Feature Reviews in Micromachines 2023

A special issue of Micromachines (ISSN 2072-666X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 23157

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre, Griffith University, West Creek Road, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia
Interests: microfluidics; nanofluidics; micro/nanomachining technologies; micro/nanoscale science; instrumentation for biomedical applications
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Many advances have been made in recent years in the fields of micromachines and microtechnology, and we believe that a state-of-the-art review of existing works will be a great reference for students, researchers and lecturers in both research and teaching related to micromachines. This Special Issue aims to collect high quality review papers that include a brief retrospective overview and a broad state-of-the-art review of the topics within the scope of micromachines.

The reviews will be published, free of charge, with full open access after peer review to benefit both authors and readers. You are welcome to send short proposals for reviews to our Editorial Office (micromachines@mdpi.com) for evaluation before submission. 

Prof. Dr. Nam-Trung Nguyen
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Micromachines is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Review

53 pages, 5520 KiB  
Review
An Overview of the Recent Advances in Pool Boiling Enhancement Materials, Structrure, and Devices
by José Pereira, Reinaldo Souza, Rui Lima, António Moreira and Ana Moita
Micromachines 2024, 15(2), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15020281 - 17 Feb 2024
Viewed by 886
Abstract
This review attempts to provide a comprehensive assessment of recent methodologies, structures, and devices for pool boiling heat transfer enhancement. Several enhancement approaches relating to the underlying fluid route and the capability to eliminate incipient boiling hysteresis, augment the nucleate boiling heat transfer [...] Read more.
This review attempts to provide a comprehensive assessment of recent methodologies, structures, and devices for pool boiling heat transfer enhancement. Several enhancement approaches relating to the underlying fluid route and the capability to eliminate incipient boiling hysteresis, augment the nucleate boiling heat transfer coefficient, and improve the critical heat flux are assessed. Hence, this study addresses the most relevant issues related to active and passive enhancement techniques and compound enhancement schemes. Passive heat transfer enhancement techniques encompass multiscale surface modification of the heating surface, such as modification with nanoparticles, tunnels, grooves, porous coatings, and enhanced nanostructured surfaces. Also, there are already studies on the employment of a wide range of passive enhancement techniques, like displaced enhancement, swirl flow aids, and bi-thermally conductive surfaces. Moreover, the combined usage of two or more enhancement techniques, commonly known as compound enhancement approaches, is also addressed in this survey. Additionally, the present work highlights the existing scarcity of sufficiently large available databases for a given enhancement methodology regarding the influencing factors derived from the implementation of innovative thermal management systems for temperature-sensitive electronic and power devices, for instance, material, morphology, relative positioning and orientation of the boiling surface, and nucleate boiling heat transfer enhancement pattern and scale. Such scarcity means the available findings are not totally accurate and suitable for the design and implementation of new thermal management systems. The analysis of more than 100 studies in this field shows that all such improvement methodologies aim to enhance the nucleate boiling heat transfer parameters of the critical heat flux and nucleate heat transfer coefficient in pool boiling scenarios. Finally, diverse challenges and prospects for further studies are also pointed out, aimed at developing important in-depth knowledge of the underlying enhancement mechanisms of such techniques. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Micromachines 2023)
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27 pages, 2132 KiB  
Review
Advancement in Biosensor Technologies of 2D MaterialIntegrated with Cellulose—Physical Properties
by Ghazaleh Ramezani, Ion Stiharu, Theo G. M. van de Ven and Vahe Nerguizian
Micromachines 2024, 15(1), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15010082 - 30 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1154
Abstract
This review paper provides an in-depth analysis of recent advancements in integrating two-dimensional (2D) materials with cellulose to enhance biosensing technology. The incorporation of 2D materials such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides, along with nanocellulose, improves the sensitivity, stability, and flexibility of [...] Read more.
This review paper provides an in-depth analysis of recent advancements in integrating two-dimensional (2D) materials with cellulose to enhance biosensing technology. The incorporation of 2D materials such as graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides, along with nanocellulose, improves the sensitivity, stability, and flexibility of biosensors. Practical applications of these advanced biosensors are explored in fields like medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring. This innovative approach is driving research opportunities and expanding the possibilities for diverse applications in this rapidly evolving field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Micromachines 2023)
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22 pages, 11473 KiB  
Review
A Review on the Coalescence of Confined Drops with a Focus on Scaling Laws for the Growth of the Liquid Bridge
by Sangjin Ryu, Haipeng Zhang and Udochukwu John Anuta
Micromachines 2023, 14(11), 2046; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14112046 - 31 Oct 2023
Viewed by 986
Abstract
The surface–tension-driven coalescence of drops has been extensively studied because of the omnipresence of the phenomenon and its significance in various natural and engineering systems. When two drops come into contact, a liquid bridge is formed between them and then grows in its [...] Read more.
The surface–tension-driven coalescence of drops has been extensively studied because of the omnipresence of the phenomenon and its significance in various natural and engineering systems. When two drops come into contact, a liquid bridge is formed between them and then grows in its lateral dimensions. As a result, the two drops merge to become a bigger drop. The growth dynamics of the bridge are governed by a balance between the driving force and the viscous and inertial resistances of involved liquids, and it is usually represented by power–law scaling relations on the temporal evolution of the bridge dimension. Such scaling laws have been well-characterized for the coalescence of unconfined or freely suspended drops. However, drops are often confined by solid or liquid surfaces and thus are a different shape from spheres, which affects their coalescence dynamics. As such, the coalescence of confined drops poses more complicated interfacial fluid dynamics challenges compared to that of unconfined drops. Although there have been several studies on the coalescence of confined drops, they have not been systematically reviewed in terms of the properties and geometry of the confining surface. Thus, we aim to review the current literature on the coalescence of confined drops in three categories: drop coalescence on a solid surface, drop coalescence on a deformable surface, and drop coalescence between two parallel surfaces with a small gap (i.e., Hele-Shaw cell), with a focus on power–law scaling relations, and to suggest challenges and outlooks for future research on the phenomena. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Micromachines 2023)
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33 pages, 4097 KiB  
Review
Advancements in Wearable and Implantable Intraocular Pressure Biosensors for Ophthalmology: A Comprehensive Review
by Kevin Y. Wu, Mina Mina, Marjorie Carbonneau, Michael Marchand and Simon D. Tran
Micromachines 2023, 14(10), 1915; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14101915 - 09 Oct 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1921
Abstract
Glaucoma, marked by its intricate association with intraocular pressure (IOP), stands as a predominant cause of non-reversible vision loss. In this review, the physiological relevance of IOP is detailed, alongside its potential pathological consequences. The review further delves into innovative engineering solutions for [...] Read more.
Glaucoma, marked by its intricate association with intraocular pressure (IOP), stands as a predominant cause of non-reversible vision loss. In this review, the physiological relevance of IOP is detailed, alongside its potential pathological consequences. The review further delves into innovative engineering solutions for IOP monitoring, highlighting the latest advancements in wearable and implantable sensors and their potential in enhancing glaucoma management. These technological innovations are interwoven with clinical practice, underscoring their real-world applications, patient-centered strategies, and the prospects for future development in IOP control. By synthesizing theoretical concepts, technological innovations, and practical clinical insights, this review contributes a cohesive and comprehensive perspective on the IOP biosensor’s role in glaucoma, serving as a reference for ophthalmological researchers, clinicians, and professionals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Micromachines 2023)
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21 pages, 1678 KiB  
Review
Bio–Microfabrication of 2D and 3D Biomimetic Gut-on-a-Chip
by Yeongseok Jang, Jinmu Jung and Jonghyun Oh
Micromachines 2023, 14(9), 1736; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14091736 - 04 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1252
Abstract
Traditional goal of microfabrication was to limitedly construct nano- and micro-geometries on silicon or quartz wafers using various semiconductor manufacturing technologies, such as photolithography, soft lithography, etching, deposition, and so on. However, recent integration with biotechnologies has led to a wide expansion of [...] Read more.
Traditional goal of microfabrication was to limitedly construct nano- and micro-geometries on silicon or quartz wafers using various semiconductor manufacturing technologies, such as photolithography, soft lithography, etching, deposition, and so on. However, recent integration with biotechnologies has led to a wide expansion of microfabrication. In particular, many researchers studying pharmacology and pathology are very interested in producing in vitro models that mimic the actual intestine to study the effectiveness of new drug testing and interactions between organs. Various bio–microfabrication techniques have been developed while solving inherent problems when developing in vitro micromodels that mimic the real large intestine. This intensive review introduces various bio–microfabrication techniques that have been used, until recently, to realize two-dimensional and three-dimensional biomimetic experimental models. Regarding the topic of gut chips, two major review subtopics and two-dimensional and three-dimensional gut chips were employed, focusing on the membrane-based manufacturing process for two-dimensional gut chips and the scaffold-based manufacturing process for three-dimensional gut chips, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Micromachines 2023)
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35 pages, 3159 KiB  
Review
Flexible and Stretchable Pressure Sensors: From Basic Principles to State-of-the-Art Applications
by Thara Seesaard and Chatchawal Wongchoosuk
Micromachines 2023, 14(8), 1638; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14081638 - 20 Aug 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5413
Abstract
Flexible and stretchable electronics have emerged as highly promising technologies for the next generation of electronic devices. These advancements offer numerous advantages, such as flexibility, biocompatibility, bio-integrated circuits, and light weight, enabling new possibilities in diverse applications, including e-textiles, smart lenses, healthcare technologies, [...] Read more.
Flexible and stretchable electronics have emerged as highly promising technologies for the next generation of electronic devices. These advancements offer numerous advantages, such as flexibility, biocompatibility, bio-integrated circuits, and light weight, enabling new possibilities in diverse applications, including e-textiles, smart lenses, healthcare technologies, smart manufacturing, consumer electronics, and smart wearable devices. In recent years, significant attention has been devoted to flexible and stretchable pressure sensors due to their potential integration with medical and healthcare devices for monitoring human activity and biological signals, such as heartbeat, respiratory rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, and muscle activity. This review comprehensively covers all aspects of recent developments in flexible and stretchable pressure sensors. It encompasses fundamental principles, force/pressure-sensitive materials, fabrication techniques for low-cost and high-performance pressure sensors, investigations of sensing mechanisms (piezoresistivity, capacitance, piezoelectricity), and state-of-the-art applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Micromachines 2023)
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30 pages, 9382 KiB  
Review
A Review of the Residual Stress Generation in Metal Additive Manufacturing: Analysis of Cause, Measurement, Effects, and Prevention
by Nabin Bastola, Muhammad P. Jahan, Nithin Rangasamy and Chandra Sekhar Rakurty
Micromachines 2023, 14(7), 1480; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14071480 - 24 Jul 2023
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4784
Abstract
Metal additive manufacturing (AM) is capable of producing complex parts, using a wide range of functional metals that are otherwise very difficult to make and involve multiple manufacturing processes. However, because of the involvement of thermal energy in the fabrication of metallic AM [...] Read more.
Metal additive manufacturing (AM) is capable of producing complex parts, using a wide range of functional metals that are otherwise very difficult to make and involve multiple manufacturing processes. However, because of the involvement of thermal energy in the fabrication of metallic AM parts, residual stress remains one of the major concerns in metal AM. This residual stress has negative effects on part quality, dimensional accuracy, and part performance. This study aims to carry out a comprehensive review and analysis of different aspects of residual stress, including the causes and mechanisms behind the generation of residual stress during metal AM, the state-of-the-art measurement techniques for measuring residual stress, various factors influencing residual stress, its effect on part quality and performance, and ways of minimizing or overcoming residual stress in metal AM parts. Residual stress formation mechanisms vary, based on the layer-by-layer deposition mechanism of the 3D printing process. For example, the residual stress formation for wire-arc additive manufacturing is different from that of selective laser sintering, direct energy deposition, and powder bed fusion processes. Residual stress formation mechanisms also vary based on the scale (i.e., macro, micro, etc.) at which the printing is performed. In addition, there are correlations between printing parameters and the formation of residual stress. For example, the printing direction, layer thickness, internal structure, etc., influence both the formation mechanism and quantitative values of residual stress. The major effect residual stress has on the quality of a printed part is in the distortion of the part. In addition, the dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and fatigue performance of printed parts are influenced by residual stress. This review paper provides a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the formation, distribution, and evolution of residual stress for different metal AM processes. This paper also discusses and analyzes both in situ and ex situ measurement techniques for measuring residual stress. Microstructural evolution and its effect on the formation of residual stress are analyzed. Various pre- and post-processing techniques used to countermeasure residual stress are discussed in detail. Finally, this study aims to present both a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the existing data and techniques in the literature related to residual stress, as well as to provide a critical analysis and guidelines for future research directions, to prevent or overcome residual stress formation in metal AM processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Micromachines 2023)
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19 pages, 8052 KiB  
Review
Molecularly Imprinted Polymeric Particles Created Using Droplet-Based Microfluidics: Preparation and Applications
by Sinem Orbay and Amitav Sanyal
Micromachines 2023, 14(4), 763; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14040763 - 29 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1850
Abstract
Recent years have witnessed increased attention to the use of droplet-based microfluidics as a tool for the fabrication of microparticles due to this method’s ability to exploit fluid mechanics to create materials with a narrow range of sizes. In addition, this approach offers [...] Read more.
Recent years have witnessed increased attention to the use of droplet-based microfluidics as a tool for the fabrication of microparticles due to this method’s ability to exploit fluid mechanics to create materials with a narrow range of sizes. In addition, this approach offers a controllable way to configure the composition of the resulting micro/nanomaterials. To date, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) in particle form have been prepared using various polymerization methods for several applications in biology and chemistry. However, the traditional approach, that is, the production of microparticles through grinding and sieving, generally leads to poor control over particle size and distribution. Droplet-based microfluidics offers an attractive alternative for the fabrication of molecularly imprinted microparticles. This mini-review aims to present recent examples highlighting the application of droplet-based microfluidics to fabricate molecularly imprinted polymeric particles for applications in the chemical and biomedical sciences. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Micromachines 2023)
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20 pages, 4440 KiB  
Review
Lab-on-a-Chip Technologies for Microgravity Simulation and Space Applications
by Aditya Vashi, Kamalalayam Rajan Sreejith and Nam-Trung Nguyen
Micromachines 2023, 14(1), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14010116 - 31 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4056
Abstract
Gravity plays an important role in the development of life on earth. The effect of gravity on living organisms can be investigated by controlling the magnitude of gravity. Most reduced gravity experiments are conducted on the Lower Earth Orbit (LEO) in the International [...] Read more.
Gravity plays an important role in the development of life on earth. The effect of gravity on living organisms can be investigated by controlling the magnitude of gravity. Most reduced gravity experiments are conducted on the Lower Earth Orbit (LEO) in the International Space Station (ISS). However, running experiments in ISS face challenges such as high cost, extreme condition, lack of direct accessibility, and long waiting period. Therefore, researchers have developed various ground-based devices and methods to perform reduced gravity experiments. However, the advantage of space conditions for developing new drugs, vaccines, and chemical applications requires more attention and new research. Advancements in conventional methods and the development of new methods are necessary to fulfil these demands. The advantages of Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC) devices make them an attractive option for simulating microgravity. This paper briefly reviews the advancement of LOC technologies for simulating microgravity in an earth-based laboratory. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Reviews in Micromachines 2023)
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