Reimagining Cardiovascular Disease Treatment with Fibroblasts

The exciting realm of mesenchymal-to-endothelial transition (MEndoT), though controversial, is an area of research that could radically transform our approach to treating cardiovascular diseases. Key to this is understanding the potential role of fibroblasts – a type of cell known for its role in tissue homeostasis and disease – in the formation of new blood vessels. In this journey of discovery, the Oris Universal Cell Migration Assembly kit has proven to be a critical tool.

Is Silver the Metal Surface of Choice for Optical Devices?

Metal surfaces play a crucial role in various scientific and technological applications. Coatings and patterning techniques offer a means to modify the properties of metal surfaces for specific purposes. In the realm of optical devices, metal surfaces have garnered significant attention due to their unique characteristics. This blog post looks at the topic of metal surfaces, with a particular focus on silver, and explores its suitability as a choice for optical devices.

The Role of Cell Migration Assays in Studying Heart Disease

Aneurysms are potentially life-threatening conditions caused by thinning of the blood vessels, allowing the arteries to bulge out abnormally. To elucidate the molecular underpinnings of congenital aneurysms, researchers have turned to cell migration assays, employing them as valuable tools in their investigations. This blog post explores the findings from such studies.

Hydrogen Flame Annealing of Gold

As the demands of nanotechnology and material science continue to evolve, so too do the methodologies used to meet these needs. One key procedure that has revolutionized the field is the use of hydrogen flame annealing in the preparation of gold substrates. Gold, with its inherent chemical stability and ability to form strong bonds with certain biomolecules, has proven itself as a substrate of choice for numerous applications, including atomic force microscopy (AFM).

Fabricating Gold Electrodes on Flexible Polyimide Films: A Comprehensive Guide

Polyimide films are a popular choice for flexible electronic applications due to their remarkable properties. These films exhibit excellent thermal stability, mechanical strength, and chemical resistance, making them ideal for use in harsh environments. In addition, their inherent flexibility allows for the design of lightweight and compact devices that can easily conform to various shapes.

Unlocking Alzheimer’s Molecular Secrets with Infrared Nanospectroscopy

Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating condition characterized by memory loss and cognitive impairment, causing immense suffering for patients and their families. One of the main causes of Alzheimer’s is the aggregation of a protein called amyloid-β (Aβ42) in the brain, leading to the formation of toxic structures. Scientists have been working tirelessly to understand the molecular basis of this disorder and develop treatments that can stop or reverse the aggregation process. In a groundbreaking study, researchers used infrared nanospectroscopy and ultra-flat gold to explore the interactions between Aβ42 aggregates and a small molecule inhibitor.

Unveiling the Secrets of Alzheimer’s Disease at the Nanoscale

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is the leading cause of cognitive decline and death among seniors, accounting for about 70% of all neurodegenerative diseases. One of the hallmarks of AD is the accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) proteins, which form toxic aggregates known as amyloid plaques. To better understand the molecular mechanisms behind AD and develop effective treatments, researchers are continually exploring new techniques to study these proteins at the nanoscale.

Unraveling the Mysterious Effects of β-Carotene on Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. One of the main features of this disease is the formation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregates in the brain, which are believed to play a critical role in the development of AD. Scientists have been exploring various strategies to prevent or treat AD, including the use of natural compounds like β-carotene. In a recent study, researchers investigated how β-carotene affects the structure of Aβ aggregates, providing new insights into potential therapeutic approaches.

Electrical Characterization of Interdigitated Electrodes (IDEs)

Interdigitated electrodes (IDEs) are widely used as pressure sensors and transducers in the medical electronics industry. IDEs have also found use as strain gauges and force sensors, as well as in chemical sensor applications. To characterize IDEs, electrical measurements of resistance, capacitance and impedance need to be implemented. This article discusses how to perform an electrical analysis of IDEs.

Improved sensors for water contaminants using Au(111)

New research published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, led by Professor Fernando Garzon of the University of New Mexico, demonstrates a novel strategy to improve sensors for water contaminants. The new approach involves using a thin films of highly oriented gold Au(111) on an electrode to enable redesign of the sensing surface and enhance its sensitivity.

Photolithography & Adhesion 

A common problem that can occur during photolithography fabrication is adhesion of the photoresist to the substrate. A photoresist consists of a resin, sensitizer, adhesion promoter, and a thinner. Each component contributes to the overall photoresist properties. A resin is included to withstand an etchant solution that may be used in the later stages of fabrication. A sensitizer offers a photosensitive element to the resist that allows it to be exposed in certain areas and not in others. A thinner is included to modify the viscosity of the overall photoresist and make it easier to spin-coat onto the substrate. The included adhesion promoter is often not potent enough to provide enough strength between resist and substrate material.  

What is Shadow Masking? 

In semiconductor fabrication, stencil metal plates or shadow masks can be used to designate where a metal is deposited upon a substrate. The stencil serves as a medium for achieving custom designs onto a substrate without the need for photolithography processes. This works by masking certain areas of a substrate while exposing others to be deposited with metal.  

Emerging Technologies – Internet-of-Things

Internet of things (IoT) encompasses physical things that connect and exchange data with other technology. IoT offers increased connectivity, cloud computing, machine learning, and advancements to AI. Emerging advancements in IoT include machine monitoring, wearable health monitoring, inventory management, and public safety enhancements. IoT works through device-to-device communications that is conducted through sensor technology and actuators.  

What is a Cleanroom?

You might be thinking a cleanroom refers to an organized and tidy space. However, a certified cleanroom is much more than that. A cleanroom is a space for conducting operations that are sensitive the particle contamination, such as semiconductor fabrication. Enviornmental factors are altered in order to provide a controlled clean atmosphere. Airborne particles are filtered out while temperature, humidity, and air flow are regulated.  

Custom Dicing Service

Platypus Technologies offers a customizable dicing service for a range of substrate materials. Accommodations can be made for both silicon wafers and glass substrates. Substrates are scribed, and then broken into individual pieces. Well-defined scribing lines are made with a diamond finished scribing wheel. This process does not involve heat therefore prevents any potential damage to a substrate material. 

Creating patterns through Metal Lift-off

Creating a patterned metal on a substrate can be done through various methods. Metal lift-off represents just one fabrication method that entails three steps: 1) patterning a photosensitive polymer film onto the target substrate, 2) metal deposition onto the patterns polymer film, and 3) removal of polymer with a solvent.  

Thin-film Metal Coatings

As more advancements are made in the electronics industry, thin-film metal coatings remain in high demand. The team at Platypus Technologies has done custom work with a range of companies, from completing small R&D projects to creating continual partnerships. Our credibility has been built based on our internal expertise, high-quality metal deposition, and attention to detail.  

What is Plasma Cleaning?

Reactive gas molecules form what is known as plasma. The ions and electrons in plasma are used to remove unwanted organic contaminants. Unwanted particles are removed through a vacuum system. This cleaning procedure creates an ideal sterilization process. In addition, plasma cleaning eliminates the need for expensive solvents since substrate surfaces can be cleaned via a chemical reaction within plasma molecules.