| CMU |
| Materials Research |
| REU |
| Summer 2008 |
Projects: Summer 2007
Carnegie Mellon Materials Research
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU)
| Projects | Schedule | Seminar | Social Activities | Application |
Projects | ||||
Research projects span the modeling, development and application of materials in diverse areas such as oil recovery, novel composites, and catalysts for energy applications to investigation of cellular response to biological and synthetic materials, transport of synthetic agents within cells and biological media, and sensing of oligonucleotides near surfaces. Students will be assisted in choosing a suitable project that matches their interests. | ||||
This is a preliminary list. Other faculty project descriptions will be added as they become available. | ||||
• Synthesizing rod-like nanoparticles | ||||
• Self-assembly and directed assembly of hybrid macromolecular systems | ||||
• Quantum chemistry calculations to screen bimetallic alloys for high activity nanoparticle catalysts | ||||
• Use of an electric field for controlling the self-assembly of nano-particles | ||||
• Nanomanufacturing | ||||
• Investigation of the structure-property-performance-reliability relationships | ||||
• Investigation of surface microstructure of nanostructured films | ||||
• Conductive contacts in solution form for ink-jet printing on solar cells | ||||
• Growth and analysis of quantum dot structure for applications in solar cells | ||||
• Development of engineered surface nanostructures as stationary phases for gas chromatographic separations | ||||
• Monte Carlo simulations of the structure and dynamics of dipolar fluids | ||||
• Studies of grain growth in nanomaterials using parallel Monte Carlo Simulations | ||||
• Tribological performance for microelectronic devices | ||||
• Nanocoatings for improved catalytic properties of Solid Oxide Fuel cells | ||||
• Gold alloy nanoparticles for the electrocatalytic oxidation activity of glycerine | ||||
• Frequency-dependent magnetic properties of iron oxide nanoparticles for magnetic hyperthermia | ||||
• Microstructure of drug delivery systems | ||||
• In vitro, concentration-dependent, self-assembly of biological filaments associated with disease and aging | ||||
• Ethical concerns in nanotechnology: studies and discussion of toxicology at the nanoscale | ||||
• Determining cell growth on crystalline surfaces of different orientations | ||||
• DNA detection by release of surfactant-solubilized dyes | ||||
• Solid supported lipid bilayers of mixed chemical composition | ||||
• Enhancement of Aerosol Drug Delivery Using Surfactants | ||||
• Functional Polymeric Microcapsules for Neural Stem Cell Culture | ||||
• Developing nano-scale technology and mechanically stimulate subcellular domains to determine intracellular structure | ||||
• Synthesis, Structure, Properties and Performance Relationships of Magnetic Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications | ||||
• Water soluble polymers with reversible gelation for drug delivery | ||||
• Driven Coalescence of Sessile Drops on PDMS Surfaces | ||||
| Synthesizing rod-like nanoparticles | ||||
The Walker group has developed a series of water-soluble rod-like nanoparticles through the in situ polymerization of micellar solutions. These materials show a reversible pH-induced gelation due to the specific chemistry of the material. In this project, the REU researcher will investigate the potential of using this transition in matrix acidizing in enhanced oil recovery. | ||||
| Self-assembly and directed assembly of hybrid macromolecular systems | ||||
Self-organization of soft materials provides a promising bottom-up approach to engineer hierarchically ordered hybrid materials and presents a pathway to devise new composite material architectures that benefit from their respective microstructural as well as nanoscale-specific characteristics. While previous studies of block copolymer/particle equilibrium microstructures facilitated important insights into the physics of self-organization of multi-component materials, the technological application of these materials is primarily hindered by the lack of understanding of defect formation that is inherent in self-organizing materials. Until now, the only quantitative experimental results on the kinetics and mechanism of block copolymer microdomain formation and defect evolution are available for thin films. The Bockstaller group is working to establish a fundamental understanding of the defect formation of bulk microstructured composite materials and on developing opportunities that arise from the control of defect formation in thin films. The UG student will be studying the Effects of polymer architecture and processing conditions on structure formation processes in block copolymer/particle blends. | ||||
| Quantum chemistry calculations to screen bimetallic alloys for high activity nanoparticle catalysts | ||||
Metallic nanoparticles can have very different catalytic properties than bulk materials. Little is known about how to select dilute additives to metallic nanoparticles to deliberately dope the most active sites for heterogeneous catalysis. The UG student will work with the Sholl group and use quantum chemistry calculations to generate dopant maps that give basic thermodynamic information on the location of dopant atoms in metallic nanoparticles. These maps will be invaluable for identifying experimental targets for controlled synthesis. | ||||
| Use of an electric field for controlling the self-assembly of nano-particles | ||||
The Aubry group focuses on the manipulation of nano-particles in a microfluidic device by means of a non-uniform electric field, a phenomenon which can be used for particle separation, transport, clustering and chaining. Particles experience hydrodynamic and electrical forces, the latter being due to the polarization of the particles due to the mismatch between the dielectric constants of the fluid and that of the particles, and the non-uniformity of the electric field. When particles get close to each other, electrical and hydrodynamic particle-particle interactions also play an important role in the particles dynamics. In addition, nano-sized particles are subject to Brownian forces which need to be overcome for controlled motion. The Aubry group has developed both experimental and numerical capabilities to study this problem, the latter consisting of direct numerical simulations which solve the exact continuum equations of motion for both the fluid and the particles without using any modeling. The UG student will extend this capability to move particles located on a free-surface or at the interface between two liquids, with the goal of providing a superior means to control particle self-assembly. | ||||
| Nanomanufacturing | ||||
The Ozdoganlar group is investigating nano-scale material removal for nanomanufacturing. The UG student involved with this project will be modifying 'nanomilling', which uses AFM tips to remove materials at the nano scale, to increase the throughput of the operation many orders of magnitude. | ||||
| Investigation of the structure-property-performance-reliability relationships | ||||
The Barmak group is investigating the relationships of grain boundary structure and the nature of the grain boundary network to the property (i.e., resistivity) and reliability (namely stress migration) in semiconductor metallization and in solid oxide fuel cells. The UG student will use various experimental techniques to determine these relationships. | ||||
| Investigation of surface microstructure of nanostructured films | ||||
To achieve stable operating conditions, long equipment life, high efficiency, and low pollution levels during the operation of turbine combustion systems, the in-situ measurement of the composition of natural gas or syngas is required. The Davis group has developed SiC metal-insulator-semiconductor field effect transistors and AlGaN/GaN high-electron-moblilty transistors as sensors of the components of natural gas prior to combustion. The REU students involved in this program will be trained to (1) operate state-of-the-art chemical vapor deposition systems for the growth of the SiC- and AlGaN/GaN-based films that compose the material device structures and (2) use atomic force and scanning electron microscopies to determine the surface microstructures of the surfaces of the substrates and the subsequently grown films that compose the MISFET and HEMT devices. | ||||
| Conductive contacts in solution form for ink-jet printing on solar cells | ||||
The conversion of sunlight into electricity via a solar cell is a clean and renewable energy source. With the increasing environmental, political, and economical problems associated with fossil fuel energies, photovoltaics are becoming more viable for widespread energy production. The discovery of organic semiconductors that can be produced by wet chemical methods has spawned intensive research efforts to produce solar cells with low cost-to-energy ratios. However, there are still many issues regarding lower production costs and increased cell efficiencies that must be resolved. One of these issues pertains to the formation of low-resistance metal contacts. In this research project, the UG student will work in Porter group to investigate contacts in solution form such that they can ultimately be ink-jet printed on solar cells. The experimental work will involve selecting and purchasing the metal contact materials, applying them to the semiconductor films, measuring the electrical characteristics, and characterizing the morphology and chemistry with techniques such as scanning electron microscopy. | ||||
| Growth and analysis of quantum dot structure for applications in solar cells | ||||
| Development of engineered surface nanostructures as stationary phases for gas chromatographic separations | ||||
| Monte Carlo simulations of the structure and dynamics of dipolar fluids | ||||
| Studies of grain growth in nanomaterials using parallel Monte Carlo Simulations | ||||
| Microstructure behavior in the tribological performance of abrasive manufacturing processes for microelectronic devices | ||||
We seek to obtain an undergraduate researcher to perform chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) experiments of wafers fabricated by the PhD student. Additionally, this student will assist the PhD student in performing orientation imaging microscopy (OIM) to determine the pre-process microstructural characteristics (grain distribution) using MRSEC instrumentation. Lastly, the student will conduct nano-mechanical characterization tests on the pre- and post-CMP wafers using a state-of-the-art nanoindenter located in Prof. Higgs laboratory. | ||||
| Deposition and characterization of Nanocoatings for improved catalytic properties of Solid Oxide Fuel cells | ||||
Functional materials in energy and electronic applications often require inorganic compounds to be fabricated as nanoscale coatings. Students will have the opportunity to develop nanoscale coatings using state of the art Pulsed Laser Deposition equipment, to characterize those coatings structurally using X-ray diffraction and Orientational Imaging Microscopy, as well as to investigate their properties using a variety of techniques. | ||||
| Synthesis of gold alloy nanoparticles for the electrocatalytic oxidation activity of glycerine | ||||
Glycerine is a byproduct in the synthesis of biodiesel, making it a promising biorenewable fuel cell fuel. An efficient catalyst is required to oxidize glycerine for a fuel cell application. In alkaline conditions gold shows oxidation activity that is superior to platinum, but at too high an electrochemical potential, resulting in loss of efficiency. The goal in this work is to investigate gold alloy particles to reduce the glycerine oxidation potential. In this project an undergraduate student will synthesize cubic alloy nanoparticles in the range of 2-50 nm and investigate their electrocatalytic oxidation activity of glycerine. | ||||
| Frequency-dependent magnetic properties of iron oxide nanoparticles for magnetic hyperthermia | ||||
In hyperthermia cancer treatment a tumor is selectively exposed to high temperatures in order to kill cancer cells. Biofunctionalized iron oxide nanoparticles are currently under active investigation as a mechanism for selective heating through the application of AC magnetic fields. The REU student will work with the Majetich group to synthesize monodisperse iron oxide nanoparticles of different sizes and form dispersions of various concentrations, either in water or in agar as a tissue phantom. The UG student will then measure the frequency-dependent hysteresis loops and equilibrium temperatures. Finite element modeling of the heat diffusion equation will be used to predict size and concentration effects on the equilibrium temperature, which will be compared with the experimental results. | ||||
| Microstructure of drug delivery systems | ||||
The Rohrer group is developing rigorous statistical bounds on the morphological characteristics of microstructures that have the desired behavior for a specific controlled drug release application. These systems are comprised of crystalline drugs incorporated within polymer matrices; the drug is 'delivered' by diffusion through the polymer. Therefore, the delivery rate and device performance are related to the sample microstructure. In this project, the REU student will study the structure of composites drug delivery systems. The materials for this student are supplied through a collaboration with the USFDA, where they are developing computer simulations to model the processing performance relationships of these composites. At CMU, taping mode AFM will be used to image the size, shape, and distribution of the crystalline component of the composite as a function of the volume fraction. These data will be used as input for models of dissolution that will be subject to experimental verification. | ||||
| In vitro, concentration-dependent, self-assembly of biological filaments associated with disease and aging | ||||
In the premature aging disease Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, a stiffening of the nuclear lamina network, the protein scaffold at the inner nuclear membrane, is associated with the aberrant alignment of the protein filaments, known as lamins. However, it is poorly understood how the properties of the individual filaments or their concentration affect the overall material characteristics, such as stiffness or plasticity, of the nuclear lamina. A collaborative effort between the Dahl and the Islam groups examines (a) individual nanoscale filament stiffness using small angle X-ray, neutron and light scattering techniques, (b) filament interactions in solution using standard biological protein interaction assays, atomic force microscopy and possibly electron microscopy and (c) microscopic domains of filament alignment and network formation as a function of concentration using polarization light microscopy. The REU student will use metabolically engineered bacteria to produce large amount of filament lamin proteins, which will then be purified. Using multiple solution phase and optical techniques, the UG student will determine material properties of the lamin filaments at multiple length scales. This information will translate to sub-cellular rheology and ultimately in developing treatments related to aging and disease. | ||||
| Ethical concerns in nanotechnology: studies and discussion of toxicology at the nanoscale | ||||
Given the emergence of nanotechnology as a new area of active research in engineering, few have considered the toxicological impact on humans of the widespread use of nanoparticles. These particles may be delivered deliberately into the body for biotechnological applications or may be a byproduct of accidental environmental release and exposure. Nanoparticles are of particular interest because several studies have shown that the smaller the foreign particle the higher the rate of DNA damage to living organisms. It is also unclear how practical personal protective equipment can be designed against such small particles. A collaborative effort between the Dahl and the Islam groups examines the toxicological effects of well-characterized carbon nanotubes, which have been developed for technological application as well as machined nanoparticles, but are less characterized and more appropriate to model accidental exposure. The UG student will devote approximately 25% of the effort to experimentally investigate cell toxicity and proliferation during exposure to nanoparticles. Most of the student's effort would be in researching available data on nanoparticle toxicity and on the ethical concerns associated with new technologies, specifically nanotechnologies. Additional resources on defining ethical frameworks are available from Indira Nair in Engineering and Public Policy and Peter Madsen in the Philosophy Department, who enthusiastically support ethics programs at Carnegie Mellon. Centers such as Center for Nano-enabled Device and Energy Technologies CNXT at Carnegie Mellon will provide additional resources for discussion and will aid in dissemination of the work. | ||||
| Determining cell growth on crystalline surfaces of different orientations | ||||
A collaborative effort between the Rohrer and Dahl groups examines the growth, adhesion, proliferation and morphology of cells on inorganic substrates of different crystallographic orientations. Given the chirality of most biological molecules and the sensitivity of cells to the presentation of their extracellular environment, we expect some degree of selectivity of the cells for the orientation of the substrate. The REU student will prepare coarse-grained copper and titanium substrates (grain sizes greater than 100 mm) with flat surfaces. A surface oxide will then be grown at elevated temperature. The crystal orientations will be determined by electron backscattered diffraction and the surface roughness of each grain will be measured by atomic force microscopy. After sterilization, cells will be grown both on bare surfaces and surfaces coated with extracellular matrix (ECM) peptides or proteins. Indirect immunofluorescence and/or incorporation of fluorescent ECM conjugates will be used to determine the effect of surface orientation on protein adsorption. We will test live cells for proliferation, apoptosis, spreading and general morphology using a combination of propidium iodide (to label dead cells) Hoechst 33342 (cell permeable nuclear stain) and Oregon Green Wheat Germ Agglutinin (labels cell borders). We can also use indirect immunofluorescence or transfected exogenous rDNA of GFP-paxillin to visualize adhesion to these crystal faces and compare with adhesion assays such as washing or centrifugation. These fundamental results will provide invaluable information for the design of metallic implants intended either to promote or inhibit cell adhesion and growth in the body. | ||||
| DNA detection by release of surfactant-solubilized dyes | ||||
Work in the Schneider group has demonstrated that micelle-forming DNA-binding surfactants transfer from the micelle to free solution following binding of a complementary DNA oligonucleotide. This project will leverage the de-micellization process to perform sensitive DNA detections. The fluorescent dye Nile Red has a high quantum yield when solubilized in the core of micelles, but a low yield in free solution. This project will study the use of solubilized fluorescent dyes to detect tiny amounts of DNA in solution by de-micellization strategies. | ||||
| Solid supported lipid bilayers of mixed chemical composition | ||||
The Loesche group studies structural properties of artificial, planar lipid membrane systems that mimic biological membranes. These materials are fluid leaflet that are only 5 nanometers thick. To incorporate transmembrane proteins into such systems, the membrane has to include hydrated space above the solid carrier. This is achieved by supporting the lipid bilayer using spacer molecules such as hexa(ethylene glucol) or a polymer cushion (PEG). In the past few years, the Loesche group has developed robust and simple protocols for the preparation of such "tethered" membranes. At the present time, however, only homogeneous lipid bilayers of one lipid have been characterized. Membrane protein incorporation, and thus the formation of systems that are closer to the 'real' biological structure, may require the assembly of mixed lipid bilayers that would include, e.g., cholesterol and sphingomyelin. The UG student will participate in the proposed project to systematically extend the existing technology to create such mixed systems with tailored phyical properties. First studies by impedance spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy will aim at optimizing the completeness and electrical impermeability of such bilayers. The electrical sealing is a requirement for the monitoring of the incorporation of channel-forming proteins, such as toxins or functional channels, with EIS. The student will be extensively trained in the relevant techniques. | ||||
| Enhancement of Aerosol Drug Delivery Using Surfactants | ||||
Some diseases in the lung close or constrict airway passages. When this happens, the aerodynamics that normally carry aerosol drugs to the site of the disease are inhibited and the drug does not reach the diseased part of the lung airways. By adding surfactant to the aerosol formulation, Marangoni stresses are set up on the lung airway wall. These stresses drive Marangoni flows that transport the drug along the airway walls to the diseased site. We need to determine the properties of the aerosol formulation that will optimize the Marangoni driven transport.The student will use optical microscopy observations to quantify the Maragoni driven flows on mucus surfaces as drops of surfactant formulations are placed on the mucus surface. The structure and interfacial properties of the formulation will be systematically varied to determine which formulation produces the greatest spreading across the surface. | ||||
| Functional Polymeric Microcapsules for Neural Stem Cell Culture | ||||
Polymeric microcapsules provide unique means to investigate the influence of physical and biochemical cues on stem cells in three-dimensional microenvironments in vitro. Microcapsule parameters, such as permeability, size and composition, can influence the viability, proliferation and fate of cells cultured inside the capsules. A major advantage that capsule-based three-dimensional scaffolds have over their two-dimensional counterparts is that they can more closely mimic the natural stem cell niche in terms of secreted factor presentation, cell-cell interaction, and cell-substrate interaction. The 3-D scaffold is able to provide improved cell-cell contact, cell-ECM contact, and dispersion of secreted factors by having the cells surround each other in 3-D space. Furthermore, microcapsules show extraordinary promise as delivery vehicles that facilitate implantation and integration e.g. of neural stem cells or neuronal progenitor cells into diseased parts of a brain for therapeutic purposes. Summer students are invited to contribute to the improvement of MEMS-based microcapsule generators, the generation of transgenic stem cell lines that express fluorescent marker proteins, the encapsulation and culture of neural stem cells, the analysis of cell fate by confocal fluorescence microscopy or the development of software tools for automated image analysis and experiment evaluation. | ||||
| Developing nano-scale technology and mechanically stimulate subcellular domains to determine intracellular structure | ||||
This undergraduate research activity focuses on developing nanotechnologies for the application of tractions on individual mammalian cells at spatially localized domains. These technologies will help determine the effects of mechanical stimulation on cell structure and will test the hypothesis that spatially defined force application will result in local increased deformation of intracellular structure in mammalian cells. These techniques will apply static and dynamic forces from 0 to 100 nN through the use of fabricated cantilever nanobeams along with development of magnetic nanobeads and a permanent magnetic manipulation system. In this, mechanical deformation will produce conformational alterations in individual molecules, which results in alterations in cell structure; this will be quantified through the use of nanoparticle/mitochondrial tracking methods. The student on this project will be working on building and interfacing cells with either beams or magnetic beads to mechanically stimulate single cells. | ||||
| Synthesis, Structure, Properties and Performance Relationships of Magnetic Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications | ||||
This project will look at biomedical applications of magnetic nanoparticles in cancer therapy. Thermoablative cancer therapy uses the fact that nanoparticles can be heated in a radiofrequency coil to kill tumor cells. In this application the materials paradigm of synthesis, structure, properties, performance can be applied to these end goals. Synthesis will include controlled crystallization of nanoparticles in an amorphous matrix followed by high energy ball milling to obtain nanopowders. X-ray diffraction will be used to identify the magnetic phase and particle size. Magnetic properties will be measured by vibrating sample or SQUID magnetometry. Particles will be dispersed into solution with appropriate surfactants. Nanoparticle cell studies will include pelletizing with cells, wetting of freeze dried cells and mixing of nanoparticle and cell sols. Cancer cells RF heating of the cells in pellets and potentially solutions will be performed while monitoring the heat rise (see attached abstract for materials comparison). Cell research will be performed with the Hillman Cancer Center. | ||||
| Water soluble polymers with reversible gelation for drug delivery | ||||
| Driven Coalescence of Sessile Drops on PDMS Surfaces | ||||
Knowledge of the dynamical behavior of droplets on a surface is important in numerous technological processes including spray cooling, ink-jet printing, and solder jet technology. Despite its importance, very few studies have focused on the dynamics of coalescence, or merging, of two drops spreading on a surface. In the Anna group, we have developed a novel method of controlling the merging of drops on a surface by using a microfluidic device to inject volume into two approaching sessile drops at a controlled rate and separation. We simultaneously acquire high-speed images of the side and top views of the coalescence event through use of a prism. Using this apparatus, our preliminary experiments have shown that the dynamics of coalescence are very different depending on the wetting properties of the solid surface. Existing scaling arguments and theoretical arguments do not capture the observed behavior. In this research project, the undergraduate student will investigate this new behavior by performing surface coalescence experiments and examining the influence of substrate wettability, driving flow rates, viscosity, and other experimental parameters on the dynamics. | ||||
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