"Intro"

Dr. Chelsey Hargather

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Utilization of natural polymers with plant-derived compounds for 3D printing-based tissue engineering and sustainable food technology applications

Dr. Arjak Bhattacharjee

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Abstract
The objective of this talk is to provide specific research-based evidence on the application of various natural polymers and plant-derived compounds for 3D printing-based tissue engineering, and sustainable food production. Currently, 3D printing is the only available manufacturing method that can produce patient-specific and defect-specific scaffolds for various tissue engineering applications. Many of the world’s population is affected by several musculoskeletal disorders, including bone cancer, birth defects, trauma and combat injuries, and osteoporosis. The increase in the average median age of the population and the overactive lifestyle of younger people is expected to enhance the rate of these disorders in younger patients as well. This alarming scenario regarding musculoskeletal disorders is continuously fueling the research on patient-specific and defect specific bio-implants and scaffolds with longer service life. The first topic of this talk aims to discuss the utilization of chemically modified starch with hydroxyapatite-based ceramics for in-house 3D printing without any postprocessing. Innovative chemical modifications of starch led to enhanced mechanical and biological properties of the printed scaffolds for various bone tissue engineering applications. The second part explores silk-based polymers combined with curcumin for sustainable and antibacterial food storage applications as an alternative to synthetic polymers. This approach addresses the growing environmental and health concerns associated with synthetic polymers and microplastic generation and may offer an alternate way of sustainable plastic production.

Bio of the speaker

Background: Arjak Bhattacharjee is currently an assistant professor of Materials & Metallurgical Engineering at New Mexico Tech, starting January 2024. He is the principal investigator of the sustainable manufacturing and tissue engineering group at the Materials Engineering Department of Tech. His research team consists of a diverse range of students from materials and bioengineering backgrounds, such as Mr. Lukman Abubakar, Ms. Claire Putelli, Mr. Ian Ahlen, and Mr. Joel Pilli. Currently, Arjak and his team are planning to develop 3D-printed sustainable concrete using industrial waste materials and 3D-printed polymer–ceramic composite scaffolds for tissue engineering. Previously, Arjak was a postdoctoral researcher in the Kaplan Lab, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Boston, USA, working under Prof. David L. Kaplan, who is among the world’s top 3 cited researchers in the domain of tissue engineering, biomaterials, silk, and regenerative medicine. Arjak did his Ph.D. (2022) from the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Washington State University (WSU), Pullman, USA.

 

DNA at the Multi-Scale: Theory and Applications

Dr. William P. Bricker

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Abstract

The Holliday junction motif in nucleic acids is utilized as a building block to create strand crossovers between duplexes of DNA, and repeated use of this motif allows the creation of large-scale wireframe structures in arbitrary 2D and 3D shapes, called DNA origami. In this talk, we investigate the properties of DNA at various scales, including electronic-level properties, sequence effects at the junction level, and overall dynamics of large-scale DNA origami assemblies. Accurate electronic structure calculations of DNA sequences are difficult-to-impossible due to extremely inefficient scaling of quantum chemical calculations as the system size increases. It is shown that a machine learning algorithm based on Euclidean neural networks, where the training data includes accurate electronic structure calculations of smaller fragments of DNA, namely, the relevant base-pair steps, can be utilized to reproduce the electron density of arbitrary DNA sequences to an error of less than 1%. Further fragmentation of the DNA base-pair step during training allows for the inclusion of explicit solvent and environmental effects so that the DNA-solvent interaction can be calculated quantum mechanically. Several future applications of these large-scale machine-learned electron densities are of interest, but require accurate calculation of forces and energies, either directly from the electron density, or as a complementary training procedure. As an example, accurate energy predictions of large-scale biomolecules could be utilized to predict the binding energetics of ligand-receptor complexes from first principles. At the molecular level, DNA junctions are utilized as the basic building block of DNA origami, but the base sequence effects on these junctions are not well understood. By utilizing classical molecular dynamics simulations, it is shown that changing the core sequence at the junction has a dramatic effect on the isomerization energies and dynamics of the Holliday junction motif. The system-level effect of motif design on large-scale DNA origami structures is difficult to quantify, but global system dynamics of these DNA origami structures can be simulated as well using molecular dynamics. Finally, we will consider why it is important to understand the properties of DNA at these various levels of scale with an energy transfer application. DNA origami can be utilized as a scaffold for photoactive molecules, with the goal of creating an efficient energy transfer network. It is seen that both the local and global properties of the DNA scaffold itself influence the energy transfer between scaffolded photoactive molecules, hence it is important to fully understand DNA at the multi-scale.

Short Bio: Prof. William Bricker is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of New Mexico, starting in the Fall of 2019. He received his PhD in Energy, Environmental, and Chemical Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis in 2014, and continued his training as a postdoctoral associate in the Biological Engineering department at MIT from 2015-2019. His current research focuses on attempting to understand structure-to-function relationships in biology by utilizing tools from computational chemistry, with a focus on structural DNA nanotechnology and biological energy transfer.

 

Application of 3D X-ray Tomographic and Fluorescence Imaging to Better Understand the Relationship between Material Formulation and Performance

Dr. Brian M. Patterson

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Abstract

Understanding the effects of a material’s morphology upon the overall material performance requires a detailed understanding of its initial morphology and how it changes under external stimuli. No technique can measure the 3D structure of materials on many size and time scales like X-ray computed tomography (CT). This technique is an indispensable tool for materials development and characterization. With this technique, 3D images of a material are collected, non-destructively, providing a probe into its internal 3D structure on features as small as 150 nm to multi-mm in scale or on time frames as short as 0.25 seconds per 3D image and on materials as diverse as aerogels to plutonium. This provides a better understanding of its manufactured morphology, after-experiment morphology, and even the morphological changes during the experiment. This presentation will focus on three recent topics on the use of X-ray CT and confocal micro X-ray fluorescence to answer a variety of materials challenges of National Security importance. These challenges include understanding the in situ mechanical response within 3D printed polymer composite materials & hyper-elastic polymer foams, 3D printed metal damage & 3D crystal structures (lab-based DCT), and the quantification of precious minerals within packed mining tailings. On top of these challenges, much of our research has focused on improving the robustness of CT measurements and making them more quantitative. X-ray CT provides a robust starting point for modeling as well as digital volume correlation studies to better relate processing with structure, and ultimately, mechanical performance.

LA-UR: 24- 20802

Dr. Brian M. Patterson is an R&D Scientist and Team leader of the Performance and Qualification team in the Engineered Materials Group, MST-7 at Los Alamos National Laboratory. He graduated from the University of Toledo with a BE, teaching high school science for two years before entering graduate school. He received a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from Miami University, Oxford, OH in 2004 under the direction of Andre’ J. Sommer developing techniques in infrared micro-spectroscopy. He joined the Chemistry Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory under the direction George J. Havrilla as a post-doctoral researcher in 2004 working in the area of micro X-ray fluorescence and FT-IR imaging. Brian was converted to a LANL staff member in 2006. Brian’s expertise and research interests are in materials analysis using X-rays; specifically micro- and nano-scale X-ray computed tomography and micro X-ray fluorescence. Using these techniques, he answers a variety of materials science questions relating to: high explosives, polymer foams, aerogels, carbon fiber composites, damaged materials, and low density materials examining defects (intentional and unintentional), voids, and the distribution of their component materials. He specializes in morphological structure quantification and in situ dynamic measurements using both laboratory- and synchrotron-based instrumentation and overlaying imaging techniques to synergistically answer questions in 2D and 3D.

Exploring Durability: My Academic Path to Understanding the Fatigue Behavior of Nitinol

Dr. Erdeniz

Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at the University of Cincinnati

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Abstract

In the first part of this talk, I will briefly outline my academic journey, focusing on the key experiences that have shaped my approach to academia. This includes my extended postdoctoral research at Northwestern University, where I was involved in multidisciplinary research projects, and my current role at the University of Cincinnati. My experience in teaching materials science to undergraduate students and guiding doctoral candidates in their research has been integral to developing my research methodology and perspective.

The second part of the seminar will detail my research on the fatigue behavior of superelastic nitinol wires. This research explores how the microstructural characteristics of nitinol, particularly wire size, influence its fatigue life under cyclic loading conditions. Utilizing advanced non-destructive characterization techniques such as X-ray microtomography and ff-HEDM, we have been able to map and analyze the distribution of microstructural defects and understand their impact on the material's phase transformations and fatigue life. The goal of this research is to provide a comprehensive understanding of nitinol's fatigue behavior, which is crucial for its applications in aerospace and biomedical devices. The seminar will present our methodologies, findings, and their implications for the future design and development of nitinol-based materials, reflecting the intersection of academic growth and basic research in materials science.

Biography

Dinc Erdeniz is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at the University of Cincinnati, where he has been teaching and conducting research since January 2021. He completed his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Materials Science at Northeastern University, where his dissertation focused on the characterization and modeling of early-stage reactions in aluminum-nickel composites. Prior to his current role, he served as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Northwestern University and as an Assistant Professor at Marquette University. Dr. Erdeniz's research expertise includes a wide array of materials, including high-temperature structural materials such as superalloys, aluminum alloys, and high-entropy alloys, as well as shape-memory materials. His work is particularly focused on understanding the intricate relationships between processing methods, microstructure, and mechanical properties of these materials.

Advanced Characterization and Laser Weldability Assessment of Boron-Containing 304L Stainless Steel

Dr. Erin Barrick

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Abstract

Austenitic stainless steels have been in existence for over 100 years and have been extensively welded since at least WWII. Despite this long history and ubiquity of these alloys, there are still unexplained phenomena with consequences for high-reliability applications. One such example is recently identified heat-affected zone (HAZ) liquation cracking in laser welded, boron-containing 304L stainless steel. Seemingly insignificant boron contents in 304L stainless, between 10 and 20 wt ppm, promote the formation of Cr-rich M2B borides along delta-ferrite/austenite interphase boundaries, which under specific heat treatment and laser welding conditions, cause intergranular cracking in the HAZ. In this talk, I will describe a series of isothermal heat treatment and weldability experiments that were performed to assess the kinetics of boride transformation and their effect on HAZ cracking. A Gleeble 3500 thermal-mechanical simulator was used to enable rapid heating and cooling profiles during the heat treatments. Subsequent laser weld arrays were made with varying weld schedules to assess the cracking susceptibility. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) mapping was utilized to characterize the distribution of boron in the microstructure as a function of heat treatment. Complimentary scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and scanning/transmission electron microscopy (STEM) were performed to understand the evolution of borides precipitated on austenite grain boundaries. The results of the experiments were incorporated into a quantitative weldability diagram describing the kinetics of boride formation and migration, which can be utilized for predictions of crack susceptibility for complicated, non-isothermal heat treatments prior to laser welding.

Bio
Erin Barrick is a Senior Member of the Technical Staff in the Metallurgy and Materials Joining group at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque NM. She came to Sandia as a post-doc in 2020 and has been a staff member since 2021. Hailing from the east coast, she received B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA, all in Materials Science and Engineering. Her Ph.D. work focused on fusion welding of a novel high strength, high toughness 10 wt% Ni steel. Her current research interests lie at the intersection of rapid solidification processes, like welding and additive manufacturing, metal alloy development including modeling for rapid composition down-selection, and advanced microstructural characterization. Outside of work, she enjoys playing the clarinet in a variety of community performance groups in Albuquerque, baking, and the (never ending) home improvement projects!

Fundamentals of Dynamic Light Scattering and Zeta Potential Analysis with Brookhaven Instruments

Nancy Bush

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Abstract

Brookhaven Instruments has specialized in designing and manufacturing light scattering instruments for 43 years. Nancy ‘s talk will discuss how benchtop Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Zeta potential analysis instruments are used to determine size and stability of sub-micron particles suspended in liquids. These instruments might be used to develop a new coating for metals, a targeted therapy for cancer, or a catalyst for a refinery.  In this presentation you will learn how DLS/zeta potential instruments work, how particle size and zeta potential are calculated by the instrument software, and the basics of data interpretation and sample preparation.

Bio:

Nancy Bush has been a Sales Engineer for Brookhaven Instruments for the past 2 years. She travels throughout the western U.S. to sell instruments and provide training and technical support. She also exhibits at conference tradeshows for professional societies such as the American Chemical Society, Materials Research Society, Society of Cosmetic Chemists, Institute of Food Technologists, and American Water Works Association.

Nancy earned a B.S. degree in chemistry from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (New Mexico Tech) in 2007. She has 9 years of laboratory research experience where she studied energetic materials synthesis, heterogeneous catalysis, nanomaterials synthesis, geochemistry, and natural product drug discovery. This background combined with recent sales experience helped prepare her for her current role.  

 

A Materials Mixtape: An Eclectic Trip through Properties, Processing, and Performance

James (Randy) Groves

Wednesdays, 12:00-1:00 PM - Jones Hall 227

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Abstract:

Materials science and engineering (MS&E) permeates every corner of modern science endeavors. I describe my experience and the intersection of MS&E and technology I’ve worked on throughout my career. This seminar will detail my different roles and how I used the context of the materials properties, processing, structure, performance, and characterization in my approach. I have had the opportunity to experiment with explosives, hard coatings, composites, superconductors, solar and electronic materials, semiconductors, 3d metal printing and computational materials science, to name a few. I hope to convey the curiosity, fortune and serendipity that has propelled my love of MS&E throughout the years.

 

Bio for James (Randy) Groves

Randy Groves has over 30 years of experience in the applied materials science and Army/DoD innovation space. He has worked in a variety of positions from the co-founder of the 3D metal printing company, Mantle Inc., to the solar start-up PLANT PV and as a Technical Staff Member at Los Alamos National Laboratory.  He retired from the Army Reserve in June of 2021 as a full Colonel where he worked with the Army Modernization Enterprise and DoD innovation ecosystem. Randy is currently the Materials Engineering Lead for the ~$1B Engineering, Development, Integration, and Technology-based Solutions (EDITS) contract vehicle at Booz Allen Hamilton. He is an accomplished leader and entrepreneur with more than 30 years of experience in applied materials science research, business development, scientific consulting, academic research, and military leadership. He draws from a balanced combination of technical scientific expertise and broad leadership experience to build high-performing teams while developing innovative solutions to complex strategic, operational, business and technological problems within both the public and sectors. Randy received his Ph.D. in Materials Science from Stanford University in 2011 and Master’s in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College in 2017. He holds both a Master’s and Bachelor’s Degree in Materials Engineering from New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. Randy recently received the coveted Expert Systems Engineer Professional (ESEP) certification from the International Council on Systems Engineering.