IR-Live: fabrication of a low-cost plastic microfluidic device for infrared spectromicroscopy of living cells

Abstract The success of any industry in today’s highly competitive market is largely dependent on its ability to produce quality products, quickly and at low cost. Evaluating the effect of a product design on its manufacture is crucial in developing efficient designs. Any potential manufacturing problems detected at this stage can be corrected by modifying the design, leading to shorter product development cycles and lower production costs. This paper presents an algorithm to determine feasible tool approach directions. The algorithm is based on detecting if any part of the object obstructs the tool path. The basis for the algorithm is determining feasible approach directions and clearances around a planar polygonal face. The algorithm is applicable to both protrusions and depressions. The information is useful in performing manufacturability analysis of designs and develop process plans.

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Aktivitas amilase bakteri amilolitik asal larva black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens)

E-Journal Menara Perkebunan ◽

10.22302/iribb.jur.mp.v87i2.341 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 87 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Irma Kresnawaty ◽

Rizki Wahyu ◽

Ashadi Sasongko

Keyword(s):

Amylase Activity ◽

Low Cost ◽

Production Costs ◽

Black Soldier Fly ◽

Gram Staining ◽

Potential Source ◽

Optimum Ph ◽

Ph Range ◽

Thermostable Amylase ◽

Lower Production

AbstractAmylase is an enzyme that has been widely used as a biocatalyst in foodand bioethanol industries. The availability of thermostable amylase will further expand the market and extend the shelf life of this enzyme. Amylase is produced by amylolytic bacteria using media with high-costnitrogen sources, such as pepton. Black soldier fly (BSF) is a potential source of amylolitic bacteria since its ability to degrade organic matters rapidly. This research aimedtoexploreamylolitic bacteria from the larvae of BSF with highest amylase activity that can be produced using low-cost media. The screening ofamylase activity was conducted by culturing the bacteria on starch containing media.Bacteria with the highest amylase activity were cultured in liquid media with twodifferentnitrogensources (urea and nitrate). Determinations of the optimum pH and temperature for this enzyme activity were carried out in the pH range 4to 7 and temperature 35to 65 ºC. Three amylase-producing isolates were obtained in this study. M1 isolate which has the highest activity was characterized based oncatalase activity and Gram staining. The results showed that the M1 isolate mightbelong togenus Proteussp. At the optimum condition (45ºC and pH 7), amylase activityin nitrate mediawas0.791U/mL, which was about 18-folds higher than that in ureamedia (0,041U/mL). Thus, amylase isolated from BSF larvae can be classified as a mesophilic enzyme and has the potential to be developed commercially at lower production costs.[Keywords:crude extract enzyme,Proteus sp.,thermostable] AbstrakAmilase merupakan salah satu enzim yangtelah digunakan secara luas sebagai biokatalis dalam industri pangan dan bioetanol.Ketersediaan amilase termostabil akan semakin memperluas pasar dan memperpanjang daya simpan enzim ini. Selama ini, produksi amilase dilakukan dengan memanfaatkan bakteri amilolitik menggunakan media dengan sumber nitrogen yang mahal, misalnya pepton. Black soldier fly (BSF) merupakan sumber bakteri amilolitik yang potential karena BSF memiliki kemampuan mendegradasi bahan organik dengan cepat. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi bakteri amilolitik dengan kemampuan amilase tinggi yang dapat diproduksi menggunakan media yanglebihmurah.Skrining bakteri penghasil amilase dilakukan dengan menumbuhkan bakteri pada media yang mengandung pati. Bakteri dengan aktivitas amilase tertinggi dikulturkan dalam media cair dengan dua sumber nitrogenyang berbeda, yaitu urea dan nitrat. PenentuanpH dan suhu optimum aktivitas enzim ini dilakukan pada rentang pH 4sampai 7 dan suhu 35sampai 65 ºC.Tiga isolat penghasil amilase diperoleh dalam penelitian ini. Isolat M1 yang memiliki aktivitas tertinggi dikarakterisasi berdasarkan uji katalasedan uji pewarnaan Gram. Hasilnya menunjukkan bahwa isolat M1 termasukgenus Proteus sp. Pada kondisi optimum (suhu 45oC dan pH 7), aktivitas amilase pada media nitrat adalah 0,791 U/mL, lebih kurang 18 kali lebih tinggi dibanding aktivitas pada media urea (0,041 U/mL). Dengan demikian, amilase yang dihasilkan oleh bakteri asallarva BSF merupakan enzim mesofilik dan berpotensi untuk dikembangkan secara komersial dengan biaya produksi yang lebih murah.[Kata kunci: enzim ekstrak kasar, Proteussp.,termostabil]

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THE LOW-COST CLAYMATION DEVELOPMENT WITH A CASE STUDY OF “ABDI DALEM” COMIC CHARACTER ADAPTATION

Sosial & Humaniora ◽

10.24123/jsh.v8i1.672 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

pp. 47

Author(s):

Nugarhardi Ramadhani ◽

Sayatman Sayatman ◽

Rabendra Yudistira ◽

Anjrah Hamzah

Keyword(s):

Human Resources ◽

Low Cost ◽

Creative Industries ◽

Production Costs ◽

Creative Industry ◽

Animation Technique ◽

Stop Motion ◽

The Right ◽

Lower Production

Indonesia is one of the most largest country that is growing and has the potential of creative industries from various fields, one of which is animation and games. The majority of human resources of Indonesia are now advancing animation and games, but is still hampered by the right technology. Stop motion as an animation technique has a difficult position as mastering, this type of animation required technology and craftsmanship, thus it does not attract many people to use this technique. This research will discuss the development of a lowcost stop motion animation with maximum result that aims to support the needs of creative industry in Indonesia. This study is taking a character from ‘Abdi Dalem’; a popular fictional comic series. In Order to reach lower production costs, This research is using comparative study method in regards of low-cost materials and experimental method to determine the most economical post-production process.

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Simple, Fast, and Low Cost Fabrication Methods of Microchannels for Manipulation of Living Cells

Volume 10: Micro- and Nano-Systems Engineering and Packaging ◽

10.1115/imece2013-66152 ◽

2013 ◽

Author(s):

Anas Alazzam ◽

Bashar El-Khasawneh ◽

Mohammad Abutayeh

Keyword(s):

Microfluidic Device ◽

Glass Substrate ◽

Low Cost ◽

Living Cells ◽

Numerical Control ◽

Adhesive Tape ◽

3D Printer ◽

Cnc Machine ◽

Advantages And Disadvantages ◽

The Third

This work details simple non-cleanroom fabrication techniques to build hermetic microchannels using laboratory available material and equipment. Four different methods are presented for fast fabrication of microchannels at low cost. The microchannels are to be used for the manipulation of living cells. These methods of fabrication of microfluidics devices have previously been used and documented as reactors, fluid mixer, and for fluids transportation and inspection. In this work, all methods were used for manipulation of living cells. Each method, its advantages and disadvantages for this particular application are reported. The microfluidic device built using the first method includes a polymer-based part and a glass substrate with a layer of patterned electrodes. The Polymer-based microchannel is made outside the cleanroom facility using a simple mold made from adhesive tape. Moreover, the fabrication of a non-polymer microchannel made from double-sided tape is described. The microchannel height is about 50 μm while the width varies between 100 μm to a few hundred microns. The third method of fabrication is made by a 3D printer. The master molds for the polymer-based microfluidic device are fabricated by 3D printing of biocompatible material on glass substrate. The fourth method is a simple embossing of a male die in plastic or polymer substrate. A computer numerical control (CNC) machine was used to fabricate the embossing mold in stainless steel, brass, and aluminum. Microchannels were created by stamping the mold in a Cyclic Olefin Copolymer (COC) substrate.

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Janus – A New Approach to Air Combat Pilot Training

Transactions on Aerospace Research ◽

10.2478/tar-2019-0019 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 2019 (4) ◽

pp. 7-22

Author(s):

Georges Bridel ◽

Zdobyslaw Goraj ◽

Lukasz Kiszkowiak ◽

Jean-Georges Brévot ◽

Jean-Pierre Devaux ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Low Cost ◽

Cost Effective ◽

High Energy ◽

Training System ◽

Embedded Sensors ◽

Pilot Training ◽

New Approach ◽

Combat Aircraft ◽

Air Combat ◽

The Cost

Abstract Advanced jet training still relies on old concepts and solutions that are no longer efficient when considering the current and forthcoming changes in air combat. The cost of those old solutions to develop and maintain combat pilot skills are important, adding even more constraints to the training limitations. The requirement of having a trainer aircraft able to perform also light combat aircraft operational mission is adding unnecessary complexity and cost without any real operational advantages to air combat mission training. Thanks to emerging technologies, the JANUS project will study the feasibility of a brand-new concept of agile manoeuvrable training aircraft and an integrated training system, able to provide a live, virtual and constructive environment. The JANUS concept is based on a lightweight, low-cost, high energy aircraft associated to a ground based Integrated Training System providing simulated and emulated signals, simulated and real opponents, combined with real-time feedback on pilot’s physiological characteristics: traditionally embedded sensors are replaced with emulated signals, simulated opponents are proposed to the pilot, enabling out of sight engagement. JANUS is also providing new cost effective and more realistic solutions for “Red air aircraft” missions, organised in so-called “Aggressor Squadrons”.

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Design and Manufacturing of a Disposable, Cyclo-Olefin Copolymer, Microfluidic Device for a Biosensor †

Sensors ◽

10.3390/s19051178 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 19 (5) ◽

pp. 1178 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Jorge Prada ◽

Christina Cordes ◽

Carsten Harms ◽

Walter Lang

Keyword(s):

Microfluidic Device ◽

Heating Temperature ◽

Low Cost ◽

Reaction Chamber ◽

Microfluidic System ◽

Heating Process ◽

Design And Manufacturing ◽

On Chip ◽

Working Parameters ◽

Auto Fluorescence

This contribution outlines the design and manufacturing of a microfluidic device implemented as a biosensor for retrieval and detection of bacteria RNA. The device is fully made of Cyclo-Olefin Copolymer (COC), which features low auto-fluorescence, biocompatibility and manufacturability by hot-embossing. The RNA retrieval was carried on after bacteria heat-lysis by an on-chip micro-heater, whose function was characterized at different working parameters. Carbon resistive temperature sensors were tested, characterized and printed on the biochip sealing film to monitor the heating process. Off-chip and on-chip processed RNA were hybridized with capture probes on the reaction chamber surface and identification was achieved by detection of fluorescence tags. The application of the mentioned techniques and materials proved to allow the development of low-cost, disposable albeit multi-functional microfluidic system, performing heating, temperature sensing and chemical reaction processes in the same device. By proving its effectiveness, this device contributes a reference to show the integration potential of fully thermoplastic devices in biosensor systems.

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Extraction of short chain chitooligosaccharides from fungal biomass and their use as promoters of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-83299-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Andrea Crosino ◽

Elisa Moscato ◽

Marco Blangetti ◽

Gennaro Carotenuto ◽

Federica Spina ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fungal Biomass ◽

Large Scale ◽

Low Cost ◽

Trichoderma Viride ◽

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal ◽

Am Fungi ◽

Production Costs ◽

Short Chain ◽

Mycorrhizal Symbiosis ◽

Major Interest

AbstractShort chain chitooligosaccharides (COs) are chitin derivative molecules involved in plant-fungus signaling during arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) interactions. In host plants, COs activate a symbiotic signalling pathway that regulates AM-related gene expression. Furthermore, exogenous CO application was shown to promote AM establishment, with a major interest for agricultural applications of AM fungi as biofertilizers. Currently, the main source of commercial COs is from the shrimp processing industry, but purification costs and environmental concerns limit the convenience of this approach. In an attempt to find a low cost and low impact alternative, this work aimed to isolate, characterize and test the bioactivity of COs from selected strains of phylogenetically distant filamentous fungi: Pleurotus ostreatus, Cunninghamella bertholletiae and Trichoderma viride. Our optimized protocol successfully isolated short chain COs from lyophilized fungal biomass. Fungal COs were more acetylated and displayed a higher biological activity compared to shrimp-derived COs, a feature that—alongside low production costs—opens promising perspectives for the large scale use of COs in agriculture.

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Properties of Low-Cost WPCs Made from Alien Invasive Trees and rLDPE for Interior Use in Social Housing

Polymers ◽

10.3390/polym13152436 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (15) ◽

pp. 2436

Author(s):

Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed ◽

Martina Meincken

Keyword(s):

Tensile Strength ◽

Water Absorption ◽

Social Housing ◽

Low Cost ◽

Production Costs ◽

Low Density Polyethylene ◽

Low Grade ◽

Low Density ◽

Invasive Trees ◽

Recycled Low Density Polyethylene

Low-cost wood–plastic composites (WPCs) were developed from invasive trees and recycled low-density polyethylene. The aim was to produce affordable building materials for low-cost social housing in South Africa. Both raw materials are regarded as waste materials, and the subsequent product development adds value to the resources, while simultaneously reducing the waste stream. The production costs were minimised by utilising the entire biomass of Acacia saligna salvaged from clearing operations without any prior processing, and low-grade recycled low-density polyethylene to make WPCs without any additives. Different biomass/plastic ratios, particle sizes, and press settings were evaluated to determine the optimum processing parameters to obtain WPCs with adequate properties. The water absorption, dimensional stability, modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, and tensile moduli were improved at longer press times and higher temperatures for all blending ratios. This has been attributed to the crystallisation of the lignocellulose and thermally induced cross-linking in the polyethylene. An increased biomass ratio and particle size were positively correlated with water absorption and thickness swelling and inversely related with MOR, tensile strength, and density due to an incomplete encapsulation of the biomass by the plastic matrix. This study demonstrates the feasibility of utilising low-grade recycled polyethylene and the whole-tree biomass of A. saligna, without the need for pre-processing and the addition of expensive modifiers, to produce WPCs with properties that satisfy the minimum requirements for interior cladding or ceiling material.

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Stories, journeys and smart maps: an approach to universal access

Universal Access in the Information Society ◽

10.1007/s10209-021-00832-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Xi Wang ◽

Danny Crookes ◽

Sue-Ann Harding ◽

David Johnston

Keyword(s):

Universal Access ◽

Low Cost ◽

Research Question ◽

Emotional Engagement ◽

New Approach ◽

Reception Study ◽

Audio Description ◽

Museum Experience ◽

Interactive Map ◽

Partially Sighted

AbstractThis paper proposes a new approach to universal access based on the premise that humans have the universal capacity to engage emotionally with a story, whatever their ability. Our approach is to present the “story” of museum resources and knowledge as a journey, and then represent this journey physically as a smart map. The key research question is to assess the extent to which our “story” to journey to smart map’ (SJSM) approach provides emotional engagement as part of the museum experience. This approach is applied through the creation of a smart map for blind and partially sighted (BPS) visitors. Made in partnership with Titanic Belfast, a world-leading tourist attraction, the interactive map tells the story of Titanic’s maiden voyage. The smart map uses low-cost technologies such as laser-cut map features and software-controlled multi-function buttons for the audio description (AD). The AD is enhanced with background effects, dramatized personal stories and the ship’s last messages. The results of a reception study show that the approach enabled BPS participants to experience significant emotional engagement with museum resources. The smart model also gave BPS users a level of control over the AD which gave them a greater sense of empowerment and independence, which is particularly important for BPS visitors with varying sight conditions. We conclude that our SJSM approach has considerable potential as an approach to universal access, and to increase emotional engagement with museum collections. We also propose several developments which could further extend the approach and its implementation.

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Negative Pressure Provides Simple and Stable Droplet Generation in a Flow-Focusing Microfluidic Device

Micromachines ◽

10.3390/mi12060662 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (6) ◽

pp. 662

Author(s):

Nikita A. Filatov ◽

Anatoly A. Evstrapov ◽

Anton S. Bukatin

Keyword(s):

Microfluidic Device ◽

Negative Pressure ◽

Low Cost ◽

Control Valve ◽

Droplet Microfluidics ◽

Droplet Generation ◽

Electric Signal ◽

Absolute Pressure ◽

Flow Focusing ◽

Wide Range

Droplet microfluidics is an extremely useful and powerful tool for industrial, environmental, and biotechnological applications, due to advantages such as the small volume of reagents required, ultrahigh-throughput, precise control, and independent manipulations of each droplet. For the generation of monodisperse water-in-oil droplets, usually T-junction and flow-focusing microfluidic devices connected to syringe pumps or pressure controllers are used. Here, we investigated droplet-generation regimes in a flow-focusing microfluidic device induced by the negative pressure in the outlet reservoir, generated by a low-cost mini diaphragm vacuum pump. During the study, we compared two ways of adjusting the negative pressure using a compact electro-pneumatic regulator and a manual airflow control valve. The results showed that both types of regulators are suitable for the stable generation of monodisperse droplets for at least 4 h, with variations in diameter less than 1 µm. Droplet diameters at high levels of negative pressure were mainly determined by the hydrodynamic resistances of the inlet microchannels, although the absolute pressure value defined the generation frequency; however, the electro-pneumatic regulator is preferable and convenient for the accurate control of the pressure by an external electric signal, providing more stable pressure, and a wide range of droplet diameters and generation frequencies. The method of droplet generation suggested here is a simple, stable, reliable, and portable way of high-throughput production of relatively large volumes of monodisperse emulsions for biomedical applications.

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