAPS surface have been studied and compared: (a) immobilization of thiol-modified ssDNA on the patterned Au surface via gold-thiol bond, (b) covalent immobilization of amino-modified ssDNA onto the SiO2 surface functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane and (c) layer-by-layer adsorption of negatively charged ssDNA on a positively charged weak polyelectrolyte layer of poly(allylamine hydrochloride).
A multi-spot (16 spots) light-addressable potentiometric sensor (MLAPS) consisting of an Al–p-Si–SiO2 structure modified with a weak polyelectrolyte layer of PAH (poly(allylamine hydrochloride)) was applied for the label-free electrical detection of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) immobilization and hybridization by the intrinsic molecular charge for the first time. To achieve a preferentially flat orientation of DNA strands and thus, to reduce the distance between the DNA charge and MLAPS surface, the negatively charged probe single-stranded DNAs (ssDNA) were electrostatically adsorbed onto the positively charged PAH layer using a simple layer-by-layer (LbL) technique. In this way, more DNA charge can be positioned within the Debye length, yielding a higher sensor signal. The surface potential changes in each spot induced due to the surface modification steps (PAH adsorption, probe ssDNA immobilization, hybridization with complementary target DNA (cDNA), non-specific adsorption of mismatched ssDNA) were determined from the shifts of photocurrent–voltage curves along the voltage axis. A high sensor signal of 83 mV was registered after immobilization of probe ssDNA onto the PAH layer. The hybridization signal increases from 5 mV to 32 mV with increasing the concentration of cDNA from 0.1 nM to 5 μM. In contrast, a small signal of 5 mV was recorded in the case of non-specific adsorption of fully mismatched ssDNA (5 μM). The obtained results demonstrate the potential of the MLAPS in combination with the simple and rapid LbL immobilization technique as a promising platform for the future development of multi-spot light-addressable label-free DNA chips with direct electrical readout.
In this study, polyelectrolyte-modified field-effect-based electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor (EIS) devices have been used for the label-free electrical detection of double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (dsDNA)molecules. The sensor-chip functionalization with a positively charged polyelectrolyte layer provides the possibility of direct adsorptive binding of negatively charged target DNA oligonucleotides onto theSiO2-chip surface.EIS sensors can be utilized as a tool to detect surface-charge changes; the electrostatic adsorption of oligonucleotides onto the polyelectrolyte layer leads to a measureable surface-potential change. Signals of 39mV have been recorded after the incubation with the oligonucleotide solution. Besides the electrochemical experiments, the successful adsorption of dsDNA onto the polyelectrolyte layer has been verified via fluorescence microscopy. The presented results demonstrate that the signal recording of EISchips, which are modified with a polyelectrolyte layer, canbe used as a favorable approach for a fast, cheap and simple detection method for dsDNA.
Field-effect EIS (electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor) sensors modified with a positively charged weak polyelectrolyte layer have been applied for the electrical detection of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) immobilization and hybridization by the intrinsic molecular charge. The EIS sensors are able to detect the existence of target DNA amplicons in PCR (polymerase chain reaction) samples and thus, can be used as tool for a quick verification of DNA amplification and the successful PCR process. Due to their miniaturized setup, compatibility with advanced micro- and nanotechnologies, and ability to detect biomolecules by their intrinsic molecular charge, those sensors can serve as possible platform for the development of label-free DNA chips. Possible application fields as well as challenges and limitations will be discussed.
Label-free electrical detection of consecutive deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) hybridization/denaturation by means of an array of individually addressable field-effect-based nanoplate silicon-on-insulator (SOI) capacitors modified with gold nanoparticles (Au-NP) is investigated. The proposed device detects charge changes on Au-NP/DNA hybrids induced by the hybridization or denaturation event. DNA hybridization was performed in a high ionic-strength solution to provide a high hybridization efficiency. On the other hand, to reduce the screening of the DNA charge by counter ions and to achieve a high sensitivity, the sensor signal induced by the hybridization and denaturation events was measured in a low ionic-strength solution. High sensor signals of about 120, 90, and 80 mV were registered after the DNA hybridization, denaturation, and re-hybridization events, respectively. Fluorescence microscopy has been applied as reference method to verify the DNA immobilization, hybridization, and denaturation processes. An electrostatic charge-plane model for potential changes at the gate surface of a nanoplate field-effect sensor induced by the DNA hybridization has been developed taking into account both the Debye length and the distance of the DNA charge from the gate surface.
A multi-spot (4 × 4 spots) light-addressable potentiometric sensor (MLAPS) consisting of an Al–p-Si–SiO2 structure has been applied for the label-free electrical detection of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) immobilization and hybridization by the intrinsic molecular charge for the first time. Single-stranded probe ssDNA molecules (20 bases) were covalently immobilized onto the silanized SiO2 gate surface. The unspecific adsorption of mismatch ssDNA on the MLAPS gate surface was blocked by bovine serum albumin molecules. To reduce the screening effect and to achieve a high sensor signal, the measurements were performed in a low ionic-strength solution. The photocurrent–voltage (I–V) curves were simultaneously recorded on all 16 spots after each surface functionalization step. Large shifts of I–V curves of 25 mV were registered after the DNA immobilization and hybridization event. In contrast, a small potential shift (∼5 mV) was observed in case of mismatch ssDNA, revealing good specificity of the sensor. The obtained results demonstrate the potential of the MLAPS as promising transducer platform for the multi-spot label-free electrical detection of DNA molecules by their intrinsic molecular charge.
Label-free Electrostatic Detection of DNA Amplification by PCR Using Capacitive Field-effect Devices
(2016)
A capacitive field-effect EIS (electrolyte-insulator-semiconductor) sensor modified with a positively charged weak polyelectrolyte of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH)/single-stranded probe DNA (ssDNA) bilayer has been used for a label-free electrostatic detection of pathogen-specific DNA amplification via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The sensor is able to distinguish between positive and negative PCR solutions, to detect the existence of target DNA amplicons in PCR samples and thus, can be used as tool for a quick verification of DNA amplification and the successful PCR process.
Label-free sensing of biomolecules by their intrinsic molecular charge using field-effect devices
(2015)
Among the variety of transducer concepts proposed for label-free detection of biomolecules, the semiconductor field-effect device (FED) is one of the most attractive platforms. As medical techniques continue to progress towards diagnostic and therapies based on biomarkers, the ability of FEDs for a label-free, fast and real-time detection of multiple pathogenic and physiologically relevant molecules with high specificity and sensitivity offers very promising prospects for their application in point-of-care and personalized medicine for an early diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The presented paper reviews recent advances and current trends in research and development of different FEDs for label-free, direct electrical detection of charged biomolecules by their intrinsic molecular charge. The authors are mainly focusing on the detection of the DNA hybridization event, antibody-antigen affinity reaction as well as clinically relevant biomolecules such as cardiac and cancer biomarkers.
Hydraulic modeling is the classical approach to investigate and describe complex fluid motion. Many empirical formulas in the literature used for the hydraulic design of river training measures and structures have been developed using experimental data from the laboratory. Although computer capacities have increased to a high level which allows to run complex numerical simulations on standard workstation nowadays, non-standard design of structures may still raise the need to perform physical model investigations. These investigations deliver insight into details of flow patterns and the effect of varying boundary conditions. Data from hydraulic model tests may be used for calibration of numerical models as well. As the field of hydraulic modeling is very complex, this chapter intends to give a short overview on capacities and limits of hydraulic modeling in regard to river flows and hydraulic structures only. The reader shall get a first idea of modeling principles and basic considerations. More detailed information can be found in the references.
In IEC 61312-2 equations for the assessment of the magnetic fields inside structures due to a direct lightning strike are given. These equations are based on computer simulations for shields consisting of a single-layer steel grid of a given mesh width. Real constructions, however, contain at least two layers of reinforcement steel grids. The objective of this study was to experimentally determine the additional shielding effectiveness of a second reinforcement layer compared to a single-layer grid. To this end, simulated structures were set up in the high current laboratory. The structures consisted of cubic cages of 2 m side length with one or with two reinforcement grids, respectively. The structures were exposed to direct lightning currents representing the variety of anticipated lightning current waveforms. The magnetic fields and their derivatives at several positions inside the structure as well as the voltage between “floor” and “roof” in the center were determined for different current injection points. From these data the improvement of the shielding caused by a second reinforcement layer is derived.
RaWid was the German national technology programme on transonic aerodynamics and supporting technologies, lasting from 1995 to 1998. One of the main topics was laminar wing development. Besides aerodynamic design work, many operational aspects were investigated. A manufacturing concept was developed to be applied to operational laminar wings and empennages. It was built in a large scale manufacturing demonstrator with the aerodynamic shape of a 1,5 m section of the A320 fin nose. Tolerances in shape and roughness fulfilled all requirements. The construction can easily be adapted to varying stiffness and strength requirements. Weight and manufacturing costs are comparable to common nose designs. The mock-up to be designed in ALTTA is based on this manufacturing principle. Another critical point is contamination of suction surfaces. Several tests were performed to investigate perforated titanium suction surfaces at realistic operational conditions: - a one year flight test with a suction plate in the stagnation area of the Airbus "Beluga" - a one year test of several suction plates in a ground test near the airport - a one year test of a working suction ground test installation at all weather conditions. No critical results were found. There is no long term suction degradation visible. Icing conditions and ground de-icing fluids used on airports did not pose severe problems. Some problems detected require only respection of weak design constraints.
LAPS-based monitoring of metabolic responses of bacterial cultures in a paper fermentation broth
(2020)
As an alternative renewable energy source, methane production in biogas plants is gaining more and more attention. Biomass in a bioreactor contains different types of microorganisms, which should be considered in terms of process-stability control. Metabolically inactive microorganisms within the fermentation process can lead to undesirable, time-consuming and cost-intensive interventions. Hence, monitoring of the cellular metabolism of bacterial populations in a fermentation broth is crucial to improve the biogas production, operation efficiency, and sustainability. In this work, the extracellular acidification of bacteria in a paper-fermentation broth is monitored after glucose uptake, utilizing a differential light-addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS) system. The LAPS system is loaded with three different model microorganisms (Escherichia coli, Corynebacterium glutamicum, and Lactobacillus brevis) and the effect of the fermentation broth at different process stages on the metabolism of these bacteria is studied. In this way, different signal patterns related to the metabolic response of microorganisms can be identified. By means of calibration curves after glucose uptake, the overall extracellular acidification of bacterial populations within the fermentation process can be evaluated.
The laser beam-submerged arc hybrid welding method originates from the knowledge that, with increasing penetration depth, the laser beam process has a tendency to pore formation in the lower weld regions. The coupling with the energy-efficient submerged-arc process improves degassing and reduces the tendency to pore formation. The high deposition rate of the SA process in combination with the laser beam process offers, providing the appropriate choice of weld preparation, the possibility of welding plates with a thickness larger than 20° mm in a single pass, and also of welding thicker plates with the double-sided single pass technique.
Laserwelding with fillerwire
(2001)
To study chemical and biological processes, spatially resolved determination of the concentrations of one or more analyte species is of distinct interest. With a light-addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS), chemical images can be created, which visualize the concentration distribution above the sensor plate. One important challenge is to achieve a good lateral resolution in order to detect events that take place in a small and limited region. LAPS utilizes a focused light spot to address the measurement region. By moving this light spot along the semiconductor sensor plate, the concentration distribution can be observed. In this study, we show that utilizing a pulse as light excitation instead of a traditionally used continuously modulated light excitation, the lateral resolution can be improved by a factor of 6 or more.
Rationale: Previous studies [Topolnik et al., Cereb Cortex 2003; 13: 883; Schindler et al., Brain 2007; 130: 65] indicate that the termination of focal onset seizures may be causally related to an increase of global neuronal correlation during the second half of the seizures. This increase was observed to occur earlier in complex partial seizures than in secondarily generalized seizures. We here address the question whether such an increase of neuronal correlation prior to seizure end is indeed a global phenomenon, involving both hemispheres or whether there are side-specific differences. Methods: We analyzed 20 focal onset seizures (10 complex partial, 10 secondarily generalized seizures) recorded in 13 patients who underwent presurgical evaluation of focal epilepsies of different origin. EEG was recorded intracranially from bilaterally implanted subdural strip and intrahippocampal depth electrodes. Utilizing a moving window approach, we investigated the evolution of the maximum cross correlation for all channel combinations during seizures. For each moving window the mean value of the maximum cross correlation (MCC) between all electrode contacts was computed separately for each hemisphere. After normalization of seizure durations, MCC values of the ipsi- and contralateral hemisphere for all seizures were determined. Results: We observed that the MCC of the contralateral hemisphere in complex partial seizures increased during the first half of the seizure, whereas, for the same time interval, the MCC of the ipsilateral hemisphere even declined below the level of the pre-seizure period. In contrast, no significant differences between both hemispheres could be observed for secondarily generalized seizures where both hemispheres showed a simultaneous increase of MCC during the second half of the seizures. The level of MCC for the contralateral hemisphere was higher for complex partial seizures than for secondarily generalized seizures during the first half of the seizure. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that there are indeed lateralized differences in the evolution of global neuronal correlation during complex partial and secondarily generalized seizures. The observed contralateral increase of neuronal correlation during complex partial seizures might indicate an emerging self-organizing mechanism for preventing the spread of seizure activity.
Recent earthquakes as the 2012 Emilia earthquake sequence showed that recently built unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings behaved much better than expected and sustained, despite the maximum PGA values ranged between 0.20–0.30 g, either minor damage or structural damage that is deemed repairable. Especially low-rise residential and commercial masonry buildings with a code-conforming seismic design and detailing behaved in general very well without substantial damages. The low damage grades of modern masonry buildings that was observed during this earthquake series highlighted again that codified design procedures based on linear analysis can be rather conservative. Although advances in simulation tools make nonlinear calculation methods more readily accessible to designers, linear analyses will still be the standard design method for years to come. The present paper aims to improve the linear seismic design method by providing a proper definition of the q-factor of URM buildings. These q-factors are derived for low-rise URM buildings with rigid diaphragms which represent recent construction practise in low to moderate seismic areas of Italy and Germany. The behaviour factor components for deformation and energy dissipation capacity and for overstrength due to the redistribution of forces are derived by means of pushover analyses. Furthermore, considerations on the behaviour factor component due to other sources of overstrength in masonry buildings are presented. As a result of the investigations, rationally based values of the behaviour factor q to be used in linear analyses in the range of 2.0–3.0 are proposed.
Layer Deposition I
(2003)
Layer-by-Layer Assembly of Carbon Nanotubes Incorporated in Light-Addressable Potentiometric Sensors
(2009)
Lead and nickel, as heavy metals, are still used in industrial processes, and are classified as “environmental health hazards” due to their toxicity and polluting potential. The detection of heavy metals can prevent environmental pollution at toxic levels that are critical to human health. In this sense, the electrolyte–insulator–semiconductor (EIS) field-effect sensor is an attractive sensing platform concerning the fabrication of reusable and robust sensors to detect such substances. This study is aimed to fabricate a sensing unit on an EIS device based on Sn₃O₄ nanobelts embedded in a polyelectrolyte matrix of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyacrylic acid (PAA) using the layer-by-layer (LbL) technique. The EIS-Sn₃O₄ sensor exhibited enhanced electrochemical performance for detecting Pb²⁺ and Ni²⁺ ions, revealing a higher affinity for Pb²⁺ ions, with sensitivities of ca. 25.8 mV/decade and 2.4 mV/decade, respectively. Such results indicate that Sn₃O₄ nanobelts can contemplate a feasible proof-of-concept capacitive field-effect sensor for heavy metal detection, envisaging other future studies focusing on environmental monitoring.
The mechanical behavior of the large intestine beyond the ultimate stress has never been investigated. Stretching beyond the ultimate stress may drastically impair the tissue microstructure, which consequently weakens its healthy state functions of absorption, temporary storage, and transportation for defecation. Due to closely similar microstructure and function with humans, biaxial tensile experiments on the porcine large intestine have been performed in this study. In this paper, we report hyperelastic characterization of the large intestine based on experiments in 102 specimens. We also report the theoretical analysis of the experimental results, including an exponential damage evolution function. The fracture energies and the threshold stresses are set as damage material parameters for the longitudinal muscular, the circumferential muscular and the submucosal collagenous layers. A biaxial tensile simulation of a linear brick element has been performed to validate the applicability of the estimated material parameters. The model successfully simulates the biomechanical response of the large intestine under physiological and non-physiological loads.
Learning from Brachelen
(2002)
The main objective of our ROS Summer School series is to introduce MA level students to program mobile robots with the Robot Operating System (ROS). ROS is a robot middleware that is used my many research institutions world-wide. Therefore, many state-of-the-art algorithms of mobile robotics are available in ROS and can be deployed very easily. As a basic robot platform we deploy a 1/10 RC cart that is wquipped with an Arduino micro-controller to control the servo motors, and an embedded PC that runs ROS. In two weeks, participants get to learn the basics of mobile robotics hands-on. We describe our teaching concepts and our curriculum and report on the learning success of our students.
Password necessarily. Access only for Students by Prof. Dr. Klaus-Peter Kämper. Winter semester 2007/2008. Version 2007-08-30. 472 pages (pdf) Contents 1. Introduction 2. Introduction to Sensors 3. Introduction to Microfabrication 4. Pressure Sensors 5. Acceleration Sensors 6. Angular Rate Sensors 7. Position Sensors 8. Flow Sensors 9. Piezoelectric Actuators 10. Magnetostrictive Actuators 11. Actuators based on Shape Memory Alloys 12. Actuators based on Electrorheological Fluids 13. Actuators based on Magnetorheological Fluids
Password necessarily. Access only for Students by Prof. Dr. Klaus-Peter Kämper. Winter semester 2008/2009. 488 pages (pdf) Contents 1. Introduction 2. Introduction to Sensors 3. Introduction to Microfabrication 4. Pressure Sensors 5. Acceleration Sensors 6. Angular Rate Sensors 7. Position Sensors 8. Flow Sensors 9. Piezoelectric Actuators 10. Magnetostrictive Actuators 11. Actuators based on Shape Memory Alloys 12. Actuators based on Electrorheological Fluids 13. Actuators based on Magnetorheological Fluids 14. Index
Cardiac MR (CMR) is of proven clinical value but also an area of vigorous ongoing research since image quality is not always exclusively defined by signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Recent developments of CMR at 7.0 T have been driven by pioneering explorations into novel multichannel transmit and receive coil array technology to tackle the challenges B1+-field inhomogeneities, to offset specific-absorption rate (SAR) constraints and to reduce banding artifacts in SSFP imaging. For this study, recognition of the benefits and performance of local surface Tx/Rx-array structures recently established at 7.0 T inspired migration to 3.0 T, where RF inhomogeneities and SAR limitations encountered in routine clinical CMR, though somewhat reduced versus the 7.0 T situation, remain significant. For all these reasons, this study was designed to build and examine the feasibility of a local four channel Tx/Rx cardiac coil array for anatomical and functional cardiac imaging at 3.0 T. For comparison, a homebuilt 4 channel Rx cardiac coil array exhibiting the same geometry as the Tx/Rx coil and a Rx surface coil array were used.
Leveraging Social Network Data for Analytical CRM Strategies - The Introduction of Social BI.
(2012)
Intelligent autonomous software robots replacing human activities and performing administrative processes are reality in today’s corporate world. This includes, for example, decisions about invoice payments, identification of customers for a marketing campaign, and answering customer complaints. What happens if such a software robot causes a damage? Due to the complete absence of human activities, the question is not trivial. It could even happen that no one is liable for a damage towards a third party, which could create an uncalculatable legal risk for business partners. Furthermore, the implementation and operation of those software robots involves various stakeholders, which result in the unsolvable endeavor of identifying the originator of a damage. Overall it is advisable to all involved parties to carefully consider the legal situation. This chapter discusses the liability of software robots from an interdisciplinary perspective. Based on different technical scenarios the legal aspects of liability are discussed.
The feasibility of light-addressed detection and manipulation of pH gradients inside an electrochemical microfluidic cell was studied. Local pH changes, induced by a light-addressable electrode (LAE), were detected using a light-addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS) with different measurement modes representing an actuator-sensor system. Biosensor functionality was examined depending on locally induced pH gradients with the help of the model enzyme penicillinase, which had been immobilized in the microfluidic channel. The surface morphology of the LAE and enzyme-functionalized LAPS was studied by scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, the penicillin sensitivity of the LAPS inside the microfluidic channel was determined with regard to the analyte’s pH influence on the enzymatic reaction rate. In a final experiment, the LAE-controlled pH inhibition of the enzyme activity was monitored by the LAPS.
In this review article, we are going to present an overview on possible applications of light-addressable electrodes (LAE) as actuator/manipulation devices besides classical electrode structures. For LAEs, the electrode material consists of a semiconductor. Illumination with a light source with the appropiate wavelength leads to the generation of electron-hole pairs which can be utilized for further photoelectrochemical reaction. Due to recent progress in light-projection technologies, highly dynamic and flexible illumination patterns can be generated, opening new possibilities for light-addressable electrodes. A short introduction on semiconductor–electrolyte interfaces with light stimulation is given together with electrode-design approaches. Towards applications, the stimulation of cells with different electrode materials and fabrication designs is explained, followed by analyte-manipulation strategies and spatially resolved photoelectrochemical deposition of different material types.
The light-addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS) has the unique feature to address different regions of a sensor surface without the need of complex structures. Measurements at different locations on the sensor surface can be performed in a common analyte solution, which distinctly simplifies the fluidic set-up. However, the measurement in a single analyte chamber prevents the application of different drugs or different concentrations of a drug to each measurement spot at the same time as in the case of multi-reservoir-based set-ups. In this work, the authors designed a LAPS-based set-up for cell culture screening that utilises magnetic beads loaded with the endotoxin (lipopolysaccharides, LPS), to generate a spatially distributed gradient of analyte concentration. Different external magnetic fields can be adjusted to move the magnetic beads loaded with a specific drug within the measurement cell. By recording the metabolic activities of a cell layer cultured on top of the LAPS surface, this work shows the possibility to apply different concentrations of a sample along the LAPS measurement spots within a common analyte solution.
LAPS are field-effect-based potentiometric sensors which are able to monitor analyte concentrations in a spatially resolved manner. Hence, a LAPS sensor system is a powerful device to record chemical imaging of the concentration of chemical species in an aqueous solution, chemical reactions, or the growth of cell colonies on the sensor surface, to record chemical images. In this work, multi-chamber 3D-printed structures made out of polymer (PP-ABS) were combined with LAPS chips to analyse differentially and simultaneously the metabolic activity of Escherichia coli K12 and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, and the responds of those cells to the addition of glucose solution.
Light-addressable potentiometric sensor as a sensing element in plug-based microfluidic devices
(2016)
A plug-based microfluidic system based on the principle of the light-addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS) is proposed. The LAPS is a semiconductor-based chemical sensor, which has a free addressability of the measurement point on the sensing surface. By combining a microfluidic device and LAPS, ion sensing can be performed anywhere inside the microfluidic channel. In this study, the sample solution to be measured was introduced into the channel in a form of a plug with a volume in the range of microliters. Taking advantage of the light-addressability, the position of the plug could be monitored and pneumatically controlled. With the developed system, the pH value of a plug with a volume down to 400 nL could be measured. As an example of plug-based operation, two plugs were merged in the channel, and the pH change was detected by differential measurement.
This work describes the novel combination of the light-addressable electrode (LAE) and the light-addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS) into a microsystem set-up. Both the LAE as well as the LAPS shares the principle of addressing the active spot by means of a light beam. This enables both systems to manipulate resp. to detect an analyte with a high spatial resolution. Hence, combining both principles into a single set-up enables the active stimulation e.g., by means of electrolysis and a simultaneous observation e.g., the response of an entrapped biological cell by detection of extracellular pH changes. The work will describe the principles of both technologies and the necessary steps to integrate them into a single set-up. Furthermore, examples of application and operation of such systems will be presented.
Light-addressable potentiometric sensors for quantitative spatial imaging of chemical species
(2017)
A light-addressable potentiometric sensor (LAPS) is a semiconductor-based chemical sensor, in which a measurement site on the sensing surface is defined by illumination. This light addressability can be applied to visualize the spatial distribution of pH or the concentration of a specific chemical species, with potential applications in the fields of chemistry, materials science, biology, and medicine. In this review, the features of this chemical imaging sensor technology are compared with those of other technologies. Instrumentation, principles of operation, and various measurement modes of chemical imaging sensor systems are described. The review discusses and summarizes state-of-the-art technologies, especially with regard to the spatial resolution and measurement speed; for example, a high spatial resolution in a submicron range and a readout speed in the range of several tens of thousands of pixels per second have been achieved with the LAPS. The possibility of combining this technology with microfluidic devices and other potential future developments are discussed.
Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) hydrogel films with incorporated graphene oxide (GO) were developed and tested as light-stimulated actuators. GO dispersions were synthesized via Hummers method and characterized toward their optical properties and photothermal energy conversion. The hydrogels were prepared by means of photopolymerization. In addition, the influence of GO within the hydrogel network on the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The optical absorbance and the response to illumination were determined as a function of GO concentration for thin hydrogel films. A proof of principle for the stimulation with light was performed.