ABSTRACT
Microneedle design for biomedical applications, such as transdermal drug delivery, vaccination and transdermal biosensing, has lately become a rapidly growing research field. In this sense, finite element analysis has been extendedly used by microneedle designers to determine the most suitable structural parameters for their prototypes, and also to predict their mechanical response and efficiency during the insertion process. Although many proposals include computer-aided tools to build geometrical models for mechanical analysis, there is a lack of software utilities intended to automate the design process encompassing geometrical modeling, simulation setup and postprocessing of results. This work proposes a novel MATLAB-based design tool for microneedle arrays that permits personalized selection of the basic characteristics of a mechanical model. The tool automatically exports the selected options to an ANSYS batch file, including instructions to run a static and a linear buckling analysis. Later, the subsequent simulation results can be retrieved for on-screen display and potential postprocessing. In addition, this work reviews recent proposals (2018-2022) about finite element model characterization of microneedles to establish the minimum set of features that any tool intended for automating a design process should provide.
ABSTRACT
Current CMOS-micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) fabrication technologies permit cardiological implantable devices with sensing capabilities, such as the iStents, to be developed in such a way that MEMS sensors can be monolithically integrated together with a powering/transmitting CMOS circuitry. This system on chip fabrication allows the devices to meet the crucial requirements of accuracy, reliability, low-power, and reduced size that any life-sustaining medical application imposes. In this regard, the characterization of stand-alone prototype sensors in an efficient but affordable way to verify sensor performance and to better recognize further areas of improvement is highly advisable. This work proposes a novel characterization method based on an atomic force microscope (AFM) in contact mode that permits to calculate the maximum deflection of the flexible top plate of a capacitive MEMS pressure sensor without coating, under a concentrated load applied to its center. The experimental measurements obtained with this method have allowed to verify the bending behavior of the sensor as predicted by simulation of analytical and finite element (FE) models. This validation process has been carried out on two sensor prototypes with circular and square geometries that were designed using a computer-aided design tool specially-developed for capacitive MEMS pressure sensors.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of adding solid manure fractions on the biomethane potential (BMP) of liquid dairy cow manure and on the biokinetic parameters of the process. RESULTS: The methanogenic potential of liquid dairy cow manure was strongly effected by adding a solid manure fraction. The 90/10 % (w/w) liquid/solid manure fraction mixture was the best substrate for CH4 production. This substrate mixture improved by 50 % the final CH4 production per g substrate and decreased the lag time by 220 % relative to the reference BMP test without the addition. Moreover, the addition of 20 % solid manure fraction adversely affected both the final CH4 production and the maximum methane production rate, while increased the lag time by 400 % compared to the reference BMP test without addition. CONCLUSIONS: Liquid dairy cow manure should be supplemented with no more than 10 % of solid manure fraction in order to improve the biomethane potential of this important agro-industrial residue.
