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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 thatoxygen plasma activation, performed using the Henniker HPT-100 plasma cleaner, can significantly improve the joining ofsilicon 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 over150% higher strength than untreated samples.

Pumpless Perfusion in Organ-on-Chip Devices Using Tesla Valves

In this interesting work, researchers from the University of Twenteutilise Henniker’sHPT-200 plasma system inthe 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.

Revealing Crystal Defects with Low-Dose SED and HPT‑100 Plasma Cleaning

Defects inside molecular crystals called dislocations can affect how materials perform in electronics, pharmaceuticals, or coatings. Until now, imaging these defects has been hard because the microscopes needed too much electron energy, which damages fragile organic crystals.

 

Delivering genetic material such as RNA or DNA into human cells is a central challenge in the development of next-generation medicines - from gene therapy to RNA-based vaccines. In the search for safer, more stable delivery platforms, researchers are increasingly turning to polymer brushes: nanoscale coatings made of densely packed, hair-like polymer chains tethered to a surface.

 

2D materials, are crystalline solids consisting of a single layer of atoms. These materials have unique properties due to their thickness being limited in one dimension, which makes them ideal for various applications including optoelectronics, energy generation, and high-performance composites. As an example, the most widely studied 2D material, graphene, has exceptional conductivity and is stronger than steel.

A recent preprint published on bioRxiv explores the structural organisation and selective packaging mechanisms of the influenza A virus genome using a high-throughput DNA-PAINT approach. Researchers at the University of Oxford and the University of Warwick analysed more than 10,000 individual virus particles, gaining insights into how influenza genome segments interact and assemble during viral replication.

A recent study from Loughborough University demonstrates the impact of organosilane surface modifications on cardiovascular implants. The research focuses on modifying surfaces with various silane groups such as amine, methyl, and thiol to selectively enhance endothelial cell growth while suppressing smooth muscle cell proliferation. This dual effect helps address two critical issues in cardiovascular implants: improving endothelialization and preventing thrombosis.

 

For a limited time only, Henniker Plasma is offering incredible upgrades when you purchase from our range of HPT plasma systems. Take advantage of these exclusive offers, valid until the end of 2024!

 

Recent advancements in memristor technology highlight the potential of monolayer graphene electrodes in electronic devices. A recent study has successfully demonstrated the fabrication of a memristor featuring a monolayer graphene electrode directly deposited onto sapphire substrates using a commercially available metal-organic chemical vapour deposition (MOCVD) system. The incorporation of theHenniker HPT-100 plasma system in the fabrication process allows for batch production, accommodating up to 37 wafers simultaneously, showcasing a scalable approach to device manufacturing. 

Recent studies are shedding light on the effectiveness of advanced plasma technology in addressing one of today's critical environmental challenges: removing pharmaceutical contaminants from water. Pharmaceuticals like diclofenac, sulfamethoxazole, and carbamazepine have become prevalent in aquatic environments, with traditional water treatment methods struggling to remove them fully. The Henniker Cirrus atmospheric plasma system has been tested in this area, and the results are extremely promising according to this recent study.

 

A recent scientific paper has explored cutting-edge techniques for enhancing the performance and biocompatibility of mechanical heart valves, reflecting broader advancements in the medical and biomedical industry. These efforts aim to address critical challenges associated with these life-saving devices, such as thrombosis, embolization, and structural degeneration.

 

 

Unlock the Potential of Plasma Technology. Join our webinars tailored for professionals and scientific researchers. Gain practical insights, understand unique properties, and elevate your expertise of real-world plasma applications. Don't miss the chance to enhance your processes with Henniker Plasma.

 

 

Advancing battery technology

In the evolving landscape of battery manufacturing, atmospheric plasma technology has emerged as a valuable tool, enhancing various aspects of the production process. This advanced technology involves the use of ionized gas (plasma) at atmospheric pressure to treat surfaces, which significantly improves adhesion, cleanliness, and the overall performance of batteries. 

 

Advancing Peripheral Nerve Regeneration: Leveraging Plasma Surface Activation for Biomaterial Enhancement

Peripheral nerve injuries pose significant challenges, impacting millions worldwide and necessitating effective treatment strategies. While nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) offer promise, current approaches often fall short in mimicking the complexities of natural tissue, hindering optimal nerve regeneration. Electrospun fiber scaffolds, particularly those crafted from Polycaprolactone (PCL), have emerged as potential solutions but require surface modifications to enhance cellular interactions crucial for successful regeneration.

In a study led by researchers from the Department of Materials Science & Engineering at the Kroto Research Institute, University of Sheffield, and the Department of Mechanical, Materials, and Aerospace Engineering at the School of Engineering, University of Liverpool, a novel method was employed to bolster PCL scaffolds for nerve regeneration. 

 

Cell culture devices, such as microfluidic chips and microwells, are essential for complex biological modelling, yet their widespread adoption is hindered by cost and customisation limitations. To address this, a recent paper has been published in PLOS Biology which presents a streamlined, low-cost microfabrication method tailored for biological labs with limited expertise.

 

 

Intracellular transport relies on the coordinated efforts of molecular motors, particularly dynein and kinesin, which facilitate bidirectional movement along microtubules. Despite the recognised co-dependency between these motors, the underlying mechanisms have remained elusive. In this study, employing in vitro motility assays, researchers at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, unveil a dual role for the kinesin-3 motor, KIF1C, acting not only as an activator but also as a processivity factor for dynein. Using a Henniker Plasma HPT-200 system specifically in the meticulous preparation of the microscopy chambers used for TIRF (Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence) assays.