Univ of Illinois Micro + Nanotechnology Lab 2016 Highlights Report | Page 5

Developing next-generation aneurysm treatment
Brighter & more efficient green LEDs

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

Developing next-generation aneurysm treatment

A representation of the magnetic field formed on the bacterial nanocellulose after uniform magnetic flux exposure — a method developed by Jean Paul Allain ’ s research group .
Artificial blood vessels made from bacterial nanocellulose ( BNC ) are emerging as a new , less-invasive method for treating aneurysms . This innovative therapy , however , faces two major challenges — it requires better adhesion properties and the ability to attract cells in situ to a stent in order to begin rebuilding the aneurysm ’ s damaged arterial wall . Nuclear , Plasma & Radiological Engineering Associate Professor Jean Paul Allain ’ s research group has introduced a novel way to make BNC magnetic and biomimetic . His method uses magnetic fields to help attract endothelial cells to stent surfaces , and it provides a promising next-generation medical alternative to conventional aneurysm treatments that require surgery and sometimes results in hemorrhaging and other long-term health issues . Also in 2016 , Allain ’ s group began conducting fundamental biomaterials research at MNTL using their directed irradiation synthesis IGNIS system .
Source : The Journal of Visualized Experiments ( JoVE ) Bioengineering , “ Fabrication of a functionalized magnetic bacterial nanocellulose with iron oxide nanoparticles ,” Issue 111 , May 2016 .

Brighter & more efficient green LEDs

ECE Assistant Professor Can Bayram has developed a new method for making brighter and more efficient green light-emitting diodes ( LEDs ). Using the industry-standard metal-organic chemical-vapor deposition ( MOCVD ) growth technique and an inexpensive silicon substrate , Bayram created gallium nitride ( GaN ) cubic crystals that are capable of producing powerful green light for advanced solid-state lighting . Bayram ’ s cubic GaN method may lead to LEDs free from a phenomenon known as droop that has plagued the LED industry for years . These enhanced LEDs could have applications in underwater communications and biotechnology — opto-genetics and migraine treatment , for example . In addition to having an impact on LED technology , Bayram ’ s cubic GaN may someday replace silicon to make power electronic devices found in laptop power adapters and electronic substations , and it could replace mercury lamps to make ultra-violet LEDs that disinfect water .
Source : Applied Physics Letters , “ Maximizing cubic phase gallium nitride surface coverage on nano-patterned silicon ,” volume 109 , issue 4 , July 2016 .
SEM images of Can Bayram ’ s new cubic phase synthesis method for making better performing green LEDs . micro + nanotechnology lab | 3 | 2016 highlights report