Organic Nano-Junctions: Linking Nanomorphology and Charge Transport in Organic Semiconductor Nanoparticles for Organic Photovoltaic Devices.

In this study, innovative nanoscale devices are developed to investigate the charge transport in organic semiconductor nanoparticles. Using different steps of lithography techniques and dielectrophoresis, planar organic nano-junctions are fabricated from which hole mobilities are extracted in a space charge-limited current regime. Subsequently, these devices are used to investigate the impact of the composition and morphology of organic semiconductor nanoparticles on the charge mobilities.

Localization and function of humanized F508del-CFTR in mouse intestine following activation of serum glucocorticoid kinase 1 and Trikafta.

The CFTR modulator Trikafta has markedly improved lung disease for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) patients carrying the common delta F508 (F508del-CFTR) CFTR mutation. F508del-CFTR results in an apical trafficking defect and loss of function in CFTR-expressing epithelial cells. However, Trikafta has not resulted in improved gastrointestinal function in CF patients.

Printing and Coating Techniques for Scalable Organic Photovoltaic Fabrication.

Within recent years, there has been an increased interest towards organic photovoltaics (OPVs), especially with their significant device performance reaching beyond 19% since 2022. With these advances in the device performance of laboratory-scaled OPVs, there has also been more attention directed towards using printing and coating methods that are compatible with large-scale fabrication. Though large-area (>100 cm) OPVs have reached an efficiency of 15%, this is still behind that of laboratory-scale OPVs.

Measuring scattering distributions in scanning helium microscopy.

A scanning helium microscope typically utilises a thermal energy helium atom beam, with an energy and wavelength (¡100meV, ∼0.05 nm) particularly sensitive to surface structure. An angular detector stage for a scanning helium microscope is presented that facilitates the in-situ measurement of scattering distributions from a sample.

CFTR High Expresser Cells in cystic fibrosis and intestinal diseases.

Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR), the Cl/HCO channel implicated in Cystic Fibrosis, is critical to the pathophysiology of many gastrointestinal diseases. Defects in CFTR lead to intestinal dysfunction, malabsorption, obstruction, infection, inflammation, and cancer that increases morbidity and reduces quality of life. This review will focus on CFTR in the intestine and the implications of the subpopulation of CFTR High Expresser Cells (CHEs) in Cystic Fibrosis (CF), intestinal physiology and pathophysiology of intestinal diseases.

Sub-resolution contrast in neutral helium microscopy through facet scattering for quantitative imaging of nanoscale topographies on macroscopic surfaces.

Nanoscale thin film coatings and surface treatments are ubiquitous across industry, science, and engineering; imbuing specific functional or mechanical properties (such as corrosion resistance, lubricity, catalytic activity and electronic behaviour). Non-destructive nanoscale imaging of thin film coatings across large (ca. centimetre) lateral length scales, crucial to a wide range of modern industry, remains a significant technical challenge.

Remote Learning Facilitated by MyScope Explore.

In response to the requirements imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, we developed a remote learning undergraduate workshop for 44 students at the University of Newcastle by embedding scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of (Peacock) spiders into the MyScope Explore environment. The workshop session had two main components: 1) to use the online MyScope Explore tool to virtually image scales with structural color and pigmented color on spiders; 2) to join a live SEM session via Zoom to image an actual spider. In previous years, the undergraduate university students attending this annual workshop would enter the Microscopy Facility at the University of Newcastle to image specimens with SEM; however, in 2020 the Microscopy Facility was closed to student visitors, and this virtual activity was developed in order to proceed with the educational event.

Observation of diffuse scattering in scanning helium microscopy.

In understanding the nature of contrast in the emerging field of neutral helium microscopy, it is important to identify if there is an atom-surface scattering distribution that can be expected to apply broadly across a range of sample surfaces. Here we present results acquired in a scanning helium microscope (SHeM) under typical operating conditions, from a range of surfaces in their native state, without any specialist sample preparation. We observe diffuse scattering, with an approximately cosine distribution centred about the surface normal.

Plasmonic enhancement of aqueous processed organic photovoltaics.

Sodium tungsten bronze (Na WO) is a promising alternative plasmonic material to nanoparticulate gold due to its strong plasmonic resonances in both the visible and near-infrared (NIR) regions. Additional benefits include its simple production either as a bulk or a nanoparticle material at a relatively low cost. In this work, plasmonic Na WO nanoparticles were introduced and mixed into the nanoparticulate zinc oxide electron transport layer of a water processed poly(3-hexylthiophene):phenyl-C-butyric acid methyl ester (P3HT:PCBM) nanoparticle (NP) based organic photovoltaic device (NP-OPV).

Surfactant Engineering and Its Role in Determining the Performance of Nanoparticulate Organic Photovoltaic Devices.

The fabrication of organic photovoltaics (OPVs) from non-hazardous nanoparticulate (NP) inks offers considerable promise for the development of eco-friendly large-scale printed solar modules. However, the typical NP core-shell morphology (driven by the different donor/acceptor affinities for the surfactant used in NP synthesis) currently hinders the photovoltaic performance. As such, surfactant engineering offers an elegant approach to synthesizing a more optimal intermixed NP morphology and hence an improved photovoltaic performance.

Standardizing resolution definition in scanning helium microscopy.

Resolution is a key parameter for microscopy, but methods for standardizing its definition are often poorly defined. For a developing technique such as scanning helium microscopy, it is critical that a consensus-based protocol for determining instrument resolution is prepared as a written standard to allow both comparable quantitative measurements of surface topography and direct comparisons between different instruments. In this paper we assess a range of quantitative methods for determining instrument resolution and determine their relative merits when applied to the specific case of the scanning helium microscope (SHeM).

Controlling Nanostructure in Inkjet Printed Organic Transistors for Pressure Sensing Applications.

This work reports the development of a highly sensitive pressure detector prepared by inkjet printing of electroactive organic semiconducting materials. The pressure sensing is achieved by incorporating a quantum tunnelling composite material composed of graphite nanoparticles in a rubber matrix into the multilayer nanostructure of a printed organic thin film transistor. This printed device was able to convert shock wave inputs rapidly and reproducibly into an inherently amplified electronic output signal.

Roll-to-roll solvent annealing of printed P3HT : ICA devices.

Currently, large-scale roll-to-roll production of printed organic photovoltaics (OPVs) involves high temperature annealing steps that are not compatible with thermally sensitive substrates, such as coated fabrics. In particular, the processing temperatures needed to produce the required crystalline ordering in the printed films are typically above the deformation and melting-points of these substrates. In this paper we investigate the use of local solvent recrystallisation (solvent annealing) on the roll-to-roll scale as a method for avoiding high-temperature thermal annealing.

Comparative evaluation of antimicrobial effectiveness of probiotic milk and fluoride mouthrinse on salivary counts and plaque scores in children - An experimental study.

Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of probiotic milk and fluoride mouthwash on salivary Streptococcus mutans (SM) counts and plaque index (PI) scores in children.

Materials And Methods: Thirty children of 8-13 years with zero decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft)/DMFT were randomly divided into two equal groups of 15 each; baseline saliva samples were collected, and plaque scores were recorded. Group A received probiotic milk and Group B received fluoride mouthwash for 7 days, and then, saliva samples were collected for colony counting, and plaque scores were recorded on the 8 day.

Building intermixed donor-acceptor architectures for water-processable organic photovoltaics.

A modified synthesis method for aqueous nanoparticle printing inks, based upon vacuum-assisted solvent removal, is reported. Poly(3-hexylthiophene):phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl ester nanoparticle inks were prepared via this modified miniemulsion method, leading to both an improvement in photoactive layer morphology and a substantial reduction in the ink fabrication time. A combination of UV-visible spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy measurements revealed a nanoparticle morphology comprising highly intermixed donor-acceptor domains.

Role of Stabilizing Surfactants on Capacitance, Charge, and Ion Transport in Organic Nanoparticle-Based Electronic Devices.

Deposition of functionalized nanoparticles onto solid surfaces has created a new revolution in electronic devices. Surface adsorbates such as ionic surfactants or additives are often used to stabilize such nanoparticle suspensions; however, little is presently known about the influence of such surfactants and additives on specific electronic and chemical functionality of nanoparticulate electronic devices. This work combines experimental measurements and theoretical models to probe the role of an ionic surfactant in the fundamental physical chemistry and electronic charge carrier behavior of photodiode devices prepared using multicomponent organic electronic nanoparticles.

Taxonomy through the lens of neutral helium microscopy.

The field of taxonomy is critically important for the identification, conservation, and ecology of biological species. Modern taxonomists increasingly need to employ advanced imaging techniques to classify organisms according to their observed morphological features. Moreover, the generation of three-dimensional datasets is of growing interest; moving beyond qualitative analysis to true quantitative classification.

The Untold Story of Fluoridation: Revisiting the Changing Perspectives.

The discovery of fluoride in dentistry has revolutionized treatment modalities with a new aspect of prevention and conservation of tooth structure coming into foreplay. Since then, there has been a lot of research on both topical and systemic fluoridation in an overzealous attempt to control the most debilitating dental problem of caries. Although topical fluoride is still being widely used as a preventive measure for dental caries, systemic administration of the same has gained major criticism worldwide due to the low margin of safety of fluoride and no control over the amount of individual intake when administered on a community level.

Organic Bioelectronics: Materials and Biocompatibility.

Organic electronic materials have been considered for a wide-range of technological applications. More recently these organic (semi)conductors (encompassing both conducting and semi-conducting organic electronic materials) have received increasing attention as materials for bioelectronic applications. Biological tissues typically comprise soft, elastic, carbon-based macromolecules and polymers, and communication in these biological systems is usually mediated via mixed electronic and ionic conduction.

Image formation in the scanning helium microscope.

The scanning helium microscope (SHeM) is a new addition to the array of available microscopies, particularly for delicate materials that may suffer damage under techniques utilising light or charged particles. As with all other microscopies, the specifics of image formation within the instrument are required to gain a full understanding of the produced micrographs. We present work detailing the basics of the subject for the SHeM, including the specific nature of the projection distortions that arise due to the scattering geometry.

Fibrolipoma on a Child's Lip: A Rare Clinical Finding.

Lipoma is very common benign tumor of adipose tissue, but its presence in the oral cavity is rare. Fibrolipoma is a histological variant of lipoma that affects the buccal mucosa and nasal septum in the orofacial region and causes functional and cosmetic issues. However, this lesion has not been reported on the upper lip and may be confused with other soft tissue lesions of children.

Optimisation of purification techniques for the preparation of large-volume aqueous solar nanoparticle inks for organic photovoltaics.

In this study we have optimised the preparation conditions for large-volume nanoparticle inks, based on poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT):indene-C multiadducts (ICxA), through two purification processes: centrifugal and crossflow ultrafiltration. The impact of purification is twofold: firstly, removal of excess sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) surfactant from the ink and, secondly, concentration of the photoactive components in the ink. The removal of SDS was studied in detail both by a UV-vis spectroscopy-based method and by surface tension measurements of the nanoparticle ink filtrate; revealing that centrifugal ultrafiltration removed SDS at a higher rate than crossflow ultrafiltration even though a similar filter was applied in both cases (10,000 Da cut-off).

Advantages and Limitations of Current Imaging Techniques for Characterizing Liposome Morphology.

There are currently a number of imaging techniques available for evaluating the morphology of liposomes and other nanoparticles, with each having its own advantages and disadvantages that should be considered when interpreting data. Controlling and validating the morphology of nanoparticles is of key importance for the effective clinical translation of liposomal formulations. There are a number of physical characteristics of liposomes that determine their behavior, including size, surface characteristics, lamellarity, and homogeneity.

Utilizing Energy Transfer in Binary and Ternary Bulk Heterojunction Organic Solar Cells.

Energy transfer has been identified as an important process in ternary organic solar cells. Here, we develop kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) models to assess the impact of energy transfer in ternary and binary bulk heterojunction systems. We used fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy to determine the energy disorder and Förster radii for poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl), [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester, 4-bis[4-(N,N-diisobutylamino)-2,6-dihydroxyphenyl]squaraine (DIBSq), and poly(2,5-thiophene-alt-4,9-bis(2-hexyldecyl)-4,9-dihydrodithieno[3,2-c:3',2'-h][1,5]naphthyridine-5,10-dione).