Abstract: A method for depositing a film on a substrate, which includes the steps of forming a film using a liquid composition that includes a neutral surfactant and a charged lamellar compound, placing the film in contact with the substrate and depositing the film on substrate. Also, a process for analyzing a substrate onto which a film has been deposited by the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing three-dimensional actin structures having a well-defined shape and displaying improved mechanical rigidity. This method comprises the steps of (a) providing a polymerization solution comprising actin monomers, a branching agent and a capping agent, (b) providing at least one surface having thereon a pattern which is coated with a nucleating agent, and (c) contacting the at least one surface of step (b) with the polymerization solution of step (a) so as to induce the polymerization of actin and obtain the said desired three-dimensional actin structure. Applications of the present invention in various technological fields such as microelectronics are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing three-dimensional actin structures having a well-defined shape and displaying improved mechanical rigidity. This method comprises the steps of (a) providing a polymerization solution comprising actin monomers, a branching agent and a capping agent, (b) providing at least one surface having thereon a pattern which is coated with a nucleating agent, and (c) contacting the at least one surface of step (b) with the polymerization solution of step (a) so as to induce the polymerization of actin and obtain the said desired three-dimensional actin structure. Applications of the present invention in various technological fields such as microelectronics are also provided.

Abstract: Method of fabricating an electro-mechanical microsystem provided with at least one fixed part comprising a bar, and at least one mobile part in rotation around at least one portion of said bar, the method comprising the steps of: a) formation, inside a layer of at least one given material resting on a support, of at least one bar, b) formation around the bar of at least one first graphene sheet, and of a least one second graphene sheet, separated from the first sheet and mobile with respect to the first sheet.

Abstract: This invention provides for an apparatus and a method for detecting the presence of pathogenic agents with sensors containing functionalized nanostructures integrated into circuits on silicon chips. The nanostructures are functionalized with molecular transducers that recognize and bind targeted analytes which are diagnostic of the pathogenic agent of interest. The molecular transducer includes a receptor portion, which binds the analyte, and an anchor portion that attaches to the nanostructure. Upon binding of the analyte, a change in molecular configuration represented by the newly formed receptor-analyte complex creates a force that is transmitted to the nanostructure via the anchor portion of the transducer. The effect of the force transmitted to the nanostructure is to alter its conductivity. The change in conductivity of the nanotube thus represents a signal that indicates the presence of the pathogenic agent of interest.

Abstract: Method of fabricating an electro-mechanical microsystem provided with at least one fixed part comprising a bar, and at least one mobile part in rotation around at least one portion of said bar, the method comprising the steps of: a) formation, inside a layer of at least one given material resting on a support, of at least one bar, b) formation around the bar of at least one first graphene sheet, and of a least one second graphene sheet, separated from the first sheet and mobile with respect to the first sheet.

Abstract: This invention provides for an apparatus and a method for detecting the presence of pathogenic agents with sensors containing functionalized nanostructures integrated into circuits on silicon chips. The nanostructures are functionalized with molecular transducers that recognize and bind targeted analytes which are diagnostic of the pathogenic agent of interest. The molecular transducer includes a receptor portion, which binds the analyte, and an anchor portion that attaches to the nanostructure. Upon binding of the analyte, a change in molecular configuration represented by the newly formed receptor-analyte complex creates a force that is transmitted to the nanostructure via the anchor portion of the transducer. The effect of the force transmitted to the nanostructure is to alter its conductivity. The change in conductivity of the nanotube thus represents a signal that indicates the presence of the pathogenic agent of interest.

Abstract: Embodiments of nanoelectronic sensors are described, including sensors for detecting analytes such ammonia. An environmental control system employing nanoelectronic sensors is described. A personnel safety system configured as a disposable badge employing nanoelectronic sensors is described. A method of dynamic sampling and exposure of a sensor providing a number of operational advantages is described.

Abstract: Embodiments of nanoelectronic sensors are described, including sensors for detecting analytes such as anesthesia gases, CO2 and the like in human breath. An integrated monitor system and disposable sensor unit is described which permits a number of different anesthetic agents to be identified and monitored, as well as concurrent monitoring of other breath species, such as CO2. The sensor unit may be configured to be compact, light weight, and inexpensive. Wireless embodiments provide such enhancements as remote monitoring. A simulator system for modeling the contents and conditions of human inhalation and exhalation with a selected mixture of a treatment agent is also described, particularly suited to the testing of sensors to be used in airway sampling.

Abstract: A nanostructured electronic device for detection and measurement of biomolecules, such as blood glucose. Also disclosed are methods of using and manufacturing devices employing nanotubes as electronic transducers.

Abstract: A nanotube device is configured as an electronic sensor for a target DNA sequence. A film of nanotubes is deposited over electrodes on a substrate. A solution of single-strand DNA is prepared so as to be complementary to a target DNA sequence. The DNA solution is deposited over the electrodes, dried, and removed from the substrate except in a region between the electrodes. The resulting structure includes strands of the desired DNA sequence in direct contact with nanotubes between opposing electrodes, to form a sensor that is electrically responsive to the presence of target DNA strands. Alternative assay embodiments are described which employ linker groups to attach ssDNA probes to the nanotube sensor device.

Abstract: Methods of forming a dispersion of nanostructures, a distribution of carbon nanotubes, and an array of nanostructure devices are described. The methods involve providing a substrate, applying growth promoter to at least a portion of the substrate, exposing the substrate and the growth promoter to a plasma, and forming a dispersion of nanostructures from the growth promoter after the plasma exposure. Exposing the substrate and the growth promoter to a plasma disperses at least a portion of the growth promoter as distinct, isolated growth promoter areas over the substrate. Preferably, the growth promoter areas are nanoparticles between about 1 nm and 50 nm in size and they are dispersed approximately uniformly over the substrate. An array of nanostructure devices is also described. The array of devices includes a substrate, a dispersion of nanostructures disposed discontinuously on the substrate and an array of electrodes in contact with the dispersion of nanostructures.

Abstract: Embodiments of nanoelectronic sensors are described, including sensors for detecting analytes inorganic gases, organic vapors, biomolecules, viruses and the like. A number of embodiments of capacitive sensors having alternative architectures are described. Particular examples include integrated cell membranes and membrane-like structures in nanoelectronic sensors.

Abstract: A nanostructure sensing device includes a substrate, a nanotube disposed over the substrate, and at least two conductive elements electrically connected to the nanotube. A electric current on the order of about 10 ?A, or greater, is passed through the conductive elements and the nanotube. As a result, the nanotube heats up relative to the substrate. In the alternative, some other method may be used to heat the nanotube. When operated as a sensor with a heated nanotube, the sensor's response and/or recovery time may be markedly improved.

Abstract: According to the invention, nanostructured storage materials are provided for storing hydrogen. The nanostructured storage materials can include a network of light elements, such as Be, B, C, N, O, F, Mg, P, S, and Cl, coupled with sp2 bonds. The hydrogen adsorption to the nanostructured storage material is improved by modifying the sp2 bonds. The sp2 bonds can be modified by forming the nanostructured storage material from the above light elements, possibly with a shape other than a planar layer, and by introducing defects. A chemical vapor deposition technique can be used for the synthesis, where doping gases are included into the flow. Methods for forming the nanostructured storage material with defects include removing light elements from the nanostructured storage material by irradiation with electrons, neutrons, ions, gamma rays, X-rays, and microwaves.

Abstract: An electronic system and method for detecting analytes, such as carbon dioxide, is provided, using an improved nanostructure sensor (CO2 sensor). The CO2 sensor may comprise a substrate and a nanostructure, such as a one or more carbon nanotubes disposed over the substrate (e.g., as a network). One or more conductive elements may electrically communicate with the nanostructure. A counter or gate electrode may be positioned adjacent the nanostructure. A functionalization material reactive with carbon dioxide may be included, either disposed in contact with the nanostructure or isolated by a dielectric. The sensor may be connected to a circuit responsive to changes in CO2 concentration in the environment. Embodiments are described of medical sensing systems including one or more CO2 sensors. One embodiment comprises a breath sampling cannula which is connected to a sensor unit.

Abstract: A nanoelectronic sensing device includes a substrate, a nanostructure element disposed adjacent the substrate, and at least a conductive element electrically connected to the nanostructure element. The device is configured to heat at least a portion of the sensor structure including the nanostructure element. In certain embodiments, the nanostructure element comprises at least one nanotube, the nanotube being electrically connected to at least two conductors so as to permit an electric current on the order of 10 microAmps or greater to be passed through the nanotube, causing the nanotube to heat up relative to the substrate. In alternative embodiments, the sensing device includes a platform or membrane which is at least partially thermally isolated by one or more cavities, the platform supporting at least the nanostructure element adjacent to a microheater element.

Abstract: Nanoelectronic sensors, including sensors for detecting analytes such as CO2, NO, anesthesia gases, and the like in human breath. An integrated multivalent monitor system is described which permits two or more analytes to be measured in breath, for example to monitor pulmonary conditions such as asthma. The monitor system may be configured to be compact, light weight, inexpensive, and to include a microprocessor capable of both analyzing measurements to determine patient status, and storing measurement history. Wireless embodiments provide such enhancements as remote monitoring.

Abstract: A new sensing technology for chemical/biomolecular sensors is provided. One such sensor detects molecular hydrogen (H2) using nanoelectronic components. A tiny, low-cost nanosensor chip can offer: (i) performance that matches or exceeds that of existing technology, (ii) plug-and-play simplicity with both digital and analog control systems, and (ii) the small size and low power consumption needed for wireless integration.

Abstract: A nanoelectronic device is combined with a cellular membrane component to provide a sensor for biomolecules or to provide information about the structure of the membrane. The nanoelectronic device may comprise a network of randomly-oriented nanotubes, or other nanostructure, arranged on a substrate with adjacent electrodes so as to operate as a field-effect transistor sensor or as a capacitive sensor. A cellular membrane is disposed over the nanostructure element.