Giovanna Razzano

Bio: Giovanna Razzano is an academic researcher. The author has contributed to research in topics: Grippers & Palliative care. The author has an hindex of 2, co-authored 7 publications receiving 60 citations.

Development of Micro-Grippers for Tissue and Cell Manipulation with Direct Morphological Comparison

Abstract: Although tissue and cell manipulation nowadays is a common task in biomedical analysis, there are still many different ways to accomplish it, most of which are still not sufficiently general, inexpensive, accurate, efficient or effective. Several problems arise both for in vivo or in vitro analysis, such as the maximum overall size of the device and the gripper jaws (like in minimally-invasive open biopsy) or very limited manipulating capability, degrees of freedom or dexterity (like in tissues or cell-handling operations). This paper presents a new approach to tissue and cell manipulation, which employs a conceptually new conjugate surfaces flexure hinge (CSFH) silicon MEMS-based technology micro-gripper that solves most of the above-mentioned problems. The article describes all of the phases of the development, including topology conception, structural design, simulation, construction, actuation testing and in vitro observation. The latter phase deals with the assessment of the function capability, which consists of taking a series of in vitro images by optical microscopy. They offer a direct morphological comparison between the gripper and a variety of tissues.

Sedazione palliativa profonda continua nell’imminenza della morte o sedazione profonda e continua fino alla morte La differenza tra un trattamento sanitario e un reato. Il parere del CNB, la legge francese e le proposte di legge all’esame della Camera dei

Abstract: The border between palliative sedation and euthanasia is important to distinguish a right from a crime; a good clinical practice from improvidence, negligence, carelessness, abuse. Palliative care indeed refuses euthanasia, in the sense of the intentional killing by act or omission of a dependent human being for his or her alleged benefit (definition by Council of Europe), provides relief from pain and other distressing symptoms and affirms life and regards dying as a normal process; intends neither to hasten or postpone death (according to the definition of the WHO). Italian National Bioethics Committee, aware of the importance of the border with euthanasia, has proposed the definition of continuous deep palliative sedation in the imminence of death. Not so the new French law, which has legalized deep and continues sedation until death, in a context where the physicians can interrupt any treatment, including basic care such as artificial nutrition and hydration, if it could be interpreted as unreasonable obstinacy, even if the patient is unconscious and he or she isn’t at the end of the life but he or she is living “an artificial life”. The author explains how France, in this way, has effectively legalized euthanasia. Finally the a. analyses legislative proposals being examined by Italian Parliament regarding the choice between euthanasia and palliative care.

Survey on Recent Designs of Compliant Micro-/Nano-Positioning Stages

Abstract: Micromanipulation is a hot topic due to its enabling role in various research fields. In order to perform a high precision operation at a small scale, compliant mechanisms have been proposed and applied for decades. In microscale manipulation, micro-/nano-positioning is the most fundamental operation because a precision positioning is the premise of subsequent operations. This paper is concentrated on reviewing the state-of-the-art research on complaint micro-/nano-positioning stage design in recent years. It involves the major processes and components for designing a compliant positioning stage, e.g., actuator selection, stroke amplifier design, connecting scheme of the multi-DOF stage and structure optimization. The review provides a reference to design a compliant micro-/nano-positioning stage for pertinent applications.

Fabrication of Novel MEMS Microgrippers by Deep Reactive Ion Etching With Metal Hard Mask

Abstract: The fabrication of a novel class of microgrippers is demonstrated by means of bulk microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology using silicon on insulator wafer substrates and deep reactive ion etching. Hard masking is implemented to maximize the selectivity of the bulk etching using sputtered aluminum and aluminum–titanium thin films. The micro-roughness problem related to the use of metal mask is addressed by testing different mask combinations and etching parameters. The O2 flow, SF6 pressure, wafer temperature, and bias power are examined, and the effect of each parameter on micro-masking is assessed. Sidewall damage associated with the use of a metal mask is eliminated by interposing a dielectric layer between silicon substrate and metal mask. Dedicated comb-drive anchors are implemented to etch safely both silicon sides down to the buried oxide, and to preserve the wafer integrity until the final wet release of the completed structures. A first set of complete devices is realized and tested under electrical actuation. [2017-0039]

A review on MEMS based micro displacement amplification mechanisms

Abstract: This paper provides a comprehensive review on the design and development of micro displacement amplification mechanisms. Micro displacement amplification mechanisms are gaining importance in MEMS applications where motion precision, reliability, accuracy, and compactness are needed. These displacement amplification mechanisms improve the sensitivity of micro-sensors and voltage stroke ratio of micro actuators. There advantages have opened doors for new and improved micro devices with unprecedented performance. In this paper, we have reviewed compliant displacement amplification mechanisms including bridge type mechanism, positioning stage amplification mechanism, Scott–Russell mechanism, mechanisms with micro-lever micromechanical levers concept, multi-stage force displacement amplification mechanism, hydraulic displacement amplification mechanism and thermally actuated displacement amplification mechanism. Different displacement amplification mechanisms incorporated with micro grippers, micro actuators especially piezoelectric are reviewed in detail.