On the Development of a New Flexible Pressure Sensor.

The rapid advancement of the Internet of Things (IoT) serves as a significant driving force behind the development of innovative sensors and actuators. This technological progression has created a substantial demand for new flexible pressure sensors, essential for a variety of applications ranging from wearable devices to smart home systems. In response to this growing need, our laboratory has developed a novel flexible pressure sensor, designed to offer an improved performance and adaptability.

System of Implantable Electrodes for Neural Signal Acquisition and Stimulation for Wirelessly Connected Forearm Prosthesis.

There is great interest in the development of prosthetic limbs capable of complex activities that are wirelessly connected to the patient's neural system. Although some progress has been achieved in this area, one of the main problems encountered is the selective acquisition of nerve impulses and the closing of the automation loop through the selective stimulation of the sensitive branches of the patient. Large-scale research and development have achieved so-called "cuff electrodes"; however, they present a big disadvantage: they are not selective.

Comparative Study of Graphene Nanoplatelets and Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes-Polypropylene Composite Materials for Electromagnetic Shielding.

Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-polypropylene (PP) composite materials for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding applications were fabricated as 1 mm thick panels and their properties were studied. Structural and morphologic characterization indicated that the obtained composite materials are not simple physical mixtures of these components but new materials with particular properties, the filler concentration and nature affecting the nanomaterials' structure and their conductivity. In the case of GNPs, their characteristics have a dramatic effect of their functionality, since they can lead to composites with lower conductivity and less effective EMI shielding.

Carbon Allotropes-Based Paints and Their Composite Coatings for Electromagnetic Shielding Applications.

The present manuscript reports on optimized formulations of alcohol-based conductive paints for electromagnetic interference shielding (EMI), which can ensure compatibility and reduce the visibility of electronic equipment, as a continuation of our previous work in this field, which examined water-based formulations for other applications. Graphite, carbon black, graphene, FeO, Fe ore, and PEDOT:PSS in various ratios and combinations were employed in an alcohol base for developing homogeneous paint-like fluid mixtures that could be easily applied to surfaces with a paintbrush, leading to homogeneous, uniform, opaque layers, drying fast in the air at room temperature; these layers had a reasonably good electrical conductivity and, subsequently, an efficient EMI-shielding performance. Uniform, homogeneous and conductive layers with a thickness of over 1 mm without exfoliations and cracking were prepared with the developed paints, offering an attenuation of up to 50 dB of incoming GHz electromagnetic radiation.

Early Notice Pointer, an IoT-like Platform for Point-of-Care Feet and Body Balance Screening.

Improper foot biomechanics associated with uneven bodyweight distribution contribute to impaired balance and fall risks. There is a need to complete the panel of commercially available devices for the self-measurement of BMI, fat, muscle, bone, weight, and hydration with one that measures weight-shifting at home as a pre-specialist assessment system. This paper reports the development of the Early Notice Pointer (ENP), a user-friendly screening device based on weighing scale technology.

Remote Sensing System for Motor Nerve Impulse.

In this article, we present our research achievements regarding the development of a remote sensing system for motor pulse acquisition, as a first step towards a complete neuroprosthetic arm. We present the fabrication process of an implantable electrode for nerve impulse acquisition, together with an innovative wirelessly controlled system. In our study, these were combined into an implantable device for attachment to peripheral nerves.

Advances in the Rapid Diagnostic of Viral Respiratory Tract Infections.

Viral infections are a significant public health problem, primarily due to their high transmission rate, various pathological manifestations, ranging from mild to severe symptoms and subclinical onset. Laboratory diagnostic tests for infectious diseases, with a short enough turnaround time, are promising tools to improve patient care, antiviral therapeutic decisions, and infection prevention. Numerous microbiological molecular and serological diagnostic testing devices have been developed and authorised as benchtop systems, and only a few as rapid miniaturised, fully automated, portable digital platforms.

Novel Water-Based Paints for Composite Materials Used in Electromagnetic Shielding Applications.

The development of materials offering electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding is of significant consideration, since this can help in expanding the lifetime of devices, electromagnetic compatibility, as well as the protection of biological systems. Conductive paints used widely today in electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding applications are often based on organic solvents that can create safety issues due to the subsequent environment problems. This paper concerned the development of eco-friendly conductive water-based paints for use in EMI-shielding applications.

E-Skin: The Dawn of a New Era of On-Body Monitoring Systems.

Real-time "on-body" monitoring of human physiological signals through wearable systems developed on flexible substrates (e-skin) is the next target in human health control and prevention, while an alternative to bulky diagnostic devices routinely used in clinics. The present work summarizes the recent trends in the development of e-skin systems. Firstly, we revised the material development for e-skin systems.

Design and Fabrication of a New Wearable Pressure Sensor for Blood Pressure Monitoring.

In recent years, research into the field of materials for flexible sensors and fabrication techniques directed towards wearable devices has helped to raise awareness of the need for new sensors with healthcare applicability. Our goal was to create a wearable flexible pressure sensor that could be integrated into a clinically approved blood pressure monitoring device. The sensor is built from a microfluidic channel encapsulated between two polymer layers, one layer being covered by metal transducers and the other being a flexible membrane containing the microfluidic channel, which also acts as a sealant for the structure.

Effect of Graphene Nanoplatelets on the Structure, the Morphology, and the Dielectric Behavior of Low-Density Polyethylene Nanocomposites.

The incorporation of graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) within a polymer matrix can play an important role in the physical properties and the functionality of the composite material. Composites consisting of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and GnPs of different concentrations were developed by mixing GnPs with a molten form of the polymeric matrix. The effect of the GnPs content on the morphological, structural, and electrical properties of the composites were investigated.

New Electrospun ZnO:MoO Nanostructures: Preparation, Characterization and Photocatalytic Performance.

New molybdenum trioxide-incorporated ZnO materials were prepared through the electrospinning method and then calcination at 500 °C, for 2 h. The obtained electrospun ZnO:MoO hybrid materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, ultraviolet (UV)-diffuse reflectance, UV-visible (UV-vis) absorption, and photoluminescence techniques. It was observed that the presence of MoO as loading material in pure ZnO matrix induces a small blue shift in the absorption band maxima (from 382 to 371 nm) and the emission peaks are shifted to shorter wavelengths, as compared to pure ZnO.