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Micromachines
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Women’s Special Issue Series: Micromachines 2023
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Women’s Special Issue Series: Micromachines 2023

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 8816

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Adrienne Minerick

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Guest Editor
Department of Chemical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, USA
Interests: medical microdevices; blood cell dynamics; point-of-care diagnostics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Anna Vikulina

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry and Forensics, School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Clifton Lane, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK
Interests: drug delivery; gene delivery; liposomes; nanoparticles; functional materials; molecular diffusion; mass and heat transport simulation; cell sygnalling; cell death
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Yang Liu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia
Interests: electrochemical sensors; electrocatalysis; carbon nanomaterials; liquid/liquid interfaces
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are delighted to present this special collection of articles highlighting the achievements of female scientists in micro/nanoscale structures, materials, devices, and systems from all around the world. This Special Issue is devoted to presenting research performed by early- and advanced-career female scientists.

Micromachines is a peer-reviewed open access journal concerning all aspects of micro/nanoscale structures, materials, devices, and systems, as well as related micro- and nanotechnology, from fundamentals to applications. Its Impact Factor has increased continuously in recent years, reaching 3.523 in 2021. Its primary areas of research interests include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Micro/nanoscale structures, devices, systems, and applications;
  • Micro- and nanotechnologies for biological, chemical, medical, environmental, and energy applications;
  • Micro- and nanoscale fabrication and manufacturing technologies;
  • Theories and analyses of multiphysics phenomena in micro/nanoscales;
  • Material developments for micro- and nanostructures.

Communications, original research papers, and review articles are welcome. Biographies or articles celebrating outstanding female researchers are also welcome.

Articles where the lead authors are women, or that are completely authored by women, are encouraged. We welcome submissions from all authors, irrespective of gender.

Prof. Dr. Adrienne Minerick
Dr. Anna Vikulina
Dr. Yang Liu
Guest Editors

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 short 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.

Related Special Issues

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 639 KiB  
Article
Design and Simulation of an Ultra-Low-Power Hydrogen Sulfide Gas Sensor with a Cantilever Structure
by Xin Tian, Jifang Tao, Maosen Xu, Yuzhe Lin and Jia Zhao
Micromachines 2024, 15(3), 295; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15030295 - 21 Feb 2024
Viewed by 691
Abstract
Metal oxide gas sensors usually require a few tens of milliwatts of power consumption to operate at high temperature, which limits their application in mobile and portable devices. Here, we proposed a cantilever structure to build an ultra-low power gas sensor for hydrogen [...] Read more.
Metal oxide gas sensors usually require a few tens of milliwatts of power consumption to operate at high temperature, which limits their application in mobile and portable devices. Here, we proposed a cantilever structure to build an ultra-low power gas sensor for hydrogen sulfide gas detection. By employing a nano-film size effect to reduce the thermal conductivity of the material, and self-heated corrugation configuration, the power consumption of the gas sensor is significantly reduced. Through numerical analysis and finite element simulation, two different gas sensors were designed and the power consumption and stress distribution were analyzed and optimized. Under the operating temperature of 200 °C, only 0.27 mW power is consumed, the stress value is less than 250 MPa and the displacement is a few hundred of nanometers. The results serve as a guide and reference for ultra-low power MEMS device designs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Micromachines 2023)
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16 pages, 5653 KiB  
Article
Multiscale Fabrication Process Optimization of DFB Cavities for Organic Laser Diodes
by Amani Ouirimi, Alex Chamberlain Chime, Nixson Loganathan, Mahmoud Chakaroun, Quentin Gaimard and Alexis P. A. Fischer
Micromachines 2024, 15(2), 260; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15020260 - 10 Feb 2024
Viewed by 699
Abstract
In the context of the quest for the Organic Laser Diode, we present the multiscale fabrication process optimization of mixed-order distributed-feedback micro-cavities integrated in nanosecond-short electrical pulse-ready organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). We combine ultra-short pulsed electrical excitation and laser micro-cavities. This requires the [...] Read more.
In the context of the quest for the Organic Laser Diode, we present the multiscale fabrication process optimization of mixed-order distributed-feedback micro-cavities integrated in nanosecond-short electrical pulse-ready organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). We combine ultra-short pulsed electrical excitation and laser micro-cavities. This requires the integration of a highly resolved DFB micro-cavity with an OLED stack and with microwave electrodes. In a second challenge, we tune the cavity resonance precisely to the electroluminescence peak of the organic laser gain medium. This requires precise micro-cavity fabrication performed using e-beam lithography to pattern gratings with a precision in the nanometer scale. Optimal DFB micro-cavities are obtained with 300 nm thick hydrogen silsesquioxane negative-tone e-beam resist on 50 nm thin indium tin oxide anode exposed with a charge quantity per area (i.e., dose) of 620 µC/cm2, developed over 40 min in tetramethylammonium hydroxide diluted in water. We show that the integration of the DFB micro-cavity does not hinder the pulsed electrical operability of the device, which exhibits a peak current density as high as 14 kA/cm2. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Micromachines 2023)
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14 pages, 2533 KiB  
Article
Instant Candida albicans Detection Using Ultra-Stable Aptamer Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles
by Kimberley Clack, Mohamed Sallam, Serge Muyldermans, Prabhakaran Sambasivam, Cong Minh Nguyen and Nam-Trung Nguyen
Micromachines 2024, 15(2), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi15020216 - 31 Jan 2024
Viewed by 983
Abstract
Fungal pathogens such as Candida albicans have significant impacts on women’s health and the economy worldwide. Current detection methods often require access to laboratory facilities that are costly, inconvenient, and slow to access. This often leads to self-diagnosis, self-treatment and eventual antifungal resistance. [...] Read more.
Fungal pathogens such as Candida albicans have significant impacts on women’s health and the economy worldwide. Current detection methods often require access to laboratory facilities that are costly, inconvenient, and slow to access. This often leads to self-diagnosis, self-treatment and eventual antifungal resistance. We have created a rapid (within five minutes), cost-effective, and user-friendly method for the early detection of Candida albicans. Our platform utilises aptamer-tagged-gold-core-shell nanoparticles for Candida albicans detection based on the presence of 1,3-β-d glucan molecules. Nanoparticle aggregation occurs in the presence of Candida albicans fungal cells, causing a redshift in the UV-visible absorbance, turning from pink/purple to blue. This colour change is perceptible by the naked eye and provides a “yes”/“no” result. Our platform was also capable of detecting Candida albicans from individual yeast colonies without prior sample processing, dilution or purification. Candida albicans yeast cells were detected with our platform at concentrations as low as 5 × 105 cells within a 50 μL sample volume. We believe that this technology has the potential to revolutionise women’s health, enabling women to test for Candida albicans accurately and reliably from home. This approach would be advantageous within remote or developing areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Micromachines 2023)
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19 pages, 11040 KiB  
Article
Design and Modeling of a Miniature Hydraulic Motor for Powering a Cutting Tool for Minimally Invasive Procedures
by Manjeera Vinnakota, Kishan Bellur, Sandra L. Starnes and Mark J. Schulz
Micromachines 2023, 14(7), 1338; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14071338 - 29 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1299
Abstract
Miniaturization of multifunctional instruments is key to evolving less invasive medical procedures. The current work outlines steps towards developing a miniature motor to power a cutting tool of a millimeter-scale robot/device (target outside diameter ~2 mm) for minimally invasive procedures. Multiple motor concepts [...] Read more.
Miniaturization of multifunctional instruments is key to evolving less invasive medical procedures. The current work outlines steps towards developing a miniature motor to power a cutting tool of a millimeter-scale robot/device (target outside diameter ~2 mm) for minimally invasive procedures. Multiple motor concepts were explored and ranked using a Pugh matrix. The single-rotor hydraulic design was deemed most viable for prototyping and scale-down to the target size. Prototypes were manufactured to be progressively smaller using additive manufacturing. The smallest prototype fabricated was 2:1 scale of the desired final size with a 2 mm outside diameter (OD) rotor and a device OD of 4 mm. The scaled prototypes with an 8 mm rotor were lab tested and achieved average speeds of 5000–6000 RPM at a flowrate of 15–18 mL/s and 45 PSI water pressure. Ansys CFX was used as a design tool to explore the parameter space and 3D transient simulations were implemented using the immersed solid method. The predicted rotor RPM from the modeling matched the experimental values within 3% error. The model was then used to develop performance curves for the miniature hydraulic motor. In summary, the single-rotor hydraulic design shows promise for miniaturization to the target 2 mm size. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Micromachines 2023)
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15 pages, 3702 KiB  
Article
Development and Validation of an ANN-Based Approach for Temperature-Dependent Equivalent Circuit Modeling of SAW Resonators
by Miloš Radojković, Giovanni Gugliandolo, Mariangela Latino, Zlatica Marinković, Giovanni Crupi and Nicola Donato
Micromachines 2023, 14(5), 967; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14050967 - 28 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1032
Abstract
In this paper, a novel approach is proposed for modeling the temperature-dependent behavior of a surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonator, by using a combination of a lumped-element equivalent circuit model and artificial neural networks (ANNs). More specifically, the temperature dependence of the equivalent [...] Read more.
In this paper, a novel approach is proposed for modeling the temperature-dependent behavior of a surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonator, by using a combination of a lumped-element equivalent circuit model and artificial neural networks (ANNs). More specifically, the temperature dependence of the equivalent circuit parameters/elements (ECPs) is modeled using ANNs, making the equivalent circuit model temperature-dependent. The developed model is validated by using scattering parameter measurements performed on a SAW device with a nominal resonant frequency of 423.22 MHz and under different temperature conditions (i.e., from 0 °C to 100 °C). The extracted ANN-based model can be used for simulation of the SAW resonator RF characteristics in the considered temperature range without the need for further measurements or equivalent circuit extraction procedures. The accuracy of the developed ANN-based model is comparable to that of the original equivalent circuit model. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Micromachines 2023)
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13 pages, 2486 KiB  
Article
PDMS Micropatterns Coated with PDA and RGD Induce a Regulatory Macrophage-like Phenotype
by Hoang Lan Pham, Da Hyun Yang, Woo Ri Chae, Jong Hyeok Jung, Thi Xoan Hoang, Nae Yoon Lee and Jae Young Kim
Micromachines 2023, 14(3), 673; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14030673 - 17 Mar 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1894
Abstract
Regulatory macrophages (Mreg) are a special cell type that present a potential therapeutic strategy for various inflammatory diseases. In vitro, Mreg generation mainly takes 7–10 days of treatment with chemicals, including cytokines. In the present study, we established a new approach for Mreg [...] Read more.
Regulatory macrophages (Mreg) are a special cell type that present a potential therapeutic strategy for various inflammatory diseases. In vitro, Mreg generation mainly takes 7–10 days of treatment with chemicals, including cytokines. In the present study, we established a new approach for Mreg generation using a three-dimensional (3D) micropatterned polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surface coated with a natural biopolymer adhesive polydopamine (PDA) and the common cell adhesion peptide motif arginylglycylaspartic acid (RGD). The 3D PDMS surfaces were fabricated by photolithography and soft lithography techniques and were subsequently coated with an RGD+PDA mixture to form a surface that facilitates cell adhesion. Human monocytes (THP-1 cells) were cultured on different types of 2D or 3D micropatterns for four days, and the cell morphology, elongation, and Mreg marker expression were assessed using microscopic and flow cytometric analyses. The cells grown on the PDA+RGD-coated 3D micropatterns (20-µm width/20-µm space) exhibited the most elongated morphology and strongest expression levels of Mreg markers, such as CD163, CD206, CD209, CD274, MER-TK, TREM2, and DHRS9. The present study demonstrated that PDA+RGD-coated 3D PDMS micropatterns successfully induced Mreg-like cells from THP-1 cells within four days without the use of cytokines, suggesting a time- and cost-effective method to generate Mreg-like cells in vitro. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Micromachines 2023)
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Review

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33 pages, 9310 KiB  
Review
The Physics and Manipulation of Dean Vortices in Single- and Two-Phase Flow in Curved Microchannels: A Review
by Yeganeh Saffar, Sina Kashanj, David S. Nobes and Reza Sabbagh
Micromachines 2023, 14(12), 2202; https://doi.org/10.3390/mi14122202 - 01 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1403
Abstract
Microchannels with curved geometries have been employed for many applications in microfluidic devices in the past decades. The Dean vortices generated in such geometries have been manipulated using different methods to enhance the performance of devices in applications such as mixing, droplet sorting, [...] Read more.
Microchannels with curved geometries have been employed for many applications in microfluidic devices in the past decades. The Dean vortices generated in such geometries have been manipulated using different methods to enhance the performance of devices in applications such as mixing, droplet sorting, and particle/cell separation. Understanding the effect of the manipulation method on the Dean vortices in different geometries can provide crucial information to be employed in designing high-efficiency microfluidic devices. In this review, the physics of Dean vortices and the affecting parameters are summarized. Various Dean number calculation methods are collected and represented to minimize the misinterpretation of published information due to the lack of a unified defining formula for the Dean dimensionless number. Consequently, all Dean number values reported in the references are recalculated to the most common method to facilitate comprehension of the phenomena. Based on the converted information gathered from previous numerical and experimental studies, it is concluded that the length of the channel and the channel pathline, e.g., spiral, serpentine, or helix, also affect the flow state. This review also provides a detailed summery on the effect of other geometric parameters, such as cross-section shape, aspect ratio, and radius of curvature, on the Dean vortices’ number and arrangement. Finally, considering the importance of droplet microfluidics, the effect of curved geometry on the shape, trajectory, and internal flow organization of the droplets passing through a curved channel has been reviewed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Special Issue Series: Micromachines 2023)
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