Join us in Maryland Hall 110 on Wednesday, March 6th at 3:00m PM for Rahim Rahimi’s talk on nanomaterials.
Abstract
Nanomaterials have emerged as transformative components in various scientific and technological applications, contributing to advancements in sensing, energy storage, electronics, biotechnology, and optics. Laser-induced micro/nanostructures have become pivotal in nanomanufacturing, enabling the cost-effective and reproducible production of raw nanomaterials and devices. This talk explores the application of laser processing technologies as scalable and cost-effective methods for producing sensors and devices in healthcare and environmental monitoring. The first part of the presentation delves into a systematic study on laser processing fundamentals, demonstrating its implementation in selective patterning and functionalization of multilayer plastic films. This approach facilitates the creation of functional conductive patterns and circuitry, leading to the cost-effective production of sensors and wireless communication devices. Emphasis is placed on intelligent food packaging systems, addressing the growing demand for improved food quality and safety. The utilization of roll-to-roll laser-assisted surface modification and micromachining strategies is discussed, showcasing how CO2 and Nd:YAG lasers can significantly reduce manufacturing costs and enhance the production rate of wireless sensors for food packaging applications. The second part focuses on addressing the critical issue of antibiotic-resistant infections and the global spread of pathogens. Laser surface nano-texturing and immobilization technologies are introduced as novel methods to enhance the antibacterial and antiviral properties of metal surfaces, specifically copper (Cu) and silver (Ag). The presentation explores a one-step laser nanotexturing process for Cu surfaces, highlighting its ability to create robust hierarchical micro/mesoporous structures with enhanced antibacterial properties. Additionally, laser nanotexturing and immobilization are used to selectively reduce Ag ionic compounds onto biologically inert titanium (Ti) metal implants, improving cellular integration and antibacterial properties while maintaining bulk mechanical properties. The third part addresses the importance of studying the gut microbiome’s interrelationship with host health and diseases. A novel battery-less customizable capsule design with targeted activation and sample collection in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is presented. The capsule utilizes multi-functional pH-sensitive and superabsorbent polymers for structured assembly, providing a non-invasive and targeted approach to studying microbial diversity and nutrient metabolism along the GI tract. The talk concludes with insights into ongoing efforts, including the integration of position tracking capabilities, 3D printing advancements, and assessing the impact of dietary changes on microbial metabolites and GI-related disease status in animal studies.
About the speaker
Dr. Rahim Rahimi holds the position of Assistant Professor at Purdue University, affiliated with the Schools of Materials Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering (by courtesy). He earned his Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Purdue University in 2017. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Rahimi conducted collaborative Postdoctoral work at the School of Biomedical Engineering at Purdue and Harvard-MIT from 2017 to 2018. During this period, he actively contributed to the design and development of scalable additive nanomanufacturing technologies, particularly focusing on creating a robust and market-ready smart wound dressing platform. Currently, Dr. Rahimi is the founder and director of the Laboratory for Innovative Manufacturing (LIM) at Purdue University. The laboratory is dedicated to the convergence of advancements in functional polymers and electrical engineering, with a focus on developing innovative tools and technologies to address challenges in healthcare, agriculture, and the environment. His lab’s research is inherently interdisciplinary and collaborative, exploring various aspects of novel material processing technologies with a central theme of scalability and cost-effective nanomanufacturing solutions that can positively impact society. In addition to his academic responsibilities, Dr. Rahimi co-directs the SMART industry consortium, which is dedicated to scalable manufacturing of printed sensors. These sensors are characterized by their low-cost, disposable nature, biocompatibility, flexibility, and the ability to cover large areas. The consortium’s work integrates these printed sensors with standard silicon for communication and networking, creating a hybrid printed Internet of Things (IoT) system. The consortium involves the active participation of a dozen faculty members and over 20 students and researchers. Throughout his academic journey, Dr. Rahimi has authored over 150 peer-reviewed publications in esteemed journals, earning several best paper awards in prominent journals and conferences, including Advanced Materials Interfaces, Lab on Chip, FLEX Conference, NextFlex, and TMS. His contributions have been recognized with numerous institutional and national awards, including the Silver Award for Excellence in Military Health System Research, Most Impactful Faculty Inventors, the College of Engineering Early Career Research Award, and the Early Career Teaching Award. In 2022, he was honored as the Early-Career Engineer by the National Academy of Engineering.