A smart valve is created by 4D printing of hydrogels that are both mechanically robust and thermally actuating. The printed made up an interpenetrating network alginate poly(N-isopropylacrylamide). structures the "dynamic" hydrogel ink alongside other static materials.

Ultra-large graphene oxide sheets exhibit unique viscoelastic properties, making them a new class of soft material. We provide fundamental insights enabling development various fabrication techniques utilizing this 2D

This review evaluates hydrogel-forming polymers that are suitable for soft tissue engineering with a focus on materials can be fabricated using additive manufacturing (3D-printing). An overview of the specific material requirements hydrogel-based constructs is presented. followed by an explanation various polymer classes includes detailed examination properties critical extrusion printing. Specifically, mechanisms hydrogel formation, degradation, and biological response, activity...

A series of hydrogel-based inks are developed to print 3D structures capable reversible shape deformation in response hydration and temperature. The made large polymer chains UV curable monomers which form interpenetrating networks after polymerization. By taking advantage the long ink formulations, it is possible adjust rheological properties enable printing. Hydrogels produced from exhibit robust mechanical performance with their controlled by nature within networks. In this paper,...

An additive manufacturing process that combines digital modeling and 3D printing was used to prepare fiber reinforced hydrogels in a single-step process. The composite materials were fabricated by selectively pattering combination of alginate/acrylamide gel precursor solution an epoxy based UV-curable adhesive (Emax 904 Gel-SC) with extrusion printer. UV irradiation cure the two inks into single material. Spatial control distribution within models allowed for fabrication series spectrum...

We introduce the integration of a novel dielectrophoresis (DEP)-assisted filter with compact disk (CD)-based centrifugal platform. Carbon-electrode (carbon-DEP) refers to use carbon electrodes induce DEP. In this work, 3D are fabricated using C-MEMS technique and used implement DEP-enabled active trap particles interest. Compared traditional planar metal electrodes, allow for superior filtering efficiency. The system includes mounting modular carbon-DEP chips on an electrically interfaced...

Today, the focus in microfluidic platforms for diagnostics is on integration of several analysis steps toward sample-to-answer systems. One main challenges to requirement serial valving allow sequential release fluids a temporally and spatially controlled manner. The advantages offered by centrifugal make them excellent candidates biological steps, yet they are limited lack robust technologies. This especially true majority devices that rely hydrophilic surfaces, where few passive techniques...

In this article we introduce a novel technology that utilizes specialized water dissolvable thin films for valving in centrifugal microfluidic systems. previous work (William Meathrel and Cathy Moritz, IVD Technologies, 2007), (DFs) have been assembled laminar flow devices to form efficient sacrificial valves where DFs simply open by direct contact with liquid. Here, build on the original DF scheme leverage sophisticated, merely rotationally actuated vapour barriers control enabling...

Purpose Company pressure for manufacturers is mounting from two angles: increasing of global competition, and rapid advancements in technology such as additive manufacturing (AM) that are altering the way goods manufactured. The purpose this paper to explore adoption process AM within a system its business impact. Design/methodology/approach Research was conducted collect empirical data at case companies North West England. Both cases located areas industrial recovery using engineering...

The applications of microfluidic technologies in medical diagnostics continue to increase, particularly the field nucleic acid diagnostics. While much attention has been focused on development amplification and detection platforms, sample preparation is often taken for granted or ignored all together. Specifically, little no consideration paid systems that efficiently extract acids from biological samples. Here, a centrifugal platform mechanical lysis homogenization presented. system...

A novel active valving technique, whereby paraffin wax plugs in microchannels on a centrifugal microfluidic platform are actuated using focused infrared (IR) radiation is demonstrated this report. Microchannels were simultaneously or sequentially opened stationary IR source by forming with similar differing melting points. The presented offer key advantages over current techniques, including less involved fabrication procedure, simpler actuation process, and the ability to multiplex...

Centrifugal microfluidics has emerged as a unique approach to the development of integrated total analysis systems for medical diagnostics. However, despite its many advantages, platform size limitation due centripetal pumping mechanism in which fluids can only be moved from center disc rim. This limits footprint microfluidic network one radius disc, and this turn amount space available embed complex assays. In order overcome problem, we are developing new techniques pump back toward allow...

Abstract Sensory processing difficulties can negatively impact wellbeing in adults with disabilities. A range of interventions to address sensory have been explored and virtual reality (VR) technology may offer a promising avenue for the provision interventions. In this study, preliminary evidence about Evenness, an immersive VR room experience, people disabilities was investigated via single intervention pre-post mixed methods design. Quantitative methodology included design (five month...

This work for the first time presents full integration and automation concept a range of bioassays leveraged by cascading centrifugo-pneumatic valving scheme to sequentially move several liquids through shared channel segments multi-step sample preparation into detection zone. novel liquid handling significantly simplifies system manufacture obviating need complex surface functionalization procedures or hybrid material integration, as it is common in conventional methods such capillary burst...

This work describes the first use of a wireless paired emitter detector diode device (PEDD) as an optical sensor for water quality monitoring in lab-on-a-disc device. The microfluidic platform, based on ionogel sensing area combined with low-cost sensor, is applied quantitative pH and qualitative turbidity samples at point-of-need. autonomous capabilities PEDD system, portability communication full device, provide flexibility needed on-site testing. Water from local fresh brackish sources...

Ionic-covalent entanglement hydrogels were fabricated by 3D-printing.