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Carbon in its various forms, specifically nanocrystalline diamond, may become a key material for the manufacturing of micro- and nano-electromechanical (M/NEMS) devices in the twenty-first century. To utilize effectively these materials for M/NEMS applications, understanding of their microscopic structure and physical properties (mechanical properties, in particular) become indispensable. The microcrystalline and nanocrystalline diamond films were grown using hot-filament and microwave chemical vapor deposition techniques involving novel CH4/[TMB for boron doping and H2S for sulfur incorporation] in high hydrogen dilution chemistry. To investigate residual stress distribution and intermolecular forces at nanoscale, the films were characterized using Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy in terms of topography, force curves, and force volume imaging. Traditional force curve measures the force felt by the tip as it approaches and retracts from a point on the sample surface, whereas force volume is an array of force curves over an extended range of sample area. Moreover, detailed microscale structural studies are able to demonstrate that the carbon bonding configuration (sp2 versus sp3 hybridization) and surface chemical termination in both the un-doped and doped diamond have a strong effect on nanoscale intermolecular forces. The preliminary information in the force volume measurement was decoupled from topographic data to offer new insights into the materials' surface and mechanical properties of diamond films. These measurements are also complemented with scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction to reveal their morphology and structure and frictional properties, albeit qualitative using lateral force microscopy mode. We present these comparative results and discuss their potential impact for electronic and electromechanical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface conductivity in hydrogen-terminated single crystal diamond is an intriguing phenomenon for fundamental reasons as well as for application driven research. Surface conductivity is also observed in hydrogen-terminated nanocrystalline diamond although the electronic transport mecha-nisms remain unclear. In this work, the piezoresistive properties of intrinsic surface conductive nanocrystalline diamond are investigated. A gauge factor of 35 is calculated from bulging a dia-mond membrane of 350 nm thick, with a diameter of 656 µm and a sheet resistance of 1.45 MΩ/sq. The large piezoresistive effect is reasoned to originate directly from strain-induced changes in the resistivity of the grain boundaries. Additionally, we ascribe a small time-dependent fraction of the piezoresistive effect to charge trapping of charge carriers at grain boundaries. In conclusion, time-dependent piezoresistive effect measurements act as a tool for deeper understanding the com-plex electronic transport mechanisms induced by grain boundaries in a polycrystalline material or nanocomposite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) under high vacuum conditions (2×10−8 mbar), combined with high-resolution topographical imaging with the scanning tunneling microscope (STM), enabled us to investigate local variations in the electronic structure of the surface of chemical vapor deposited diamond films. We studied the variations in the current–voltage I(V) characteristics of hydrogen terminated films when varying the distance between tip and surface. Our STS measurements confirm the surface p-type conductance. We also studied the influence of changes in the hydrogen termination by annealing under high vacuum conditions. Annealing at relatively low temperatures is shown to dramatically influence the local I(V) characteristics measured with STM, confirming that hydrogen termination alone is not sufficient for explaining the enhanced surface conductance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A high-temperature procedure to hydrogenate diamond films using molecular hydrogen at atmospheric pressure was explored. Undoped and doped chemical vapour deposited (CVD) polycrystalline diamond films were treated according to our annealing method using a H2 gas flow down to ∼50 ml/min (STP) at ∼850 °C. The films were extensively evaluated by surface wettability, electron affinity, elemental composition, photoconductivity, and redox studies. In addition, electrografting experiments were performed. The surface characteristics as well as the optoelectronic and redox properties of the annealed films were found to be very similar to hydrogen plasma-treated films. Moreover, the presented method is compatible with atmospheric pressure and provides a low-cost solution to hydrogenate CVD diamond, which makes it interesting for industrial applications. The plausible mechanism for the hydrogen termination of CVD diamond films is based on the formation of surface carbon dangling bonds and carbon-carbon unsaturated bonds at the applied tempera-ture, which react with molecular hydrogen to produce a hydrogen-terminated surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The systematics of the suppression of superconductivity with increasing magnetic field in boron-doped nanocrystalline chemical vapor deposition diamond is studied in a broad temperature range. At the temperature of TS0 which is above the critical temperature, a plateau is observed in the resistivity versus temperature curve ρ(T) taken at zero magnetic field. When a magnetic field of B=BSN(N=1,2,...,5) is applied, the plateau moves to low temperature with the thermoresistivity maximum located at TSN (N=1,2,...,5). The ρ(B) curves, measured at different temperatures around TSN, intersect in the ρ-B plane at the field of B=BSN. By tuning BSN from 0 to 5 T, a series of plateaus in the ρ-T plane and the corresponding intersections in the ρ-B plane are observed. The intersections quadratically chain up in the ρ-B plane, separating the superconducting from the insulating region. The thermoresistivity maxima exponentially group up in the ρ-T plane, thus defining a phase fluctuation zone. The phase boundary, composed of the intersections and separating the superconducting states from the insulating state, is shown to be a generic consequence of granularity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we investigate the stress developed in phosphorus-doped layers grown on (110)-textured polycrystalline diamond templates. To that end, we follow the shifts of the diamond Raman diffusion and the exciton recombination energies by Raman and cathodoluminescence spectroscopies, respectively. With each approach, a high tensile strain of several gigapascal is evidenced. Moreover, Raman mapping performed in cross section shows (i) at the grain boundaries, a strain in tension that propagates along the growth direction from the template to the deposited layer and (ii) at the center of each grain, a tensile strain of the phosphorus-doped layer with respect to the underlying undoped grain. Concerning the second, we observe also an increase in strain effects at high phosphorus incorporation, together with a structural degradation. The possible origins of such high lattice deformation of phosphorus-doped layers are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the observation of a negative magnetoresistance (NMR) regime in boron-doped nanocrystalline diamond films at low temperatures. A comparative analysis of our experimental results and those reported for systems composed of superconducting granules embedded in an insulating matrix (also referred as granular films) suggest the presence of superconducting regions inside the insulating films as causing the NMR. By considering the latter scenario, the experimental observations are explained by modeling the systems as consisting of a distribution of superconducting granules whose global properties are tuned by the intergrain distance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the optical property measurements on boron-doped diamond (BDD) films which were synthesized by microwave plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition technique on Si (100) using methane in high hydrogen dilution and trimethylboron as precursors with varying boron concentration such that [B]/[C]gas=100, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, and 6467 ppm. These BDD films were investigated using a rotating analyzer variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) from the near IR to UV range (830–193 nm). By applying the conventional Bruggeman effective medium approximation and linear regression analyses to the raw SE data that is, [ψ(λi),Δ(λi)] and pseudodielectric function (<[variant_greek_epsilon]r(λi)>,<[variant_greek_epsilon]i(λi)>), we determined the most appropriate model fit. The SE modeling was performed through the normal and point-by-point fit methods combined with the coupled and uncoupled bulk and surface layer approaches providing the details about the thin films’ microstructure in terms of the (a) multilayer (component and surface) structure and component layer thickness of the films, (b)volume fraction of constituents [fsp3 C, fsp2 C and void (fv) in the component layer], (c) inhomogeneity of the structure along the growth axis and its variation with boron concentration, and (iv) surface roughness layer thickness (ds) with dimensions less than the optical wavelength that is not otherwise available. A simplified three-layer structural model consisting of an interfacial layer, an intermediate (or bulk) layer, and a top surface roughness layer has been proposed, which simulates the ellipsometry data reasonably well with coupled point-by-point method. An estimator, i.e., mean squared error (χ2), is used to assess the accuracy of the model fit. The... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incorporation efficiency of phosphorus was studied as a function of the surface orientation of grains in (110)-textured polycrystalline chemical vapor deposited diamond. Cathodoluminescence mapping of such films exhibits large local differences in relative intensities stemming from P-bound and free excitons. Combined with electron backscattering diffraction mapping, these data allow assessing of the donor concentration as a function of the grain orientation. While [P] can vary between 1015 and >1018 cm-3 within one film, misorientation angles of more than 10° with respect to the exact [110] axis assure an enhanced incorporation of P with concentrations surpassing 5×1017 cm-3. The role of the surface morphology in the observation of these large incorporation differences is explained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed conductive atomic force microscopic investigation is carried out to directly image the electron emission behavior for nitrogen-doped diamond nanorods (N-DNRs). Localized emission measurements illustrate uniform distribution of high-density electron emission sites from N-DNRs. Emission sites coupled to nanographitic phases at the grain boundaries facilitate electron transport and thereby enhance field electron emission from N-DNRs, resulting in a device operation at low turn-on fields of 6.23 V/μm, a high current density of 1.94 mA/cm 2 (at an applied field of 11.8 V/μm) and a large field enhancement factor of 3320 with a long life-time stability of 980 min. Moreover, using N-DNRs as cathodes, a microplasma device that can ignite a plasma at a low threshold field of 390 V/mm achieving a high plasma illumination current density of 3.95 mA/cm 2 at an applied voltage of 550 V and a plasma life-time stability for a duration of 433 min was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field electron emission (FEE) properties of nitrogen-incorporated nanocrystalline diamond films were enhanced due to Li-ion implantation/annealing processes. Li-ion implantation mainly induced the formation of electron trap centers inside diamond grains, whereas post-annealing healed the defects and converted the a-C phase into nanographite, forming conduction channels for effective transport of electrons. This resulted in a high electrical conductivity of 11.0 S/cm and enhanced FEE performance with a low turn-on field of 10.6 V/µm, a high current density of 25.5 mA/cm² (at 23.2 V/µm), and a high lifetime stability of 1,090 min for nitrogen incorporated nanocrystalline diamond films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Boron-doped diamond coating on carbon fibres. • Decrease of electrical resistance on coated fibres. • Increase of the local surface electrical response on coated fibres. • Electrical conductivity of the boron-doped diamond layer, 103 Ω-1∙mm-1. Carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CRFP) are extensively used in many industrial applications thanks to its mechanical properties and its low weight. Nevertheless, the orthotropic character of CRFP highly reduces its applications. The transversal electrical conductivity in CRFP is two orders poorer than in the longitudinal direction. To improve their electrical properties, this work proposes the use of polycrystalline boron doped diamond (BDD) as coating of the carbon fibres (CF). BDD coating is deposited on CF surface using microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) system. The BDD coating forms a rigid conductive coating around the CF as a core–shell structure. Here, an electrical characterization of both, 12,000 filaments (a tow) and a single coated filament, are carried out in the longitudinal and cross-section directions. Macro, micro and local analysis using the Kelvin method, Conductive Atomic Force Microscopy (C-AFM), and Scanning Microwave Impedance Microscopy (sMIM), were carried out to evidence the improvement of the electrical properties. Macro measurement reveals that the BDD coating decreases to half the resistivity of the CF. The BDD coating raises the local electrical conductivity of the CF by an order of magnitude with respect to the uncoated ones. sMIM maps identified BDD locations in ring-like configurations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diamond n-type layers are crucial for the development of a new bipolar diamond-based electronic technology. However, the difficulties to incorporate impurity atoms into the diamond lattice make its growth a stage of technological research still in progress. Phosphorus doping has been carried out successfully on (111)-oriented diamond substrates, reaching high concentrations and good reproducibility. Nevertheless, such reproducible results have not been obtained for the (100) growth orientations yet, even though the (100) substrate orientation is still the most used diamond substrate for electronic applications. In this study, three samples are grown by microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition on diamond (100)-oriented high pressure high temperature substrates. All samples are deposited with the same growth conditions except methane, which was varied between 1.5 % and 3.5 %. A different growth mechanism is observed for each of the methane content used. The step flow growth mechanism shows increased phosphorus incorporation, determined by cathodoluminescence (CL) in cross sectional view in focused ion beam preparations. This sample also shows a less rough surface and no crystal defects observable by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). That is why these growth conditions are used for the fabrication of the n-type layer of a p+/p−/n stack. Ellipsometry and TEM measurements on this sample yield a high growth rate of 3.5 μm/h with a phosphorus concentration of 4 × 1017 cm−3, estimated by CL spectroscopy. The sample shows a low density of surface defects, observed by optical microscopy. However, TEM observations show dislocations with 1/2 a〈110〉 burger vector and stacking faults with 1/3 〈111〉 displacement vector. [Display omitted] • High methane content in P-doped CVD diamond growth increases surface roughness. • High methane content in P-doped CVD diamond growth reduces P incorporation. • A high density of defects increases the growth rate and phosphorous incorporation. • A poor surface increases the density of defects, which increases the growth rate. • A poor surface increases the density of defects and promotes phosphorus incorporation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilization of Au and nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) as interlayers noticeably modifies the microstructure and field electron emission (FEE) properties of hexagonal boron nitride nanowalls (hBNNWs) grown on Si substrates. The FEE properties of hBNNWs on Au could be turned on at a low turn-on field of 14.3 V μm−1, attaining FEE current density of 2.58 mA cm−2 and life-time stability of 105 min. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that the Au-interlayer nucleates the hBN directly, preventing the formation of amorphous boron nitride (aBN) in the interface, resulting in enhanced FEE properties. But Au forms as droplets on the Si substrate forming again aBN at the interface. Conversely, hBNNWs on NCD shows superior in life-time stability of 287 min although it possesses inferior FEE properties in terms of larger turn-on field and lower FEE current density as compared to that of hBNNWs-Au. The uniform and continuous NCD film on Si also circumvents the formation of aBN phases and allows hBN to grow directly on NCD. Incorporation of carbon in hBNNWs from the NCD-interlayer improves the conductivity of hBNNWs, which assists in transporting the electrons efficiently from NCD to hBNNWs that results in better field emission of electrons with high life-time stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fabrication of n-type diamond is essential for the realization of electronic components for extreme environments. We report on the growth of a 66 lm thick homoepitaxial phosphorus-doped diamond on a (110)-oriented diamond substrate, grown at a very high deposition rate of 33 μmh-1. A pristine diamond lattice is observed by high resolution transmission electron microscopy, which indicates the growth of high quality diamond. About 2.9 × 1016 cm-3 phosphorus atoms are electrically active as substitutional donors, which is 60% of all incorporated dopant atoms. These results indicate that P-doped (110)-oriented diamond films deposited at high growth rates are promising candidates for future use in high-power electronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we show that synthetic sapphire (Al 2 O 3 ), an established implant material, can also serve as a platform material for biosensors comparable to nanocrystalline diamond. Sapphire chips, beads, and powder were first modified with (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES), followed by succinic anhydride (SA), and finally single-stranded probe DNA was EDC coupled to the functionalized layer. The presence of the APTES-SA layer on sapphire powders was confirmed by thermogravimetric analyis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Using planar sapphire chips as substrates and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) as surface-sensitive tool, the sequence of individual layers was analyzed with respect to their chemical state, enabling the quantification of areal densities of the involved molecular units. Fluorescence microscopy was used to demonstrate the hybridization of fluorescently tagged target DNA to the probe DNA, including denaturation- and re-hybridization experiments. Due to its high thermal conductivity, synthetic sapphire is especially suitable as a chip material for the heat-transfer method, which was employed to distinguish complementary- and non-complementary DNA duplexes containing single-nucleotide polymorphisms. These results indicate that it is possible to detect mutations electronically with a chemically resilient and electrically insulating chip material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a morphological and structural analysis of CVD diamond growth on silicon from nanodiamond seeds covered by a 50 nm thick chromium layer. The role of carbon diffusion as well as chromium and carbon silicide formation is analyzed. The local diamond environment is investigated by scanning transmission electron microscopy in combination with electron energy-loss spectroscopy. The evolution of the diamond phase composition (sp 3 /sp 2 ) is evaluated by micro-Raman spectroscopy. Raman and X-ray diffraction analysis are used to identify the interfacial phases formed during CVD growth. Based upon the observed morphological and structural evolution, a diamond growth model from nanodiamond seeds buried beneath a thin Cr layer is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface pretreatment by gas discharge plasmas of N 2 , O 2 and CF 4 is studied for enhanced diamond nucleation on Cr surfaces. The seeding density following the interaction of water-dispersed nanodiamonds (NDs) and the Cr surface is enhanced due to chemical modification of a surface. The surface that is untreated or pretreated with N 2 plasma possesses a suppressed electrostatic attraction of NDs, while the pretreatment with O 2 or CF 4 plasmas render a strong electrostatic attraction and high seeding density. Finally, by this method thin nanocrystalline diamond films are achieved on Cr surfaces after O 2 and CF 4 plasma pretreatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results are presented on the thermal and elastic properties of a thin, 1.5 μm, nanocrystalline diamond coating (NCD), deposited on a silicon substrate by microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. A combination of two all-optical measurement techniques, impulsive stimulated thermal scattering and grating induced laser beam deflection, was employed to launch and detect surface acoustic waves (SAWs). The relation between the dispersive propagation velocity of SAWs to the coating-substrate geometry is exploited to determine the elastic properties of the NCD coating. The elastic properties are found to be consistent with literature values. The thermal properties of the coating were determined by monitoring the thermal diffusion induced washing away of the laser induced transient surface temperature grating. The transient thermal grating signals were fitted by the low-frequency limit of a thermoelastic model for a multilayer configuration. Similar to the dispersion of the surface acoustic wave velocity, the characteristic time of the thermal diffusion driven grating decay evolves from a coating-dominated value at short grating spacings towards a substrate-dominated value at grating spacings well exceeding the coating thickness. The grating spacing dependence of the corresponding effective thermal diffusivity was experimentally determined and fitted, leading to a value for the thermal diffusivity of the NCD coating α NCD = 8.4 − 0.1 + 2.7 mm 2 ·s − 1 , which is an order of magnitude lower than that of the silicon substrate. The low value of the thermal diffusivity is interpreted with a simple touching model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we show an optical biosensor concept, based on elastic light scattering from sapphire microspheres. Transmitted and elastic scattering intensity of the microspheres (radius 500 μm, refractive index 1.77) on an optical fiber half coupler is analyzed at 1510 nm. The 0.43 nm angular mode spacing of the resonances is comparable to the angular mode spacing value estimated using the optical size of the microsphere. The spectral linewidths of the resonances are in the order of 0.01 nm, which corresponds to quality factors of approximately 10 5 . A polydopamine layer is used as a functionalizing agent on sapphire microspherical resonators in view of biosensor implementation. The varying layer thickness on the microsphere is determined as a function of the resonance wavelength shift. It is shown that polymer functionalization has a minor effect on the quality factor. This is a promising step toward the development of an optical biosensor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we report on a label-free real-time method based on heat transfer resistivity for thermal monitoring of DNA denaturation and its potential to quantify DNA fragments with a specific sequence of interest. Probe DNA, consisting of a 36-mer fragment was covalently immobilized on a nanocrystalline diamond surface, created by chemical vapor deposition on a silicon substrate. Various concentrations of full matched 29-mer target DNA fragments were hybridized with this probe DNA. We observed that the change in heat transfer resistance upon denaturation depends on the concentration of target DNA used during the hybridization, which allowed us to determine the dose--response curve. Therefore, these results illustrate the potential of this technique to quantify the concentration of a specific DNA fragment and to quantify the hybridization efficiency to its probe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on the use of the heat transfer method, a novel surface-sensitive technique based on heat transfer through solid-liquid interfaces, to detect phase transitions of model lipid membranes. We selected the lipid DPPC because of its rich phase behavior in an experimentally accessible temperature range. The vesicles were adsorbed on nanocrystalline diamond films, known as a versatile platform material for biosensing with outstanding heat-conduction properties. Complementary Peltier-element-based adiabatic scanning calorimetry (pASC) and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) measurements were carried out to monitor the phase transitions in multilamellar and small unilamellar vesicles, respectively. The heat-transfer measurements revealed reversible jumps upon heating and cooling in the thermal resistance in the vicinity of the expected transition temperature and they agree qualitatively with molecular simulations of the thermal conductivity across a lipid bilayer. The results show the capability of the heat transfer method to detect the main phase transition in DPPC, opening new perspectives for the study of more complex lipid systems and different solid platforms. This work confirms QCM-D as a useful tool for the assessment of the structural changes upon the phase conversion and shows the capability of pASC to provide high-resolution thermodynamic information on biophysical systems. Temperature profile of the heat transfer resistance Rth during the main phase transition of a DPPC supported vesicle layer adsorbed on a hydrogen-terminated nanocrystalline diamond substrate. The arrows indicate the sense of the run: heating (red solid line) and cooling (blue solid line). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study the efficiency of electrochemical oxidation of aromatic pollutants, such as reactive dyes, at boron-doped diamond on silicon (Si/BDD) electrodes was investigated. The level of [B]/[C] ratio which is effective for the degradation and mineralization of selected aromatic pollutants, and the impact of [B]/[C] ratio on the crystalline structure, layer conductivity and relative sp3/sp2 coefficient of a BDD electrode were also studied. The thin film microcrystalline electrodes have been deposited on highly doped silicon substrates via MW PE CVD. Si/BDD electrodes were synthesized for different [B]/[C] ratios of the gas phase. Mechanical and chemical stability of the electrodes was achieved for the microcrystalline layer with relatively high sp3/sp2 band ratio. Layer morphology and crystallite size distribution were analyzed by SEM. The resistivity of BDD electrodes was studied using four-point probe measurements. The relative sp3/sp2 band ratios were determined by deconvolution of Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectra. The efficiency of degradation and mineralization of the reactive azo dye rubin F-2B was estimated based on the absorbance measurements at 545nm. The influence of commonly used electrolytes NaCl and Na2SO4 on the dye removal efficiency was also investigated. The results suggest that, in general, the oxidation occurs indirectly at the anode through generation of hydroxyl radicals •OH, which react with the dye in a very fast and non-selective manner. In NaCl electrolyte the dye was also decomposed by more selective, active chlorine species (Cl2, HOCl). However the efficiency of this process in BDD depended on the electrode's doping level. Higher amounts of dopant on the surface of BDD resulted in the higher efficiency of dye removal in both electrolytes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this article, we report on the label-free real-time thermal monitoring of the denaturation of specific DNA fragments and its potential to detect and quantify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Probe DNA, consisting of a 36-mer fragment was covalently immobilized on nanocrystalline chemical vapour deposition (CVD) diamond platforms and hybridized with a 29-mer target DNA fragment (full matching and/or with a point mutation). It was observed that the change in heat transfer resistance upon denaturation is dependent on the amount of DNA hybridized to the nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) surface. Furthermore the possibility to distinguish between a full matching sequence and its singularly mutated counterpart, when bound to the same NCD surface, was investigated. NCD surfaces were selectively hybridized with both full matching and mutated DNA fragments at different ratios (3:1, 2:2 and 1:3). A clear bipartite response in heat transfer resistivity was observed upon simultaneous denaturation of these DNA fragments. Denaturation temperature could be used to identify the DNA fragment to which each partial response could be attributed. Moreover, the partial increases in heat transfer resistivity related to the hybridized amount of non-mutated or mutated DNA, respectively. These results imply that heat transfer resistivity is a technique which can be used to (i) quantify DNA fragments of interest, (ii) detect and (iii) quantify SNPs in a mixture of mutated and non-mutated DNA fragments. Moreover, it illustrates the potential of this technique to detect SNPs without the necessity to design complex microarrays. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Probe DNA, consisting of a 36-mer fragment was covalently immobilized on nanocrystalline chemical vapour deposition (CVD) diamond electrodes and hybridized with a 29-mer target DNA. In this paper, we report on the label-free real-time electronic monitoring of DNA denaturation upon exposure to NaOH at different flow rates and molarities, using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy as readout technology. The impedance response was separated into a denaturation time constant and a medium exchange time constant by means of a double exponential fit. It was observed that the denaturation time is dependent on the flow rate as well as on the molarity of the NaOH. Surprisingly, it was observed that at low molarities (0.05 M) the DNA does not fully denature at low flow rates. Only after flushing the flow cell a second time with 0.05 M NaOH, complete denaturation was achieved. Confocal images were obtained and plotted in 3D graphs to confirm the results. This paper provides a systematic overview of measured denaturation times for different flow rates and at different molarities of NaOH. Optimization of these parameters can be a valuable asset in the field of mutation analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this work is to study the performance of resonantly driven microcantilevers excited with a piezoelectric aluminium nitride thin film as a mass sensor for the detection of interactions in the field of immunosensing. Two cantilevers with different width (i.e. 300 and 200 μm), but constant length and thickness of 300 and 20 μm were considered. The figures of merit of these structures, such as the mass sensitivity and the limit of mass detection, were determined. According to the results obtained, a cantilever being 300 × 200 μm in size and a high frequency mode was the best combination to detect antibody/antigen interactions. The previous combination was applied to detect the affinity between rabbit immunoglobulin G (IgG) and the complementary anti-rabbit IgG produced in goat. The binding was registered as a shift of the resonance frequency of the mode under investigation and the correlation between the added mass and the measured shift is analysed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The application of oxidized chromium as a reusable platform for the development of immunosensors is presented. Chromium films were deposited on quartz crystal microbalances to study the affinity interaction between rabbit immunoglobulin G (IgG) and goat anti-rabbit IgG. A covalent approach, based on the silane chemistry, was followed for the grafting of either the rabbit IgG or the anti-rabbit IgG on the silane-modified chromium surface. Next the differences between the deposition of rabbit IgG on immobilized anti-rabbit IgG and the deposition of anti-rabbit IgG on immobilized rabbit IgG were investigated. The chromium layer could be reused between experiments, after the proper removal of the organic layers with piranha etch, obtaining a high repeatability in the steps of the functionalization protocol. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) demands a reliable and sensitive risk assessment technique. In order to develop a fast and label-free immunosensor for C-reactive protein (CRP), a risk factor for this condition, anti-CRP antibodies were physically adsorbed to the hydrogen (H)-terminated surface of nanocrystalline diamond (NCD). An Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) reference technique showed that this was a suitable substrate for antibody–antigen recognition reactions. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) was used to electronically detect CRP recognition. The specificity of the immunosensor was demonstrated by incubation with CRP and plasminogen as reference molecule. A different impedance behavior was observed in real-time after CRP addition as compared to plasminogen addition: the impedance increased only during CRP incubation. Fitting the data showed that this corresponded with a decrease in capacitance of the molecular layer due to its increased thickness by specific CRP recognition. Sensitivity experiments in real-time showed a clear discrimination between 1μM, 100nM, and 10nM of CRP after 10min at 100Hz. Since, 10nM of CRP was still clearly distinguishable from buffer solution, our CRP-directed immunosensor prototype reaches a sensitivity that is within the physiologically relevant concentration range of this biomarker in healthy controls and CVD patients. Moreover, this prototype displayed real-time discriminating power between spiked and unspiked serum, and thus also shows its applicability in this biological matrix. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: When charge carriers are introduced in diamond, e.g. by chemical doping with Boron (B), the diamond:B can exhibit an insulator-to-metal transition . Under even heavier boron doping , diamond becomes superconducting. Using microwave plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) we have prepared diamond:B thin films with critical offset temperatures below 3K. We have investigated the transport properties of these diamond:B thin films, which show pronounced granular effects. It turns out, that this granularity is both intrinsic as well as extrinsic. The extrinsic granularity is the effect of the growth method which needs to start from a seeding of the substrate with detonation nanodiamond, which acts as nucleation centers for further MPCVD growth of the film. In using SPM/STM techniques, we also observed intrinsic granularity, meaning that within physical grains, we observe also a strong intragrain modulation of the order parameter. As a consequence of these granularities, the transport properties show evidence of (i) strong superconducting fluctuations and (ii) Cooper pair tunneling and/or quasiparticle tunneling. The latter effects explain the observed negative magnetoresistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A capacitive field-effect EDIS (electrolyte–diamond–insulator–semiconductor) sensor with improved pH and penicillin sensitivity has been realised using a nanocrystalline-diamond (NCD) film as sensitive gate material. The NCD growth process on SiO2 as well as an additional surface treatment in oxidising medium have been optimised to provide high pH-sensitive, non-porous O-terminated films without damage of the underlying SiO2 layer. The surface morphology of O-terminated NCD thin films and the layer structure of EDIS sensors have been studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) methods. To establish the relative coverage of the surface functional groups generated by the oxidation of NCD surfaces, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis was carried out. The hydrophilicity of NCD thin films has been studied by water contact-angle measurements. A nearly Nernstian pH sensitivity of 54–57mV/pH has been observed for O-terminated NCD films treated in an oxidising boiling mixture for 80min and in oxygen plasma. The high pH-sensitive properties of O-terminated NCD have been used to develop an EDIS-based penicillin biosensor. A freshly prepared penicillin biosensor possesses a high sensitivity of 85mV/decade in the concentration range of 0.1–2.5mM penicillin G. The lower detection limit is 5μM. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We report the use of a magnetic instability of the spin reorientation transition type to enhance the magnetoelectric sensitivity in magnetostrictive–piezoelectric structures. We present the theoretical study of a clamped beam resonant actuator composed of a piezoelectric element on a passive substrate actuated by a magnetostrictive nanostructured layer. The experiments were made on a polished 150μm thick 18×3mm2 lead zirconate titanate (PZT) plate glued to a 50μm thick silicon plate and coated with a giant magnetostrictive nanostructured Nx(TbCo2 5nm/FeCo5nm) layer. A second set of experiments was done with magnetostrictive layer deposited on PZT plate. Finally, a film/film structure using magnetostrictive and aluminium nitride films on silicon substrate was realized, and showed ME amplitudes reaching 30VOe−1 cm−1. Results agree with analytical theory. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Atomic defect centers in diamond have been widely exploited in numerous quantum applications like quantum information, sensing, quantum photonics and so on. In this context, there is always a requirement to improve and optimize the preparation procedure to generate the defect centers in controlled fashion, and to explore new defect centers which can have the potential to overcome the current technological challenges. Through this work we report enhancing the concentration of Ge and Xe vacancy centers in microcrystalline diamond (MCD) by means of He+ irradiation. We have demonstrated controlled growth of MCD by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and implantation of Ge and Xe ions into the CVD-grown samples. MCDs were irradiated with He+ ions and characterized through optical spectroscopy measurements. Recorded photoluminescence results revealed a clear signature of enhancement of the Xe-related and Ge vacancies in MCDs. [Display omitted] • Ge and Xe ions were implanted in microcrystalline diamond (MCD) films grown on Si substrate. • MCDs were irradiated with He+ ions and annealed. • Photoluminescence signal increased for Xe and Ge vacancy centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Two modes of Fourier-Transform Photocurrent Spectroscopy (FTPS) are presented for a fast and sensitive determination of photocurrent spectra of organic and dye sensitized solar cells. Furthermore, FTPS allows to spectrally resolve sub-bandgap absorption phenomena in P3HT, in organic P3HT:PCBM bulk heterojunctions and in hybrid P3HT/TiO2 solar cells. The sub-bandgap absorption in the P3HT:PCBM blend is dominated by a band due to the formation of a ground-state charge-transfer complex between the polymer and PCBM. In P3HT/TiO2 junctions such a charge-transfer complex band is not observed. Long-lived light induced sub-bandgap states appear in pure P3HT and in P3HT/TiO2 junctions after irradiation with E >1.9 eV. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Detonation nanodiamond dispersed on silicon surfaces underwent different H2 MPCVD exposures. The induced changes at the surface have been characterized in situ by XPS and XEELS. Then, a short CH4/H2 growth step was applied. This sequential study revealed an excellent stability of detonation nanodiamond. The sp3 etching rate is insufficient to remove nanodiamond even under intense H2 plasma. The H2 exposure could be successfully used to remove C–C sp2 carbon without altering sp3 seeds. Moreover, the formation of silicon carbide observed after the hydrogen treatment is thought to be helpful to enhance the adhesion of nanodiamond particles on the substrate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition (MW PE CVD) growth conditions for preparation of polycrystalline phosphorous-doped diamond layers are presented. The incorporation of substitutional phosphorous was confirmed by low temperature photocurrent (PC) and cathodoluminescence (CL) measurements. The topographical characteristics of the films and the relation between the substrate and P-doped film grain orientation were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD). The growth process for P-doped layers on (110) oriented polycrystalline diamond was optimised and the best set of parameters differs significantly from the standard conditions used for P-doping of single crystalline (111) oriented diamond surfaces. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: We report on experimental results with photodetectors made of diamond. the Large Yield Radiometer (LYRA), will use such detectors for the first time for a solar physics space instrument. A (LYRA) set of measurement campaigns was carried out to obtain their XUV-to-VIS characterization (responsivity, linearity, stability, homogeneity). The responsivity has been measured from the XUV to the NIR, in the wavelength range 1–1127nm (i.e. 1240–1.1eV). The diamond detectors exhibit a photoresponse varying in the 40–75mA/W range at 7nm and demonstrate a visible rejection ratio (200 versus 500nm) larger than four orders of magnitude. We show that diamond photodetectors are sensitive sensors for VUV photons, stable within a few percent, with a good linearity and moderate homogeneity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Thick titanium substrates were coated with conductive polycrystalline diamond films by means of the microwave plasma assisted CVD method. In general, the obtained films showed good adhesion and did not peel off the substrates regardless of residual stresses. These were released from the titanium specimens during the deposition process and gave rise to a noticeable deformation of the samples. The structural properties of the deposits were found to be depending on the substrate pre-treatment procedures (sandblasting) as well as the deposition conditions (carbon oversaturation). No evidence was found for the formation of titanium hydrides from the use of the hydrogen-rich plasma. Structural continuities (heteroepitaxy) in the Ti/TiC/Diamond interfacial layer as well as the key role of titanium oxide for the diamond nucleation are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Chemical vapour deposited (CVD) diamond is a very promising material for biosensor fabrication owing both to its chemical inertness and the ability to make it electrical semiconducting that allows for connection with integrated circuits. For biosensor construction, a biochemical method to immobilize nucleic acids to a diamond surface has been developed. Nanocrystalline diamond is grown using microwave plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition (MPECVD). After hydrogenation of the surface, 10-undecenoic acid, an ω-unsaturated fatty acid, is tethered by 254nm photochemical attachment. This is followed by 1-ethyl-3-[3-dimethylaminopropyl]carbodiimide (EDC)-mediated attachment of amino (NH2)-modified dsDNA. The functionality of the covalently bound dsDNA molecules is confirmed by fluorescence measurements, PCR and gel electrophoresis during 35 denaturation and rehybridisation steps. The linking method after the fatty acid attachment can easily be applied to other biomolecules like antibodies and enzymes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Different hydrogenated CVD diamond films as well as bulk IIb and IIa diamonds were investigated by means of photo-thermal ionization spectroscopy. All samples show a new photocurrent signal at temperatures lower than 120–20 K depending on the sample with a threshold around 100 meV what suggests a presence of shallow levels on the hydrogenated diamond surface. The photocurrent spectrum due to these shallow levels consists of features similar to the two-phonon absorption in diamond. Influence of annealing in air on the photocurrent behavior was investigated as well. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Electrostatic double-layer dominates in Ta surface-nanodiamond particle interaction. • Explaining the surface contamination impact on particle–surface interaction. • High nanodiamond nucleation achieved on hydrophilic and hydrophobic Ta surfaces. The surface of tantalum (Ta) thin films is exposed to different gas discharge plasmas (N 2 , O 2 , CF 4) followed by an investigation of surface wetting properties and water-based colloidal seeding of ultra-dispersed nanodiamond (ND) particles. Fluorination of the Ta surface resulted in a hydrophobic surface, whereas other surface treatments resulted in hydrophilic surfaces. Regardless of treatment and wetting contact angle, the ND seeding density of approximately 2 × 1011cm−2 is obtained for all the samples. This shows that the electrostatic interaction of the Ta surface with ND particles is the primary factor determining the successful ND seeding, while the surface wetting property is of lesser importance. In addition, Ta surface contamination dynamics and its impact on ND seeding is studied. An analytic model is proposed to account for surface contamination and explain its impact on the ND seeding density. The model can be more generally applied for other material systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Encouraged by its rich surface chemistry and excellent electrochemical properties, boron-doped nanocrystalline diamond (B:NCD) is a promising p-type photoelectrode in dye-sensitized solar cells. One method of diamond surface functionalization using stable carbon-carbon bonds involves the electrochemical grafting of diazonium salts. However, this method typically leads to multilayers that may complicate the transport of photogenerated charges. Here, we establish functionalization of B:NCD electrodes by a monolayer of ethynylphenyl molecules using sterically hindered 4-(trimethylsilyl)ethynylbenzenediazonium tetrafluoroborate. Both the density and structural orientation of the grafted layer are investigated by angular resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, confirming the presence of covalently grafted monolayers. After removal of the trimethylsilyl protective groups, the resulting ethynyl functionalities are employed to immobilize organic donor-acceptor chromophores via Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions. Homogenous surface coverage is achieved even on the B:NCD electrode. Atomic scale DFT computing reveals that for the chromophore with the strongest acceptor unit, efficient charge separation of 20 Å is obtained where photogenerated holes move directly into diamond. Yet, photocurrent and photovoltage measurements suggest competitive electron recombination to the diamond electrode via the redox electrolyte. Correlation between the density of the molecular layer and photocurrents/photovoltage provides better understanding of the charge generation and recombination pathways in diamond-organic photoelectrochemical cells. Image 1 • Synthesis of three dithienopyrrole-benzothiadiazole push-pull type chromophores with customized optoelectronic properties. • A three-step process for covalent monolayer sensitization of boron-doped diamond electrodes was established. • Tight chromophore-diamond interaction and efficient photo-excited charge separation was predicted and explained. • Competitive electrolyte-electrode charge recombination was revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low friction coefficient of nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) films deposited on steel alloys was observed in high-vacuum at high-temperature (HV HT) tribological conditions. High wear resistance of the film was observed in high-vacuum at room temperature (HV RT) condition. However, high friction and low wear resistance of the films were measured in ambient atmosphere at room temperature (AA RT) conditions and this was associated to the formation of metal-oxide (Fe 2 O 3 and Fe 3 O 4) layer in the sliding interfaces. Micro-Raman spectra of wear tracks of deformed films and ball scars showed the formation of a carbonaceous bulk tribolayer and this was the main reason for the improved frictional properties in the HV HT conditions. Bulk form of such tribolayer was absent on the ball scar in AA RT condition. The Fe 2 O 3 peak was absent in HV HT which could be one of the important reasons for the low friction coefficient in this conditions. A comprehensive analysis of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showed limited oxidation of NCD films and the elimination of contaminated surface layer in HV HT condition which was correlated as a major cause for low friction. Unlabelled Image • Deposition of nanocrystalline diamond films on the steel alloys substrate • Microstructure and chemical phase analysis of nanocrystalline diamond films • Friction and wear analysis of nanocrystalline diamond films • Chemical phase investigation of sliding interfaces [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyanobacteria play a crucial role in global carbon and nitrogen cycles through photosynthesis, making them valuable subjects for understanding the factors influencing their light utilization efficiency. Photosynthetic microorganisms offer a promising avenue for sustainable energy conversion in the field of photovoltaics. It was demonstrated before that application of an external electric field to the microbial biofilm or cell improves electron transfer kinetics and, consequently, efficiency of power generation. We have integrated live cyanobacterial cultures into photovoltaic devices by embedding Limnospira indica PCC 8005 cyanobacteria in agar and PEDOT:PSS matrices on the surface of boron-doped diamond electrodes. We have subjected them to varying external polarizations while simultaneously measuring current response and photosynthetic performance. For the latter, we employed Pulse-Amplitude-Modulation (PAM) fluorometry as a non-invasive and real-time monitoring tool. Our study demonstrates an improved light utilization efficiency for L. indica PCC 8005 when immobilized in a conductive matrix, particularly so for low-intensity light. Simultaneously, the impact of electrical polarization as an environmental factor influencing the photosynthetic apparatus diminishes as matrix conductivity increases. This results in only a slight decrease in light utilization efficiency for the illuminated sample compared to the dark-adapted state., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

We present the change of light absorption of cyanobacteria in response to externally applied electrical polarization. Specifically, we studied the relation between electrical polarization and changes in light absorbance for a biophotoelectrode assembly comprising boron-doped diamond as semiconducting electrode and live Limnospira indica PCC 8005 trichomes embedded in either polysaccharide (agar) or conductive conjugated polymer (PEDOT-PSS) matrices. Our study involves the monitoring of cyanobacterial absorbance and the measurement of photocurrents at varying wavelengths of illumination for switched electric fields, i.e., using the bioelectrode either as an anode or as cathode. We observed changes in the absorbance characteristics, indicating a direct causal relationship between electrical polarization and absorbing properties of L. indica . Our finding opens up a potential avenue for optimization of the performance of biophotovoltaic devices through controlled polarization. Furthermore, our results provide fundamental insights into the wavelength-dependent behavior of a bio photovoltaic system using live cyanobacteria., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2024 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)

Diamond electrochemistry is primarily influenced by quantities of sp 3 -carbon, surface terminations, and crystalline structure. In this work, a new dimension is introduced by investigating the effect of using substrate-interlayers for diamond growth. Boron and nitrogen co-doped nanocrystalline diamond (BNDD) films are grown on Si substrate without and with Ti and Ta as interlayers, named BNDD/Si, BNDD/Ti/Si, and BNDD/Ta/Ti/Si, respectively. After detailed characterization using microscopies, spectroscopies, electrochemical techniques, and density functional theory simulations, the relationship of composition, interfacial structure, charge transport, and electrochemical properties of the interface between diamond and metal is investigated. The BNDD/Ta/Ti/Si electrodes exhibit faster electron transfer processes than the other two diamond electrodes. The interlayer thus determines the intrinsic activity and reaction kinetics. The reduction in their barrier widths can be attributed to the formation of TaC, which facilitates carrier tunneling, and simultaneously increases the concentration of electrically active defects. As a case study, the BNDD/Ta/Ti/Si electrode is further employed to assemble a redox-electrolyte-based supercapacitor device with enhanced performance. In summary, the study not only sheds light on the intricate relationship between interlayer composition, charge transfer, and electrochemical performance but also demonstrates the potential of tailored interlayer design to unlock new capabilities in diamond-based electrochemical devices., (© 2024 The Author(s). Small Methods published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) is a frequent superinfection in critically ill patients with COVID-19 and is associated with increased mortality rates. The increasing proportion of severely immunocompromised patients with COVID-19 who require mechanical ventilation warrants research into the incidence and impact of CAPA during the vaccination era., Methods: We performed a retrospective, monocentric, observational study. We collected data from adult patients with severe COVID-19 requiring mechanical ventilation who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of University Hospitals Leuven, a tertiary referral center, between 1 March 2020 and 14 November 2022. Probable or proven CAPA was diagnosed according to the 2020 European Confederation for Medical Mycology/International Society for Human and Animal Mycology (ECMM/ISHAM) criteria., Results: We included 335 patients. Bronchoalveolar lavage sampling was performed in 300 (90%), and CAPA was diagnosed in 112 (33%). The incidence of CAPA was 62% (50 of 81 patients) in European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC)/Mycosis Study Group Education and Research Consortium (MSGERC) host factor-positive patients, compared with 24% (62 of 254) in host factor-negative patients. The incidence of CAPA was significantly higher in the vaccination era, increasing from 24% (57 of 241) in patients admitted to the ICU before October 2021 to 59% (55 of 94) in those admitted since then. Both EORTC/MSGERC host factors and ICU admission in the vaccination era were independently associated with CAPA development. CAPA remained an independent risk factor associated with mortality risk during the vaccination era., Conclusions: The presence of EORTC/MSGERC host factors for invasive mold disease is associated with increased CAPA incidence and worse outcome parameters, and it is the main driver for the significantly higher incidence of CAPA in the vaccination era. Our findings warrant investigation of antifungal prophylaxis in critically ill patients with COVID-19., Competing Interests: Potential conflicts of interest. S. F. and L. V. report PhD funding from the Research Foundation–Flanders (FWO; grants 11M6922N and 11E9819N). S. F. reports receipt of travel grants from Pfizer and Gilead and speaker fees from Healthbook. K. L. received consultancy fees from MRM Health, Merck Sharp and Dohme (MSD), and Mundipharma, speaker fees and travel support from Pfizer and Gilead, and a service fee from Thermo Fisher Scientific and TECOmedical and participated on an advisory board for MSD. Y. D. received travel grants from Pfizer (travel/congress attendance support) and declares participation on advisory boards for Pfizer and MSD. G. H. and R. V. are senior clinical research fellows of FWO. G. H. received travel fees from Eurosets for the 2023 Extracorporeal Life Support Organization meeting. M. H. received grants from Astellas, Gilead, MSD, Pfizer, Euroimmun, IMMY, Mundipharma, F2G, Pulmocide, and Scynexis and research funding from Gilead Sciences, Astellas, Mundipharma, Euroimmun, MSD, Pulmocide, IMMY, Scynexis, F2G, and Pfizer. J. M. received grants from Bio-Rad, Gilead Sciences, MSD, F2G, Mundipharma, and Pfizer; personal fees and nonfinancial support from Astellas, Basilea, Gilead Sciences, MSD, F2G, Mundipharma, and Pfizer; and personal fees from Bio-Rad. M. P. received travel fees from Pfizer (March 2023; registration for the 2023 International Symposium on Intensive Care & Emergency Medicine (ISICEM) in Brussels, Belgium). I. S. received funding from the Clinical Research Fund, University Hospitals Leuven, investigator-initiated grants from Pfizer, and speaker and travel fees from Pfizer, Gilead, and MSD, and reports participation on an advisory board for Pfizer and Gilead, and receipt of study drugs from MSD. L. V. received support for public doctoral defense from Pfizer and travel fees for conference attendance from Gilead Sciences and Pfizer and reports a PhD fellowship (grant 11E9819N) from FWO. R. V. reports an FWO fellowship and grant (grant G060322N). E. V. W. received travel fees from Gilead (for travel, hotel, and registration). J. W. received investigator-initiated grants from Pfizer, Gilead, and MSD and speaker and travel fees from Pfizer, Gilead, and MSD, and declares participation on advisory boards of Pfizer and Gilead and receipt of study drugs from MSD. J. W. also reports funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation program (grant 847507 HDM-FUN) and FWO project funding (grant G053121N). All other authors report no potential conflicts. All authors have submitted the ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest. Conflicts that the editors consider relevant to the content of the manuscript have been disclosed., (© The Author(s) 2023. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Infectious Diseases Society of America.)

This special issue discusses current progress in the utilization of defect centres in diamond as spin-photon interfaces for quantum applications. This issue is based on the discussions of the Theo Murphy meeting 'Diamond for quantum applications' which covered the recent progress of diamond growth and engineering for the creation and optimization of colour centres, toward the integration of diamond-based qubits in quantum systems. This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue 'Diamond for quantum applications'.

Surface treatment is critical for homogeneous coating over a large area and high-resolution patterning of nanodiamond (ND) particles. To optimize the interaction between the surface of a substrate and the colloid of ND particles, it is essential to remove hydrocarbon contamination by surface treatment and to increase the surface energy of the substrate, hence improving the diamond film homogeneity upon its deposition. However, the impact of substrate surface treatment on the properties of coatings and patterns is not fully understood. This study explores the impact of UV-ozone, O 2 plasma, and CF 4 plasma treatments on the wetting properties of the fused silica glass substrate surface. We identify the optimal time interval between the treatment and subsequent ND coating/patterning processes, which were conducted using inkjet printing and ultrasonic spray coating techniques. Our results showed that UV-ozone and O 2 plasma resulted in hydrophilic surfaces, while CF 4 plasma treatment resulted in hydrophobic surfaces. We demonstrate the use of CF 4 plasma treatment before inkjet printing to generate high-resolution patterns with dots as small as 30 μm in diameter. Ultrasonic spray coating showed homogeneous coatings after using UV-ozone and O 2 plasma treatment. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the hydrocarbon airborne contamination on cleaned surfaces over time even in clean-room environments and have a notable impact on the performance of liquid coatings and patterns. We highlight the importance of timing between the surface treatment and printing in achieving high resolution or homogeneity.

Objective: To determine the medium-term maternal impact of open fetal spina bifida repair., Design: Prospective cohort study., Setting: University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium., Population: Mothers who had open maternal-fetal spina bifida repair between March 2012 and December 2021., Methods: A patient-reported survey on subsequent fertility, pregnancy, and gynaecological and psychological outcomes., Main Outcome Measures: Complications during subsequent pregnancies, and gynaecological and psychological problems., Results: Seventy-two out of 100 invited women completed the questionnaire (72%). Despite being advised not to, seven of 13 women attempting to conceive became pregnant within 2 years after fetal surgery and one woman delivered vaginally. Two of the 16 subsequent pregnancies were complicated by an open neural tube defect. One pregnancy was complicated by a placenta accreta and one pregnancy was complicated by a uterine rupture, both with good neonatal outcomes. Nearly half of respondents who did not attempt to conceive reported that this was because of their experience of the index pregnancy and caring for the index child. Three out of four respondents reported medium-term psychological problems, mostly anxiety for the health of the index child, fear for recurrence in subsequent pregnancies and feelings of guilt., Conclusions: Open maternal-fetal surgery for spina bifida did not appear to affect fertility in our cohort. Half of the attempts to conceive took place within 2 years. One uterine rupture and one placenta accreta occurred in 16 subsequent pregnancies. Most respondents reported psychological problems linked to the index pregnancy, which reinforces the need for long-term psychological support., (© 2023 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Fabrication of patterned boron-doped diamond (BDD) in an inexpensive and straightforward way is required for a variety of practical applications, including the development of BDD-based electrochemical sensors. This work describes a simplified and novel bottom-up fabrication approach for BDD-based three-electrode sensor chips utilizing direct inkjet printing of diamond nanoparticles on silicon-based substrates. The whole seeding process, accomplished by a commercial research inkjet printer with piezo-driven drop-on-demand printheads, was systematically examined. Optimized and continuous inkjet-printed features were obtained with glycerol-based diamond ink (0.4% vol/wt), silicon substrates pretreated by exposure to oxygen plasma and subsequently to air, and applying a dot density of 750 drops (volume 9 pL) per inch. Next, the dried micropatterned substrate was subjected to a chemical vapor deposition step to grow uniform thin-film BDD, which satisfied the function of both working and counter electrodes. Silver was inkjet-printed to complete the sensor chip with a reference electrode. Scanning electron micrographs showed a closed BDD layer with a typical polycrystalline structure and sharp and well-defined edges. Very good homogeneity in diamond layer composition and a high boron content (∼2 × 10 21 atoms cm -3 ) was confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. Important electrochemical characteristics, including the width of the potential window (2.5 V) and double-layer capacitance (27 μF cm -2 ), were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry. Fast electron transfer kinetics was recognized for the [Ru(NH 3 ) 6 ] 3+/2+ redox marker due to the high doping level, while somewhat hindered kinetics was observed for the surface-sensitive [Fe(CN) 6 ] 3-/4- probe. Furthermore, the ability to electrochemically detect organic compounds of different structural motifs, such as glucose, ascorbic acid, uric acid, tyrosine, and dopamine, was successfully verified and compared with commercially available screen-printed BDD electrodes. The newly developed chip-based manufacture method enables the rapid prototyping of different small-scale electrode designs and BDD microstructures, which can lead to enhanced sensor performance with capability of repeated use.