ABSTRACT
The internet of medical things (IoMT) is used for the acquisition, processing, transmission, and storage of medical data of patients. The medical information of each patient can be monitored by hospitals, family members, or medical centers, providing real-time data on the health condition of patients. However, the IoMT requires monitoring healthcare devices with features such as being lightweight, having a long lifetime, wearability, flexibility, safe behavior, and a stable electrical performance. For the continuous monitoring of the medical signals of patients, these devices need energy sources with a long lifetime and stable response. For this challenge, conventional batteries have disadvantages due to their limited-service time, considerable weight, and toxic materials. A replacement alternative to conventional batteries can be achieved for piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators. These nanogenerators can convert green energy from various environmental sources (e.g., biomechanical energy, wind, and mechanical vibrations) into electrical energy. Generally, these nanogenerators have simple transduction mechanisms, uncomplicated manufacturing processes, are lightweight, have a long lifetime, and provide high output electrical performance. Thus, the piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators could power future medical devices that monitor and process vital signs of patients. Herein, we review the working principle, materials, fabrication processes, and signal processing components of piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators with potential medical applications. In addition, we discuss the main components and output electrical performance of various nanogenerators applied to the medical sector. Finally, the challenges and perspectives of the design, materials and fabrication process, signal processing, and reliability of nanogenerators are included.
ABSTRACT
Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is considered a versatile and multifunctional technique with the ability to detect molecules of different species at very low molar concentration. In this work, hierarchical ZnO microspheres (ZnO MSs) and Ag/ZnO MSs were fabricated and decorated by hydrothermal and photodeposition methods, respectively. For Ag deposition, precursor molar concentration (1.9 and 9.8 mM) and UV irradiation time (5, 15, and 30 min) were evaluated by SEM, TEM, X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction showed a peak at 37.9° corresponding to the (111) plane of Ag, whose intensity increases as precursor concentration and UV irradiation time increases. SEM images confirmed the formation of ZnO MSs (from 2.5 to 4.5 µm) building by radially aligned two-dimensional ZnO nanosheets with thicknesses below 30 nm. The Raman spectra of Ag/ZnO MSs exhibited a vibration mode at 486 cm-1 which can be directly associated to Ag deposition on ZnO MSs surface. The performance of SERS substrate was evaluated using rhodamine 6G. The SERS substrate grown at 9.8 mM during 30 min showed the best SERS activity and the ability to detect methylene blue at 10-9 M.
ABSTRACT
RESUMEN Los materiales a base de silicato de calcio han demostrado ser bioactivos debido a su capacidad para producir apatita carbonatada biológicamente compatible. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la bioactividad de Biodentine™ y MTA Repair HP® en contacto con discos de dentina humana, que se obturaron y dividieron aleatoriamente para formar cuatro grupos: grupo 1 Biodentine™, grupo 2 MTA Repair HP®, grupo control positivo MTA Angelus® y grupo control negativo IRM®, los cuales se incubaron en solución PBS durante 10 días, para posterior análisis por medio de MEB-EDS y Espectroscopía Raman. Los tres materiales a base de silicato de calcio analizados en este estudio demostraron ser bioactivos pues al entrar en contacto con una solución a base de fosfato desencadenaron la precipitación inicial de fosfato de calcio amorfo, que actúa como precursor durante la formación de apatita carbonatada.
ABSTRACT Calcium silicate-based materials have been shown to be bioactive due to their ability to produce biologically compatible carbonated apatite. The objective of this study was to analyze the bioactivity of Biodentine ™ and MTA Repair HP® in contact with human dentine discs, which were sealed and divided randomly to form four groups: group 1 Biodentine™, group 2 MTA Repair HP®, positive control group MTA Angelus® and negative control group IRM®, which were incubated in PBS solution for 10 days, for a subsequent analysis by means of MEB-EDS and Raman spectroscopy. The three calcium-based materials analyzed in this study proved to be bioactive because upon contact with a phosphate-based solution they were triggered at the onset of amorphous calcium phosphate, as the precursor during the formation of carbonated apatite.
