2007.4
About Instruments Today No. 157
Nanoparticles
"Inorganic Nanomaterials in Biomedical Applications: Cell Targeting, Drug Delivery and Magnetic Resonance Imaging" [ 下載 PDF ]
Hui-Chi Chiu, Chen-Sheng Yeh
Inorganic nanomaterial structures based on surface modification and capsule-like motif can be applied in biomedicine. Fe3O4 nanoparticles modified with nickel-nitrilotriacetate (NTA-Ni) could act as a module to carry 6-His tagged proteins on the surface with molecular orientation control to efficiently target oral cancer cells. The porous nanorods (β-FeOOH/α-Fe2O3) coating with 4 layer polymers (PAA/PEI/PAA/PEI) using layer-by-layer technique formed as nano-capsules to achieve drug release purpose. Au3Cu1 hollow nanoparticles, a new type of MRI contrast agent, showed a promising MR contrast effect.
Nanoparticles and Health Risk [ 下載 PDF ]
Tsun-Jen Cheng
With the advent of nanotechnologies, potential health hazards of nanoparticles have raised great concern. Nanoparticles may enter human bodies through inhalation, ingestion and skin penetration, while biomedical nanomaterial often enters human body through injection. Studies have shown that nanoparticles can cause lung inflammation and fibrosis, however, the effects on other systems remain unclear. The factors associated with health hazards include component, size, shape, surface area, and surface reactivity. In this report, we summarize the toxicological study of nanoparticles and also propose solutions for the problems with nanotoxicological studies.
Alzheimer's Disease and Nano Biosensing Technology [ 下載 PDF ]
An-Li Sui
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is difficult to correctly diagnose in the early stage. The enormous increase in the prevalence of AD over the coming decades definitely becomes a great burden for patient's family, society and medical institutes. The early and correct diagnosis, which is always the goal of scientists, shall greatly reduce healthcare costs in the future, it will also increase the quality of an esteemed life for patient. Here, I would like to briefly introduce the clinical symptoms, molecular mechanism and diagnosis of AD. Two novel and elegant designed assays, bio-barcode assay and optical biosensor, possible for future early detection of AD, will also be introduced. These two assays are recently developed, and are used to measure the concentration of protein marker for AD with great sensitivity and specificity.
The Application of Nano Particles in Biomedicine [ 下載 PDF ]
Chia-Ching Chang, Pei-Hsin Chen, Yi-Chen Yeh, Chuan-Mei Tsai, Chien-Ying Su, Jyh-Shin Chen
The diameter of nanoparticles varies from few nanometer to hundred nanometers. Within this scale, the quantum confinement effects are dominant and they can not be ignored. Therefore, their physical and chemical properties are different from the block material. These intrinsic properties change of nanoparticles make them fit in many applications. By integrating the techniques of physics, chemistry, biology and electro-photonic technology with nanotechnology, these nanoparticles can be used in bio-medical monitoring, diagnosis and therapy in molecular level. In this article we introduce the principles of biomedical detection, gene/drug carrier and chemical/physical photo dynamic therapy (PDT) briefly. Meanwhile, the characteristics of nanoparticles are introduced. Finally, the limitation of these particles and their possible application in the near further are discussed.
Nanoparticle Charging Technology [ 下載 PDF ]
Hung-Min Chein, Helen Chen, Chuen-Jinn Tsai
This study discusses design equation of particle charger, calculation of nanoparticle charging efficiency and electrostatic loss, and relative measurement technology. Meanwhile, research results of both bipolar and unipolar particle charger have been reviewed. Especially, nanoparticle charging efficiency of different study was compared and analyzed. It was showing that particle electrostatic loss was increased as particle size decreased (< 30 nm) and, therefore, the nanoparticle charging efficiency was decreased rapidly. It should be helpful for researchers to understand current development before improving nanoparticle charging devices.
A Wireless Bio-MEMS System for C-Reactive Protein Detection Based on Nanomechanics [ 下載 PDF ]
Chun-Hao Chen, Rong-Zhong Hwang, Long-Sun Huang, Shiming Lin, Shey-Shi Lu
A quick (< 30 min) wireless label-free detection of disease-related C-reactive proteins (CRP) using a 200 µm MEMS microcantilever housed in a 7 × 7 mm2 reaction chamber with a safe reusable feature is reported for the first time. The deflection of the microcantilever due to specific CRP-antiCRP binding is detected using a position-sensitive detector and the converted bio-signal is transmitted by a custom designed wireless ASK transceiver IC fabricated in a 0.18 µm CMOS process. Clinically relevant CRP concentrations from 1 µg/mL to 500 µg/mL can be detected. A 0.2 Hz 1 V ac signal instead of traditional bases/acids is applied to the bio-MEMS sensor to unbind the CRP from the microcantilever for reuse purpose.
Linear InGaAs SWIR Image Sensing Module [ 下載 PDF ]
Chun-Fu Lin, Meng-Hsiu Wu, Ho-Lin Tsay, Tai-Lun Huang, Che-Cheng Huang, Shyh-Jye Jou
The image of infrared rays is provided with high sensitivity to thermo-object. It could be applied to defect detection of flexible printed circuit board and defect detection of wafer. As a result, infrared rays image grabbing system is a key component in the region of automatic optical inspection (AOI). The research is based on the InGaAs short-wave detector to develop linear short-wave infrared rays module. The concept of module is described to coding of firmware and software and the integration testing of software and hardware, the module is finished and presented. The spectral response is obtained by measuring of optic-electrical parameter with the InGaAs short-wave infrared rays module. After completed with lens and focusing, the object image of infrared rays is proceeding.
Fabrication of Large Area Two- and Three- Dimensional Periodic Structures by Holography Interference Technique [ 下載 PDF ]
Ngoc-Diep Lai, Jian-Hung Lin, Wen-Ping Liang, Chia-Chen Hsu
A simple and efficient optical interference method for fabricating high quality large area two- and three-dimensional (2D and 3D) periodic structures was demonstrated. Employing multi-exposure of two-beam interference technique, different types of periodic structures were created depending on the number of exposure and the rotation angle of the sample for each exposure. Three-exposure, in particular, resulted in different kinds of 3D structures, with close lattice constants in transverse and longitudinal directions, which is difficult to be obtained by the commonly used multi-beam interference technique. Furthermore, we proposed two methods to embed the defects to the periodic structures that fabricated by multi-exposure of two-beam interference technique.
Applications of Different TiO2 Electrode Structures on Dye-Sensitized Solar Cell [ 下載 PDF ]
Teen-Hang Meen, Liang-Wen Ji, Wen-Ray Chen, Yin-Wei Chen, Teng-Zhen Chiu
The life of mankind with the development of the technology becomes more convenience and comfortable. It also makes us to need more energy, and the development of new energy becomes very important in this year. Recently, a new type of solar cell based on dye-sensitized nano-crystalline titanium dioxide has been developed by Grätzel and coworkers. Dye-sensitized solar cells based on nano-crystalline TiO2 electrodes are currently attracting widespread attention as a low cost alternative to conventional inorganic photovoltaic devices. In this research, applications of different TiO2 electrode structures on dye-sensitized solar cell were investigated. We investigate these different TiO2 electrode structures by X-ray diffraction (XRD), contact angle, ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer (UV/Vis spectrophotometer). These results provide clear evidence for the contact area between TiO2 electrode and TCPP sensitizer plays an important role on the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cell.
"Taiwan's National Nanotechnology Development in Terms of Core Facilities: Learning from Others — USA, Germany, Japan, Korea, and China" [ 下載 PDF ]
Hsuan-I Liu, Chia-Ching Lin, Kuo-Ming Chien
For there to have a cutting-edge nanotechnology, it must have top core facilities dedicated to providing the latest equipment necessary to the research and development of nanotechnology. Because of the high cost of those high-tech facilities, how to utilize the R&D resources effectively is a key issue to the nanotechnology development. The purpose of this article is to review Taiwan's nanotechnology development and to make a comparison with other countries such as USA, Germany, Japan, Korean, and China. Taiwan has initiated the national nanotechnology program for years. We expect to learn from the international experiences.
The Application of Raman Spectroscopy in Food Science [ 下載 PDF ]
Teresa Shih, Emil Pi
Food molecular structure plays an important role in nutrition and food processing. Raman spectroscopy can be used to investigate the molecular structure of food and provide a conspicuous assistance for clarifying the food constituent and processing potentiality of food. With a simple, direct, and no use of unfriendly reagents, Raman spectroscopy has the potential to replace the classical, time-consuming methodologies, such as titration methods. This paper describes the application of Raman spectroscopy in food science, including determination of molecular structure of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, as well as detecting food adulteration by compositional identification. Raman spectroscopy also can be used to directly determine the composition and thickness of food packaging materials.
