Research Update - Spin Coating

We are excited to showcase some of the innovative research our customers have recently published using our spin coating technology. From the development of calibration-free ion sensors to advancements in understanding bone regeneration, these studies showcase the critical role of precision coating techniques in scientific innovation.

By utilising our Spin Coaters for uniform and controlled film deposition, researchers are making significant strides in biological, environmental and material sciences.

Here, we present some of their remarkable findings:

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Voltammetric Ion-Selective Electrodes in Thin-Layer Samples: Absolute Detection of Ions Using Ultrathin Membranes - Yujie Liu, Gastón A. Crespo and María Cuartero

Read the Research Paper here

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden developed an ultrathin sensor for ion detection that requires no calibration. Traditional ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) need frequent calibration, limiting their real-world applications. Efforts to create calibration-free sensors typically involve an initial calibration, but this research aimed to design an “ideal” sensor that directly measures ion concentration without calibration.

The sensor works using coulometry, which measures the total charge of a reaction. By knowing the precise volume of the sample, and ensuring that the entire sample is involved in the chemical process, Faraday’s Law can be applied to determine the sample concentration.

Liu et al. demonstrated this with an ultra thin ion-selective membrane to detect potassium ions (K+) at micromolar levels. A conductive polymer film was prepared on Indium Tin Oxide (ITO)-coated glass, followed by depositing a chemical cocktail using a Specialty Coating Systems (SCS) 6808P Spin Coater (supplied by PI-KEM), creating a 230nm membrane. The sample was confined in a microfluidic channel, allowing complete ion transfer.

Results show that the detected ion concentrations aligned to measurements by traditional sensors. The sensor worked consistently between 1µM and 35µM, independently of temperature. This method could extend to detecting other ions and biomolecules, with applications in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and industry.

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Reversible fluorescent solid porous films for detection of zinc ions in biological media - Alessandro Gandin, Laura Brigo, Sujatha Giacomazzo, Veronica Torresan, Giovanna Brusatin and Alfredo Franco.

Read the Research Paper here

Researchers from the Universities of Padova and Cantabria have developed a solid-state fluorescent thin film to detect zinc ions (Zn²⁺) in biological materials. Zn²⁺ is the second most abundant transition metal in the human body, and plays a crucial role in cellular function, with its secretion observed in neurons and pancreatic β-cells. Detecting Zn²⁺ is essential for diagnosing pathological conditions, requiring fast, sensitive sensors functioning in dynamic live samples.

Unlike other transition metals, Zn²⁺ cannot be detected using conventional techniques. Since the 1980s, fluorescence spectroscopy has been explored as a detection method, with Zinpyr-1 identified as highly responsive to Zn²⁺. The sensor needs to be close to the cell releasing Zn²⁺, should not interfere with any of the biological processes, and should respond quickly and reversibly to concentration changes. Previous sensors risked biological interference, therefore this study instead immobilisedZinpyr-1 within porous films to improve stability and ease of handling.

The sol-gel process was used to synthesize a film solution, which was then spin-coated onto fused silica glass slides using a Specialty Coating Systems (SCS) G3 spin coater (supplied by PI-KEM). After functionalisation with Zinpyr-1, the sensor retained Zn²⁺sensitivity and responded dynamically to changes in ion concentration.

The sensor’s speed and sensitivity make it useful for studying Zn²⁺ secretion within the body, and it has application for the ongoing monitoring of type 1 diabetes and reduction in risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

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Liquid Crystalline Hydroxyapatite Nanorods Orchestrate Hierarchical Bone-Like Mineralization - Jishizhan Chen, Martin Birchall, Alexander J. Mac Robert and Wenhui Song

Read the Research Paper here

Researchers from University College London studied the liquid crystalline order of the bone matrix, which gives bones their strength and resilience. The mechanisms behind calcium deposition and ordered bone regeneration remain unclear, making this a crucial area of research. Artificial bone development is essential to address the high demand for bone transplants, but current methods fail to replicate natural long-range calcium ordering. Understanding how these structures form could also help treat osteoporosis and prevent cardiovascular calcification.

The researchers created a liquid crystalline structured template using fluorescently trackable hydroxyapatite nanorods, the main mineral in bones. Stem cells from human bone marrow were observed differentiating into bone-forming osteoblasts, activating key genes and producing collagen. RNA sequencing was used to analyse the interactions between cells, hydroxyapatite, and the crystalline structure.

To fabricate the template, hydroxyapatite solutions were coated onto polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The PDMS was spin coated onto coverslips using a Navson NT12000 V1 Spin Coater (supplied by PI-KEM),ensuring uniform particle alignment. This method was particularly effective for ensuring particle alignment in uni-directional hydroxyapatite.  

The findings identified key genes and pathways involved in calcium ordering and cell support, aiding research artificial bone development, targeted drug discovery, and gene therapy to treat bone disorders. This knowledge could be applied to future research into tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

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The above studies demonstrate the impact of high-precision spin coating in enabling cutting-edge research across multiple disciplines. By leveraging our technology, researchers have achieved enhanced material properties, improved sensor performance, and gain new insights into biological processes.

We are proud to support these advancements and remain committed to providing the tools that drive scientific and technological progress.

We look forward to hearing what innovative and exciting research you have planned, and learning more about how we can help you put your plans into action.

Contact our expert team here