Technical Sessions: 15-Minute presentations by Researchers & Businesses
Morning Technical Sessions (M-T1) – Sensors & Devices
M-T1-1 (10:30 AM)
Ongoing Research in the BYU ASCENT Nanotechnology Group -
The First Successful AFM Nanografting and Nanoshaving on Silicon Dioxide
Michael V. Lee, Kyle A. Nelson, Laurie Hutchins, Hector A. Becerril, Samuel T. Cosby, Jonathan C. Blood, Dean R. Wheeler, Robert C. Davis, Adam T. Woolley, John N. Harb, Matthew R. Linford
Departments of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and
Physics at Brigham Young University
This talk will begin with a brief introduction to an NSF funded nanoelectronics group at BYU (the ASCENT group), including a brief introduction to the five PIs running this group, their areas of expertise, and the equipment they have available for their research. A report will then be given of some of the most recent results they have obtained (see below), followed by a brief discussion of their future direction.
Recent Results: We report the first, successful, partial nanoshaving of octadecyl- and octyl- dimethylmonochlorosilane monolayers on silicon dioxide, as well as nanografting of perfluorinated- and amino- silanes on these substrates, using an atomic force microscopy (AFM) tip. Even partial nanografting of aminosilane patterns can be used for DNA localization or for binding palladium ions to serve as seeds for electroless deposition of copper lines. That is, even the substitution of a small fraction of chemical species at a surface during nanografting primes the surface to allow significant chemical changes to occur in subsequent processing steps. We characterize our surfaces using AFM, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, spectroscopic ellipsometry, and contact angle goniometry.
Keywords: nanoelectronics, AFM, nanoshaving, silane, nanografting
Broad area: Nanomodification of surfaces
Specific area: AFM patterning of nanofeatures using nanografting/nanoshaving followed by electroless metal deposition and DNA localization.
Possible application(s): Nanoelectronics
M-T1-2 (10:45 AM)
Plasmonics - overview and opportunities
Steve Blair
University of Utah,
Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Plasmonic nanophotonics is an emerging field of photonics that involves the manipulation of photons on a sub-wavelength scale via metallic nanostructures. This field has already seen commercial success in biosensor and optical imaging products, and is poised for further success in biotechnology and micro/nanoelectronics. I will briefly overview the field and look forward to research and commercialization opportunities.
Keywords: nanophotonics, surface plasmons
Broad area: biotechnology, microelectronics
Specific area: sensors, imaging
Possible application(s):
M-T1-3 (11:00 AM)
Nanoglobules for biomedical imaging and drug delivery
Zheng-Rong Lu and Todd Kaneshiro
Center of Nanomedicine Applications in Cancer,
Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry,
University of Utah
Rational design of synthetic biomaterials with precisely defined molecular architectures is of great interest in chemistry, biology, medicine and nanotechnology. Biocompatible water-soluble polymers have been used as carriers for the delivery of imaging agents, anticancer drugs and therapeutic nucleic acids. However, currently available biomedical polymers are mostly linear polymers with broad molecular weight distributions and flexible morphology. The broad molecular weight distributions of linear polymers and changing morphology of their conjugates can sometimes cause unnecessary complications of in vivo biomedical properties, including unexpected pharmacokinetics and biodistribution, and variable biomedical properties. Recently, we have designed and synthesized three dimensionally symmetric globular macromolecules with precisely defined molecular architecture, nanoglobules, as a nanosized platform for the delivery of imaging agents and therapeutics agents.
Novel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents with well-defined sizes have been prepared from the nanoglobules. The nanoglobular MRI contrast agents have shown many advantageous features over current MRI contrast agents, including well controlled and size dependent pharmacokinetics, high relaxivity, effective image contrast enhancement at a significantly reduced dose and low toxic side effects. The efficacy of the nanoglobular MRI contrast agents have been demonstrated in animal models for effective contrast enhancement in the blood pool and tumor tissue at only 1/10th of the current clinical dose. The nanoglobular MRI contrast agents are promising for cancer imaging and cardiovascular imaging.
The nanoglobules can also be used for delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids, including plasmid DNA and siRNA. They form stable and compact nanoparticles with both siRNA and plasmid DNA at low N/P ratio. The nucleic acid nanoparticles are readily internalized into cells. Higher gene transfection efficiency has been observed for the nanoglobules than some of the commercial agents, e.g. PAMAM dendrimers and SuperFect. Targeting agents can be readily incorporated into the nanoglobules to achieve tissue and cell specific delivery of nucleic acids. These novel globular macromolecules with precisely defined structures have a great potential for effective delivery of siRNA or plasmid DNA for the treatment of human diseases.
(The Center of Nanomedicine Applications in Cancer has received Business Team Support from the Utah Center of Excellence Program)
M-T1-4 (11:15AM)
Proton Conducting Nanoporous Colloidal Membranes
Ilya Zharov
Department of Chemistry, University of Utah
Colloidal membranes with high proton conductivity (ca. 0.01 S/cm at 100 °C and 100% R. H.) can be easily prepared by self-assembly of surface-sulfonated silica nanospheres. The proton conductivity is temperature and humidity dependent and is ca. 0.004 S/cm at 75% R.H both near room temperature and at 200 °C and. Based on the comparison to the disordered pellets made of the same spheres we conclude that the high proton conductivity in self-assembled colloidal membrane is due to a more organized structure with interconnected nanopores. We are presently preparing colloidal membranes carrying sulfonated polymers inside their nanopores.
Keywords: proton conductivity, fuel cells, nanoporous materials
Broad area: energy production
Specific area: proton conducting membranes
Possible application(s): fuel cells
M-T1-5 (11:30 AM)
Project course-based access to free micromachining: Constructing Advanced MEMS Devices Using Sandia SUMMiT
Ian Harvey, Ronnie Boutte, Taylor Meacham, Nathaniel Gaskin
Nanofav, University of Utah
A hands-on project-based course at the U enables students to become acquainted with MEMS design and construction based on competition in the Sandia University Alliance design competition. If the design passes basic muster, Sandia will build a 2mm X 6mm chip area with as many designs as will fit, then provide released devices for the students to test. Results from two years of U of U participation have been: (1) a working microdeployable device resulting in a spin- off company and "Tech-Titans" winner; and (2) the invention and proof- of-concept of a brand-new SEM-driven MEMS actuator which will be described here.
M-T1-6 (11:45 AM)
Plasmon Capillaries: Photonic nanostructures for biomolecule sensing, heating and thermal therapy
D. Keith Roper, Y. Dall’Asen, W. Ahn, B. Taylor
Univ Utah: Depts of Chemical, Materials Science. & Bioengineering
We have created several nanometer-scale devices utilizing gold (Au)-Silicon (Si) interfaces as nanometer-sized antennae tuned both to a remote source of electromagnetism like visible light and to nearby protein, nucleic acid or virus. The devices, called ‘plasmon capillaries’ are miniaturizable to <100-nm dimensions and 10-nanosecond response times. Light induces nanometer-scale electron vibrations called plasmons that can be used as both (1) a non-contact heat source and(2) a spectroscopic bio/chemical sensor. Examples of new plasmon capillary devices we have developed include: a nanophotocalorimeter to measure photon-to-plasmon transduction for the first time; a nanoheater for rapid optical induction of thermal cycling in microscale volumes; a surface plasmon resonancedetector to measure sorption kinetics of live virus for the 1st time; waveguides incorporating nanoparticle ensembles on Si substrates with highest reported particle densities; a novel approach to measure protein interactions 1000% faster and detect virus 1000% more sensitively. These devices have permitted us to: create 3-D surfaces for optically-induced biosensing and thermal analysis; couple electrons to visible light in a new way to destroy bacteria200% more effectively;identify new ways to catalyze protein interactions 1000% faster;3distinguish adenovirus binding to receptors at femtomolar levels with no dyes, labels or markers;3 catalyze amplification of deoxyribonucleic acid gene sequences using only visible light. We give examples illustrating use of our new plasmon capillary devices and novel methods for creating Au-Si interfaces to improve detection, analysis, characterization and manipulation of biomolecules, as well as induce and control optothermal MEMs components and targeted thermal therapies.
Keywords: Photonics, plasmons, polaritons, plasmon resonance, nanoparticles, island thin films, adenovirus, proteins, calorimetry
Broad area: Photonics
Specific area: biosensing, spectroscopy, optothermofluidics, analytics
Possible application(s): Improved detection, analysis, characterization and manipulation of biomolecules (e.g. proteins, nucleic acids) and virus. Induction and control of optothermal MEMs components. Optoelectronics. Targeted thermal therapies. Surface microscopies (e.g. SNOM). Enhanced spectrosopies (e.g. SERS).
Morning Technical Session –II (M-T2) : Synthesis, Characterization & Analyses
M-T2-1 (10:30 AM)
Detection. Monitoring, and Mechanistic Transport Simulation of Engineered Nanomaterials
William P. Johnson, Ximena Diaz, Diego Fernandez
Geology & Geophysics, University of Utah
The detection and monitoring of engineered nanomaterials in environmental and biological matrices requires characterization of these distributed populations of nanomaterials in terms of size distribution, charge distribution, morphology, elemental signature, and stable isotopic signature. The presentation concerns novel laboratory measurements being conducted in the CWECS ICP-MS laboratory at the University of Utah to characterize nanoparticle size distribution and elemental distribution using field flow fractionation (FFF) coupled to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) as well as atomic force microscopy (AFM). Another challenge presented by engineered nanomaterials is our present inability to predict environmental transport distances. This presentation also describes mechanistic simulation expertise available to simulate nanoparticle transport in environmental media using parallelized Lagrangian particle trajectory approaches combined with fluid flow field simulations.
Keywords: Nanomaterials, Detection, Characterization, Transport, Simulation
Broad area: Analyses
Specific area: Detection, monitoring, transport prediction
Possible application(s): Detection, monitoring, transport prediction
M-T2-2 (10:45)
Glass Nanopore Membranes for Single-Molecule Detection and Characterization
Anna Schibel, Ryuji Kawano and Henry S. White
Univesity of Utah
There are many environmental, chemical, and biological applications that require the ability to detect and analyze single molecules. The glass nanopore membrane (GNM) is a device that allows for these measurements to be performed through the utilization of a current signal. The GNM has a small pore that separates two solutions connected in an electrical circuit; a lipid bilayer is formed across the pore creating a barrier and preventing current flow. An alpha hemolysin (HL) protein is inserted into the lipid bilayer, allowing current to flow. The size of the HL pore is the first level of specificity to detect molecules as it limits the size of molecules that are able to pass through the bilayer. Often the channel is used to trap molecules of interest and this is observed with a decrease in the current signal. This method for trapping molecules has been successful for beta cyclodextrin, heparin, and DNA hairpins. In addition to detecting molecules, this system can be used to characterize molecular structure through the signature current that results as the molecule of interest is captured within the HL channel. The advantage of the GNM is that it can be fabricated with basic materials and tailored to a specific size ranging from 10 nm up the 25 μm. Additionally this nanopore system can be used for samples of limited quantity and volume. At this point nanomolar and picomolar samples can be analyzed and approximately 40μL of sample is required.
Keywords: Glass nanopore membrane, lipid bilayer, beta cyclodextrin, heparin, DNA
Broad area: Chemical analysis
Specific area: Single-molecule detection and sensors
Possible application(s): DNA sequencing, drug screening, sensing
M-T2-3 (11:00)
Characterization of nano particles by Field-Flow Fractionation
Authors: Soheyl Tadjikia, Thorsten Kleinb and Marcus Myersa
Affiliation: apostnova analytics Inc., 230 S. 500 E. Suite 120, Salt Lake City, Utah 84102, Tel: 801-521-2004, Fax: 801-521-2884, bpostnova analytics, Max Plank Strasse 14, Landsberg, Lech, 86899 Germany, Tel: 49-8191-428-181 Fax: 49-8191-428-175,
Abstract:
Field-Flow Fractionation (FFF) is a versatile separation technique for high molecular weight macromolecules and particles with the application range from 1000 daltons to particle diameters of 100 m.
FFF is a chromatography-like technique, but the separation in FFF takes place in an open thin channel instead of a packed column. An external physical force is applied to the particles for separation. The particles will interact with the applied force at different extent and will be separated by size, mass, charge etc. based on the type of the force. The FFF theory is well-developed and the size of particles can be calculated without any calibration. The separation can easily be verified by examining fractions collected using optical or electron microscopy.
We will demonstrate that FFF is capable of separating a wide variety of nanoparticles in aqueous and organic media. We will present the size distributions of gold nanoparticles, water soluble fullerols and single-wall carbon nanotubes. We will also show how FFF can be used to study the stability of an emulsion in a blood mixture. Size of the particles examined range from a few nanometers to several microns.
Keywords: nanoparticle separation, Field-Flow Fractionation, gold nanoparticles, water soluble fullerol, single-wall carbon nanotubes. blood, emulsion
Broad area: Size characterization
Specific area: nanoparticle separation
Possible application(s): nanoparticles, nanotubes, emulsions, drug delivery
M-T2-4 (11:15 AM)
The demonstration and application of
ultrasensitive electronic spin measurement techniques
Christoph Boehme
University of Utah, Department of Physics,
In this talk I will present mechanisms and techniques investigated in our group which allow the observation of very small spin ensembles as well as their propagation on very short time scales. Our work is related to the investigation of nanoscopic defects and electronic processes in systems too small or too dilute to be observed by conventional magnetic resonance techniques such as thin film semiconductors or paramagnetic fluorescent markers that may be used as beacons for optical magnetic resonance imaging techniques. I will present the state of our work on the development of electronic single spin nuclear and electron readout devices based on (i) silicon (a topic that will be treated in depth by Dane McCamey’s talk) and (ii) organic materials. In this regard, I will discuss organic spintronic device concepts and the investigation of performance limiting defects in organic semiconductor materials and devices such as organic light emitting diodes or solar cells.
Keywords: Ultrasensitive coherent spin measurement, quantum computer, silicon, organic semiconductors, magnetic resonance.
Broad area: spin physics, condensed matter physics
Specific area: coherent spin measurement techniques, semiconductor devices
M-T2-5 (11:30 AM)
Measurement of interaction forces and adhesion between biodegradable alginate surfaces using atomic force microscopy
Birgul Benli1, Jakub Nalaskowski2, Jan D. Miller2
1Istanbul Technical University, Chemical Engineering Department, Istanbul, Turkey
2University of Utah, Metallurgical Engineering Department, Salt Lake City, USA
Interaction forces between polymers and minerals are of significant importance in the preparation of high-quality nano-biocomposites. In order to explain of the quality of alginate/bentonite (MMT) nano-biocomposites, the interaction forces between a single polymer particle and flat substrates were investigated by using the atomic force microscopy (AFM) colloidal probe technique. The spherical alginate particle is attached to an AFM cantilever tip for the direct measurement of the interaction force with selected surfaces. The surfaces were prepared by casting and solvent evaporation techniques from alginate solutions at room temperature. The interaction forces measured in air, adhesion forces and surface free energy calculations are also discussed in this research program.
M-T2-6 (11:45 AM)
Nanoelectronic and Spintronic applications of phosphorus doped silicon – Exploiting spin dependent transitions
Dane R. McCamey
Department of Physics, University of Utah
Silicon is the most widely utilized material in conventional electronic devices, and hold promise in the emerging fields of spintronics and quantum information processing. In this talk, I will review progress towards electronic devices utilizing single phosphorus donor spins to provide the device operation, fabricated using standard ion implantation techniques. Specifically, the ability to detect the spin of very few phosphorus donors (~100) by measuring the current through a nanoelectronic device will be presented, and the applications of this research in the direction of Quantum Computation will be discussed.
Keywords: silicon, spin, nanoelectronics, electron spin resonance
Broad area: Condensed Matter Physics
Specific area: Spin detection in nanoelectronic devices
Possible application(s): Spintronics, Quantum Computation
Afternoon Technical Session I (A –T3): Composite, Ceramic & nano-Materials
A-T3-1 (2:45 PM)
New Bulk Nanostructured Titanium Boride Ceramic:
The Competitive Properties, Applications & Business Opportunities.
K. S. Ravi Chandran, Shawn Madtha, Curtis Lee
Metallurgical Engineering, University of Utah
Details of a new bulk nanostructured titanium boride (TiB) ceramic material are reported. The ceramic is made of extremely fine TiB whiskers, with their diameters in nanoscale range (50-500 nanometers) packed in a highly dense configuration achieving full density. The whiskers, grown in-situ at temperatures less than 1400C, are interconnected and space-filled to achieve this densely packed configuration. Unlike its commercial close cousin, the titanium diboride (TiB2), the nanostructured TiB material can be made at much lower temperatures, to any size and to full density, using conventional ceramic processing methods. Some of the best properties achieved are: 370-425 GPa tensile elastic modulus, about 800 MPa flexure strength, about 16 GPa Vickers hardness and about 6 MPa-sqrt(m) indentation fracture toughness. Comparison with a commercially available silicon nitride ceramic reveals that the properties of this nanostructured material are on par with that of the silicon nitride. The material is quite promising for diverse commercial applications including ball bearings, nozzles, armor and other such applications. Commercial manufacturing of balls and tiles is demonstrated.