Particle Society of Minnesota Fall Luncheon Speaker Series for 2005

Over the Fall of 2005, the Particle Society presented several talks on a broad range of particle science topics during the noon hour. All members of the Particle Society were invited to join us for lunch and an interesting particle science presentation.

Luncheon Speaker Series, November 16th, 2005.
Title: Synthetic Nanofibrillar Surface for Cell Growth
Speaker: Mark Gogins, Director: Advanced Technologies, Donaldson Company, Inc.

ABSTRACT:
Drs. Mel Schindler and Sally Meiners created a vision of using nanofibers to mimic the extracellular matrix/basement membrane architecture and provide an environment for in vivo-like cell growth and behavior. Donaldson and SurModics have collaborated using their respective strengths in nanofiber technology and surface modification chemistry to develop and commercialize the products envisioned. In contrast to traditional cell cultures on flat surfaces, significant advancements of in vivo-like cell cultures were achieved using polymeric nanofibers. Surface modification of the nanofibers provided appropriate surface chemistry to further enhance cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation. Current applications include stem cells, neuronal cells and hepatocytes. This presentation will provide an overview of the nanoscale technology and the unique collaboration that has evolved to provide labware products with tailored surface chemistry on a nanofibrillar surface.

Bio:
Mark has been active for 24 years in the research, process development, and application of nanofibers. Research work has included fundamental analysis and modeling of the nanofiber production process. Process development work has involved process parameters, production rate improvements, process control, and creation of on-line process control systems. Application work has included tailoring nanofiber composites for use in cell culture products, consumer products, technical textiles, gas turbine systems, engine air intake systems, computer disk drives, and industrial air cleaners.

Author of 9 technical papers and 15 US patents. BS in Physics from the University of Minnesota.

More information on this topic can be found at: http://www.donaldson.com/en/ecm/index.html or in the attached pdf file.

Luncheon Speaker Series, Ocotber 19th, 2005.
Title: Soy protein and particle size determination
Speaker: Michael Porter, Research Fellow with Cargill Health & Food Technologies.

ABSTRACT:
Soy protein isolate is a commercially purified mixture of soybean storage proteins. Often the functional performance of these proteins in foods is related to the particle size of undissolved and colloidal particles that form during food manufacture. These can result in sediment formation, undesirable textures or residues. Some of this particle behavior is driven by particle size and morphology created in the original drying process, but a significant part of the behavior is driven by processing during food processing. Some examples of these phenomena will be shared, as well as some of the general tactics that are employed to minimize their impact.

Bio:
After receiving a PhD in Agronomy (Crop Physiology), and years of post-doctoral work in plant enzyme physiology and chemistry, I joined Cargill's Central Research group as a protein chemist. About 5 years ago, I was part of a group that began development of a novel production process for SPI. This process is in the early stages of commercialization, and a major part of our total effort is to understand the intersection between the chemical and physical properties of the protein material and its behavior in actual foods.

Luncheon Speaker Series, September 20th, 2005.
Title: Aerosol manufacture of nanoparticles for novel applications.
Speaker: Lutz Mädler, of the University of California, Los Angeles, Department of Chemical Engineering.

ABSTRACT:
The presentation will introduce the controlled design of functional nanoparticles in connection with specific applications. The content will comprise an introduction to the basic synthesis methods of gas phase made particles including various spray and flame reactors.

The lecture will focus on flame aerosol technology which is one of the most widely used synthesis routes in manufacturing of commercial quantities of nanoparticles. The application of flame spray pyrolysis further broadens the spectrum of flame made powders as there are more liquid than gaseous precursors available. It will be shown how key process parameters provide unique opportunities for particle design and control.

The presentation will comprise the manufacture of mixed metal oxides (ceria/zirconia), the formation of stable quantum dots (ZnO embedded in silica) and the simultaneous deposition of precious metals (e.g. Pt, Au) on the formed ceramic support during the FSP synthesis. Tailoring of specific particle properties will be discussed with regard to specific applications such as heterogeneous catalysis, polishing materials, UV-filters, sensors and dental fillers. Future opportunities such as the direct deposition of gas phase made particles on sensor substrates in relation to their performance will be given.

Copyright 2006, Particle Society of Minnesota