Developing next-generation aneurysm treatment
Brighter & more efficient green LEDs
RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
Developing next-generation aneurysm treatment
A representation of the magnetic field formed on the bacterial nanocellulose after uniform magnetic flux exposure— a method developed by Jean Paul Allain’ s research group.
Artificial blood vessels made from bacterial nanocellulose( BNC) are emerging as a new, less-invasive method for treating aneurysms. This innovative therapy, however, faces two major challenges— it requires better adhesion properties and the ability to attract cells in situ to a stent in order to begin rebuilding the aneurysm’ s damaged arterial wall. Nuclear, Plasma & Radiological Engineering Associate Professor Jean Paul Allain’ s research group has introduced a novel way to make BNC magnetic and biomimetic. His method uses magnetic fields to help attract endothelial cells to stent surfaces, and it provides a promising next-generation medical alternative to conventional aneurysm treatments that require surgery and sometimes results in hemorrhaging and other long-term health issues. Also in 2016, Allain’ s group began conducting fundamental biomaterials research at MNTL using their directed irradiation synthesis IGNIS system.
Source: The Journal of Visualized Experiments( JoVE) Bioengineering,“ Fabrication of a functionalized magnetic bacterial nanocellulose with iron oxide nanoparticles,” Issue 111, May 2016.
Brighter & more efficient green LEDs
ECE Assistant Professor Can Bayram has developed a new method for making brighter and more efficient green light-emitting diodes( LEDs). Using the industry-standard metal-organic chemical-vapor deposition( MOCVD) growth technique and an inexpensive silicon substrate, Bayram created gallium nitride( GaN) cubic crystals that are capable of producing powerful green light for advanced solid-state lighting. Bayram’ s cubic GaN method may lead to LEDs free from a phenomenon known as droop that has plagued the LED industry for years. These enhanced LEDs could have applications in underwater communications and biotechnology— opto-genetics and migraine treatment, for example. In addition to having an impact on LED technology, Bayram’ s cubic GaN may someday replace silicon to make power electronic devices found in laptop power adapters and electronic substations, and it could replace mercury lamps to make ultra-violet LEDs that disinfect water.
Source: Applied Physics Letters,“ Maximizing cubic phase gallium nitride surface coverage on nano-patterned silicon,” volume 109, issue 4, July 2016.
SEM images of Can Bayram’ s new cubic phase synthesis method for making better performing green LEDs. micro + nanotechnology lab | 3 | 2016 highlights report