 |
|
JHU chemists devise self-assembling 'organic wires'
October 24, 2008From pacemakers constructed of materials that so closely mimic human tissues that a patient's body can't discern the difference to devices that bypass injured spinal cords to restore movement to paralyzed limbs, the possibilities presented by organic electronics read like something from a science fiction novel.
Derived from carbon-based compounds (hence the term "organic"), these "soft" electronic materials are valued as lightweight, flexible, easily processed alternatives to "hard" electronics components such as metal wires or silicon semiconductors. And just as the semiconductor industry is actively developing smaller and smaller transistors, so, too, are those involved with organic electronics devising ways to shrink the features of their materials, so they can be better utilized in bioelectronic applications such as those above.
To this end, a team of chemists at The Johns Hopkins University has created water-soluble electronic materials that spontaneously assemble themselves into "wires" much narrower than a human hair. An article about their work was published in a recent issue of the Journal of the American Chemical Society.
"What's exciting about our materials is that they are of size and scale that cells can intimately associate with, meaning that they may have built-in potential for biomedical applications," said John D. Tovar, an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry in the Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences. "Can we use these materials to guide electrical current at the nanoscale? Can we use them to regulate cell-to-cell communication as a prelude to re-engineering neural networks or damaged spinal cords? These are the kinds of questions we are looking forward to being able to address and answer in the coming years."
The team used the self-assembly principles that underlie the formation of beta-amyloid plaques, which are the protein deposits often associated with Alzheimer's disease, as a model for their new material. This raises another possibility: that these new electronic materials may eventually prove useful for imaging the formation of these plaques.
"Of course, much research has been done and is still being done to understand how amyloids form and to prevent or reverse their formation," Tovar said. "But the process also represents a powerful new pathway to fabricate nanoscale materials."
Johns Hopkins University
"What's exciting about our materials is that they are of size and scale that cells can intimately associate with, meaning that they may have built-in potential for biomedical applications," said John D. Tovar, an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry in the Zanvyl Krieger School of Arts and Sciences. "Can we use these materials to guide electrical current at the nanoscale? Can we use them to regulate cell-to-cell communication as a prelude to re-engineering neural networks or damaged spinal cords? These are the kinds of questions we are looking forward to being able to address and answer in the coming years."
The team used the self-assembly principles that underlie the formation of beta-amyloid plaques, which are the protein deposits often associated with Alzheimer's disease, as a model for their new material. This raises another possibility: that these new electronic materials may eventually prove useful for imaging the formation of these plaques.
"Of course, much research has been done and is still being done to understand how amyloids form and to prevent or reverse their formation," Tovar said. "But the process also represents a powerful new pathway to fabricate nanoscale materials."
Johns Hopkins University
Organic electronics a two-way street, thanks to new plastic semiconductor
Plastic that conducts electricity holds promise for cheaper, thinner and more flexible electronics. This technology is already available in some gadgets -- the new Sony walkman that was introduced earlier this summer and the Microsoft Zune HD music player released last week both incorporate organic light-emitting electronic displays.
Cornell researchers develop virus-size 'nanolamps' that could aid use of flexible electronic devices as sensors
To help light up the nanoworld, a Cornell interdisciplinary team of researchers has produced microscopic "nanolamps" — light-emitting nanofibers about the size of a virus or the tiniest of bacteria.
Sensor of plastic can be produced in a printing press
Electrochemical transistors made of plastic open myriad possibilities. Since both electrons and ions are active, they can function as a bridge between traditional electronics and biological systems. A new dissertation from Linköping University in Sweden describes a simple and inexpensive humidity sensor that can be manufactured in a printing press.
Center for organic and polymer electronics placed in Linköping
Linköping University in Sweden is to host a new national center for research on organic and polymer electronics (=plastic conducting materials). The Foundation for Strategic Research (SFF) is giving SEK 31 million over five years to a Center for Organic Electronics, COE. The allocation can be seen as testimony to the quality of the university's research in the field, since one condition for SFF centers is that they must be world leaders in their respective field. The new center is to develop organic electronics by applying printing methods: electronic components printed in the same way as printing ink on paper, which makes inexpensive large-scale production possible. It is also possible to
Plastic electronics for light diodes and prostheses
Is it possible to make components out of organic polymers (plastics) whose structure is such that severed nerves can grow right into them and connect with electrodes in a prosthetic hand, for example? This is one of the research fields for Tobias Nyberg at the Section for Biomolecular and Organic Electronics at Linköping University, Sweden. Part of Tobias Nyberg's dissertation is based on collaboration with cell biologist Helena Jerreg'ård. Her task is to find ways to get tangled nerves to sort themselves out into nerve threads and tactile threads respectively. Tobias Nyberg's job is to produce the structures in which the sorted nerves can connect with the electrodes from a future p
More Organic Electronics Current Events and Organic Electronics News Articles
 |
Organic Electronics: Materials, Manufacturing, and Applications by Hagen Klauk (Editor) Edited and written by the leading researchers and engineers from such companies as Philips, 3M, Xerox, Infineon, PlasticLogic, Eastman Kodak, Dupont, AIXTRON, and Hueck Folien, this book presents unrivalled and undiluted expertise from those who know best how to assess the risks, opportunities and where this technology is really heading. As such, this practical approach complements the more scientific and fundamentals-oriented literature on the market by providing readers with a first-hand insight into industrial activities to commercialize organic electronics. Following an introduction to the topic, including the history, motivation, benefits and potentials, it reviews recent advances and covers all three important facets of organic electronics: the chemical compounds and... |
 |
Physical and Chemical Aspects of Organic Electronics: From Fundamentals to Functioning Devices by Christof Wöll (Editor) Organic molecules are currently being investigated with regard to their application as active components in semiconductor devices. Whereas devices containing organic molecules for the generation of light - organic light emitting diodes (OLED) - have already reached the market (they e.g. display information on mobile phones), transistors where organic molecules are used to actively control currents and voltages are still in the development stage. In this book the principle problems related to using organic materials as semiconductors and to construct functioning devices will be addressed. A particular emphasis will be put on the difference between inorganic semiconductors such as Si, Ge and GaAs and organic semiconductors (OSC). The special properties of such soft matter... |
 |
Introduction to Organic Electronic and Optoelectronic Materials and Devices (Optical Science and Engineering) by Sam-Shajing Sun (Editor), Larry R. Dalton (Editor) Reflecting the rapid growth in research and development on organic/polymeric electronic and photonic materials and devices over the last few decades, this volume provides comprehensive coverage of the state-of-the-art in an accessible format. It examines organic semiconducting, conducting, and superconducting materials; Field Effect Transistors (FETs); nonvolatile organic thin-flim memory devices; and organic, electro-optic or opto-electronic materials. It presents the most widely recognized fundamentals, principles, and mechanisms along with representative examples, key experimental data, and over 200 illustrative figures. The book includes exercise questions for each chapter and an accompanying CD-ROM with a self-study lecture in PowerPoint®. |
 |
Organic Field-Effect Transistors (Optical Science and Engineering Series) by Zhenan Bao (Editor), Jason Locklin (Editor) The remarkable development of organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) has led to their emerging use in active matrix flat-panel displays, radio frequency identification cards, and sensors. Exploring one class of OTFTs, Organic Field-Effect Transistors provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary survey of the present theory, charge transport studies, synthetic methodology, materials characterization, and current applications of organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). Covering various aspects of OFETs, the book begins with a theoretical description of charge transport in organic semiconductors at the molecular level. It then discusses the current understanding of charge transport in single-crystal devices, small molecules and oligomers, conjugated polymer devices, and charge... |
 |
Loving Naturals Organic SPF 30 Sunscreen Zinc Oxide 4 oz UVA/UVB Vegan by Loving Naturals Ingredients: Non-Nano Particle Zinc Oxide (24.8%), Grape Seed Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides (derived from Coconut Oil), Soy Wax (Non-GMO), Organic Olive Oil, Organic Plum Kernel Oil, Organic Sesame Oil, Candelilla Wax, Organic Hemp Seed Oil, Organic Macadamia Nut Oil, Organic Cocoa (Fair Trade), Organic Green Tea, Vitamin E Oil Natural skin care products are very important, specifically sunscreen because of how often it needs to be applied and the concern that chemicals can be absorbed into the skin. You will find that many of the so called "natural products" don't seem so natural after reading a long list of ingredients that are hard to pronounce or that you may have never heard of. For this reason we have started our company, Loving Naturals, created out of... |
 |
Electrical Characterization of Organic Electronic Materials and Devices by Professor Peter Stallinga (Author) Think like an electron
Peter Stallinga
University of the Algarve, Faro, Portugal
Organic electronic materials have many applications and potential in low-cost electronics such as electronic barcodes and in light emitting devices, due to their easily tailored properties. While the chemical aspects and characterization have been widely studied, characterization of the electrical properties has been neglected, and classic textbook modeling has been applied. This is most striking in the analysis of thin-film transistors (TFTs) using thick “bulk” transistor (MOS-FET) descriptions. At first glance the TFTs appear to behave as regular MOS-FETs. However, upon closer examination it is clear that TFTs are unique and merit their own model.... |
 |
Victor Electronic Mouse Trap by Victor The Victor Electronic Mouse Trap humanely and swiftly delivers a high-voltage electric charge to the rodent, killing it in seconds. No sticky messes, snapped fingers or poisons. Never touch a dead or squirming mouse again. Green indicator light blinks for 24 hours to signal that a mouse has been caught. Just open the lid and dispose of the dead mouse. Safe to use around pets and children. Humane kill: meets International Humane Kill standards. Quick kill: mouse dies within 10 seconds. For added safety, unit deactivates if top door is accidentally opened. Unique tunnel prevents mouse escape and decreases risk of shock to humans. Uses 4 AA batteries (not included). A set of batteries exterminates about 50 mice. Blinking red low battery indicator light. |
 |
Organic Baby: Simple Steps for Healthy Living by Kimberly Rider (Author), Thayer Allyson Gowdy (Photographer) Record numbers of parents are choosing organic foods and non-toxic products that are healthier for their children and gentler on the planet to the tune of $50 billion dollars spent worldwide last year. Now it's easier than ever to create an eco-friendly environment for little ones without sacrificing comfort and style. Author of The Healthy Home Workbook, interior designer and new mother Kimberly Rider offers parents dozens of solutions that fit their priorities and their lifestyle and their budget. From cribs to bubble bath to baby's first foods, Rider highlights health concerns, navigates the range of available products, and guides the way to safe and appealing choices. Colorful photos, smart tips and guidelines, and tabbed sections make this an inspirational and practical handbook. In... |
 |
Ecotronics Eco Boombox by International Playthings Ecotronic Toys are planet friendly techno fun. Did you know there are billions of batteries sold in the US every year - many of them for toys - but only about 1% of them are recycled? The rest end up in our landfills and are poisoning our planet. The world's resources are diminishing quickly and we can't afford this kind of waste, financially or ecologically. But you know what? Energy doesn't have to cost anything. Ecotronic Toys bring electronic lights and sound to toys without the need to use traditional batteries. How's that work? Part of the fun of Ecotronic toys is actually bringing them to life. Give it a shake or wind it up. The energy used to perform these simple motions gets converted to electrical energy by dynamo technology. This is then used to power the toy. The best part... |
 |
Organic Electronics: Materials, Processing, Devices and Applications by Franky So (Editor) In the near future, organic semiconductors may be used in a variety of products, including flat-screen TVs, e-book readers, and third-generation organic photovoltaics applications, to name just a few. While organic electronics has received increased attention in scientific journals, those working in this burgeoning field require more in-depth coverage of the subject. Considering the rapid development in this field, Organic Electronics: Materials, Processing, Devices and Applications is a long-overdue assessment of state-of-the-art technology in organic electronics. This valuable reference harnesses the insight of various experts in the field, who contribute entire chapters on their area of specialty, covering chemistry and materials, fundamental physics, device... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |