Sensors
Emission and Sensor Registration of Microparticles in Inhomogeneous Structures under Uniaxial Deformations
The Institute of Robotics – BAS presents research that focuses on clarifying the root causes and mechanisms that lead to the generation of fractures during deformations. By analyzing these complex mechanisms, the experiments aim to improve methods for predicting and managing the risks of pre-destructive and destructive processes in critical infrastructure.
The research contains several innovative aspects that contribute to the understanding and analysis of processes related to the destruction of rock structures under uniaxial compression in the context of a new phenomenon:
• Experimental determination of the mechanism of mineral particle emission from the surface of structures in the typical range of 0.3 µm – 5.0 µm for the phenomenon.
• A drastic increase in particle emissions as deformation increases to the level preceding the destruction of the samples.
• Quantitative assessments of particle emissions depending on effective compressive stresses and relative load levels for different types of geomaterials.
• The results on emission patterns enhance the ability to model and analyze deformation processes in rock systems.
The applied aspect of the phenomenon is multifaceted. Based on it, innovative robotic platforms, sensor devices, and next-generation technologies can be developed. Thus, continuous particle monitoring serves for early warning and prediction of pre-emergency and emergency events in critical infrastructure.
Sensors
Biosensor technology for detection of pathogens/gases/pesticides
Institute of Optical Materials and Technologies “Acad. Jordan Malinowski” presents biosensor technology for detecting pathogens/gases/pesticides.
A method based on laser ablation has been technologically mastered to immobilize the recognition substance on the optical transducer. The method, called MAPLE, provides direct immobilization (without the presence of an embedding matrix of intermediary molecules) of the recognition molecules. The method has been tested for immobilization of haemoglobin, myoglobin, antibodies and antigens. Precise control of the thickness of the molecular layers while preserving their bioactivity has been achieved. The absence of an embedding matrix ensures the maximum possible specificity inherent only to the recognition molecules. This solves the specificity problem.
Control of the MAPLE process parameters allow the creation of a nanostructured layer of the required thickness. This process largely determines the detection sensitivity. Proof of the effectiveness of the process is the reached sensitivity of 120 fM in the detection of SARS CoV-2 proteins.
The element that converts changes in the bioactive layer caused by bimolecular reactions into an optical signal is a metallized diffraction grating. The approach of using a metallized diffraction grating disproves the widely held belief that this detection method has a sensitivity about an order of magnitude less than that of prism detection.
The use of suitable diffraction gratings solves the problem of sensitivity and the difficulty of handling them with a sample under investigation.
The technology of immobilization of recognition molecules, as well as the technology of manufacturing diffraction gratings, have been fully mastered.
A prototype of the biosensor was created, including all optical and detection elements, representing a small, compact device. Functionality is proven in a simulated environment. The measuring equipment is laboratory instruments.
Sensors
Sensor pipette
The Institute of Information and Communication Technologies at BAS presents a device—a sensor pipette. This device utilizes fluorescence and/or spectroscopy to measure diffusion, concentration, and other parameters of dyes, nanoparticles, viruses, and more. It monitors the efficiency of nanoparticle synthesis, filtration, dialysis, and measures the properties and interactions of/among molecules, nanoparticles, viruses, and others.
The sensor pipette ultra allows rapid diagnostics – identification of viruses and diseases, pollutants, composition and content of an unknown sample in a solution. The main users of the solution are (sectors/branches of the economy): Academic, biological and medical laboratories, institutes, institutions; quality control and diagnostics laboratories; bio-technological companies, pharmaceutical companies, agriculture, research units.
The main advantages are that it miniaturizes extremely complex and expensive apparatus (to the size of the hand), affordability (accessible to many more users, laboratories, etc.), makes the technology accessible to business people (no training required to is used), speed of obtaining the result (1-10 seconds).
Sensors
- Trains the brain for more flexible and faster thinking;
- Allows for multi-component decision-making – exercises coordination between the left and right hemispheres depending on the task;
- Improves decision-making time;
- Offers the possibility to create various training combinations;
- Enhances the ability to react to external stimuli.
- School-age children – for improving concentration and cognitive abilities. It is suitable for children with hyperactivity and attention deficit.
- Adults – to develop more flexible and faster thinking and improve decision-making ability. It is suitable for preventing cognitive disorders and for women in menopause.
- Athletes – for individual training to improve both visual-motor reaction and decision-making time. It is suitable for training, enhancing, and controlling the specialized technical preparation of boxers and improving sports and technical skills.
