Reproducible Fabrication Research Articles

Advances and Challenges in Molecularly Imprinted Electrochemical Sensors for Application in Environmental, Biomedicine, and Food Safety.

Molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensors (MIECSs) are a specialized class of sensors based on molecularly imprinted derivative materials (MIDPs), which have been extensively applied in environmental monitoring, biomedicine, and food safety, allowing for high selectivity and sensitivity in detecting target molecules. This review provides an in-depth exploration of the most innovative and successful nanomaterials employed for modifying imprinted polymers, highlighting their crucial role in enhancing sensor performance, including carbon-based nanomaterials, meal derivatives, magnetic nanomaterials, polymeric and composite nanomaterials. In addition to reviewing advances in derivative materials design, this article delves into the current challenges facing molecularly imprinted sensors, such as issues related to template removal, nonspecific binding, and fabrication reproducibility. These challenges limit the practical application of MIECSs, particularly in complex real-world environments. The review also discusses representative applications of these sensors, including environmental monitoring, biomedicine and food safety, which demonstrate their versatility and potential. Finally, the review outlines future research directions aimed at overcoming these challenges. This includes strategies for improving the stability and reusability of MIECSs, enhancing their selectivity and sensitivity, and developing novel imprinting techniques. By addressing these issues, researchers can pave the way for the next generation of electrochemical sensors, which will be more robust, reliable, and suitable for a wide range of industrial and clinical applications.

Novel Tapentadol Screen-Printed Carbon Sensor Integrated Copper Oxide Nanostructure.

The present study described the fabrication and electroanalytical performance of planar screen-printed disposable sensors based on copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs/SPEs) for the voltammetric determination of tapentadol (TAP) in its marketed pharmaceutical products and biological fluids. CuONPs exhibited electrochemical activity against the electrooxidation of TAP with an anodic peak at 0.84 V in the BR buffer at pH 5. The electroanalytical investigations and molecular orbital calculations pointed out the oxidation of the tertiary amine group within the TAP moiety with the transfer of two electrons and protons during the oxidation of the TAP molecule at the CuONPs/SPEs surface. Linear calibration graphs were constructed covering the TAP concentration ranging from 0.83 to 738 ng mL-1 with a limit of detection (LOD) value up to 0.24 ng mL-1. The disposable printed sensor based on CuONPs offered high measurement and fabrication reproducibility with a prolonged lifetime of 6 months. Improved performance toward TAP was recorded without noticeable interference from degradation products, additives, excipients, uric acid, and ascorbic acid. Moreover, tapentadol and paracetamol (PC) can be simultaneously quantified. The CuONPs/SPEs were applied for monitoring TAP residues and in vitro dissolution studies of TAP in commercial pharmaceutical formulations.

Synthesis and application of tungsten oxide nanostructure for ascorbic acid sensing

Engineered nanomaterials that exhibit enzyme-like activity are highly sought after for designing enzymeless sensors, which circumvent the need for costly enzymes. In this context, we synthesized tungsten oxide (WO3) nanostructures via the hydrothermal method and characterized them using various techniques. A slurry of the resulting WO3 nanostructure was prepared and drop-cast onto a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE) to construct an enzymeless sensor. The electrochemical characteristics of the WO3/SPCE sensor were evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). An optimized WO3/SPCE sensor was electrochemically evaluated for ascorbic acid (AA) detection at varying concentrations employing CV analysis. The CV response exhibited a significant oxidation peak for AA, which gradually intensified with an increment in the AA concentration. The sensor demonstrated a linear response up to 1000 μM, high sensitivity (5.62 μA/μMcm2), and a detection limit (DL) of 0.6 μM. Moreover, the engineered enzymeless WO3/SPCE sensor displayed excellent selectivity, stability (94.5 % over 6 weeks), and fabrication reproducibility (RSD of 9.2 % across 7 devices). Thus, this WO3 nanostructure proves to be a promising candidate for the large-scale, cost-effective sensor development for AA detection and holds potential for the fabrication of enzyme-based biosensors.

Deep learning for augmented process monitoring of scalable perovskite thin-film fabrication.

Reproducible large-area fabrication is one of the remaining challenges for the commercialization of perovskite photovoltaics. Imaging methods augmented with deep learning (DL) enable in-line detection of spatial or temporal inconsistencies and predict the impact of observed changes on device performance. In this work, we showcase three use cases of how DL augments complex experimental data analysis of the large-area perovskite thin film formation, even on moderate-sized datasets. First, we demonstrate material composition monitoring by differentiating between precursor property variations, ensuring material consistency during fabrication. Second, we provide early thin-film quality assessment by predicting holistic device performance even before its finalization. Finally, we extend the approach from parameter prediction to generating recommendations for process control by forecasting monitoring signals as a function of a variable process parameter and predicting the corresponding device performances. By addressing tasks that are hardly possible for humans to solve, we present how DL augments data analysis by transforming experimental data into predictions of target parameters.

Streamlining the Highly Reproducible Fabrication of Fibrous Biomedical Specimens toward Standardization and High Throughput.

Soft nano- and microfiber-based polymer scaffolds bear enormous potential for their use in cell culture and tissue engineering since they mimic natural collagen structures and may thus serve as biomimetic adhesive substrates. They have, however, so far been restricted to small-scale production in research labs with high batch-to-batch variation. They are commonly produced via electrospinning or melt electrowriting and their delicate nature poses obstacles in detachment, storage, and transportation. This study focuses on overcoming challenges in the high throughput production and practical handling, introducing new methods to reproducibly prepare such scaffolds suitable for quantitative cell culture applications. Attention is given to the seamless handling and transfer of samples without compromising structural integrity. Challenges in detaching fibers without damage as well as storage, and transport are addressed. Cell culture studies demonstrate the methodological advantages, emphasizing the potential for standardized testing and biological readouts of these delicate fiber materials. The developed methods are applicable across various electrospinning and melt electrowriting approaches and can essentially contribute to their utilization in laboratory research and commercial applications.

(Invited) Irreproducibility of High-Performance Perovskite Solar Cells: Causes and Solutions

Metal halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been spotlighted as a promising next-generation photovoltaic technology. Recently, there has been a surge of efforts in the commercialization of PSCs in academia and industries worldwide with record power conversion efficiencies over 26% for both n-i-p and p-i-n structured devices. Nevertheless, their subpar operational durability, module scalability, and material toxicity are challenges often brought up as the major barriers hindering practical commercialization. The poor reproducibility of PSCs has been relatively overlooked, but negatively impacts institutional research laboratories, start-up companies, and large established corporations all alike. Reproducible fabrication of PSCs is a critical consideration for market viability and practical commercialization. In this work, I will discuss the critical functions of atmospheric humidity to regulate the crystallization and stabilization of formamidinium lead triiodide (FAPbI3) perovskites. We demonstrate that the humidity content during processing underlies profound variations in perovskite stoichiometry, thermodynamic stability, optoelectronic quality and thus reproducibility of PSCs. In second part of the presentation, I will discuss the interplay between composition of perovskite, and performance, stability and reproducibility of inverted PSCs. We rationalize the difference in widely used perovskite compositions in n-i-p and p-i-n PSCs based on in-situ characterizations. Finally, I will also discuss our approaches toward reproducible fabrication of PSCs.

Low-cost preparation and characterization of new CuO/ZnO and Cu3N/ZnO nanocomposites

CuO/ZnO and Cu3N/ZnO nanocomposites were prepared in a three-step synthesis consisting of the co-precipitation of Cu2+ and Zn2+ hydroxide carbonates (Cu/Zn-Carb) followed by their thermal treatment first in air and second in gaseous ammonia. The morphology and phase composition of the hydroxide carbonates were determined by the Cu:Zn molar ratio and the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) acting as a capping agent, respectively. The Cu/Zn-carbonates could be annealed in the air at 550 °C either as powders or as thin films. The latter were deposited on a silicon substrate using a choice of spin- or dip-coating techniques. The resulting CuO/ZnO samples were heated under gaseous ammonia at 300 °C in the final step of the process to form Cu3N/ZnO nanocomposites. The fabricated samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermogravimetric − differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA) and infrared spectroscopy (IR). SEM and XRD analysis indicates that the average diameter of spherical particles was about 130 nm (CuO/ZnO) and 100 nm (Cu3N/ZnO), composed of crystallites with 10–20 nm sizes. The thermal treatment under air and NH3 did not affect the morphology of the composites. The implication is, therefore, that the shape and size of CuO/ZnO oxide and Cu3N/ZnO nitride/oxide composite nanostructures are determined at the point of hydroxide carbonate coprecipitation and can be controlled during precursor synthesis. This has significant ramifications for the reproducible fabrication of nanocomposite films of precise stoichiometry and bespoke morphology.

Scalable Fabrication of Neuromorphic Devices Using Inkjet Printing for the Deposition of Organic Mixed Ionic‐Electronic Conductor

AbstractRecent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have highlighted the critical need for energy‐efficient hardware solutions, especially in edge‐computing applications. However, traditional AI approaches are plagued by significant power consumption. In response, researchers have turned to biomimetic strategies, drawing inspiration from the ion‐mediated operating principle of biological synapses, to develop organic neuromorphic devices as promising alternatives. Organic mixed ionic‐electronic conductor (OMIEC) materials have emerged as particularly noteworthy in this field, due to their potential for enhancing neuromorphic computing capabilities. Together with device performance, it is crucial to select devices that allow fabrication via scalable techniques. This study investigates the fabrication of OMIEC‐based neuromorphic devices using inkjet printing, providing a scalable and material‐efficient approach. Employing a commercially available polymer mixed ionic‐electronic conductor (BTEM‐PPV) and a lithium salt, inkjet‐printed devices exhibit performance comparable to those fabricated via traditional spin‐coating methods. These two‐terminal neuromorphic devices demonstrate functionality analogous to literature‐known devices and demonstrate promising frequency‐dependent short‐term plasticity. Furthermore, comparative studies with previous light‐emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) and neuromorphic OMIEC devices validate the efficacy of inkjet printing as a potential fabrication technique. The findings suggest that inkjet printing is suitable for large‐scale production, offering reproducible and stable fabrication processes. By adopting the OMIEC material system, inkjet printing holds the potential for further enhancing device performance and functionality. Overall, this study underscores the viability of inkjet printing as a scalable fabrication method for OMIEC‐based neuromorphic devices, paving the way for advancements in AI hardware.

Influence of Material, Sterilization, and Disinfection on the Accuracy of Three-Dimensional Printed Surgical Templates: An InVitro Study.

To evaluate the influence of the three-dimensional (3D) printing technology, material, sterilization, and disinfection on the accuracy of guided surgical templates. Fifty printed resin surgical templates were designed and fabricated using a digital light processing 3D printer with a photopolymerizing resin, and 50 printed metal surgical templates were designed and fabricated using a selective laser melting 3D printer with a titanium alloy. Templates from both groups were randomly divided into five subgroups involving different sterilization and disinfection procedures. The group without any sterilization or disinfection procedure served as the control group, whereas the other groups were used as the study groups (hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization, 5% povidone-iodine disinfection, 75% ethyl alcohol disinfection, and steam autoclave sterilization). Implant simulations were performed on the 3D-printed resin models, and postoperative impressions were acquired with scan bodies attached to the implants. All surgical templates were digitally scanned. The root mean square was used to determine and quantify fabrication accuracy and reproducibility, and the definitive and planned implant positions were compared. The printed resin templates exhibited lower fabrication accuracy and reproducibility, as well as higher 3D deviations, after steam autoclave sterilization (p < 0.001); however, the printed metal templates were not affected by the different sterilization or disinfection procedures (p > 0.05). Printed metal surgical templates are viable alternatives for guided implant surgery. Preoperative steam or gas plasma sterilization is recommended, especially for metal templates, as resin templates show deformation and decreased accuracy after steam sterilization. chictr.org.cn number: ChiCTR2400081334.

A Polyacrylate Cotton-based Pipette Tip Micro-solid-phase Extraction Technique Coupled with High-performance Liquid Chromatography for Carvedilol Determination in Aqueous Media

Introduction: In this work, a polyacrylate polymer was synthesized into a pipette tip containing cotton fibers and used to extract carvedilol from water and urine samples. Methods: A high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet detection method was developed, which demonstrated the suitability of the purposed pipette tip micro-solid-phase extraction device. Factors affecting the fabrication procedure and polymer quality were studied and optimized. In the next step, the sample preparation process (including extraction and desorption) was fully optimized, and the optimized method was validated. Results: A coating with suitable mechanical and chemical stability was achieved. Its structure was successfully characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Within-batch and between-batch fabrication reproducibility were obtained at 3.0 and 9.0 %, respectively. The developed method displayed a limit of detection of 1.1 µg L-1 when 1.5 mL of sample was processed, and it was linear in the concentration range of 3.3-350 µg L-1 with LLOQ of 5 µg L-1 . The polyacrylate cotton-based pipette tip was finally used to extract carvedilol from aqueous media with acceptable recoveries of 92-106%. Conclusion: The proposed method is simple and fast and requires low sample volumes. In addition, this method has been evaluated in terms of greenness with three different tools, and the evaluation results with all three tools have shown that this method is one of the green and environmentally friendly methods.

Controlling spatial optical illuminations in optogenetics using an angled optical fiber tip

The advent of optogenetic tools has revolutionized neuroscience research through its spatiotemporally precise activation of specific neurons by illuminating light on opsin-expressing neurons. A long-standing challenge of in vivo optogenetics remains in delivering light to multiple brain sites simultaneously and maintaining high spatial resolution. Optical fiber-based technologies have been proposed to address these challenges. This work presents the fabrication and characterization of an innovative angled optical fiber probe based on a double-sided angled tip (DSAT) structure. A custom griding setup was used for the reproducible fabrication of a smooth DSAT probe. The designed probe enables precise spatial control of light propagation in brain tissue in which DSAT at angled tip 55° achieving a maximum lateral illumination position of ± 420 μm away from the optical axis and a peak irradiance of 478.5 mW/mm2, using a 5 mW of 473 nm laser light. Also, the designed DAST probe was simulated based on ray tracing method and obtained the practical tip angle to evaluate the propagation of light rays emitted from the DSAT at various input optical angles ranging from 0° to 12.5° to predict their irradiance and positions in the modelled tissue. The results indicate the probe generates two elliptical rings each containing two spots with higher optical concentration. Consequently, this device provides four optical spots with irradiance peaks that enable simultaneous illumination of four different locations in the brain tissue. Obtained experiment results are in good agreement with simulation results which can be used for multipoint illumination of brain tissue in optogenetics applications.

Flow-on-repellent biofabrication of fibrous decellularized breast tumor-stroma models

On-the-fly biofabrication of reproducible 3D tumor models at a pre-clinical level is highly desirable to level-up their applicability and predictive potential. Incorporating ECM biomolecular cues and its complex 3D bioarchitecture in the design stages of such in vitro platforms is essential to better recapitulate the native tumor microenvironment. To materialize these needs, herein we describe an innovative flow-on-repellent (FLORE) 3D extrusion bioprinting technique that leverages expedited and automatized bioink deposition onto a customized superhydrophobic printing bed. We demonstrate that this approach enables the rapid generation of quasi-spherical breast cancer-stroma hybrid models in a mode governed by surface wettability rather than bioink rheological features. For this purpose, an ECM-mimetic bioink comprising breast tissue-specific decellularized matrix in the form of microfiber bundles (dECM-μF) and photocrosslinkable hyaluronan (HAMA), was formulated to generate triple negative breast tumor-stroma models. Leveraging on the FLORE bioprinting approach, a rapid, automated, and reproducible fabrication of physiomimetic breast cancer hydrogel beads was successfully demonstrated. Hydrogel beads size with and without dECM-μF was easily tailored by modelling droplet deposition time on the superhydrophobic bed. Interestingly, in heterotypic breast cancer-stroma beads a self-arrangement of different cellular populations was observed, independent of dECM-μF inclusion, with CAFs clustering overtime within the fabricated models. Drug screening assays showed that the inclusion of CAFs and dECM-μF also impacted the overall response of these living constructs when incubated with gemcitabine chemotherapeutics, with dECM-μF integration promoting a trend for higher resistance in ECM-enriched models. Overall, we developed a rapid fabrication approach leveraging on extrusion bioprinting and superhydrophobic surfaces to process photocrosslinkable dECM bioinks and to generate increasingly physiomimetic tumor-stroma-matrix platforms for drug screening.

3D-printed electrochemical cells for multi-point aptamer-based drug measurements.

Electrochemical aptamer-based (E-AB) sensors achieve detection and quantitation of biomedically relevant targets such as small molecule drugs and protein biomarkers in biological samples. E-ABs are usually fabricated on commercially available macroelectrodes which, although functional for rapid sensor prototyping, can be costly and are not compatible with the microliter sample volumes typically available in biorepositories for clinical validation studies. Seeking to develop a multi-point sensing platform for sensor validation in sample volumes characteristic of clinical studies, we report a protocol for in-house assembly of 3D-printed E-ABs. We employed a commercially available 3D stereolithographic printer (FormLabs, $5k USD) for electrochemical cell fabrication and directly embedded electrodes within the 3D-printed cell structure. This approach offers a reproducible and reusable electrode fabrication process resulting in four independent and simultaneous measurements for statistically weighted results. We demonstrate compatibility with aptamer sequences binding antibiotics and antineoplastic agents. We also demonstrate a proof-of-concept validation of serum vancomycin measurements using clinical samples. Our results demonstrate that 3D-printing can be used in conjunction with E-ABs for accessible, rapid, and statistically meaningful validation of E-AB sensors in biological matrices.

DIB‐BOT: An Open‐Source Hardware Approach for Plate‐Integrated Droplet Interface Bilayer Deposition

AbstractDroplet interface bilayers (DIBs) offer a controlled lipid environment for studying membrane‐bound processes, with applications in artificial cells, biosensing, and biophysics. Current DIB fabrication faces challenges due to time‐consuming processes and specialized equipment, limiting scale‐up and hindering statistical significance in single‐molecule assays. This research introduces “DIB‐BOT,” an open‐source solution combining a nanoinjector and a 3D printer. DIB‐BOT enables rapid, reproducible DIB fabrication, overcoming manual limitations. Using off‐the‐shelf components, DIB‐BOT ensures high spatial reproducibility, minimal user input, and scalable experiments. The system's utility is demonstrated through pairwise droplet assembly and a fluorescence plate‐reader assay. Compared to manual fabrication, DIB‐BOT shows a 10‐fold reduction in droplet volume error, a threefold reduction in positional error, and 100% droplet yield. This method lowers entry barriers to DIB research, expanding its applications and enhancing data quality.

Wafer-scale nanofabrication of sub-5 nm gaps in plasmonic metasurfaces.

In the rapidly evolving field of plasmonic metasurfaces, achieving homogeneous, reliable, and reproducible fabrication of sub-5 nm dielectric nanogaps is a significant challenge. This article presents an advanced fabrication technology that addresses this issue, capable of realizing uniform and reliable vertical nanogap metasurfaces on a whole wafer of 100 mm diameter. By leveraging fast patterning techniques, such as variable-shaped and character projection electron beam lithography (EBL), along with atomic layer deposition (ALD) for defining a few nanometer gaps with sub-nanometer precision, we have developed a flexible nanofabrication technology to achieve gaps as narrow as 2 nm in plasmonic nanoantennas. The quality of our structures is experimentally demonstrated by the observation of resonant localized and collective modes corresponding to the lattice, with Q-factors reaching up to 165. Our technological process opens up new and exciting opportunities to fabricate macroscopic devices harnessing the strong enhancement of light-matter interaction at the single nanometer scale.

A highly structured Au-grafted nanoporous gold for surface-enhanced Raman scattering detection of ferbam

The expansive potential of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has been well-established; however, the primary bottleneck hindering its routine analytical and commercial implementation is the poor signal reproducibility and challenges in substrate fabrication. Thus, the current work attempts to synthesize a scalable and reproducible nanoporous gold (npAu) decorated with gold (Au) nanoparticles to generate a highly structured Au@npAu nanocomposite. The substrate fabrication completes via three distinct routes: i) selective dealloying to form npAu on the Au film, ii) the fast deposition (i-t = −0.8 V, t = 10.0 s) of Au atoms across the npAu surface, and finally iii) the precise growth control of the generated Au@npAu by a series of by oxidation-reduction cycles (−0.03 to −0.4 V for 80.0 segments at ν = 50.0 mVs−1). The simulations of the dealloyed npAu and the final Au@npAu nanocomposite showed that the reduced interparticle spacing and ligament size in the Au@npAu nanocomposite is crucial for forming abundant "hot spot" regions with highly concentrated electromagnetic fields. The Au@npAu substrate reproducibility was assessed on 400.0 sites for SERS spectral acquisition with a relative standard deviation of 9.22 %. Furthermore, the Au@npAu was checked under different preparation batches for intra- and inter-day analysis and storage for 20.0 days with good stability. Finally, the substrate was checked for direct SERS detection of ferbam residues with a 4.34 × 10−9 mol L−1 sensitivity and examined in real samples with satisfactory recoveries (97.63 ± 1.95%–99.16 ± 0.24 %). This work offers a promising avenue towards highly reproducible, scalable and universal Au@npAu SERS substrate fabrication in diverse SERS-related applications.

Fabrication of Porous Collagen Scaffolds Containing Embedded Channels with Collagen Membrane Linings.

Tissues and organs contain an extracellular matrix (ECM). In the case of blood vessels, endothelium cells are anchored to a specialized basement membrane (BM) embedded inside the interstitial matrix (IM). We introduce a multi-structural collagen-based scaffold with embedded microchannels that mimics in vivo structures within vessels. Our scaffold consists of two parts, each containing two collagen layers, i.e., a 3D porous collagen layer analogous to IM lined with a thin 2D collagen film resembling the BM. Enclosed microchannels were fabricated using contact microprinting. Microchannel test structures with different sizes ranging from 300 to 800 µm were examined for their fabrication reproducibility. The heights and perimeters of the fabricated microchannels were ~20% less than their corresponding values in the replication PDMS mold; however, microchannel widths were significantly closer to their replica dimensions. The stiffness, permeability, and pore size properties of the 2D and 3D collagen layers were measured. The permeability of the 2D collagen film was negligible, making it suitable for mimicking the BM of large blood vessels. A leakage test at various volumetric flow rates applied to the microchannels showed no discharge, thereby verifying the reliability of the proposed integrated 2D/3D collagen parts and the contact printing method used for bonding them in the scaffold. In the future, multi-cell culturing will be performed within the 3D porous collagen and against the 2D membrane inside the microchannel, hence preparing this scaffold for studying a variety of blood vessel-tissue interfaces. Also, thicker collagen scaffold tissues will be fabricated by stacking several layers of the proposed scaffold.

Bioinspired poly(vinyl alcohol) films with tunable adhesion and self-healing for biodegradable electronics and beyond

AbstractPolymers have attracted attention for their use in enabling biodegradable electronics. However, many polymers suitable as substrates either have no adhesion or suffer from weak and unstable adhesion. Addressing this challenge, we report a simple method to achieve tunable adhesion on various surfaces for wide applications. We achieve this by combining poly(vinyl alcohol) (P), dopamine (DA) and citric acid (CA) to produce modified poly(vinyl alcohol) adhesive films. These films are derived from bio-based constituents through an environmentally benign, easily reproducible and scalable fabrication process. They offer strong adhesion to various surfaces, such as stainless steel (138–191 kPa) and Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (67–93 kPa) and facilitate easy detachment with water. Notably, the modified films showed a better degradation compared to pristine P films under anaerobic conditions. The extent of degradation was characterized both quantitatively and qualitatively. The biokinetic parameters of anaerobic digestion process were estimated using three different kinetic models. It is anticipated that DA and CA molecules penetrate the interplanar distance of P chains as supported by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies, thus, accelerating the degradation process. Additionally, the inclusion of CA enhanced the stability of DA molecules against oxidation, increased the extent of H-bonding and acted as a plasticizer. The addition of DA and CA bestowed the films with self-healing property due to the presence of multiple H-bonds. Tensile experiments revealed that the strength of self-healed samples approached that of pristine samples. The findings of this study hold promise for the development of innovative, biodegradable poly(vinyl alcohol)-based self-healing adhesive films with potential applications across various domains like smart packaging, soft robotics, on-skin electronic tattoos and self-healing electronics.

Development of Highly Sensitive Voltammetric Methods for the Determination of Antihistamine Drug Cetirizine Using A Poly(Bromocresol Purple) Film-Based Electrochemical Sensor

Simple and highly sensitive voltammetric methods were developed using a poly(bromocresol purple) modified glassy carbon electrode to quantify cetirizine. Poly(bromocresol purple) film was synthesized on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode by cyclic voltammetry for 50 potential cycles in 0.1 M phosphate buffer at pH 6.0 containing 5.0 × 10−4 M of the monomer. Quantification of cetirizine exhibiting irreversible properties using the optimized conditions with a linear dependence between cetirizine concentration and peak currents from 0.2 to 100 µM for differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and 0.1 to 100 µM for square wave voltammetry (SWV). Detection limits were 21.8 and 15.1 nM for DPV and SWV, respectively. Relative standard deviation (RSD) values below 0.98% indicated good precision. Recovery values from 100.12% to 100.90% with relative standard deviations below 1.14% for DPV and SWV in pharmaceutical formulations and urine samples demonstrated the high accuracy of the developed methods. The prepared modified electrode exhibited good fabrication reproducibility and suitable long-term stability. Finally, no interferences were observed in cetirizine determination in the presence of co-existing substances in the biological samples.

Synthesis of Cs3Cu2I5 Nanocrystals in a Continuous Flow System.

Achieving the goal of generating all of the world's energy via renewable sources and significantly reducing the energy usage will require the development of novel, abundant, nontoxic energy conversion materials. Here, a cost-efficient and scalable continuous flow synthesis of Cs3Cu2I5 nanocrystals is developed as a basis for the rapid advancement of novel nanomaterials. Ideal precursor solutions are obtained through a novel batch synthesis, whose product served as a benchmark for the subsequent flow synthesis. Realizing this setup enabled a reproducible fabrication of Cs3Cu2I5 nanocrystals. The effect of volumetric flow rate and temperature on the final product's morphology and optical properties are determined, obtaining 21% quantum yield with the optimal configuration. Consequently, the size and morphology of the nanocrystals can be tuned with far more precision and in a much broader range than previously achievable. The flow setup is readily applicable to other relevant nanomaterials. It should enable a rapid determination of a material's potential and subsequently optimize its desired properties for renewable energy generation or efficient optoelectronics.