Abstract: A biomimetic leaf wetness sensor includes a capacitive sensor and a non-conductive polymer layer disposed over the capacitive sensor. The layer includes a replica molded surface corresponding to a plant leaf.

Abstract: Closed cell chitin foam is provided. The closed-cell chitin foam composition does not absorb water, is biodegradable, and is mechanically characterized by a density range of 16 to 800 kg/m3, closed-cell pore sizes ranging from 50 microns to 1 mm, an elastic modulus of 3 to 175 MPa, and a tensile strength of 0.15 to 6.5 MPa. The chitin is at least 70% acetylated. In one aspect, the foam is enclosed in a shell e.g. in the form of a surfboard. Chitin foam according to this invention is fully biodegradable. The chitin foam overcomes the current problems with foams that contain polyurethane and polystyrene, and which are manufactured from petroleum-based sources. Petroleum based foams are not renewable, have an adverse impact on our environment, and pose significant health hazards to those who manufacture them. The chitin foam with its water-based manufacturing process and naturally sourced chitin, solves these problems.

Abstract: A potentiostat is an essential piece of analytical equipment for studying electrochemical devices and reactions. As the design of electrochemical devices evolve, applications for systems with multiple working electrodes have become more common. These applications drive a need for low-cost multi-channel potentiostat systems. Embodiments describe herein include a portable, low-cost and scalable system with a modular design that can support 8 to 64 channels at a cost as low as $8 per channel. This design can replace the functionality of commercial potentiostats which cost upwards of $10k for certain applications. Each channel in the multi-channel potentiostat has an independent adjustable voltage source with a built-in ammeter and switch, making the device flexible for various configurations. The multi-channel potentiostat can be designed for low current applications (nA range), but its purpose can change by varying its shunt resistor value.

Abstract: Closed cell chitin foam is provided. The closed-cell chitin foam composition does not absorb water, is biodegradable, and is mechanically characterized by a density range of 16 to 800 kg/m3, closed-cell pore sizes ranging from 50 microns to 1 mm, an elastic modulus of 3 to 175 MPa, and a tensile strength of 0.15 to 6.5 MPa. The chitin is at least 70% acetylated. In one aspect, the foam is enclosed in a shell e.g. in the form of a surfboard. Chitin foam according to this invention is fully biodegradable. The chitin foam overcomes the current problems with foams that contain polyurethane and polystyrene, and which are manufactured from petroleum-based sources. Petroleum based foams are not renewable, have an adverse impact on our environment, and pose significant health hazards to those who manufacture them. The chitin foam with its water-based manufacturing process and naturally sourced chitin, solves these problems.

Abstract: A composite material includes a polymer matrix with a polymer having D-glucosamine monomer units and 50% or fewer N-acetyl-D-glucosamine monomer units. A salt can be disposed in the polymer matrix. A dispersed phase is disposed in the polymer matrix with the salt, and the dispersed phase and the polymer matrix form a porous composite foam. The porous composite foam includes, by weight, 0.5-3 times the dispersed phase to the polymer matrix, and the porous composite foam has a density of less than 1 g/cm3.

Abstract: A non-enzymatic sensor includes a substrate; a sensor contact disposed on the substrate; and a pH modifying contact disposed on the substrate proximate the sensor contact. The pH modifying contact includes a material that absorbs hydrogen from and expels hydrogen to a fluid when in use in response to applied voltages resulting in an electrically controllable change of pH of the fluid. The pH modifying contact is positioned relative to the sensor contact such that the electrically controllable change of pH of the fluid results in a change in pH of the fluid proximal to the sensor contact to thereby enhanced detection of a substance of interest at the sensor contact without the use of enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to wound closure device comprising one or more microstructures. The devices are designed such that the microstructures are able to grip the skin or tissue surrounding a wound, optionally closing the wound, or securing the tissue or skin in place. Also provided are wound closure systems that comprise one or more microstructure wound closure devices along with other components, such as protective covers and wound healing therapeutics. A variety of packaging specifications are disclosed, as is dispenser apparatus configured to enable simple one-handed application of the wound closure devices. Methods described herein provide for the closure of various wounds with the wound closure devices and systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to wound closure devices comprising one or more microstructures. The devices are designed such that the microstructures are able to grip the skin or tissue surrounding a wound, optionally closing the wound, or securing the tissue or skin in place. Also provided are wound closure systems that comprise one or more microstructure wound closure devices along with other components, such as protective covers and wound healing therapeutics. A variety of packaging specifications are disclosed, as is a dispenser apparatus configured to enable simple one-handed application of the wound closure devices. Methods described herein provide for the closure of various wounds with the wound closure devices and systems.

Abstract: Closed cell chitin foam is provided. The closed-cell chitin foam composition does not absorb water, is biodegradable, and is mechanically characterized by a density range of 16 to 800 kg/m3, closed-cell pore sizes ranging from 50 microns to 1 mm, an elastic modulus of 3 to 175 MPa, and a tensile strength of 0.15 to 6.5 MPa. The chitin is at least 70% acetylated. In one aspect, the foam is enclosed in a shell e.g. in the form of a surfboard. Chitin foam according to this invention is fully biodegradable. The chitin foam overcomes the current problems with foams that contain polyurethane and polystyrene, and which are manufactured from petroleum-based sources. Petroleum based foams are not renewable, have an adverse impact on our environment, and pose significant health hazards to those who manufacture them. The chitin foam with its water-based manufacturing process and naturally sourced chitin, solves these problems.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a memory device operating based on proton conduction between a source electrode and a drain electrode through a proton-conducting layer. As the memory device operates, protons from the source migrate through the proton-conducting layer and into the drain electrode. The memory device exhibits memory, in the form of changing net conductivity, based on the amount of protons conducted from source to drain. The memory device can be reset by regenerating the source electrode (e.g., through electrical or chemical action). The memory device can be incorporated into an integrated circuit as a memory element. Related methods of using the memory device are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to wound closure devices comprising one or more microstructures. The devices are designed such that the microstructures are able to grip the skin or tissue surrounding a wound, optionally closing the wound, or securing the tissue or skin in place. Also provided are wound closure systems that comprise one or more microstructure wound closure devices along with other components, such as protective covers and wound healing therapeutics. A variety of packaging specifications are disclosed, as is a dispenser apparatus configured to enable simple one-handed application of the wound closure devices. Methods described herein provide for the closure of various wounds with the wound closure devices and systems.

Abstract: Methods for forming inorganic nanostructures are provided. The methods create the inorganic nanostructures by positioning a writing electrode (e.g., a conductive “stamp”) spaced nanometers above a substrate such that a precursor is intermediate the two. Applying an electric field, a voltage bias, an ionic current, or an electronic current between the writing electrode and the substrate converts the precursor into an inorganic solid material (e.g., a semiconductor such as silicon or germanium) in the area of the writing electrode.

Abstract: Methods for the production chitin nanofibers and uses thereof. Furthermore, methods for the production of chitin nanofibers and the fabrication of chitin nanofiber structures and devices.

Abstract: Methods for forming inorganic nanostructures are provided. The methods create the inorganic nanostructures by positioning a writing electrode (e.g., a conductive “stamp”) spaced nanometers above a substrate such that a precursor is intermediate the two. Applying an electric field, a voltage bias, an ionic current, or an electronic current between the writing electrode and the substrate converts the precursor into an inorganic solid material (e.g., a semiconductor such as silicon or germanium) in the area of the writing electrode.