The dissertation focuses on the engineering of light-matter interaction using plasmonic nanoparticles and metamaterials to achieve enhanced luminescence and based on which to improve the performance of biosensing and light-emitting technologies. We designed and fabricated a spectrum of nanostructures to exhibit particular dispersion relations capable of controlling the spontaneous emission...
An innovative silver nano-dimple arrays (Ag DAs)-integrated microfluidic device was developed to achieve highly sensitive fluorescence-based nucleic acid detection. The Ag DAs were utilized to produce surface plasmon resonance (SPR) for strong fluorescence enhancement. We systematically investigated the plasmon-enhanced fluorescence by controlling the nanostructure dimension of the Ag DA substrate....
The thesis focuses on the development of a novel printed resistive humidity sensor and integrated flexible electronics for an RFID-enabled humidity sensing platform. We explored a hybrid nanocomposite material for humidity sensing consisting of carbon nanomaterials, conductive polymer and cellulose polymer that undergoes resistance change in response to humidity change....
We demonstrated a low-cost and high-sensitivity DNA detection method using quantum dot-fullerene based molecular beacons (MBs) and magnetic nanoparticles. The MB tethered magnetic nanoparticles can be well dispersed in analytes for efficient DNA capture and concentrated by an external magnetic field for enhanced fluorescence signal detection. The detection requires only...
We demonstrated a sensitive biosensor based on plasmonic metal composite nanostructures. The device can be fabricated and duplicated with ease using a novel nanoprinting technology which allows precise transfer of metal nanostructures without complicated lithography processes. The design featured by its unique material composition and sub-wavelength structures maximizes the exposure...
Unlike other biosensing, electrochemical biosensor has the advantages of robustness, easy miniaturization, excellent detection limits, and capability in handling small analyte volumes. The detection selectivity of the electrochemical biosensors is mainly supported by bioreceptors. However, these receptors always suffer from the performance variation caused by the environment and the thermal-...
Rapid and sensitive detection of stress hormones, such as cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), can benefit the diagnosis of diseases related to adrenal gland disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, chronic fatigue syndrome, and more. Stress hormones fluctuate in a circadian rhythm, the highest in the early morning and the lowest at night;...
This research studied the relationship between three input variables and outcomes related to the use of quality circles (QCC) in a Chinese manufacturing company. After a thorough review of the literature, three managerial input variables were identified, including goal clarity, goal difficulty, and management support. Five outcomes were measured, including...
Shrimp waste samples were extracted with a variety of organic solvents. Each fraction was measured for antioxidant activity by determining the rate of oxidation of β-carotene-linoleic acid in an emulsion system. An ethanol extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. Purification of the most active fraction was accomplished by thin layer...
There was a linear relationship of [alpha]-amylase activity
from 2 to 12 hours incubation in both freeze-dried and fresh
'd'Anjou' pear fruit tissue. Activity was greater, however,
in fresh as compared with freeze-dried tissues. [alpha]-Amylase
activity from both types of samples was not detected until
60 minutes incubation. After 90...