5^th International Conference on Nanotek & Expo November 16-18, 2015 San Antonio, USA

Biography:

Valérie Keller is a senior scientist at ICPEES (Institute of Chemistry and Processes for Energy, Environment and Health) in Strasbourg. She received her Ph.D. degree in Chemistry and Catalysis from the University Louis Pasteur of Strasbourg in 1993. In 1996 she returned to Strasbourg and was appointed as researcher in CNRS, where she is now responsible of the Team “Photocatalysis and Photoconversion”. In 2012 she was promoted as Director of Research. Her main research activities concern photocatalysis for environmental, energy and health applications, and the synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials for photoconversion purposes. She is the author of over 95 publications in peer-reviewed journals and more than 50 oral communications in international conferences and symposium. She is also the author of 15 patents. In 2013 she was awarded the 1st Price of the Strategic Reflection (awarded by the French Home Secretary).

Abstract:

Nowadays, the major challenge is to find new environmentally friendly ways to produce energy that may cover the global consumption. The direct conversion of solar energy though an energy carrier (fuel), storable and usable upon request, appears as an interesting alternative. Photocatalysis is an innovative and promising way to produce pure hydrogen from renewable energy sources. Indeed, the water dissociation (water-splitting) highlighted by Fujishima and Honda in a photoelectrocatalytic cell opened a promising way to produce hydrogen from light energy. In our study, we will focus on a photocatalytic TiO2-based system associated with graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4). With a band gap of 2.7 eV, g-C3N4 allows the valorization of an important part of the visible light spectra in the context of water splitting. TiO2 powder is obtained via a “sol-gel” process and g-C3N4 was obtained via a thermal polycondensation reaction of specific nitrogen-containing precursors. g-C3N4/TiO2 nanocomposites were obtained either (i) by introducing g-C3N4 (as synthesized) during the sol-gel synthesis of TiO2 or (ii) by introducing TiO2 (as synthetized) during the g-C3N4 synthesis. Gold nanoparticles were synthesized - directly onto the TiO2, the g-C3N4 and the g-C3N4/TiO2 support – by chemical reduction of the HAuCl4 precursor in an excess of NaBH4. The synthesis of new nanostructured composites allowed us to achieve better hydrogen production yield than the reference Au/TiO2 and Au/g-C3N4 samples. Future goals are to find the optimal amount of Au on the Au/g-C3N4/TiO2 composites but also the optimal amount of g-C3N4.

Biography:

Dr V. Tamara Perchyonok has completed her PhD at The University of Melbourne, Australia and undertook DFG and Marie Curie postdoctoral studies at LMU, Munich and CNR, Bologna. She is the CSO of VTPCHEM PTY LTD and a research fellow at Health Innovations Research Institute, RMIT University, Melbourne. She has published 3 textbooks, more than 65 papers in peer review journals.

Abstract:

Recently the role of free radicals in health has attracted tremendous interest in the field of medicine, dentistry and molecular biology. There currently exists a wide range of degradable polymers that hold potential as biomaterials. With the advancement in polymer synthesis techniques, the paradigm of utilizing a few well-characterized polymers (e.g. PLGA and collagen) for all biomedical applications has shifted to using polymers, both heavily researched and newly developed, that can fit certain niches (such as DNA and RNA association with phosphoesters and inherent bioactivity of chitosan). In addition the emergence of combination polymers holds promise for the creation of novel material that possesses desired properties for highly specific applications. Hydrogels may be prepared from either natural or synthetic polymers. Generally, natural polymer-based ones present weak mechanical properties, a shortcoming that may be corrected, on the one hand, by their biocompatibility and biodegradability, and on the other, by the fact that they allow the sequence of cellular activity. This chapter summarizes the important and crucial interaction between oral drug delivery and chitosan-based systems, which are easy to assemble, with multi-component design and flexible as well as easy to analyze and modify. The presentation will focus on the advantages of designer biomaterial for functional application in the oral cavity.

Biography:

Aman Ullah received his PhD (with distinction) in Chemical Sciences and Technologies in 2010 at the University of Genova, Italy by working together at Southern Methodist University, USA. He is currently working as an Assistant Professor at the Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta. He has published more than 20 papers in reputed journals. He was named a Canadian Rising Star in Global Health by Grand Challenges Canada in 2012.

Abstract:

Amphiphilic block copolymers and ABA type PEG-Lipid conjugated macromolecules have been synthesized using microwave-assisted reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and the copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cyclo addition commonly termed as “click chemistry” respectively. Characterization of the block copolymers and conjugates has been carried out with the help of 1H-NMR, FTIR and GPC. These copolymers and conjugates were evaluated for the encapsulation and release of drug. Carbamazepine, an anticonvulsant drug with poor water solubility was selected to be a hydrophobic drug model in the study. The micellization, drug encapsulation and release behavior of macromolecules was investigated by dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and fluorescence spectroscopy. From the results, it has been concluded that the nanoparticles had different average sizes due to different ratio of hydrophilic contents in the block or conjugate backbone. The particle size and structure could be altered by changing the ratio of hydrophilic and hydrophobic contents. The in vitro drug encapsulations highlighted that all the drug-loaded micelles had spherical or near-spherical morphology. In vitro drug release study showed the controlled release of hydrophobic drug over a period of max. 50 hours. The results indicate that there is great potential of renewable lipid-based micelle nanoparticles to be used as hydrophobic drug carriers.

Biography:

Mitsutake Oshikiri received his PhD from Tokyo Institute of Technology (Japan) in 1992. He is now working in National Institute for Materials Science in Tsukuba, Japan. His main research activities are focused on the theoretical electronic structure properties on inhomogeneous systems and their applications in the field of photocatalytic reaction systems

Abstract:

To date, in the field of photo-catalysis using metal oxide inorganic materials, the most extensively studied systems have been the TiO2-based materials. However, the efficiency in decomposing water molecule and producing oxygen and hydrogen upon sun light irradiation is still low. In an attempt at overcoming these limitations, photocatalytic properties of quite a few metal oxides different from TiO2 have been explored. Materials based on vanadate such as BiVO4, InVO4 and YVO4 were among them and might represent a promising alternative to TiO2-based systems. Indeed, the BiVO4 can produce oxygen by photo-catalysis up to wavelengths of about 520 nm if the sacrificial reagent AgNO3 is added. However, no hydrogen generation has been reported to date. On the other hand, InVO4 shows hydrogen evolution in the visible wavelength range (from ultra violet (UV) to 600 nm) even from common liquid water, but it seems impossible to get oxygen. In case of the YVO4 system, it has been shown to possess surprisingly high efficiencies in both O2 and H2 productions in conjunction with the co-catalyst NiOx. But the difficulty stems from its activity, which seems to be limited just to the UV region. The reason why these material systems indicate such contrastive photo catalytic properties was not cleared from a point of view of the electronic structure features on the bulk crystals of these materials, however, the electronic structures investigated by using inhomogeneous models including water and solid metal oxide photocatalysts equilibrated at room temperature obtained by applying first principles molecular dynamical simulations are now unraveling the mysteries. In this conference, I would like to introduce my research activities on metel oxide photocatalysts in this decade.

Biography:

Navideh Aghaei Amirkhizi completed her PhD from Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University of Tehran, Iran. She is a Researcher in Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute, and researches about radiopharmaceutical. Her PhD thesis was about production of two nanoradiopharmaceutical for solid tumors. She has published more than 25 papers

Abstract:

We have studied synthesis and characterization of poly (amidoamine) PAMAM G5 ‎encapsulated ytterbium nano particles yet. We have developed a method for the synthesis of ‎dendrimer encapsulated175Yb nanoparticles in order to product nano-radiopharmaceutical ‎with irradiation in research reactor. The results of UV-Vis absorption spectra, High Resolution ‎Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS)and quality ‎control tests of irradiation showed the formation of nano radiopharmaceutical. The bio ‎distribution of ytterbium nanoparticles in mice that had solid tumors, studied. The results ‎show the treatment of solid tumors by it. ‎

Biography:

Abstract:

Biography:

Narayan Bhattarai is an assistant professor of Bioengineering, investigator of NSF’s Engineering Research Center for Revolutionizing Metallic Biomaterials (ERC-RMB) at NCAT. He directs NSF funded Nanotechnology for Undergraduate Education (NUE) program at NCAT. He serves as editorial members for Central European Journal of Engineering, Journal of Nanomedicine & Nanotechnology, International Journal of Nano Studies and Technology and Journal of Biomedical and Bioengineering. In recognition of his achievements, he was acknowledged by NCAT College of Engineering as “Outstanding Junior Researcher of 2013” and “Rookie of the Year 2012” Awards. He is a recipient of Elsevier’s Most Cited Paper Award -Journal of Controlled Release, 2005. He has more than 80 peer review publications, 35 conference proceedings, and 2 US patents and 3 US Patent applications. Some of his published articles are highly cited (total citation is over 5000) and have occupied the top 25 positions in Elsevier’s journals citation rank. Research projects that he is involved are in various domains of biomedical engineering especially in nanomedicine and tissue regeneration.

Abstract:

Design and synthesis of new biomaterials for drug delivery applications is a promising, but challenging research area. A number of polymeric biomaterials have been extensively studied in the past few years based upon the properties of biodegradability and biocompatibility. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is a biocompatible, biodegradable and FDA approved polymer. When PLGA is developed for systemic applications, its surface is typically protected by other hydrophilic polymers such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) to help prolonged circulation and enhanced cellular uptake. But PEG and PVA can interfere with the interactions between drug carriers and target cells, and negatively influence the therapeutic outcomes. To overcome this challenge, we proposed a design to use chitosan as an alternative surface coating of PLGA. We hypothesized that our design provides a sustainable drug delivery system, improves delivery efficiency, and reduces toxic side effects. Magnesium gluconate (MgG) was encapsulated in PLGA as a model drug. MgG encapsulated and chitosan modified PLGA particles were synthesized using modified double emulsion solvent evaporation technique. The core objective of this project was to test the particles with respect to the physical and chemical properties, cell-particles interactions, drug loading and drug delivery. The particles were found to be several hundred nanometers in size and spherical in shape with smooth surface. Quantification of chitosan were analyzed using ninhydrin assay and the amount of chitosan adsorbed on PLGA was found significant for prolonged circulation and enhanced cellular uptake. The drug release curve showed sustainable release profile.

Biography:

Serhii Shafraniuk has completed his PhD at the age of 26 years from Kiev State University and postdoctoral studies from Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. He is the Research Associate Professor at Physics and Astronomy Department, Northwestern University, a premier educational and research institution. He has published more than 100 papers in reputed journals and was a member of Organizing Committees of various International Conferences.

Abstract:

The whole strategy of the research and development in the area of nanoscience depends on detailed knowledge microscopic mechanisms of the electric and thermal transport. We report our results on the quantized magneto-thermoelectric transport in the C/N-knot formed as crossing between a few atomic layer narrow stripe C and the other metal stripe N, when an external d.c. magnetic field is applied. The temperature gradient in C is created by injecting the non-equilibrium electrons, holes and phonons from the heater thereby directing them toward the C/N-knot. The non-linear coupling between electron states in the C/N-knot counter electrodes causes splitting the heat flow into several fractions owing to the Lorentz force acting in the C/N-knot vicinity, thus inducing the magneto-thermoelectric electric current (MTEC) in N whereas the phonons pass and propagate along C further forward. Thus, the longitudinal flow of heat along C generates a transversal electric current in N showing a series of maximums when dimensions of the Landau orbits and C/N-knot match each other. It allows observing the interplay between the quantum Hall effect and spatial quantization and deduce key parameters of the quantum well. Our results suggest that the magneto-thermoelectric phenomena enable understanding the microscopic mechanisms of transport in the few atomic layer materials and junctions, thereby opening many additional opportunities in a variety of the research and applications. It extends capabilities to determine the parameters of low-dimensional junctions on the nanoscale. Furthermore, the phenomenon can be utilized for the thermoelectric cooling and generation of electricity.

Biography:

Serhii Shafraniuk has completed his PhD at the age of 26 years from Kiev State University and postdoctoral studies from Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. He is the Research Associate Professor at Physics and Astronomy Department, Northwestern University, a premier educational and research institution. He has published more than 100 papers in reputed journals and was a member of Organizing Committees of various International Conferences.

Abstract:

Conversion of the heat energy directly into electricity and vice versa attracts a significant attention nowadays. Systematic study of thermoelectric phenomena allows for better understanding of the intrinsic mechanisms of the energy transformation and dissipation on the nanoscale. A bias electric voltage V, applied to a conducting sample, pulls the charge carriers, thereby inducing a finite electric current Ie GeV , where Ge is the electric conductance. Since the bias voltage V also induces an inhomogeneity of charge carrier density along the sample, it leads to a finite temperature difference hot cold T  Thot Tcold, where T hot(cold) is the temperature of the hot (cold) part of the sample. The thermoelectric effect is described as V  ST where S is a linear-response, two-terminal property known as Seebeck coefficient. Thermoelectric effect is measured using two sequentially-connected carbon nanotube (CNT) field-effect transistors (FETs), each with charge carriers of opposite sign, either electrons or holes, whose concentration is controlled by the side gate electrodes. A change T of the intrinsic temperature is determined from the change of the position and width of spectral singularities manifested in the experimental curves of the source-drain electric conductance. We deduce an impressive Peltier effect T = 57 K inside the CNT associated with cooling and heating, depending on the direction of the electric current. The effect can be utilized for building thermoelectric devices having a figure of merit up to cold ZT 7.5  1 and the cooling power density Pcooling~80 kW/cm2.

Biography:

Abstract:

The values of free energies and the heats of combustion and formation in condensed and aqua phases of some amino acids of different structure and some peptides of the low molecular weight were analyzed on the topics of their interactions each to other and hydrolysis decomposition. The equation of such type as Hо = i ± f (N – g), in which Hо is the heat, i and f are stoichiometric coefficiens, N is the number of valence electrons, from which a number of lone electron pairs (g) is excepted for, has been made. The obtained equation were used for the calculations of a new such parameters for four amino acids in water continuum. Results and Discussion: It is known, that according to the data of the monography [1], the classification of the structures of any amino acids it is possible to divide into some groups [2]. The first of them form such acids, which contain non ionic lateral chains in their constitution: they are I – glycine (Gly), II – L-alanine (Ala), III – valine (Val), IV – L-threonine (Thr). The formation heats in aqua solution (∆aqHo) of compounds (I-IV) could be founded as the sum of the heats in the condensed state (∆fHo) and the heats of solution (∆solnHo) of acids in water medium (Equation 1) ∆aqHo = ∆fHo + ∆solnHo (1). These data are: for I -528.5, -14.2, -542.7; for II -559.5, -9.7, -569.2; for III -628.9, -5.2, -634.1; for IV -563.0, -9.6, -572.6 kJ mol-1 correspondingly. These data gave us a possibility to calculate the equation (2), in which N is the number of valence electrons and g is the number of lone pairs of heteroatoms (N: and :O:) ∆aqHo = (-488.0 ± 18.2) – (4.9 ± 0.9) (N-g); r 0.967, So 12.1, n 4 (2). Using Eq. (2), we calculated the values ∆aqHo for amino acids of the same group: for V – phenylalanine (Phe ) -703.6, for VI – leucine (Leu) -654.6 and VII – tyrosine (Tyr) -693.8 kJ mol-1 correspondingly. The all data are necessary for the calculation of the heats of hydrolysis reactions (2-5) of the condensed peptides (∆fHo) with a low molecular weight and: VIII – Glycilglycine (Glygly, -747.7), IX - N-dl-Alanilglycine (Alagly, -777.4), X - N-(N-glycilglycil)glycine N-(Glyglygly, -813.0) and XI – the human hormone (TyrGlyGlyPheLeuOH, -2258 kJ mol-1 correspondingly). The heat of condensed water value is equal -285.8 kJ mol-1. Glygly + H2O (l)  2 Gly(aq) (2) Alagly+ H2O (l)  Gly(aq) + Ala(aq) (3) Glyglygly+2 H2O (l)  3 Gly(aq) (4) TyrGlyGlyPheLeuOH+4 H2O (l)  Tyr(aq)+ 2 Gly(aq) + Phe(aq) + Leu(aq) (5) The heats of reactions (2-5) are -51.9, -48.7, -243.5 and -264.2 kJ mol-1 correspondingly. The receiving results show that low molecular peptides easy and exothermically hydrolyze in water. The middle between the first two values (-53.9 ± 4.2 kJ mol-1) can be accepted as an energy of the peptide bond.

Biography:

Abstract:

The present paper is basically a synthesis resulting from incorporating Kerr spinning black hole geometry into E-infinity topology, then letting the result bares on the vacuum zero point Casimir effect as well as the cosmic dark energy and dark matter density. In E-infinity theory a quantum particle is represented by a Hausdorff dimension Φwhere Φ =2/(√5+1) . The quantum wave on the other hand is represented by Φ2 . To be wave and a particle simultaneously intersection theory leads us to (Φ) (Φ)2= Φ3 which will be shown here to be twice the value of the famous Casimir force of the vacuum for a massless scalar field. Thus in the present work a basically topological interpretation of the Casimir effect is given as a natural intrinsic property of the geometrical topological structure of the quantum-Cantorian micro spacetime. This new interpretation compliments the earlier conventional interpretation as vacuum fluctuation or as a Schwinger source and links the Casimir energy to the so called missing dark energy density of the cosmos. From the view point of the present work Casimir pressure is a local effect acting on the Casimir plates constituting the local boundary condition while dark energy is nothing but the global combined effect of infinitely many quantum waves acting on the Möbius-like boundary of the holographic boundary of the entire universe. Since this higher dimensional Möbius-like boundary is one sided, there is no outside to balance the internal collective Casimir pressure which then manifests itself as the force behind cosmic expansion, that is to say, dark energy. Thus analogous to the exact irrational value of ordinary energy density of spacetime E(O)=(Φ5/2) mc2 we now have P (Casimir) = (Φ3/2)(ch/d2) where c is the speed of light, m is the mass, h is the Planck constant and d is the plate separation. In addition the new emerging geometry combined with the topology of E-infinity theory leads directly to identifying dark matter with the quasi matter of the ergosphere. As a direct consequence of this new insight E=mc2 which can be written as E = E (O) + E (D) where the exact rational approximation is E (O)=mc2/22 is the ordinary energy density of the cosmos and the exact rational approximation E (D)=mc2/(21/22) is the corresponding dark energy which could be subdivided once more albeit truly approximately into E(D)=mc2/(5/22) +mc2/(16/22) where 5 is the Kaluza Klein spacetime dimension, 16 are the bosonic extra dimensions of Heterotic superstrings and 5/22 □ 22% is approximately the density of the dark matter-like energy of the ergosphere of the Kerr geometry. As for the actual design of our nano reactor, this is closely related to branching clusters of polymer, frequently called lattice animals. In other words we will have Casimir spheres instead of Casimir plates and these spheres will be basically nano particles modelling lattice animals. Here D= 4 will be regarded as spacetime dimensionality while D=6 of percolations are the compactified super string dimensions and D=8 is the dimension of a corresponding super space.

Biography:

Abstract:

In this study, we report preparation and characterization of EVA/LLDPE/graphene oxide nanocomposite packaging films. Graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets were synthesized with modified Hummer’s method and used to improve various properties of EVA/LLDPE polymeric matrix. Nanocomposite films are prepared via solution casting methods. The SEM images and XRD patterns confirmed the formation of likely exfoliation structures and good interaction between matrix and nano-fillers. The mechanical properties of EVA/LLDPE were improved by adding low amount of GO so the tensile strength and Young modulus were increased 30% and 65%, respectively just by adding 5 wt.% GO. Furthermore, the oxygen permeability of matrix was dropped 500% by adding GO. Finally, it seems that EVA/LLDPE/GO nanocomposite films could be proper candidate for using in food packaging system

Biography:

R.M.G. Rajapakse holds First Class (honours) B.Sc. Special Degree in Chemistry (University of Peradeniya) and Ph.D. and D.I.C. (Imperial College, London). He is a Senior Professor in Chemistry and is also the Coordinator of the M.Sc. Programme in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. He has worked in leading research groups in UK, USA, Germany and Japan and is currently supervising 12 Ph.D. students. He has a large number of publications and 6 patents. He has received 13 awards for excellence in research and is a regular Visiting Professor to Shizuoka University, Japan. K.G.C. Senarathna is one of his Ph.D. students.

Abstract:

Fuel cells are a kind of Galvanic cells with some special features. In fuel cells, reactants are always supplied externally and the anodic half reaction is mandatorily the oxidation half-reaction of a fuel such as hydrogen, methane or any oxidizable fuel, while the cathodic half-reaction is always the reduction half-reaction of oxygen gas. Both reactions are kinetically very slow and hence suitable catalysts are mandatory to drive these reactions with appreciable rates. Reduction of oxygen is catalyzed by Pt and Rh is also used to prevent the poisoning of Pt by byproducts. This Pt-Rh catalyst is prohibitively expensive and hence alternative low-cost catalysts are required to use fuel cells in power production where fuel cells produce energy in environmentally friendly manner. Numerous researchers have worked on various lines to bring down the cost of oxygen reduction catalysts, which include the use of Pt nanoparticles, or increasing surface area by depositing nanoparticulate islands on large surface area supports, alloying platinum with less expensive base metals, developing novel supports or utilizing low-cost materials other than noble metals. In this regards, we have already shown that Ce(III)-polypyrrole (PPY) -montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposite to be such a very low-cost oxygen reduction catalyst. We now present several other systems which have similar efficiencies for oxygen reduction. These include Fe(II)/PPY/MMT, Ag/PANI (polyaniline)/MMT, Ag/PANI/MMT, Pd/PPY, PPY/Porphyrins and so on. These materials have been thoroughly characterized by XRD, FT-IR, AC Impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry etc. and oxygen reduction efficiencies are compared and the results are discussed in this presentation.

Biography:

Khalf has completed his master’s degree in 2009 from Department of Chemical Engineering University of Stellenbosch- South Africa and. he is currently a PhD candidate in the Department of Chemical Enginering at Oklhaoms State University. He has published 4 papers in reputed journals His research interests include: Nanometerals/Nanostructure/Nanomedice

Abstract:

Polycaprolactone (PCL) and gelatin (GT) are popular biodegradable electrospinable polymers. PCL is non-toxicity, biocompatible and biodegradable and has been studied to form many medical devices, or scaffolds for tissue regeneration of in vivo and in vitro cell culture using serum added media. Gelatin natural polymer has been widely studied and exposed to various biomedical applications due to its excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. Blending natural and synthetic polymers provides a new biomaterial with proper biocompatibility and improved mechanical, physical and chemical properties which is beneficial for cell adhesion and degradation rate. Doxycycline is an effective antibiotic, inhibitor of matrix degrading enzymes. It has been reported to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body, but serum half-life is very short. We evaluated the fabrication of PCL/GT electrospun fibers to provide controlled release of doxycycline antibiotic in a short and long term delivery. The fabricated scaffold loaded Dox will provide bacterial free environment for cell proliferation and tissue regeneration. PCL and gelatin were dissolved separately in trifluoroethanol (TFE). After complete dissolution, they were mixed together. Fibers fabricated from single, coaxial and triaxial spinneret were compared and characterized for their, structural and morphology using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Dox released into the incubation medium over five days was determined using absorbance at 375 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were performed to characterize various components fabricated fibers. 24-h viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells was also evaluated. Obtained results suggested that the fabricated hybrid PCL/GT loaded Doxy fiber mats because of their unique fabrication process, release characteristics, and antibacterial. properties, could be used as a potential scaffold for tissue regeneration.

Biography:

ElhamJaafarnia received her degree in BA Chemical Engineering and MSc in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology from Sharif University of Technology with the highest honors. She has started her group work from 2013 with the best colleagues in Iran and Egypt and they are working on environmental friendly procedure to recycle polymer wastes and nano composite membranes.

Abstract:

The preparation and characterization of a new type of nanocomposite polyelectrolyte membrane (PEM), based on DuPontTMNafion®/ imidazole modified nanosilica (Im-Si), for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) applications is described. Related to the interactions between the protonated imidazole groups, grafted on the surface of nanosilica, and negatively charged sulfonic acid groups of Nafion, new electrostatic interactions can be formed in the interface of Nafion and Im- Si which result in both lower methanol permeability and also higher proton conductivity. Physical characteristics of these manufactured nanocomposite membranes were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), water uptake, methanol permeability and ion exchange capacity, as well as proton conductivity. The Nafion/Im-Si membranes showed higher proton conductivity, lower methanol permeability and, as a consequence, higher selectivity parameter in comparison to the neat Nafion or Nafion/silica membranes. The obtained results indicated that the Nafion/Im-Si membranes could be utilized as promising polyelectrolyte membranes for direct methanol fuel cell applications.

Biography:

Belladini Lovely has completed B.Eng. and will complete M.Sc. at the age of 21 years from Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), Indonesia, in Agroindustrial Technology department. She has publications in Indonesia Agro-Industry E–Journal (E-JAII) and Advanced Computer Science and Information System Proceeding of 6th International Conference on Advance Computer Science & Information System (ICACSIS) 2014 by Institute of Electronical & Electrical Engineering (IEEE). In 2014, she was awarded as 1st Best Participant and Best Group in Summer Course 2014 IPB–Ibaraki University, Best Session Presenter in ICACSIS 2014, 1st Best Poster in Winter Course 2014 IPB–Ibaraki University, and Erasmus Mundus EXPERT4Asia exchange program scholarship grantee in Zagreb University, Croatia.

Abstract:

Packaging as one kind of composite product has been studied nowadays to be partially substituted with natural materials to improve its degradability in order to be environmental-friendly. Nanofiber cellulose derived from biomass has recently gained attention to be applied as composite filler prior to its biodegradable nature, low density, high mechanical properties, economic value and renewability. Nanofiber was prepared using pineapple (Ananas comosus) leaf waste as the raw material by acid hydrolysis using 64%wt H2SO4 in 40oC for 40 minutes. Nanocomposite film was produced by blending polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), cellulose nanofiber as filler and glycerol as plasticizer. The effect of varied nanofiber and plasticizer concentrations on the physical, mechanical and morphological properties of nanocomposite film was evaluated. Peak shown in FTIR graph would confirm acid hydrolysis in order to gain nano-sized fiber. The best formula selected aimed to be the most potential reinforcement selection in packaging composite film application

Biography:

Leyla Esfandiari has completed her Ph.D in the field of bioengineering from University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and has a M.Sc. degree in biomedical engineering from University of California Irvine (UCI). Currently, she is an Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering and Biomedical Engineering at University of Cincinnati focusing on design and development of nano-scale biosensors. In addition to her Ph.D research, she was involved in numerous research projects at California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI) and orthopedic surgery hospital at UCLA School of Medicine. Dr. Esfandiari has won a number of awards from NSF, UCLA and UCI graduate division and Boeing.

Abstract:

Rapid, sensitive detection of nucleic acid (NA) molecules of specific sequence is of interest for a range of diverse health-related applications such as screening for genetic diseases, detecting pathogenic microbes in food and water, and identifying biological warfare agents in homeland security. Sequence-specific nucleic acid detection platforms rely on base pairing interaction between two complementary single stranded NAs, which can be detected by optical, mechanical, or electrochemical readout. However, many of the existing platforms require amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), fluorescent or enzymatic labels, and expensive or bulky instrumentation. In an effort to address these shortcomings, our research is focused on utilizing the cutting edge nanotechnology and microfluidics along with resistive pulse electrical measurements to design and develop a cost-effective, handheld and highly-sensitive nanopore-based sensor for point-of-care medical diagnostics.

Biography:

Abstract:

Nanotechnology is emerging technologies of the 21st century, The wide spread potential of Nanotechnology in the field of advanced energy system due to serious problem related with the production and use of energy area .How to reach Nano material which can provide us with clean energy inside green environment to reduce the global warming effects mostly in Pakistan. Make High efficient nanotechnology for energy its impacts or influences explained by a practical case study applying the impact of using new properties of Nano material Nanotechnology for Solar energy development of clean energy systems, use of nanotechnology holds the promise of a new generation of photovoltaic devices can achieve better performance such as Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells which very important in the light of the enormous challenges ahead with the climate change and energy quick and efficient way pollution reduction . This research addresses this issue and proposes an approach, which would provide a wider support of energy crisis (1) Develop new Nanomaterial properties, to increase efficiency for Nanotechnology in Solar energy (2) Global Warming /zero carbon/ Green environment /reduce energy pollution (3) Nanotechnology as Future Solutions especially when Climate Change and temperature increase (4) Interpretation how we can design to achieve the sustainability in the future.

Biography:

His research fields involve the biomedical titanium alloy processing/characterization, surface modification, mechanical/corrosion/biocompatibility property.His research is currently about electropulsingassisted processing and characterization of titanium alloy. Electropulsing ultrasonic striking and electropulsing induced topographical oxidation have been also brought in to modify the materials surface for improving the microhardness, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility with the help of nanocrystallization and nanostructured oxide.

Abstract:

The effects of electropulsing induced gradient topographic oxide coating of Ti-Al-V alloy matrix strips on the fibroblast adhesion and growth were investigated. The goal in biomaterial surface modification was to possess desired recognition and specificity through modifying its surface condition like topological structure. Here we developed a unique strategy of high-energy electropulsing treatment (EPT) for manipulating surface gradient bio-functionalization of basal textured Ti-6Al-4V alloy strips with the surface gradient topographic oxide coating, which brings in the gradient distribution of surface conditions including matrix alloy, ordinary TiO2 film and TiO2 microwaves on a single strip. High-energy electropulse is frequently used as an electrically-treated method in improving the materials microstructure and mechanical property. This paper reports firstly the surface modification under EPT aiming to improve the biocompatibility, which will meet the demand of biomaterials in different parts of human beings. Novel TiO2 microwaves topological structure on the materials surface resulted in better biocompatibility with more active fibroblast bio-reaction including higher cells viability, better physiological morphology and stronger adhesion binding, which is ascribed to surface chemical components, surface energy and specific surface area under EPT manipulation. The key role of forming TiO2 microwaves structure solely under EPT is the selective effect of the electropulses going through the textured specimen, which thus builds a selective growth of the oxide and forms the microwaves topological structure on the materials surface. The positive contributions of EPT in the thermodynamics and kinetics of oxide coatings growth are attributed to the reduction of nucleation energy barrier and acceleration of atomic diffusion. Thus, the gradient functionalization of biomaterials can be tuned over several seconds EPT in the titanium alloys, opening an energy-saving and high-efficiency door to diverse biomedical applications including the tissue engineering and biological interfaces.

Biography:

Abstract:

As oppose to widely practised batch process of producing cellulose nanocrystals (CNXLs), a continuous flow process for the scalable production process is being developed. The aim is to produce up to 1 kg of CNXLs per day, compared to the current laboratory scale of 15 grams per batch. The continuous process consists of 3 major unit operations: CNXL extraction from cotton with 64 wt% sulphuric acid (reaction), acid-CNXL separation and thereafter CNXL purification, and acid recycling. The major difficulties of the scaling up process are attributed to the nature of CNXLs, due to their small sizes and whisker-like shape, and also the high amount of acid used in the process. However, these challenges are overcome through careful application of process engineering principles together with the understanding of the underlying material physical and chemical properties. The motivation of this work is to prepare the right background that will enable the incorporation of these high performance renewable nanomaterials into consumer products. Its success will also accelerate and widen the research on these nanomaterials for the development of the next generation of advance materials

Biography:

Abstract:

Shigellosis is a leading cause of diarrhea in many developing countries and although the disease can be controlled and managed with antibiotics, the constant emergence of resistant species requiring ever newer antibacterial drugs make development of an effective vaccine necessary. The bacteria are highly contagious and since immunity to Shigella is serotype-specific a multi-serotype vaccine is required for adequate protection. Proteins encoded by Shigella invasion plasmid, which are part of the Type Three Secretion System (TTSS) of this bacteria, are good candidate as vaccine targets since they are both immunogenic and conserved between different Shigella species. The advent of molecular farming, which is a low cost system, has opened up new venues for production of recombinant proteins. In view of the difficulties encountered in expressing IpaB in Escherichia coli (E. coli), the feasibility of the expression of this protein in tobacco has been investigated.

Biography:

Prof.Surik Khudaverdyan is head and Supervisor of scientific research laboratory “Photoelectronic devices in optical communication systems” at the Armenian National Politechnical University, Yerevan, and Republic of Armenia. His areas of interest are: Semiconductor Devices, Multifunctional Optoelectronic Sensors, and Nanoelectronics.He is a member of Special Council for awarding doctor’s degree, Editorial Board of the Journal Bulletin ofthe ANPU, and Information Technology, Electronics and radios. He has 93 journal publications, and taken part in 30 scientific meetings. He receivedGold medal from State Engineering University of Armenia in 2012, the Presidentialawardsin the area of Computer Sciences and Information Technologies in 2013

Abstract:

Terrorism that makes use of the explosives has turned into an international problem in recent years. Hence, remote detection of the explosives has become a very urgent task.This research studies a portable semiconductor sensor for the remote spectral analysis of the information of the optical signals coming from the vapor and the particles of explosives. The purpose is the identification and the quantitative determination of the signals from explosives.The sensor allows us to carry out the spatial separation and selection of the UV and visible waves of fluorescence with the spectral accuracy of 1 nm. The selection of waves with different absorption depths is carried out via changing the width of the registering area with the help of the step-by-step change of the external voltage applied to the photodetector.Тhe performance characteristics of the existing optical communication systems are analyzed, and a new model of the photo sensor with operating parameters exceeding the existing ones is developed (with the spectral sensitivity of 1 nm, the spectral range of 250 - 1100 nm, the spectrum recording speed of 10-3sec, low price and weight). The methods of the technology, implementation and application of the structure of the new photo sensor are worked out.The interconnection between the selective spectral sensitivity of the photo sensor and the parameters of the structure and of the electromagnetic radiation is studied. It allows us to determine the spectral range of the selective sensitivity and the resolution for observing the biochemical and biophysical processes occurring in dangerous objects and on their surfaces.The block diagram and the accurate algorithm are developed. This allows us to study the possibility of the remote identification of explosives in the objects via numerical simulation.The prototype of the sensor is developed in our laboratories and detailed test of the sensor is conducted along with the comparative analysis.

Biography:

Abstract:

Cationic ẞ-cyclodextrin-chitosan conjugates were prepared for carrying pmCherry-C1 plasmid in the form of CS/CD/TPP/pmCherry-C1 to achieve high transfection efficiency and high levels of transgene expression in in vitro transfection using U87 cells. Transfection efficiencies of CS/CD/TPP complex (polyplex) as well as the Lipofectamine complex (lipoplex) and Electroporation method were compared using Cherry expression plasmid. Optimum transfection efficiency and subsequent cell viability was done according to a number of experimental variables e.g. cell density, reagent and DNA concentrations, reagent-DNA complexing time, Voltage and the Pulse in electroporation methods by using Multilevel Categoric Design (General Factorial). From the results of general factorial design, it was concluded that only voltage of the exponential wave pulse has a significant influence on response. Positively charged CD/CS/TPP complexes interact with DNA by complementary electrostatic binding serve as efficient DNA delivery systems. The stability of CD/CS/TPP nanoparticle-bound DNA toward biological agents were investigated and the pmCherry-C1 was efficiently protected from DNAse I digestion.

Biography:

Shady Kamal has completed his PhD at the age of 28 years from Helwan University He was head of the art department at Tabuk Teachers college, KSA head of technical comittee fo-weavng at Saudi Arabian Standards rganzation. He has puplished more than 125 papers in several journals

Abstract:

Nanotechnology provides the ability to engineer the properties of materials. Nano Zinc Oxide having particle size ~ 50 nm was used with different concentrations to coat the following textiles fabrics: cotton, polyester and blend cotton/ polyester (65/35) using the pad-dry-cure method. The main advantages of these treated samples were their light weight, increasing surface area per unit volume with increasing treatment concentration. The treated samples were characterized through the following measurements, wide angle X-Ray diffraction, mechanical tests (tensile strength and elongation %) and thermal properties i.e. diffraction scanning calorimeter. The results indicated that the behavior of the change in crystal parameters for treated cotton samples greatly different as compared for polyester. The highest intensity and d-spacing in case of treated cotton were observed at zinc oxide concentration 0.25 % followed by a decrease. While polyester samples showed gradual increase in intensity with increasing zinc oxide concentration, and blend samples which has a hybrid structure followed the rule of mixture behavior. The order of improvement in crystalline parameters for the three treated samples was cotton, blend and polyester. Also, the order of improvement in mechanical properties were cotton , polyester and blend, these results can be attributed to the fact that nano size distribute uniformly on the surface, increase the surface area / unit volume thus, make the coated samples more elastic.

Biography:

Abstract:

A mixed culture algae community was harvested from a fish pond, dried and itslipid component extracted by Microwave assisted extraction (MAE) followed by steam assisted mechanical pressing(SAMP). The residual protein and hemicellulose components were removed by alkali extraction after which mild acidified solution of Methanol was used to neutralize the alkali and extract all other left over by-product materials like chlorophyll and sugars. The obtained cellulose material was subjected to preliminary size reduction and subsequent acid hydrolysis to obtain Nano sized cellulose material. The Nanocellulose was converted to its acetate and subsequently used as a fuel gelling agent in a bio fuel production process to obtain a gel fuel.With X-ray diffraction (XRD), Ultraviolet and Visible Absorption Spectroscopy (UV-VIS) and Fourier Infra-red spectroscopy, the Nano sized status and component functional groups were ascertained. The heating and calorific value of the product was also determined and compared with known fuels.The use of the Nano cellulose from fish pond algaecellulose in gelling bio fuel insupplementary reduces the overall cost of producing the fuel, thus providing a frugallyinexpensive alternative heating material to fossilfuel.

Biography:

Abstract:

Together with my collaborators I have been investigating the self-assembly of molecules that result in supramolecular bioorganic and minimal cellular systems, as well as the biochemistry of these assemblies. The self-assembly and biochemistry depend on quantum mechanics laws which induce hydrogen and Van der Waals bondings. Therefore our work has been done through modelling based on quantum mechanical time dependent density functional theory, which also makes it possible to study quantum entanglement in such systems (TD-DFT). In the work presented here, quantum entanglement takes the form of a quantum superposition of the active components in synthesized self-assembled and self-replicating living systems. When a quantum calculation of an entangled biosystem is made that causes one protocell photoactive biomolecule of such an entangled pair to take on a definite value (e.g., electron density redistribution tunnelling or electron spin density redistribution tunnelling), the other protocell photoactive biomolecule of this pair will be found to have taken the appropriately correlated value (e.g., electron density redistribution tunnelling or electron spin density redistribution tunnelling) in two quantum entangled excited states of this bicellular system (see Figure 1). In our simulations, the starting separation distance of the supramolecular bio systems changed during geometry optimization procedures, taking on final values that mimic those associated with real-world intermolecular interaction processes. Furthermore, the modelling indicates that quantum entanglement occurs between the prebiotic subsystems which enhances the photosynthesis of the combined systems. The enhancement occurs because two additional quantum entangled excited states are created through the simultaneous excitation of the combined system’s two prebiotic kernels or. two protocells. The additional photosynthesis made possible by the quantum entanglement potentially provides a selective advantage through an enhancement of usable energy leading to faster growth and self-replication of minimal living cells, which in turn can lead to accelerated evolution. Living systems that are self-assembled and self-replicating exist in wet and warm environments where stochastically moving supramolecular subsystems continuously generate and destroy quantum entangled states by non-equilibrium effects. While no static entanglement exists, quantum entanglement nonetheless temporarily occurs amongst the biomolecules inside the combined system or between the living subsystems, i.e. between two protocells or two prebiotic kernels. This warm quantum coherence is proposed by others as a basis for DNA stability and for the understanding of brain magnetic orientation during migration in more than 50 species of birds, fishes and insects. Experimental evidence also exists for quantum-coherence as a basis for more efficient light-harvesting in plant photosynthesis. Furthermore, quantum entanglement exists between supramolecules used in the sense of smell and in the microtubules of brain neurons where it gives rise to critical quantum vibrations. Using quantum mechanical investigations, we have now started to design quantum entanglement molecular logical devices which hold promise for use in nano-medicine biorobots to fight molecular diseases such a cancer tumors, and against the new kinds of synthesized microorganisms and nano guns.

Biography:

Abstract:

In this work we present an approach for the use of phages as bioreceptors for bacteria detection in a microfluidic cell by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS). With this aim, the biocomponent has been immobilized on interdigitated gold microelectrodes with the phyisorption technique. The three electrodes (reference electrode, counter electrode and work electrode) are integrated on the same chip and a microfluidic cell is used. We have shown that chip is stable in liquid medium for several hours. For the detection side, the interaction of E.coli bacteria with T4 phages shows an increase of the impedance. A detection limit of 103 CFU mL-1 was obtained with good reproducibility.

Biography:

Abstract:

In this study, we reported new conductive polymeric nanocomposite scaffold for neural tissue engineering applications. The scaffolds was composed of chitosan/gelatin as biodegradable part and polyaniline/graphene (PANi/Gr) as nanocomposite as conductive part. PANi/Gr nanocomposite was synthesized via emulsion polymerization of aniline monomer in the presence of chemically reduced graphene nanosheets. The effect of electrical stimulation on morphology and growth of cultured Schwann cell on this conductive scaffold was investigated. The results demonstrated that showed that pulsed electrical stimulation with voltage of 100 mV/mm and time step of 1 sec was more effective on proliferation of cells compare to direct electrical stimulation as well as pulsed one with larger time steps. Furthermore, the SEM images showed that the electrical stimulated cells illustrated needle shape with significant extension of neuritis compare to non-stimulated ones which more confirmed the positive effects of using electrical stimulation.

Biography:

Hammad Aziz, post graduated in Mechanical Engineering from Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Malaysia with specilization in Advanced Materials in 2015. He graduated in Mechanical Engineering from University of Engineering & Technology Lahore, Pakistan. Currently, doing as Lecturer at College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, National University of Sciences and Technology, Pakistan. His reserach interest includes development of materials. He has presented in different international conferences and published one paper in peer reviewed journal.

Abstract:

Intumescent fire retardant coating (IFRC) is applied on the surface of material requiring fire protection. In this research work, IFRC’s were developed using ammonium polyphosphate, expandable graphite, melamine, boric acid, zinc borate, mica, magnesium oxide, and bisphenol A BE-188 with polyamide polyamine H-4014 as curing agent. Formulations were prepared using nano size MgO and compared with control formulation i.e. without nano size MgO. All formulations were tested for char expansion at 600oC in an electric furnace. Small scale hydrocarbon fire test was conducted to scrutinize the thermal performance of the coating. Char and coating were further characterized by using FESEM, FTIR, EDS, XPS, TGA and DTGA. Thus, Intumescent coating reinforced with 2 wt.% of nano-MgO (rod shaped particles) provide superior thermal performance and uniform microstructure of char due to well dispersion of nano particles.

Biography:

WIlliam E Lee currently working as a professor in National Institute for Nanotechnology and his research area includes Nanotechnology has tremendous potential to enhance the performance of biosensors. The chemical, electronic, and optical properties of nanomaterials generally depend on both their dimensions and their morphology.

Abstract:

Nanotechnology has tremendous potential to enhance the performance of biosensors. The chemical, electronic, and optical properties of nanomaterials generally depend on both their dimensions and their morphology. A major advantage of using nanomaterials in biosensing is the number of bioreceptor molecules immobilized on the detector surface can be as low as a single molecule. As a result the number of analyte molecules required to generate a measurable signal could be just a few, providing very low limits of detection. As a sensitive, non-destructive, and label-free detection method, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) has recently received considerable attention for the characterization of electrical properties in biological interfaces. We self-assembled gold nanoparticles on gold electrodes to yield multi-layered molecular structures for sensitive pathogen detection and in situ regeneration of the sensor electrode. The use of molecular self-assembly and gold nanoparticles plus EIS detection rendered a detection limit of 30 virus particles/ml for adenovirus 5 and 100 cells/ml for E-coli 0157:H7. The gold nanoparticle sensor surface could be self-assembled and regenerated on the electrode at least 30 times without losing analytical performance. We also fabricated metal oxide nanoporous-film electrodes, using glancing angle deposition (GLAD) technique, for highly sensitive detection of pathogens. GLAD utilizes oblique angle physical vapor deposition combined with precise substrate rotation to engineer nano-columns. The combination of nanotechnology and EIS is an attractive and powerful concept for future chemical and biological sensors research and integration in to lab-on-a-chip devices for field deployable sensors.

Biography:

Dr Jerzy Leszek is full professor of psychiatry at the Medical University in Wroclaw, Poland , vice-director of the Psychiatry Department and head of Alzheimer’s Disease Laboratory. He is author and co-author more than 210 papers(especially from old age psychiatry), a lot of chapters to the books published in reputed Polish and international journals and serving as an editorial board member of several journals. He is Scientific Editor and co-author of first Polish academic handbook on Alzheimer’s disease and twenty another academic books from psychogeriatry poblished in Poland , European countries and in USA . He is member a lot of scientific associations eg. funder and president of Lower Silesian Association of Alzheimer’s Families, first of its kind in Poland and Former Member of Board of Directions of International Psychogeriatric Association(IPA). His Research area includes nanomaterial’s and nanotechnology in complex biochemical environment of the central nervous system.

Abstract:

Background: Dementia of Alzheimer’s type(AD) affects memory, thinking and behavior. Scientists believe that changes in the brain may begin 10-20 years before symptoms appear and AD is diagnosed. The need to diagnose and treat the devastating disease at an early stage is critical to manage and treat AD. Unfortunately, the lack of valided biomarkers limits the possibility of the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The advance of nanotechnology could offer huge opportunities in early-stage diagnosis and well-treatment of AD. Methods: This presentation discusses the challenges of current treatment and diagnosis of AD and the development on biocompatible nanoparticles, and provides the rational and potentials of using nanoparticles for both drug carrier and imaging contrast agent for diagnosis and treatment of AD. Results: Biocompatible nanoparticles with diameter in the range of 1-100 nm could be used as targetes delivery system for drugs (e.g Rivastigmine) to overcome the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and to minimize the side effects caused by over-dosage. In addition, biocompatible nanomaterials with enhanced optical and magnetic properties, may allow them being excellent alternative contrast agents for early-stage diagnosis. Limitations: The limit knowledge of biocompatibility of nanomaterials may inhibit the development of nanotechnology for diagnosis and treatment for AD. Conclusion: With more studies on using nanomaterials and nanotechnology in complex biochemical environment of the central nervous system, it is most likely that nanomaterials and nanotechnology can be give significant impact on the early-stage diagnosis and treatment of AD. According to personal experiences, the author of this presentation discuss the application of new class of nanoparticles to the treatment and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease.

Biography:

Dr. Thayaparan Paramanathan is a biophysicist with interests in applying physics techniques to explore biological systems at single molecule level. He received his PhD in physics from Northeastern University and did his postdoctoral work at Brandeis University with Prof. Jeff Gelles, who is considered one of the pioneers in single molecule imaging, and Prof. Jane Kondev, who is a world renowned biophysicist. His research interest in the field of biophysics is to use physics techniques to study biological systems at single molecule level.

Abstract:

Nanoscale small molecules are of interest due to their selective DNA binding properties, which make them potential candidates for chemotherapy. The ruthenium complexes we report are dumbbell shaped molecules with bulky side chains that look like nanoscale propellers. They must thread through the DNA base pairs to reach their final threaded intercalation state. Here we study the binuclear ruthenium complex, ΔΔ-[μ-bidppz (bpy) 4Ru2]4+ and compare it with the previously studied ΔΔ-[μ-bidppz (phen) 4Ru2]4+. Both have the same intercalating bridge unit, but different threading moieties. In this study, we use optical tweezers to trap a single DNA molecule and stretch it in the presence of the ligand at various concentrations. Since threading intercalation is relatively slow process, we hold the DNA at constant force until an equilibrium DNA elongation is reached. The extension of the DNA obtained as a function of time during binding yields the kinetics and equilibrium binding properties of the ligand. The preliminary data suggests that the binuclear complex with ‘bpy’ in the threading moiety shows stronger affinity and an order of magnitude faster on rate, compared to its counterpart with ‘phen’ in the threading moiety. This implies that the extra aromatic ring of ‘phen’ interferes with the threading intercalation process, and also that having bulkier side chain does not increase the affinity of these nano-dumbbells as commonly assumed.

Biography:

Hari S Sharma, Director of Int. Expt. CNS Injury & Repair (IECNSIR), Professor of Neurobiology (MRC), Docent in Neuro-anatomy (UU) is currently working in Uppsala University Hospital, Department of Surgical Sciences, Division of Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Medicine, Uppsala University, Sweden. He obtained his PhD in Neuroscience in 1982 from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India and Dr. Med Sci. from Uppsala University in 1999. He has published over 300 peer reviewed research articles (ISI database h-index 36) related to Neuro-protection and Neuro-regeneration in relation to the Blood-brain barrier in stress, trauma, and drugs of abuse in health and disease. His research on brain pathology and neuro-protection in different model is supported by Laerdal Foundation of Acute Medicine, Stavanger, Norway; role of nano-particles in neuro-degeneration and Neuro-protection for treatment strategies from European Aerospace Research & Development (EOARD), London, UK and US Air Force Research Laboratory, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Oh, USA; drug abuse research and neuro-protection from National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA); National Institute of Health (NIH).

Abstract:

Nano-delivery of drugs induces better therapeutic effects in preventing neurological diseases and their effects are also prolonged than the parent compounds. Thus, the need of the hour to examine whether drugs tagged with different kinds of nanoparticles may have different effects following their nano-delivery in treating neurological diseases e.g., Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD is mainly characterized by deposition of amyloid b-peptide (ABP) in various brain regains leading to cell and tissue destruction. It is widely believed that breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to serum constituents activates a series of abnormal reactions leading to immunological, biochemical and pathological changes culminating in AD. Thus, to reduce the BBB breakdown and induce neuro-regeneration or neuro-repair using several neuro-trophic factors in combination could alleviate AD symptoms. Our laboratory is engaged to find out whether cerebrolysin, a multimodal drug (Ever Neuro Pharma, Austria) comprising a well-balanced composition of several neuro-trophic factors and active peptide fragments could induce neuro-protection in animal models of AD. AD like symptoms were induced in rats by chronic infusion of amyloid b-peptide (ABP 1-40) intra-ventricularly (I.C.V) in the left cerebral ventricle (250ng/10 µl) once daily for 4 weeks. Cerebrolysin was delivered in identical fashion using two different modes of nano-delivery. Thus, TiO2 nano-wired delivery of cerebrolysin was compared with identical doses of poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) nano-particles (PLG-NPs) loaded delivery. Our observations showed marked deposition of ABP and neuronal, glial and myelin pathology in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum. BBB breakdown was evident by enhanced penetration of serum albumin as seen using immunohistochemistry in the identical brain areas showing neuronal loss, gliosis and myelin damage. Interestingly, TiO2 nano-wired delivery of cerebrolysin in a dose of 25µl infused daily 2 weeks after ABP infusion for 1 week remarkably reduced ABP deposition, and brain pathology. However, identical doses of PLG-NPs loaded cerebrolysin were much less effective after ABP infusion. Interestingly, 50 µl dose of PLG-NPs-Cerebrolsyin was sufficient enough to reduce AD pathology. These observations strongly suggest that TiO2 nano-wired delivery of cerebrolysin has superior effects over PLG-NPs loaded delivery in AD. This indicates that mode of nano-drug delivery of the same compounds is crucial in achieving desired results in neurological diseases.

Biography:

Farid Akhtar has completed his PhD at the age of 31 years from University of Science and Technology Beijing and postdoctoral studies from Stockholm University, Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry. He is associate professor at Division of Materials Sciecne and Luleå University of Technology in Sweden. He has published more than 80 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of International Journal of Refractory Metals and Hardmaterials.

Abstract:

Nanoporous materials such as zeolites, metal organic frameworks, activated carbons and aluminum phosphates are suitable for catalysis and gas separation applications. These high surface area materials are invariably produced in particulate form and need to be assembled into mechanically strong hierarchically porous macroscopic structures such as structured monoliths, honeycombs and laminates for industrially important catalysis and gas separation applications. Structuring of nanoporous powders enables an optimized structure with high mass transfer, low pressure drop, efficient heat management, and high mechanical and chemical stability. Important properties of the nanostructured adsorbents structures will be discussed with a focus on CO2 separation e.g. from power-plant flue gas. A versatile nanostructurization approach to process nanoporous powders into hierarchically porous monoliths with high CO2 capture capacity, CO2 over CH4 and CO2 over N2 selectivity, rapid uptake and release kinetics and high mechanical strength will be discussed. A figure of merit criterion will be defined to evaluate the performance of these structured adsorbents. Finally, the concepts of adsorption and diffusion, mass and heat transfer will be combined in a discussion of the optimal porous architecture and geometry of nanostructured adsorbents.

Biography:

Tsuyoshi Uchiyama has completed his PhD (Ph.D in Engineering) at the age of 27 years from Nagoya University. He now is an Associate professor of Intelligent Device, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Graduate School of Engineering.

Abstract:

Any living systems that are electrical excitable induce magnetic field. Numerous tissues and organs generating spontaneous electric activity are distributed over the body. Therefore magnetic sensors with sufficiently high sensitivity would provide a non-invasive detection of their activity, which is therefore thought to be useful in a wide range of biology and medicine. Superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) with the sensitivity of a femto tesla (fT) level, has so far been employed to detect magnetic activity in the brain and heart of humans. However, technologies based on superconductivity require extremely low temperature condition. The SQUID sensor coils are mounted in a probe with circulating liquid helium in usual, so that SQUID sensor head is hardly semi-contacted to the small pieces of the living tissues at a body temperature for increase of the sensitivity for extremely small local magnetic field. We have developed the measurement system for biomagnetic field in small cell tissues using pico-Tesla (pT) sensitivity micro magnetic sensor owing to magneto-impedance (MI) element. The MI sensor is consisted of thin amorphous magnetic wire; thereby it is operated at a body temperature and is accessible very close to the small biological sample. We can measure bio-magnetic field in the small tissue by putting preparations on the sensor head, even across a thin cover plate for microscopy. In this study the measurement results for biomagnetic fields in cell tissues (such as guinea-pig taenia caeci, guinea-pig stomach, and mouse heart) will be reported.

Biography:

Farid Menaa is an inter- and multi-disciplinary professional. Professor, Principal Investigator, Director, Consultant Editor, Reviewer, Event Organizer and Entrepreneur, He earned his degrees with highest distinctions from prestigious French universities and institutions. He followed a post-doctoral in Oncology as a NIH-fellow (San Diego, California, USA; 2004-2007). Subsequently, He pursed his career in Dermatology, and Stem Cells as a DFG-Fellow (Wuerzburg, Germany; 2007–2009). Then, He was promoted as Chief Scientific Officer and Vice-President R&D at Fluorotronics, Inc. (CA, USA; 2009-2010), a nanotechnology and fluorine chemical company. Eventually, He was appointed Principal Investigator in Hematology and Genomics as a FAPESP-Fellow (São Paulo, Brazil; 2010–2012). During his career, He also followed complementary formations (e.g. Medecine, Pharmacy, Biochemistry, Biophysics, Food Sciences and Technology, Marine Biology, Nano-Biotechnology, Bio-Computation, Bio-Statistics, Business Development and Management, Technological Innovation and Quality). Overall, He was involved in various R&D projects in multiple areas of medicine/nanomedicine, pharmacy/pharmacology, biology, stem cells/tissue engineering, genetics/genomics, fluorine chemistry/biochemistry, biophysics/biophotonics, food science, technology/nanotechnology, and business). His main current focuses are related to preventive, personalized, translational, integrative and nanomedicine, especially in the areas of oncology, regenerative medicine and gerontology, in order to prevent and implement early diagnosis and efficient therapy.

Abstract:

Graphene (G) and graphene-based derivatives (e.g. graphene oxide, hybrid nanocomposites) represent promising nanomaterials for the current and upcoming biosensor generations. Graphene and derivatives’ biosensing platforms can be used to monitor various molecules (e.g. proteins and its modifications, DNA and genomic alterations, glucose, ions, toxins) and cells (e.g. cancer cells, cancer stem cells). Interestingly, the qualitative and quantitative detection of proteinic biomarkers of diseases using graphene-based platforms (e.g. immunodiagnosis, bioimaging) is an emerging concept due to graphene’s unique intrinsic (i.e. physicochemical, structural) and tunable properties (i.e. surface functionalizations). Furthermore, it is possible now to manufacture reliable (i.e. in terms of sensitivity, stability, specificity, selectivity, rapidity) biophotonic sensing platforms, (e.g. Field Effect Transistors (FET), Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) or Chemiluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer (CRET)). Eventually, G is eco-friendly and cost-effective in its use, contributing to its sustainable development for translational and personalized medicine. However, only a limited number of studies assessed the relative toxicity of G and derivatives in-vivo. My speech will focus and discuss graphene-based platforms for protein (e.g. thrombin, dopamine, CEA, EpCAM, PSA, BRCA1, phospho-p53, MMPs) detection, characterization and theranostic (i.e. disease diagnosis and therapy) applications.

Biography:

R M G Rajapakse holds a BSc special degree in Chemistry from University of Peradeniya and PhD and DIC from Imperial College, London. He is a Senior Professor in Chemistry and is also the Coordinator of the MSc Program in Nano-science and Nanotechnology. He has worked in leading research groups in UK, USA, Germany and Japan and is currently supervising 12 PhD students. He has a large number of publications and 6 patents. He has received 13 awards for excellence in research and is a regular Visiting Professor to Shizuoka University, Japan.

Abstract:

Fuel cells are a kind of galvanic cells with some special features. In fuel cells, reactants are always supplied externally and the anodic half reaction is mandatorily the oxidation half-reaction of a fuel such as hydrogen, methane or any oxidizable fuel, while the cathodic half-reaction is always the reduction half-reaction of oxygen gas. Both reactions are kinetically very slow and hence suitable catalysts are mandatory to drive these reactions with appreciable rates. Reduction of oxygen is catalyzed by Pt and Rh is also used to prevent the poisoning of Pt by by products. This Pt-Rh catalyst is prohibitively expensive and hence alternative low-cost catalysts are required to use fuel cells in power production where fuel cells produce energy in environmentally friendly manner. Numerous researchers have worked on various lines to bring down the cost of oxygen reduction catalysts, which include the use of Pt nanoparticles, or increasing surface area by depositing nano-particulate islands on large surface area supports, alloying platinum with less expensive base metals, developing novel supports or utilizing low-cost materials other than noble metals. In this regards, we have already shown that Ce (III)-polypyrrole (PPY) -montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposite to be such a very low-cost oxygen reduction catalyst. We now present several other systems which have similar efficiencies for oxygen reduction. These include Fe (II)/PPY/MMT, Ag/PANI (poly-aniline)/MMT, Ag/PANI/MMT, Pd/PPY, PPY/Porphyrins and so on. These materials have been thoroughly characterized by XRD, FT-IR, AC impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, etc., and oxygen reduction efficiencies are compared and the results are discussed in this presentation.

Biography:

Kun’ichi Miyazawa received DE degree from The University of Tokyo in 1987. He was a Lecturer of School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo from 1989 to 2002 and moved to National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS) in 2002. He has been studying the synthesis, characterization and application of low-dimensional fullerene nanomaterials such as fullerene nano-whiskers, fullerene nano-tubes and fullerene nano-sheets.

Abstract:

Fullerene nano-whiskers (FNWs) are thin needle-like crystals with diameters less than 1000 nm, and are composed of fullerene molecules such as C60, C70, Sc3N@C80 and so forth. Among various FNWs, C60 (fullerene) nano-whiskers (C60NWs) have been most minutely investigated in the field of semiconductor devices like field-effect transistors, solar cells, chemical sensors and photo sensors. C60NWs easily become superconductors by doping alkali metals such as K and Rb. The superconducting transition temperature (Tc) of Rb-doped C60NWs is 26 K, which is much higher than the boiling point of hydrogen (20 K). In the future, the Rb-doped C60NWs might be widely utilized as lightweight and flexible super-conductors, using the hydrogen coolant. The FNWs have been normally synthesized by the liquid-liquid interfacial precipitation (LLIP) method. The LLIP method is a very facile technique that utilizes the precipitation and inters diffusion between the good solvent solution of fullerene and its poor solvent.　The as-synthesized C60NWs by LLIP method comprise the C60 molecules weakly bound via Vander Waals bonding forces. However, the C60 molecules can be polymerized by irradiation of light, and the physical and chemical properties of C60NWs can be modified by the light irradiation. In the presentation, the structural characteristics of photo-polymerized C60NWs will be discussed, using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), EELS and Raman spectroscopy.

Biography:

Masakazu Iwamoto has completed his PhD from Kyushu University, Japan and Post-doctoral study from Texas A&M University. He was an Associate Professor at Nagasaki University, and Professor at Miyazaki University, Hokkaido University and Tokyo Institute of Technology. He has published more than 300 papers, was an Editor-in-chief of Applied Catalysis B and Environmental and works for Chuo University as an Institute Professor.

Abstract:

The wall ion-exchange (WIE) method, in which wall anions in composites of zirconium sulfate and surfactant micelles (ZS) were exchanged for oxyanions in aqueous solutions, was applied to prepare mesoporous tungsten-zirconium composite oxide (WZO). The amounts of tungsten introduced into the ZS structure (Win) were very small at pH=2-5 and greatly increased at pH=5.6 and above. In the exchange at pH=5.6-10, the ratios of tungsten introduced and sulfur removed were 0.9-1.1, indicating the stoichiometric ion-exchange. This would result from the difference of predominant tungsten oxyanions in the solutions, W12O396- (the diameter, 0.7 nm) at the low pH and WO42- (0.27 nm) at high pH, since the diameter of the latter is very similar to that of the HSO4- ion (0.21 nm) in ZS, resulting in the easy WIE reaction. The relationships among the amount of Win, the removal method of the surfactants, the surface area and the pore diameter of WZOs were systematically studied and WZO samples with high surface areas of 200-520 m2g-1 and pore diameters of 0.8-2.4 nm could be prepared. The catalytic activity of the resulting WZO for the Friedel-Crafts alkylation was strongly dependent on the removal method of the surfactants and the W/Zr ratio. The WZO samples prepared with calcination or extraction showed low activity for the catalysis, while the extracted and then calcined WZOs with W/Zr>0.45 were specifically active. The activity was well proportional to the amount of mono-dentate W species produced in the pore surface of the WZO samples.

Biography:

Kristina Lilova has completed her PhD from University Henri Poincaré – Nancy 1, France (currently University of Lorraine) and Post-doctoral studies from Unversity of California, Davis. She is currently an Applications Manager at Setaram Inc. She has published 24 papers and book chapters in reputed journals and has been serving as an Associated Editor of American Mineralogist and Frontiers in Energy Research journals.

Abstract:

Graphene, single-walled (SWCNTs) and multi-walled nanotubes (MWCNTs), onion-like carbons (OLCs) and nanodiamonds are attractive materials due to their two-dimensional structure, unique properties and potential applications in many fields as electronics, catalysts, photonics, robotics, mechanics, energy storage and orthopedics. All those new developments require a thorough study of the mechanical, physical and chemical properties of the nanocarbons and the corresponding composites. The density and the thermal expansion coefficients of CNTs-containing composites can be investigated using thermomechanical techniques. Thermogravimetry combined with differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), is a powerful method to determine the amount of the impurities, the effect of the thermal treatment and the thermal stability of CNTs and graphene composites. The isothermal immersion and oxidative calorimetry are commonly used to study the surface properties and thermodynamic stability of CNTs and OLCs, which are critical for their applications as catalysts and energy storage materials. These techniques will be introduced and illustrated by several examples on 2D nanomaterials.

Biography:

Muzafar A Kanjwal has completed his PhD from Chonbuk National University, South Korea. Currently, he is working as Researcher at National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark. He has published more than 40 papers in reputed journals. His research focuses on photocatalysis, and developing nano/micro structures by electro-spinning method.`

Abstract:

Special importance is given to highlight new techniques and recent progress in enhancing photo catalytic efficiency and flux of TiO2-based materials, which drives the design of key strategies and potential new directions of TiO2 photo-catalysts. The TiO2 and TiO2-Ag nanofibers were produced by electro-spinning technique. Silicone elastomer discs (diameter: 10.0 mm; thickness: 2.0 mm) are surface coated with the TiO2 and TiO2-Ag nanofibers. The surface functionalization of these nanofibers on silicone elastomer surface by dip-coating method, results in the formation of (TiO2-) and (TiO2-Ag) silicone discs. The coated discs were characterized by various techniques like SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR, EDS, UV, etc. These characterizations reveal that surface morphology of electrospun nanofibers has not been lost by the dip-coating technique. The produced material TiO2- and TiO2-Ag silicone discs, when utilized as photo-catalysts to degrade water (dairy waste in this study) exhibited good results, and very good material for high water flux and water photo-splitting.

Biography:

Zhao Li has completed his PhD in 2000 from Chinese Academy of Sciences and then pursued his 3 years Postdoctoral studies in Calgary University in Canada. He has joined Canadian Research Council in 2003 and presently he is a Research Council Officer. His research is focused on conjugated polymer synthesis and characterization, organic photovoltaics, carbon nanomaterials and its application in thin film transistors. He has published more than 35 papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

Significant progress has been made in the last ten years on the topic of separating semiconducting (SC) from metallic single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Techniques such as conjugated polymer extraction (CPE), chromatography and density gradient ultracentrifugation (DGU) have been shown to be particularly effective at SC-SWCNT enrichment. As a result, the fabrication of thin film transistors comprising enriched SC-SWCNTs has been undertaken by several research teams in hopes of obtaining higher performance printed logic, display drivers and novel sensors. We have compared DGU, chromatography and CPE and found the later to have many positive attributes such as a competitive cost model, scalability and product quality. Our recent progress and commercialization (IsoSol-S100TM) of the CPE method to produce high purity SC-SWCNTs dispersed in organic solvents will be presented. We also developed a novel methods using Raman mapping to quantify SC-SWCNT purity beyond 99%. After fine-tuning the substrate surfaces and SWCNT/polymer solution property, uniform and high density tube network was obtained. Thin film transistor (TFT) based on SC-SWCNT as active channels demonstrate both high mobility and on/off ratio. Application of this kind of solution as ink for inkjet printing will also be addressed.

Biography:

Etakula Nagabhushan has completed his PhD from Osmania University. He completed his B-Tech in Chemical Engineering and M-Tech in Ceramic Engineering from Osmania University, India. He has guided about 30 M-Tech theses. He has 25 years of teaching and research experience. Presently, he is the Professor and Head, Dept. of Ceramic Engineering & Materials Science Technology, Osmania University. His areas of interest are ceramics, polymers and nano-materials.

Abstract:

Nanostructured materials provide many benefits due to their enhanced properties, the promising applications of nanostructured materials have generated innovative method to synthesis new materials with high performance to enhance their use as Nano devices, Nano catalysts and Nano sensors. Although the use of Nano materials in industry is limited, their use in industry has already started and is expected to be extensive in the next few years. In the present study Strontium Zinc Oxide (SrZnO2) Nanocomposite was synthesized by soft chemical approach by using Strontium Oxide with Zinc Oxide. Soft chemical approach helps for the synthesis of colloidal dispersion organic and inorganic materials at relatively low temperatures and with simple set up. The synthesis was carried out at moderate temperature 90ËšC and then finally dried in the laboratory oven at 100 ÌŠC for 24 hours and then followed by calcination at 1000 ÌŠC in a furnace with the heating rate of 5 ÌŠC/min for 6 hours to get a phase selective product. The concept of Soft chemical approach depends on the balanced synthesis-structural relationship based on electro negativity. The structure, morphology and properties of the particles were characterized by XRD, SEM and FT-IR. The mean particle size was calculated by using X-ray diffraction pattern by using Scherer’s Equation, t=0.9λ/ B CosѲ. The results obtained from different characterization techniques showed that nanostructured materials where formed with small sizes of particles, with good crystallinity and clean environment which can be used for appropriate technologies like Nano devices, Nano catalysts, Nano sensors, etc……

Biography:

Yongmei Zheng is currently a Professor at School of Chemistry and Environment, Beihang University, China. She received her PhD (2003) from Jilin University, China. She firstly worked at Department of Applied Physics in Jilin University of Technology (1987) and then as a Post-doctoral fellow in ICCAS (2003) and as a Researcher at Centre for National Nanoscience and Technology (2005). Her research interests are focused on dynamic wetting-controlled functions of bioinspired surface materials. Her publications are included in Nature, Adv. Mater., and Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., ACS Nano, etc. She is a member of American Chemical Society (ACS), Chinese Chemical Society (CCS), etc.

Abstract:

Biological surfaces with unique wettability endow us knowledge. Since spider silk collects water in mist, taking on scene of large pearly droplets, we have revealed the mechanism of the cooperation between surface energy gradient and difference of Laplace pressure. Recently series of bioinspired fibers have been designed by the developing novel techniques at micro- and nano-level. Thus these bioinspired fibers take on unique abilities such as the capturing of extreme hanging-drop; the directional driving of tiny condensed droplets on photo or temperature responsive spindle-knots and joint; the heterostructured bead-on-string fiber for humidity response; the controlling of condensed droplets in directional transport in long range gradient spindle-knots. Learned from water repellency of butterfly wing and plant leaf, bioinspired surfaces are designed to display anti-icing, ice-phobic and de-ice abilities. The oriented or asymmetric features on geometries at micro- and nano-level can generate the driving of droplets that is resulted from the surface energy gradient, in addition to the trapped-air in multi-structures at Cassie’s state. These bioinspired surfaces with micro-/nanostructures would be promising applications into wetting-controlling, water collection and ice-phobic/anti-icing.

Biography:

Naoto Saito is a Professor and Director of the Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Shinshu University. He is an experienced researcher specializing in biochemistry, cell biology, regenerative medicine, biomaterials and nano-biotechnology. As the leader of Shinshu University’s Nano-biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering Team, he is working on developing CNT-based biomaterials.

Abstract:

The bio-safety of carbon nano-tubes (CNTs) is a concern, and CNT bio-kinetics is a key bio-safety issue. CNTs labelled with carbon isotopes, functionalized with moieties, or coated with colloidal metal particles have been used to monitor CNT bio-kinetics, though major technical issues (such as isotope preparation and handling or change in CNT surface properties) remain. The present report aims at establishing an advanced and simple in-situ imaging method of CNTs monitoring in vivo involving the use of CNTs filled with heavy metal particles (peapods). Gd-peapods containing GdCl3 were synthesized using double-walled CNTs. The limits of Gd-peapods detection on MRI in solutions and agarose gel cubes were 1.3µg/ml and 4µg/ml, respectively. The peapods in rats was easily visualized by MRI and the change in signal intensity was dose-dependent. This newly developed method can be used to monitor CNT bio-kinetics in vivo without tedious tissue preparation.

Biography:

Toshihiro Moriga graduated from Department of Chemistry, Osaka University in 1988 and received his Doctor of Science from Osaka University in 1996. He is now a Professor of Department of Advanced Materials, Institute of Technology and Science, Tokushima University, Vice-dean of Faculty of Engineering of the University and Director of Center for International Cooperation in Engineering Education of the Faculty. He has published more than 130 papers in peer-reviewed journals and an organizer of the special session, “Advanced structure science and pioneering novel materials” in fall meetings of the Ceramic Society of Japan since 2007.

Abstract:

We have demonstrated that a color of the perovskite-type LaTiO2N oxynitride could be tuned from orange through yellow and green to white by proper adjustment of O/N and Ti/La ratios. However, we have not obtained real red oxynitrides in this system yet. LaTaON2, which contains more nitrogen amount than LaTiO2N, can be expected as the redder pigment. However, the ionic size of La3+ seems to be so small for accommodating the ideal perovskite that the crystal structure may be deformed to be monoclinic system. Distortions to bond angle of Ta-(O,N)-Ta were reported to make the bandgap wider. In this study, we prepared solid solutions of La1-xBaxTa(O,N)3 and the compositional variation of optical properties as well as structural ones were examined. We also studied effects of addition of NaCl flux during nitridation on the color due to particle size distributions. Perovskite-type La1-xBaxTa(O,N)3 oxynitrides showed slight redshift of absorption edge and deteriorated reflectivity in the longer wavelength regions after absorption edge with increasing Ba content x due to relaxing Ta-(O,N)-Ta distortion. Addition of NaCl flux in the oxide precursor of La1-xBaxTa(O,N)3 during the nitridation led to improvement of the reflectivity after absorption edge without changing the anion ratio. LaNbON2 should be one of the redder pigments. Substitution of titanium by niobium in LaTiO2N would enhance covalency in bonding between the cations and anions because electronegativity of niobium is slightly larger than that of titanium. We also examined anion composition and optical properties of solid-solution of LaTi1-xNbx(O,N)3 and will discuss difference in ways of variation of optical properties against the substitutions mentioned above. Perovskite-type LaTi1-xNbx(O,N)3 oxynitrides showed redshift of the absorption edge due to enhancement of covalent character and increased absorption in red region due to anion defects, with increasing Nb content x. The absorption would possibly affect the gradient of reflectivity curve after the absorption edge to assist to show the redder color. The oxynitride solid-solutions with x=0.2 and 0.3 possessed the color coordinate same as that of red iron oxide.

Biography:

Hiroaki Suzuki received his B.E. and M.E. degrees in applied physics and his PhD in bioelectronics and biotechnology from the University of Tokyo, Japan, in 1981, 1983, and 1993, respectively. Since 2004, he has been a full-time professor at the Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba. His current research interests include microfluidics, photonics, plasmonics, and nanorobots.

Abstract:

Miniaturization of analytical devices has advanced remarkably over the last two decades. We have developed various microfluidic components to be used for this purpose. To realize smart user-friendly portable devices, microfluidics based on capillary action controlled by active valves is attractive. To realize simple active valves that facilitate integration, electrowetting is attractive. A simple hydrophobic valve can be created by forming a gold electrode in a flow channel structure made from hydrophilic glass and hydrophobic poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). A solution that moves by capillary action stops at the valve. The valve is opened upon the application of a potential to the electrode to change its wettability. Alternatively, a platinum electrode with a hydrophobic self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of alkane thiolate can be used as a valve. At an appropriate potential, the SAM is dissociated reductively, and the hydrophilic platinum surface is exposed. The electrochemical valves can be opened autonomously by wetting a zinc part formed in the other controlling flow channel and changing the mixed potential. Autonomous injection mechanisms or microfluidic display can be realized. Precise control of the timing for switching can be implemented by using an array of controlling flow channels. Furthermore, the autonomous mechanisms can also be used with other microfluidic components for programmed multiplexed processing of solutions in sophisticated analytical devices.

Biography:

Adewale O. Adeloye has completed his PhD from University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa, and postdoctoral studies from University of South Africa, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, South Africa. He is a Senior Researcher in Natural Resources and Materials Department, Botswana Institute for Technology Research and Innovation (BITRI), Gaborone, Botswana. He has published more than 30 papers in reputed journals and serving as a reviewer of repute.

Abstract:

Four novel highly luminescent cationic homoleptic Ir(III) cyclometalated complexes of the type [Ir(NË„C)3]PF6 based on derivatives of 4-methoxyphenylvinylquinoline containing electron donating and withdrawing groups as aryl-substituent at 2-position of the quinoline scaffold were design, synthesized and characterized. While the ligands were initially prepared via palladium catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of the 2-aryl-4-chloroquinoline, cyclometalation of Ir (III) complex was accomplished in one-pot reaction method. The compounds were characterized by employing various techniques such as FT-IR, 1H and 13C-NMR, UV-Vis, PL and cyclic voltammogram. In methanol, all complexes display strong spin-allowed 1MLCT (singlet metal-to-ligand charge transfer) absorption bands between λabs 315 – 380 nm. The photoluminescence properties of the ligands measured in solvents of different polarity with excitation wavelength of λex 350 nm were colour-tuned by modification of wavelengths displaying a red-shift emission from λem 438 – 479 nm compared to λem 489 – 545 nm in the corresponding complexes. Enhanced fluorescence intensities and high quantum yield were observed in chloroform and methanol unlike in dimethylformamide (DMF). The cyclic voltammetry properties of the complexes relative to a ferrocenium/ferrocene redox couple showed a metal-centered to be redox-active in nature, which clearly support the introduction of electron-releasing groups raising the HOMO energy level in phosphorescence of iridium (III) complexes. It is suggested that the synthesized homoleptic iridium complexes may be efficiently used on the basis of enhanced PL intensities as emissive dopants in nano-sensing of biological molecules and/or suitable red-emitting materials for OLEDs applications.

Biography:

Dr. Daejoong Kim has completed his Ph.D at Stanford University in 2007. He then worked as a postdoctoral research associate at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign until he joined the faculty of Sogang University in 2008. He has published more than 40 papers in archived journals for the last ten years and served as a reviewer and sometimes as an editor for numerous reputed journals and conferences

Abstract:

Energy harvesting technology has recently gained attraction as it enables the utilization of diverse ambient energy sources. Clean and sustainable energy generation from ambient environments is important not only for large scale systems but also for tiny electrical devices, because of the limitations of batteries or external power sources. Reverse electrodialysis (RED) is such a technique that converts electrical energy from the concentration gradient between a concentrated solution (e.g., seawater) and a diluted solution (e.g., fresh water). We experimentally investigated a RED device using two types of nanofluidic pores: nanoporous polycarbonate track-etch membranes and self-assembled nanopore networks. Highly effective cation-selective nanochannel networks are realized between two microfluidic channels with geometrically controlled in situ self-assembled nanoparticles in a cost-effective and simple way. The nano-interstices between the assembled nanoparticles have a role as collective three-dimensional nanochannel networks and they allow higher ionic flux under concentration gradients without decreasing diffusion potential, compared to standard one-dimensional nanochannels. We performed the parametric study by varying the concentration differences, the pore size, and the electrolyte types. We characterized the RED performance in terms of maximum voltage, maximum current, and maximum power. This microfluidic power generation system can be readily integrated with existing lab on a chip systems in the near future and can also be utilized to investigate nanoscale electrokinetics.

Biography:

Dr. Hood obtained his Bachelor’s Degree at University of Houston and his Masters and Ph.D. at Virginia Tech in 2013. His dissertation described the invention and development of a novel fiberoptic catheter design for treating brain and bladder cancers. He is currently a postdoctoral fellow at the HMRI working with silicon nanochannel technologies for therapeutic controlled release and cell transplantation. He has published over a dozen patents and peer-reviewed manuscripts relating to device design and drug delivery.

Abstract:

Nanofluidic controlled delivery devices have the potential for transformative impact across multiple critical medical fields due to their ability to provide sustained release over extended clinical timeframes and mimic endocrine glands by responding to biological stimuli. In this context, biocompatible materials can be engineered at the nanoscale to manipulate and tune functional interactions with molecules and fluids. We have invented two implantable platforms to leverage this capability: A silicon nano-channel membrane and a surface-modified polymer system for drug delivery and cell transplantation, respectively. The silicon membranes are fabricated through cutting-edge implementation of techniques optimized within the microelectronics industry to present dense and mono-dispersed arrays of nano-channels that tightly regulate diffusive transport. These membranes can be integrated within bioinert capsules for minimally-invasive, subcutaneous implantation and sustained release of drugs and biomolecules. The implants have been demonstrated to enable constant, zero-order release for more than 6 months while maintaining consistent serum concentrations within desired therapeutic windows. Further innovations include integration of active control systems to permit remote tuning/activation (telemedicine) and release synchronization with natural circadian rhythms (chronotherapy). Similarly, the polymeric cell transplantation system leverages the newest innovations in polymer chemistry to provide an immunoprotective environment for bioactive allografts. Primarily developed for pancreatic islet transplantation, the “Nano-gland” isolates cells from inflammation and rejection mechanisms while permitting glucose, insulin, nutrient, and waste exchange with the interstitial environment. The system has also been tested with insulin-producing islet like aggregates (ILIPAs) differentiated from mesenchymal stem cells. Composite devices utilizing both platforms have been developed to allow cell transplants to benefit from controlled release of immunosuppressives or factors for cell growth and vascularization. This lecture will focus on silicon and polymer Bio-MEMS technologies as applied to implantable drug delivery systems for the tunable and sustained release of therapeutics and immunoprotective transplantation of insulin-producing cells.

Biography:

Jianhe Guo is a third year PhD student in the Materials Science and Engineering Program at The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin). He received his bachelor's degree in materials chemistry from The University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) in 2012. He has been nominated for the “2015 HHMI International Student Research Fellowship”,received“2014 Harris L. Marcus Graduate Fellowship” in Materials Science &Engineering and “2014 Graduate Student Professional Development Award” by UT Austin. Working as a research assistant in Prof. Donglei (Emma) Fan’s group, he focuses his research on innovative design, manufacturing, and applications of micro/nanoelectromechanical (MEMS/NEMS) devices such as nanomotors, and also synthesis and applications of novel carbon materials including graphene and graphite foam

Abstract:

Recently, we reported an innovative type of nanomotors consisting of nanowires as rotors and patterned Au/Ni/Cr nanodisks as bearings. The dimensions of nanomotors were less than 1 µm, and could continuously rotate for 15 hours over 240,000 cycles. To understand the limitation of their lifetime, we systematically investigated the rotation dynamics by analytical modeling and determined the time-dependent torques and forces involved in the rotation. From the forces and torques, the extent of wear of nanomotors was successfully derived, which well agreed with the experimental characterizations. The results also proved that frictional force linearly increases with the loading in such rotary nanodevices operating in suspension, consistent with the predictionof the non-adhesive multi-asperityfriction theory. With these understandings, we enhanced the design of nanomotors and achievedan operation lifetime of 80 hours and over 1.1 million total rotation cycles. This research, shining new light on the frictional mechanism of recently reported nanowire nanomotor with demonstration of the most durable rotary nanomechanical devices of similar dimensions to the best of our knowledge, could be inspiring for innovative design of future nanomechanical devices with ultralong lifetime for practical applications.

Biography:

Feven Mattews Michael is currently a PhD research student in Department of Chemical Engineering under Manufacturing and Industrial Processes Division at Nottingham University Malaysia Campus. Her research interests include tissue engineering, polymer nano-composites and nano-composites modified with radiation.

Abstract:

The interaction of the materials used to design the scaffold with the biological tissues plays a vital role. Currently, biomaterials such as synthetic polymers i.e., poly-lactic acid (PLA) are actively investigated in bone tissue engineering due to their biocompatible, bio-resorbable and biodegradable nature. Furthermore, nano-hydroxyapatite (NHA) a bio-ceramic material that happens to be the major constituent of the inorganic segment of the bone has also attracted much attention due to its excellent biocompatible nature. In this study, 10-30wt% of NHA synthesized through precipitation method was used to reinforce PLA matrix via melt-mixing. With addition of 30 wt% of NHA, the thermal stability of the composite was seen to improve by 4%. However, PLA and NHA possess poor mechanical properties, limiting their application for load bearing bone implant. As a result, 0.01 g of graphene nano-platelets (GNP) dispersed in acetone was mixed with the synthesized NHA with the aid of ultra-sonication. The GNP/NHA hybrid was then used to reinforce the PLA through melt-mixing. From the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images obtained, homogenous dispersion of GNP/NHA in the PLA matrix was observed. This in turn contributed to the increase in mechanical properties of the composite with addition of 30 wt% GNP/NHA by 11% and 9% compared to pure PLA and PLA/NHA composites.

Biography:

M Shaat is a PhD student in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at New Mexico State University under the supervision of Prof. Abdessattar Abdelkefi. He earned his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Zagazig University, Egypt. His main research interests are in the fields of mechanics of nanomaterials, mechanics of micro-/nano-solids, MEMS and NEMS, nanocomposites, and functionally grade materials. He has published more than sixteen papers in international journals, such as International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, Microsystem Technology, and International Journal of Engineering Science. He has served as a reviewer in more than seven international journals.

Abstract:

Unlike the conventional materials, the properties of nanomaterials are highlighly affected with their material structure. For example, the mechanical properties of nanocrystalline materials are highly affected with the heterogeneity nature of their material structure and the grains size. In addition, the properties of single crystal solids are directly related to their atomic structure and their dispersive behaviors. In this presentation, two approaches are presented to accurately model micro/nano-solids made of nanomaterials. In the first approach, a general nonlocal continuum theory is proposed to model micro-/nano-solids made of single crystalline nanomaterials. This general theory has the merit to model the residuals of the nonlocal fields that may exist inside the crystal structure. Three types of nonlocal fields are discussed and modeled in the context of this general theory. In the first and second types, the interatomic forces are extended over the whole crystal. These forces are electromagnetic forces that produce acoustic and external optical phonons inside the crystal with long-range effects. In the third type, the interatomic forces are only effective within the interatomic distance range. These forces are the main reason behind the nonlocal internal optical phonons of unit cells. To investigate these nonlocal fields inside the crystal structure, the crystal is modeled as a continuum consisting of repeated unit cells and each unit cell is modeled as a deformable micro-body. In the second approach, a nonclassical continuum model is integrated with a size-dependent micromechanical model. The micromechanical model has the merit to estimate the properties of the material considering the grain size effects and accounting for the grain boundaries, the triple junctions, the quadratic nodes, and porosities inside the material structure. Then, one of the nonclassical continuum theories is utilized to model grains as volume elements capturing the discrete nature of their atomic structures.

Biography:

Abdurizzagh Khalf has completed his Master’s degree in 2009 from Department of Chemical Engineering University of Stellenbosch- South Africa and he is currently a PhD candidate in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Oklahoma State University. He has published 4 papers in reputed journals. His research interests include nano-materials/nano-structure/nano-medicine.

Abstract:

Polycaprolactone (PCL) and gelatin (GT) are popular biodegradable electrospinable polymers. PCL is non-toxicity, biocompatible and biodegradable and has been studied to form many medical devices, or scaffolds for tissue regeneration of in vivo and in vitro cell culture using serum added media. Gelatin natural polymer has been widely studied and exposed to various biomedical applications due to its excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. Blending natural and synthetic polymers provides a new biomaterial with proper biocompatibility and improved mechanical, physical and chemical properties which is beneficial for cell adhesion and degradation rate. Doxycycline is an effective antibiotic, inhibitor of matrix degrading enzymes. It has been reported to treat bacterial infections in many different parts of the body, but serum half-life is very short. We evaluated the fabrication of PCL/GT electrospun fibers to provide controlled release of doxycycline antibiotic in a short and long term delivery. The fabricated scaffold loaded Dox will provide bacterial free environment for cell proliferation and tissue regeneration. PCL and gelatin were dissolved separately in tri-fluoro-ethanol (TFE). After complete dissolution, they were mixed together. Fibers fabricated from single, coaxial and tri-axial spinneret were compared and characterized for their, structural and morphology using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Dox released into the incubation medium over five days was determined using absorbance at 375 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was performed to characterize various components fabricated fibers. 24-h viability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells was also evaluated. Obtained results suggested that the fabricated hybrid PCL/GT loaded Doxy fiber mats because of their unique fabrication process, release characteristics, and antibacterial. Properties could be used as a potential scaffold for tissue regeneration.

Biography:

Mohamed F Attia is a researcher in National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt. Currently, he is a PhD scholar in Strasbourg University, and is working in the discipline of Nanomedicine, particularly in targeted biomedical imaging, by synthesis and development new nano-emulsions through various techniques as promising candidates for targeting specific organs, tissues or cells, either for imaging and/or treatment.

Abstract:

In spite of the progresses of the imagers’ efficiency, notably X-ray and optical modality, their use and potentials are still dramatically limited by the low efficiency and toxicity of contrast agents. This study presents the development of new contrast agents overcoming these limitations, based on non-toxic nano-emulsions highly loaded in contrasting materials, intended to fluorescence tomography and/or computed tomography (CT) preclinical imaging. The success of the formulation of such contrast agents relies on several interdependent challenges: (i) Designing efficient and cost-effective contrast that are easy to synthesize and that can be loaded at high concentrations in nanoparticles. (ii) Developing formulations of the contrast agents without organic solvents and specific mechanical device. (iii) Adjusting the nanoparticle surface to allow high stability of the nanoparticles (at least several months), good bioavailability and efficient targeting. (iv) a long circulation in blood, the control of the biodistribution and pharmacokinetics, and the absence of toxicity. Contrast agents were formulated as lipid nano-emulsions that consisted in a lipid core, surrounded by a non-ionic PEGylated surfactant layer. Our preliminary results regarding the CT scan on mice showing the pharmacokinetics in blood, liver and spleen of nano-emulsions composed iodinated glyceryl monocaprilate. Comparing with iodinated vitamin E which has presented in our previous study, these two nano-emulsions only differ in the chemical nature of the core, however their pharmacokinetics is strongly different as one targets the liver, and the other the spleen.

Biography:

M Shaat is a PhD student in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at New Mexico State University under the supervision of Prof. Abdessattar Abdelkefi. He earned his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Zagazig University, Egypt. His main research interests are in the fields of mechanics of nanomaterials, mechanics of micro-/nano-solids, MEMS and NEMS, nanocomposites, and functionally grade materials. He has published more than sixteen papers in international journals, such as International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, Microsystem Technology, and International Journal of Engineering Science. He has served as a reviewer in more than seven international journals.

Abstract:

Nowadays, mechanical nano-devices are widely used for biological, chemical, and physical applications. These devices are composed of mechanical nano-resonators with high sensitivities. The operating principle of a nano-device to detect a physical quantity is based up on an induced property change of the attached resonator as a response for the detected physical quantity. These devices should be integrated with accurate mathematical models to relate the induced property change with the physical quantity. The accuracy of the measurement is strictly related to the accuracy of the mathematical model to represent the mechanical behaviors of the resonator. To satisfy the size constraints, these mechanical resonators are made of nanomaterials. Therefore, the developed models for these resonators should account for the unique behaviors of nanomaterials. Furthermore, these developed models should account for the resonators’ size effects. In this presentation, a discussion on the accurate modeling of mechanical nano-resonators is presented. Different modeling schemes for mechanical resonators made of single crystalline materials, nanocrystalline materials, and CNTs are discussed. These modeling schemes will enhance the accuracy of nano-devices to detect the physical quantity. To accurately model single crystalline materials and CNTs-based resonators, a general nonlocal continuum theory is presented. This continuum theory has the merit to account for the nonlocal dispersions of the crystal structure accounting for the resonators’ size effect. For nanocrystalline materials-based resonators, a continuum model integrated with a size-dependent micromechanical model is proposed. The micromechanical model has the merit to account for the heterogeneity nature of the material structure and the grains’ size effects. This micromechanical model is integrated with an atomic lattice model to estimate the effective properties of the grain boundary. The continuum model is based up on one of the micro-field theories depending on the nature of the material structure.

Biography:

Maje Alhaji Haruna has completed his mastersin Chemical Engineering at the age of 24 years from the University of Leeds. He is about to start his PhD in December 2015, he is currently workingas graduate assistant in the school of Chemistry Federal University Dutse, Nigeria. Maje attended many science and engineering conference within and outside Nigeria. He has a wide research interest in the field of energy, hydrogen production and wastewater treatment. Current research focused on the nanoparticle application for enhanced oil recovery. He has published many papers in reputed journals.

Abstract:

As many oil reservoirs go into their peak level of production, it is necessary to develop new technologies to keep production and increase the oil recovery rate. A number of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) are currently available, based on thermal, chemical and miscible flow approaches. One of the effective methods is polymer EOR where water-soluble polymers are used to increase the apparent viscosity of the displacing fluid in order to lower the mobility ratio. This maximises sweep efficiency of the oil recovery by creating less viscous fingering fluid. Their applications, however, are limited in high-temperature and high-salinity oil reservoirs because of their inherent poor salt tolerance and weak thermal stability. This work reports the rheological and EOR effect of a new polymer agent, i.e., partially hydrolyzed polyacryamide (HPAM) seeded with silica nanoparticles. A series of HPAM/silica nanoparticle suspensions were prepared via solution mixing and the effects of nanoparticle content, polymer concentration, temperature and salinity on their rheological behavior were investigated using Anton PaarPhysica MCR301 Trugap rheometer. The rheological and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) properties of such hybrids were studied in comparison with HPAM under simulated high-temperature and high-salinity oil reservoir conditions (T: 85°C; Salt: 8wt%). The rheological investigation showed that the HPAM and HPAM/silica suspensions displayed non-Newtonian behavior in almost the whole range of shear rate. It was found that the apparent viscosity of HAHPAM solutions increased with addition of silica nanoparticles, and HPAM/silica hybrids exhibit better shear resistance and long-term thermal stability than HPAM in synthetic brine.