Caroline L. Schauer

Bio: Caroline L. Schauer is an academic researcher from Drexel University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Electrospinning & Nanofiber. The author has an hindex of 31, co-authored 78 publications receiving 5062 citations. Previous affiliations of Caroline L. Schauer include Tufts University & University College of Engineering.

Cross-reactive chemical sensor arrays.

Abstract: Conventional approaches to chemical sensors have traditionally made use of a “lock-and-key” design, wherein a specific receptor is synthesized in order to strongly and highly selectively bind the analyte of interest.1-6 A related approach involves exploiting a general physicochemical effect selectively toward a single analyte, such as the use of the ionic effect in the construction of a pH electrode. In the first approach, selectivity is achieved through recognition of the analyte at the receptor site, and in the second, selectivity is achieved through the transduction process in which the method of detection dictates which species are sensed. Such approaches are appropriate when a specific target compound is to be identified in the presence of controlled backgrounds and interferences. However, this type of approach requires the synthesis of a separate, highly selective sensor for each analyte to be detected. In addition, this type of approach is not particularly useful for analyzing, classifying, or assigning human value judgments to the composition of complex vapor mixtures such as perfumes, beers, foods, mixtures of solvents, etc.

A Review: Electrospinning of Biopolymer Nanofibers and their Applications

Abstract: Electrospinning is a fabrication technique, which can be used to create nanofibrous non‐wovens from a variety of starting materials. The structure, chemical and mechanical stability, functionality, and other properties of the mats can be modified to match end applications. In this review, an introduction to biopolymers and the electrospinning process, as well as an overview of applications of nanofibrous biopolymer mats created by the electrospinning process will be discussed. Biopolymers will include polysaccharides (cellulose, chitin, chitosan, dextrose), proteins (collagen, gelatin, silk, etc.), DNA, as well as some biopolymer derivatives and composites.

Surface modification of plant fibers using environment friendly methods for their application in polymer composites, textile industry and antimicrobial activities: A review

Abstract: Plant fibers are hydrophilic in nature due to attraction/interaction between the hydroxyl groups of fiber components and water molecules. The hydrophilic nature of plant fibers often results in poor compatibility with hydrophobic polymer matrices. Therefore, it becomes necessary to modify the surface of plant fibers for better binding between fiber and matrix. Most of the chemical treatments involve mercerization, acetylation, benzoylation, isocyanate treatment and grafting of synthetic polymers. Surface modification of plant fibers using chemical treatments becomes less attractive because of a number of limitations. Environment friendly methods such as plasma treatment, treatments using fungi, enzymes and bacteria, can be used for the surface modification of plant fibers. In this article, we have reviewed various environmentally friendly methods for surface modification and their effect on the properties of plant fibers and reinforced polymer composites. The applications of modified plant fibers in textile industry and antimicrobial activities are also discussed in this article.

Gold nanoparticles in chemical and biological sensing.

Abstract: Detection of chemical and biological agents plays a fundamental role in biomedical, forensic and environmental sciences1–4 as well as in anti bioterrorism applications.5–7 The development of highly sensitive, cost effective, miniature sensors is therefore in high demand which requires advanced technology coupled with fundamental knowledge in chemistry, biology and material sciences.8–13 In general, sensors feature two functional components: a recognition element to provide selective/specific binding with the target analytes and a transducer component for signaling the binding event. An efficient sensor relies heavily on these two essential components for the recognition process in terms of response time, signal to noise (S/N) ratio, selectivity and limits of detection (LOD).14,15 Therefore, designing sensors with higher efficacy depends on the development of novel materials to improve both the recognition and transduction processes. Nanomaterials feature unique physicochemical properties that can be of great utility in creating new recognition and transduction processes for chemical and biological sensors15–27 as well as improving the S/N ratio by miniaturization of the sensor elements.28 Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) possess distinct physical and chemical attributes that make them excellent scaffolds for the fabrication of novel chemical and biological sensors (Figure 1).29–36 First, AuNPs can be synthesized in a straightforward manner and can be made highly stable. Second, they possess unique optoelectronic properties. Third, they provide high surface-to-volume ratio with excellent biocompatibility using appropriate ligands.30 Fourth, these properties of AuNPs can be readily tuned varying their size, shape and the surrounding chemical environment. For example, the binding event between recognition element and the analyte can alter physicochemical properties of transducer AuNPs, such as plasmon resonance absorption, conductivity, redox behavior, etc. that in turn can generate a detectable response signal. Finally, AuNPs offer a suitable platform for multi-functionalization with a wide range of organic or biological ligands for the selective binding and detection of small molecules and biological targets.30–32,36 Each of these attributes of AuNPs has allowed researchers to develop novel sensing strategies with improved sensitivity, stability and selectivity. In the last decade of research, the advent of AuNP as a sensory element provided us a broad spectrum of innovative approaches for the detection of metal ions, small molecules, proteins, nucleic acids, malignant cells, etc. in a rapid and efficient manner.37 Figure 1 Physical properties of AuNPs and schematic illustration of an AuNP-based detection system. In this current review, we have highlighted the several synthetic routes and properties of AuNPs that make them excellent probes for different sensing strategies. Furthermore, we will discuss various sensing strategies and major advances in the last two decades of research utilizing AuNPs in the detection of variety of target analytes including metal ions, organic molecules, proteins, nucleic acids, and microorganisms.

American Society for Testing and Materials

Abstract: The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is an independent organization devoted to the development of standards.

Chitosan chemistry and pharmaceutical perspectives.

Abstract: Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Sector 67, S. A. S. Nagar,Mohali, Punjab-160 062, India, Institute of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Polytechnic University, Via Ranieri 67, IT-60100 Ancona, Italy,Green Biotechnology Research Group, The Special Division for Human Life Technology, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science andTechnology, 1-8-31 Midorigaoka, Ikeda, Osaka-563-8577, Japan, and Department of Medicinal Chemistry & Natural Products,The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, School of Pharmacy-Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem 91120, IsraelReceived March 2, 2004