Optical microfiber-based temperature sensors have been proposed for many applications in a variety of industrial uses, including biomedical, geological, automotive, and defense applications. This increasing demand for these micrometric devices is attributed to their large dynamic range, high sensitivity, fast-response, compactness and robustness. Additionally, they can perform in-situ measureme...

Three-dimensional profiling and tracking by digital holography microscopy (DHM) provide label-free and quantitative analysis of the characteristics and dynamic processes of objects, since DHM can record real-time data for microscale objects and produce a single hologram containing all the information about their three-dimensional structures. Here, we have utilized DHM to visualize suspended mic...

Self-assembling peptides have been previously designed that assemble into macroscopic membranes, nanotapes, and filaments through electrostatic interactions. However, the formation of highly ordered collagen-like fibrils, which display D-periodic features, has yet to be achieved. In this report, we describe for the first time a synthetic peptide system that self-assembles into a fibrous structu...

Recent experiments have shown that it is possible to self-assemble very uniform polymeric microfibers and nanofibers by exploiting elasto-capillary thinning of macroscopic liquid bridges (Harfenist et al., Nano Lett., 4(10), 2004). We develop a model of this process that describes the simultaneous viscoelasto-capillary thinning and drying of polymeric liquid filaments. A one-dimensional formula...

Geckos have the extraordinary ability to prevent their sticky feet from fouling while running on dusty walls and ceilings. Understanding gecko adhesion and self-cleaning mechanisms is essential for elucidating animal behaviours and rationally designing gecko-inspired devices. Here we report a unique self-cleaning mechanism possessed by the nano-pads of gecko spatulae. The difference between the...

The objective of this research was to evaluate an all-chemical process to prepare nano-scale to macro-scale cellulosic fibers from kenaf bast fibers, for polymer composite reinforcement. The procedure used in this all-chemical process included alkaline retting to obtain single cellulosic retted fiber, bleaching treatment to obtain delignified bleached fiber, and acidic hydrolysis to obtain both...

EURAL degeneration resulted from various traumas and diseases, represents a preponderance of health problem all over the world. Although various cell therapies and implants have been investigated, repairing damaged nerves and achieving full functional recovery are still challenging. For instance, autografts are usually difficult to collect sufficient donor nerves from patients in addition to po...