Modified Surface Relief Layer Created by Holographic Lithography: Application to Selective Sodium and Potassium Sensing.

Point-of-care diagnostics will rely upon the development of low-cost, noncomplex, and easily integrated systems in order to examine biological samples such as blood and urine obtained from the patient. The development of metal ion sensors is a subject of significant relevance for physiological samples. The level of different blood electrolytes, mainly H⁺, Na⁺, K⁺ and Cl- is considerably used to monitor irregular physiologies. The particular challenge in biosensing, and in fact for any other sensor, is signal differentiation between non-specifically bound material and the specific detecting of the target molecule/ion. The biosensors described in this paper are fabricated by a holographic recording of surface relief structures in a photopolymer material. The surface structures are modified by coating with either dibenzo-18-crown-6 (DC) or tetraethyl 4-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (TBC), which are embedded in a polymer matrix. Interrogation of these structures by light allows indirect measurement of the concentration of the analyte. The influence of polymer matrices with different porosities, plasticised polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and a sol-gel matrix, on the performance of the sensors for detection of K⁺ and Na⁺ is examined. Here we demonstrate a proof of concept that by using a matrix with higher porosity one can increase the sensitivity of the sensor. The results showed that the DC sensing layer provides a selective response to K⁺ over Na⁺ and the TBC modified grating is more responsive to Na⁺ over K⁺. The sensor responds to K⁺ and Na⁺ within the physiological concentration ranges.

Self-processing photopolymer materials for versatile design and fabrication of holographic sensors and interactive holograms.

The aim of this paper is to discuss the benefits as well as the limitations of utilizing photopolymer materials in the design of holograms that are responsive to changes in their environment, such as changes in the concentration of a specific substance, temperature, and pressure. Three different case studies are presented, including both surface and volume phase holograms, in order to demonstrate the flexibility in the approach of utilizing holographic photopolymers for the design of sensors and interactive optical devices. First, a functionalized surface relief hologram is demonstrated to operate as an optical sensor for the detection of metal ions in water. The sensitivity and selectivity of the sensor are investigated. The second example demonstrates a volume transmission hologram recorded in a temperature-sensitive photopolymer and the memory effects of its exposure to elevated temperature. Finally, a pressure-sensitive reflection hologram that changes color under application of pressure is characterized, and its potential application in document authentication is described.

Self-sterilized composite membranes of cellulose acetate/polyethylene glycol for water desalination.

Cellulose acetate/Polyethylene glycol-600 composite membranes were fabricated by two step phase inversion procedure and modified by in-situ reduction of silver nitrate. FTIR spectra demonstrated the existence of functional groups for bonding of silver with oxygen at 370cm(-1), 535cm(-1). The XRD diffractogram indicates characteristic peaks at 2θ values of 38.10°, 44.30°, 64.40°, and 77.30° which confirm the successful incorporation of silver within matrix of composite membranes. The morphology of composite membranes with appearances of spongy voids was exemplified from the scanning electron microscope. The atomic force microscopy was used to determine the increase in the surface roughness of the membranes. The increase in hydrophilicity, measured through contact angle, is rendered to the embedment of silver. The modification of membranes increased the flux from 0.80 to 0.95L/hr.m(2). The resulting membranes have outstanding ability to fight against gram negative Escherichia Coli and Bacillus Sabtilus. The novel cellulose acetate/polyethylene glycol membranes customized with silver have paved the path for evolution of axenic membranes.