University of Minnesota – TechConnect Briefs

Abrasive scanning with AFM on biocompatible polymers: measuring dry vs. swollen film thickness and probing properties

Haugstad G., Wormuth K., University of Minnesota, US

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is well-known as a tool for imaging surface topography down to subnanometer scales on all forms of matter, utilizing a scanning stylus (“tip”). The method is applicable to biomolecules adsorbed to [...]

Applications of Enzymatic Saccharification Residues as a Fully Biobased Adhesive

Hafez I.H., Yang H., Tze W.T.Y., University of Minnesota, US

When woody biomass is enzymatically treated to release from its polysaccharide components fermentable sugars for bio-alcohols and other chemicals production, it typically leaves behind in the waste stream solid residues that are rich in lignin. [...]

Applications of Enzymatic Saccharification Residues as a Fully Biobased Adhesive

Hafez I.H., Yang H., Tze W.T.Y., University of Minnesota, US

When woody biomass is enzymatically treated to release from its polysaccharide components fermentable sugars for bio-alcohols and other chemicals production, it typically leaves behind in the waste stream solid residues that are rich in lignin. [...]

Wireless Graphene-Based Quantum Capacitance Sensors for Continuous Glucose Monitoring

Olson E.J., Deen D.A., Ebrish M.A., Basu A., Kudva Y.C., Mukherjee P., Koester S.J., University of Minnesota, US

We describe a revolutionary concept for in vivo biosensing that utilizes the quantum capacitance effect in graphene to realize an ultra-small passive wireless sensor. The unique properties of graphene make it attractive for sensing applications. [...]

Environmental Digital Pulsed Force Mode AFM in Biomedical Coatings Research

Haugstad G., Wormuth K., University of Minnesota, US

We report ongoing methodological developments using Digital Pulsed Force Mode AFM of model coatings containing the drug dexamethasone dispersed in polylactide (biodegradable), poly(butylmethacrylate) (PBMA), and PBMA/poly(laurel methacrylate) (PLMA) blends. Studies include (1) multi-technique analyses, understanding [...]

400-900 nm Light Emitting Silicon Nanoparticles

Liptak R.W., Pi X.D., Kortshagen U., Campbell S.A., University of Minnesota, US

A novel process has been developed to create an aerosol of passivated silicon nanoparticles that emit controlled colors from blue to the near IR. The emission is stable in air. This is the first ever [...]

Electroluminescence of ZnO Nanowire/p-GaN Heterojunction Light Emitting Diodes

Wang X., Cole J.J., Jacobs H.O., University of Minnesota, US

ZnO nanowire/p-GaN heterojunction light emitting diodes (LEDs) were fabricated by growing ZnO nanowire vertical arrays in aqueous solution on Mg-doped p-GaN films. Diode-like, rectifying I-V characteristics were recorded at room temperature and a “current crowding” [...]

Electroluminescence from Surface Oxidized Silicon Nanoparticles Randomly Dispersed within a Polymer Matrix

Ligman R.K., Mangolini L., Kortshagen U., Campbell S.A., University of Minnesota, US

For the first time we have demonstrated hybrid silicon organic light emitting diodes. This process uses particles created in a nonthermal silane plasma which are treated by photo oxidation to passivate the surface. Particles were [...]

Angular Orientation-Specific Directed Self-assembly Enabling the Integration of Small Dies

Knuesel R.J., Bose S., Zheng W., Jacobs H.O., University of Minnesota, US

We report on recent progress in the directed self-assembly of discrete high performance semiconductor device components. Different from prior research, the goal is to enable the integration of ultra small dies (10-100 micrometer in size) [...]

Properties of Paraffin Wax/Montmorillonite Nanocomposite Coatings

Pu G., Wang J., Severtson S.J., University of Minnesota, US

Results are reviewed from a study aimed at enhancing the performance of paraffin wax based materials for barrier coating applications. Nanocomposites prepared by ultrasonic processing from paraffin wax matrices and reinforced with organically modified montmorillonite [...]