Knowledge Articles
University of Florence researchers use Henniker’s HPT-100 to develop a microfluidic biosensor for non-invasive Parkinson’s disease drug monitoring.
Cells migrate in response to environmental gradients as part of development, immune response, wound healing, and disease progression. For decades, the prevailing understanding has been that cell migration towards stiffer substrates (a process called durotaxis) depends critically on focal adhesions. These molecular anchors sense substrate stiffness and transmit forces that guide directed cell motion. However, recent research reveals a fundamentally different migration mechanism that operates without focal adhesions entirely.
Enabling New Insights into Nanoscale Surface Chemistry
Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are essential components in modern healthcare diagnostics, plasmonic sensing, catalysis, and nanomaterial design. Their performance depends critically on surface chemistry — how ligands, ions, and trace species interact at the nanoscale interface. Even subtle changes in the interfacial environment can reshape morphology, alter molecular binding, and ultimately determine material functionality. Understanding these dynamic surface processes is therefore fundamental to designing better sensors, catalysts, and nanomaterials.
Retinal organoids are tiny 3D models of retinal tissue used in medical and life-science research and are changing how scientists explore eye disease, develop therapies, and evaluate new drugs. However, one persistent challenge has been their unreliable interaction with biomaterial surfaces. Poor attachment or inconsistent cell development limits experimental accuracy and slows progress in regenerative medicine.
In a recent article published in the journal iScience, researchers at UCLA have found that cells can repair themselves in seconds after being gently squeezed to let in genetic material. This researchcould help make future gene therapies safer, more efficient, and more economical.
The article “Development of Antibacterial Cotton-Black Viscose and Cotton-Polyester Blended-Knit Fabric Using Ag Doped ZnO Nanocomposite”, published in Advanced Materials Interfaces by the research group of Professor Tanu Arefin, explores how plasma treatment enhances the development of antibacterial knit fabrics using silver-doped zinc oxide nanocomposites. The research focuses on cotton–polyester and cotton–black viscose blends, aiming to improve hygiene, comfort and durability without compromising the natural softness of the textiles.
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Meet Henniker Plasma at Microscopy Conference 2025, Karlsruhe
Event Overview
We’re excited to announce that Henniker Plasma will be exhibiting at the Microscopy Conference 2025 (MC2025) in Karlsruhe, taking place from 31st August – 4th September 2025.
Oxygen Plasma Activation with HPT-100 for Stronger Silicon Carbide Joints
A recent study by researchers at The University of Virginia, in collaboration with Ceramic Tubular Products LLC, has demonstrated that oxygen plasma activation, performed using the Henniker HPT-100 plasma cleaner, can significantly improve the joining of silicon carbide (SiC) components. By modifying the SiC surface prior to pressure-less brazing with a silica–alumina–magnesia (SAMg) glass filler, researchers achieved stronger, fully hermetic joints - with over 150% higher strength than untreated samples.
Pumpless Perfusion in Organ-on-Chip Devices Using Tesla Valves
In this interesting work, researchers from the University of Twente utilise Henniker’s HPT-200 plasma system in the development of a Tesla Valve-based pumpless flow system [1]. Pumpless perfusion is a method of moving fluids through a microfluidic or Organ-on-Chip system without using external pumps like syringe or peristaltic pumps.
