In this thesis I present a microfluidic platform developed to control dissolved gases and monitor dissolved oxygen concentrations within the microenvironment of isolated small blood vessels. Dissolved gas concentrations are controlled via permeation through the device substrate material using a 3D network of gas and liquid channels. Dissolved oxygen concentrations are measured on-chip via fluorescence quenching of an oxygen sensitive probe embedded in the device. Dissolved oxygen control was validated using the on-chip sensors as well as a 3D computational model. The platform was used in a series of preliminary experiments using olfactory resistance arteries from the mouse cerebral vascular bed. The presented platform provides the unique opportunity to control dissolved oxygen concentrations at high temporal resolutions (<1 min) and monitor dissolved oxygen concentrations in the microenvironment surrounding isolated blood vessels.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver uma metodologia para a preparação de compósitos de polidimetilsiloxano (PDMS)/fosfato de cálcio elaborado mediante a técnica biomimética. O processo envolveu a precipitação de partículas de fosfato de cálcio dentro da matriz elastomérica de PDMS durante a elaboração do compósito. A composição química da fase de reforço foi avaliada mediante difração de raios X (DRX) e espectroscopia de energia dispersiva de raios X (EDS). Micrografias obtidas por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) mostraram partículas pequenas (200 nm) de fosfato de cálcio homogeneamente distribuídas e dispersas na superfície do compósito. A influência da fase de reforço na energia de superfície, resistência mecânica, bioatividade e viabilidade celular do compósito foram medidas. A incorporação das partículas no PDMS levou ao aumento dos valores da energia de superfície. Os resultados do ensaio de resistência mecânica à tração mostraram que o compósito elaborado com 25 %(v/v) de reforço apresentou um aumento de 15 % de resistência à tração com relação ao PDMS puro. O ensaio de biatividade in vitro mostrou que após de 7 dias de imersão em fluido biológico simulado (SBF), uma camada homogênea de cristais com a morfologia da hidroxiapatita foi precipitada na superfície do compósito, este resultado sugere que o compósito poderá demonstrar uma excelente bioatividade uma vez implantado in vivo. / The main objective of this study was to develop a method to prepare poly(dimetilsiloxane) (PDMS)/calcium phosphates composites by using the biomimetic technique. The process involved the precipitation of calcium phosphate particles within the PDMS matrix during the composite fabrication. The chemical composition of the filler phase was studied by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Scattering electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed tiny particles (200 nm) of calcium phosphate evenly distributed and dispersed on the composite surface. The influence of the filler phase on the composite surface energy, tensile strength, bioactivity and cellular viability were assessed. The incorporation of the particles to the PDMS led to higher surface energy values. The tensile measurements showed that the composite made with 25 %(v/v) of filler achieved a 15 % increased in the tensile strength, once compared to the pure PDMS. The in vitro bioactivity essay showed that after 7 days of soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF) a homogeneous layer of HAp like crystals can be seen on the composite surface, this result suggested that the composite will demonstrate a excellent bioactivity once implanted in vivo.

abstract: It is well known that the geckos can cling to almost any surface using highly dense micro/nano fibrils found on the feet that rely on Van Der Waals forces to adhere. A few experimental and theoretical approaches have been taken to understand the adhesion mechanism of gecko feet. This work explains the building procedure of custom experimental setup to test the adhesion force over a temperature range and extends its application in space environment, potentially unsafe working condition. This study demonstrates that these adhesive capable of switching adhesive properties not only at room environment but also over a temperature range of -160 degC to 120 degC in vacuum conditions. These conditions are similar to the condition experienced by a satellite in a space orbiting around the earth. Also, this study demonstrated various detachment and specimen patch preparation methods. The custom-made experimental setup for adhesion test can measure adhesion force in temperature and pressure controlled environment over specimen size of 1 sq. inch. A cryogenic cooling system with liquid nitrogen is used to achieve -160 degC and an electric resistive heating system are used to achieve 120 degC in controlled volume. Thermal electrodes, infrared thermopile detectors are used to record temperature at sample and pressure indicator to record vacuum condition in controlled volume. Reversibility of the switching behaviour of the specimen in controlled environment confirms its application in space and very high or very low-temperature conditions. The experimental setup was developed using SolidWorks as a design tool, Ansys as simulation tool and the data acquisition utilizes LabVIEW available in the market today. / Dissertation/Thesis / Masters Thesis Mechanical Engineering 2016

O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver uma metodologia para a preparação de compósitos de polidimetilsiloxano (PDMS)/fosfato de cálcio elaborado mediante a técnica biomimética. O processo envolveu a precipitação de partículas de fosfato de cálcio dentro da matriz elastomérica de PDMS durante a elaboração do compósito. A composição química da fase de reforço foi avaliada mediante difração de raios X (DRX) e espectroscopia de energia dispersiva de raios X (EDS). Micrografias obtidas por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) mostraram partículas pequenas (200 nm) de fosfato de cálcio homogeneamente distribuídas e dispersas na superfície do compósito. A influência da fase de reforço na energia de superfície, resistência mecânica, bioatividade e viabilidade celular do compósito foram medidas. A incorporação das partículas no PDMS levou ao aumento dos valores da energia de superfície. Os resultados do ensaio de resistência mecânica à tração mostraram que o compósito elaborado com 25 %(v/v) de reforço apresentou um aumento de 15 % de resistência à tração com relação ao PDMS puro. O ensaio de biatividade in vitro mostrou que após de 7 dias de imersão em fluido biológico simulado (SBF), uma camada homogênea de cristais com a morfologia da hidroxiapatita foi precipitada na superfície do compósito, este resultado sugere que o compósito poderá demonstrar uma excelente bioatividade uma vez implantado in vivo. / The main objective of this study was to develop a method to prepare poly(dimetilsiloxane) (PDMS)/calcium phosphates composites by using the biomimetic technique. The process involved the precipitation of calcium phosphate particles within the PDMS matrix during the composite fabrication. The chemical composition of the filler phase was studied by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Scattering electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed tiny particles (200 nm) of calcium phosphate evenly distributed and dispersed on the composite surface. The influence of the filler phase on the composite surface energy, tensile strength, bioactivity and cellular viability were assessed. The incorporation of the particles to the PDMS led to higher surface energy values. The tensile measurements showed that the composite made with 25 %(v/v) of filler achieved a 15 % increased in the tensile strength, once compared to the pure PDMS. The in vitro bioactivity essay showed that after 7 days of soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF) a homogeneous layer of HAp like crystals can be seen on the composite surface, this result suggested that the composite will demonstrate a excellent bioactivity once implanted in vivo.

Holographic sensors are photonic layered structures contained in analyte sensitive lms that upon illumination produce monochromatic reflections (λ). The present work reports the fabrication of oxygen and ammonia sensors in Nafi on membranes and hydrocarbon and volatile organic compound sensors in poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) films. A holographic recording technique was developed to suit these materials consisting of the in situ formation of nanoparticles of 18nm average diameter and their subsequent ordered ablation with a 300mJ laser. The wavelength of the monochromatic reflections depends principally on the refractive index of the resulting layers (n) and the separation between them (Λ). Changes in these parameters are generated by the analyte-sensor interactions and their magnitude can be correlated to the analyte concentration. The strength of these interactions is determined by the thermodynamic properties of the analytes, such as the cohesive energy density (δ^2), and this, was coupled with a photonic model for the prediction of the holographic response. After exposure to different concentrations of the analytes, the kinetics of the responses were determined and the lowest detection limits (LDL) established as follows: Hydrocarbons in PDMS holograms 1% (v/v) in 3s for a range of concentrations from 0-100%; ammonia in Nafi on holograms 0.16% in 100s in the 0-12.5% range; the LDL for oxygen sensing could not be determined although the response was recorded down to 12.5% and up to 100% in 100s. Holographic sensors show competitive responses comparable to commercially available gas sensors for biomedical diagnostics and industrial process monitoring because of their facile fabrication and their shared sensing platform allowing multiplexing.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver uma metodologia para a preparação de compósitos de polidimetilsiloxano (PDMS)/fosfato de cálcio elaborado mediante a técnica biomimética. O processo envolveu a precipitação de partículas de fosfato de cálcio dentro da matriz elastomérica de PDMS durante a elaboração do compósito. A composição química da fase de reforço foi avaliada mediante difração de raios X (DRX) e espectroscopia de energia dispersiva de raios X (EDS). Micrografias obtidas por microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) mostraram partículas pequenas (200 nm) de fosfato de cálcio homogeneamente distribuídas e dispersas na superfície do compósito. A influência da fase de reforço na energia de superfície, resistência mecânica, bioatividade e viabilidade celular do compósito foram medidas. A incorporação das partículas no PDMS levou ao aumento dos valores da energia de superfície. Os resultados do ensaio de resistência mecânica à tração mostraram que o compósito elaborado com 25 %(v/v) de reforço apresentou um aumento de 15 % de resistência à tração com relação ao PDMS puro. O ensaio de biatividade in vitro mostrou que após de 7 dias de imersão em fluido biológico simulado (SBF), uma camada homogênea de cristais com a morfologia da hidroxiapatita foi precipitada na superfície do compósito, este resultado sugere que o compósito poderá demonstrar uma excelente bioatividade uma vez implantado in vivo. / The main objective of this study was to develop a method to prepare poly(dimetilsiloxane) (PDMS)/calcium phosphates composites by using the biomimetic technique. The process involved the precipitation of calcium phosphate particles within the PDMS matrix during the composite fabrication. The chemical composition of the filler phase was studied by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Scattering electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs showed tiny particles (200 nm) of calcium phosphate evenly distributed and dispersed on the composite surface. The influence of the filler phase on the composite surface energy, tensile strength, bioactivity and cellular viability were assessed. The incorporation of the particles to the PDMS led to higher surface energy values. The tensile measurements showed that the composite made with 25 %(v/v) of filler achieved a 15 % increased in the tensile strength, once compared to the pure PDMS. The in vitro bioactivity essay showed that after 7 days of soaking in simulated body fluid (SBF) a homogeneous layer of HAp like crystals can be seen on the composite surface, this result suggested that the composite will demonstrate a excellent bioactivity once implanted in vivo.

Submitted by Nayara Passos (nayara.passos@ufpe.br) on 2015-03-11T19:38:37Z No. of bitstreams: 2 TESE Edemberg Rocha Da Silva.pdf: 3549172 bytes, checksum: 265bdba827fa427b0cf01929855ba95a (MD5) license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2015-03-11T19:38:37Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 TESE Edemberg Rocha Da Silva.pdf: 3549172 bytes, checksum: 265bdba827fa427b0cf01929855ba95a (MD5) license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014 / O aumento do número de fontes de dados distribuídas, autônomas e heterogêneas (por exemplo, documentos XML, banco de dados relacionais, páginas HTML, entre outros) na Web tem motivado a necessidade de sistemas de integração, que permitam aos usuários consultar essas fontes de forma transparente. Sistemas de integração de dados baseados em arquiteturas P2P (Peer-to-Peer) têm surgido para melhorar o compartilhamento de dados sobre essas fontes de dados. Por convenção, chamamos essas fontes de pontos. Esses sistemas são os Peer-to-PeerData Management Systems (PDMS). Para reduzir o espaço de busca para consultas, assim como reduzir o tempo de resposta de uma consulta e diminuir o tráfego de mensagens na rede, alguns PDMS agrupam seus pontos em clusters. O agrupamento pode ser realizado considerando a similaridade semântica entre os esquemas dos pontos que compõem o sistema. Para isso, esses PDMS utilizam ontologias para representar os esquemas exportados por cada ponto que deseja compartilhar seus dados. Os pontos têm comportamento dinâmico, ou seja, a qualquer momento eles podem modificar seus esquemas e entrar ou sair do PDMS. Esse dinamismo pode modificar o esquema que representa o cluster e, consequentemente, causar um problema o qual chamamos de desbalanceamento semântico dos clusters. Além disso, como os agrupamentos são baseados em similaridade semântica, pode ocorrer a formação de um cluster com um grande número de pontos, sobrecarregando o ponto responsável por gerenciar esse cluster. No entanto, as soluções para o balanceamento de carga em ambientes P2P podem provocar desbalanceamento semântico nos clusters. Em alguns PDMS, os clusters se conectam entre si, se houver similaridade semântica entre eles. Com as modificações dos esquemas dos clusters, novas conexões entre clusters poderão surgir. Neste sentido, faz-se necessário um processo que permita aos clusters encontrarem essas novas conexões. Chamamos esse processo de religação semântica. Dentro desse escopo, o objetivo deste trabalho é apresentar soluções para uma manutenção automática desses clusters. A manutenção ocorre sem a intervenção humana e realiza o balanceamento de carga, o balanceamento semântico dos clusters e a religação semântica, quando necessário.

Neste trabalho uretanas livres de isocianatos produzidas a partir de um precursor bis(ciclocarbonato) oligomérico contendo segmentos de poli(dimetil siloxano) (CCPDMS) foram sintetizadas. Para tal, utilizou-se diferentes aminas primárias como a 3-aminometil-3,5,5 trimetilciclohexilamina (IPDA) e as monoaminas 3-aminopropil(trietóxisilano) (APTES), feniletilamina (PEA), catecol amina (dopamina) e um decapeptídeo derivado da proteína de adesão de mariscos (mefp-1).O precursor oligomérico CCPDMS foi produzido por fixação de dióxido de carbono em anéis epóxi catalisado por um sal quarternário de amônio, o brometo de tetraetilamônio (BTA). O precursor CCPDMS foi então reagido com as aminas por meio de polimerização por abertura de anel formando hidroxiuretanas derivadas de PDMS (PDMSUr) com diferentes terminações de cadeia. Tendo como terminador de cadeia o APTES, foi possível produzir um material híbrido com domínios inorgânicos de sílica organicamente modificada (ormosil) interligadas com a parte orgânica de PDMS por meio de ligações uretana. Nesta matriz híbrida foram adicionadas diferentes porcentagens mássicas de ácido fosfotúngstico (PWA), variando entre 1% a 55%. Os materiais foram caracterizados quanto à sua estrutura química por técnicas espectroscópicas (Ressonância Magnética Nuclear, Infravermelho, Espectroscopia de Fotoelétrons, MALDI-ToF), propriedade anti-corrosão (espectroscopia de impedância eletroquímica, polarização potenciodinâmica), propriedades superficiais (energia livre superficial, nanoindentação), análise morfológica (Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura), estabilidade térmica (Análise Termogravimétrica), testes de adesão (pull-off-test e cisalhamento), testes microbiológicos (adesão de bactérias, tecidos e citotoxicidade), além de ensaios de fotocromismo. O polioxometalato PWA conferiu propriedades fotocrômicas aos filmes híbridos de PDMSUr com máxima absorbância de 1,6 u.a após irradiação por luz ultra-violeta (UV). PDMSUr híbridas com ou sem PWA foram testadas como adesivos para vidro, alumínio, aço (SS316L) e liga de titânio (Ti6Al4V) apresentando valores de força de adesão entre 2-7 MPa. Filmes de PDMSUr preparados em diferentes substratos apresentaram comportamento bacteriostático frente à adesão de Escherichia coli (E.coli) e Lactobacillus casei (L.casei). A PDMSUr biomimética terminada por grupos catecóis foi capaz de formar camadas em superfícies metálicas apresentando boa estabilidade frente à remoção da camada depositada por lavagem com etanol. / Free isocyanate urethanes produced from an oligomeric precursor bis(cyclic carbonate) bearing poly(dimethylsiloxane) (CCPDMS) were synthesized in this work. Different primary amines such as 3-Aminomethyl-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexylamine (IPDA) and monoamines 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), phenylethylamine (PEA), catechol amine (dopamine) and a decapeptide derived from marine mussel foot protein (mefp-1). The precursor cyclic carbonate CCPDMS was obtained from carbon dioxide fixation into epoxy rings catalized by a quaternary ammonium salt, tetraethylamonium bromide (TEAB). The precursor CCPDMS was reacted with the different amines by ring opening polymerization affording the formation of hydroxyurethanes PDMS derived (PDMSUr) with different chain terminations. Using APTES as chain terminator was feasible to obtain a hybrid material containing inorganic domains of organically modified silica (ormosil) interconnected to the organic part PDMS through urethane bond. In this hybrid matrix different mass percentages, varying from 1%wt to 55 wt%, of phosphotungstic acid (PWA) were added. The materials were characterized regarding their chemical structure by spectroscopic techniques (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Infrared, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF and GPC), anti corrosive property (Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization), surface properties (free surface energy, nanoindentation), morphology (Scanning Electron Microscopy), thermal stability (Thermogravimetric analysis), adhesion strenght measurements (pull-off-test and lap-shear), microbiologic assays (bacteria adhesion, tissue adhesion and citotoxicity test) besides photochromic assays. The polyoxometalate PWA provided photochromic property to the PDMSUr hybrid films presenting a maximum absorbance of 1.6 a.u after ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. Hybrids PDMSUr with or without PWA were tested as adhesive for glass, aluminium, steel (SS316L) and titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) showing adhesion strength values ranging from 2-7 MPa. PDMSUr films prepared on different substrates showed bacteriostatic behavior against Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Lactobacillus casei (L.casei). The biomimetic PDMSUr catechol endcapped was able to form a layer on metallic surfaces showing good stability after rinsing with ethanol.

Biomaterials have evolved over the years from the passive role of mere biocompatibility to an increasingly active role of presenting instructive cues to elicit precise responses at the molecular and cellular levels. Various characteristics common to synthetic biomaterials in vitro and extracellular matrices in vivo, such as immobilized functional or peptide groups, mechanical stiffness, bulk physical properties and topographical features, are key players that regulate cell response. The dynamics in the cell microenvironment and at the cell adhesive interface trigger a web of cell-material and cell-cell information exchanges that have a profound impact in directing the ultimate cell fate decision. Therefore, comprehension of cell substrate interactions is crucial to propel forward the evolution of new instructive biomaterials. Combinatorial biomaterials that encompass a wide range of properties can help to recapitulate the complexity of a cell microenvironment. The objective of this research was to fabricate combinatorial biomaterials with properties that span wide ranges in both surface chemistries and mechanical moduli. These materials were based on polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS), an elastomeric silicone biomaterial with physiologically relevant stiffness. After developing these mechano-chemical gradient biomaterials, we conducted high throughput screening of cell responses on them to elucidate cell substrate interactions and material directed behaviors. Our central hypothesis was that materials encompassing monotonic gradients in mechanical elastic modulus and orthogonal surface chemistry gradients could be engineered using the soft biomaterial, polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS) and that these gradient biomaterials would evoke a varied cell response. Furthermore, we expected high throughput screening of cell-material interactions using these materials would elucidate patterns and thresholds of synergy or antagonism in the overall cell response to the increased complexity presented by combinatorial materials. First, reproducible gradients in surface chemistry were generated on PDMS through surface modification techniques. Cell response to PDMS surface chemistry gradients was then screened in a rapid high throughput manner. Additionally, characteristics of the adhesive interface were probed to understand its role in cell response. Finally, a 2D combinatorial gradient with a gradient in mechanical elastic modulus and an orthogonal gradient in surface chemistry was fabricated with PDMS. High throughput screening of the synergistic influence of the varied mechanical and biochemical extracellular signals presented by the combinatorial biomaterial on cell response was conducted in a systematic manner. This research demonstrates the fabrication of combinatorial biomaterials with a wide range of mechanochemical properties for rapid screening of cell response; a technique that will facilitate the development of biomaterial design criteria for numerous biomedical engineering applications including in vitro cell culture platforms and tissue engineering.

Stretchable Electronics is an emerging class of electronics that allow electronics to be bent, conform, ex and stretch while still retaining its full functionality. Other than bending, existing and conforming, adding stretchability to electronic systems can open up a new frontier for a myriad of applications. Especially in the medical sector, these stretchable devices can increase the scope of monitoring and ease and comfort of the patient. All kinds of wearable devices can be based on these technologies to augment our daily lives. With the kind of state of art technology available to the common man today, the bar has already been set for the performance of such devices. Hence, its imperative that these stretchable devices perform at this level and should be capable of adapting to the market to serve the mass requirement. Hence, it becomes inevitable to use metal interconnects to provide very low resistance and easy adhesion to commercial electronic components. Another aspect of such devices is an adhesion ability with which we can attach it to various kinds of surfaces. In this thesis, we propose a new multi-layered PDMS structure approach to bring stretchability in the device. For all kinds of adhesion requirements, various ratios of PDMS: Cross-linker have been used. These different ratios of PDMS: Cross-linker changes the mechanical and adhesive properties of the cured PDMS. Hence, the same material can be used as the stretchable substrate as well as to serve various adhesion requirements. A soft adhesion allows us to attach it to the human body/other surfaces. The adhesion can be tailored to be quite conformal and strong, yet its removal is quite gentle to the skin. A higher curing ratio makes the PDMS very sticky and soft. Aluminum/Copper foils can be directly stuck upon it and tracks can be then etched out to get a printed circuit. Since this adhesive layer is quite soft, it acts as a cushion and reduces the amount of stress transferred to the metal interconnects. Hence, stretchable circuits with metal interconnects can be realized. The electronic components can be then attached upon it via normal soldering techniques/using conductive ink. Various devices that can be built with the proposed techniques have been coined the term CAS (Conformal Active Sheets) to allow easy reference to such kind of devices. Since the substrate is soft, physical handling of such devices becomes an issue as one tries to transfer the circuit pattern. Hence, direct etching of the metal foil was explored via high pulsed current discharge technique. A CNC machine was also designed to try various ways of direct etching of the metal foil in an accurate and repeatable fashion.