Abstract

This Plenary Talk will describe Materials Science and Technological Applications of a unique multifunctional, lowcost, outstanding Ultrananocrystalline Diamond (UNCDTM) film (coating), enabling new generations of industrial products, high-tech / medical devices and prostheses. UNCD films. developed/patented by Auciello and colleagues, are grown by Microwave Power Chemical Vapor Deposition and Hot Filament Chemical Vapor Deposition processes, using Ar/CH4 gas flow into vacuum chambers, where C, CHx (x=1,2,3) species, produced by plasma or hot filaments’ surface cracking of CH4, landing on substrate surfaces, induce growth of UNCD films with smallest gran size (3-5 nm). UNCD films exhibit unique combination of properties, namely: 1) Super harness (98 GPa) and Young’s modulus (998 GPa), like diamond gem. 2) Lowest friction coefficient (≤ 0.04), compared to other materials (≥ 0.5). 3) Only electrically conductive diamond coating, via N atoms in grain boundaries (N-UNCD) or B atoms in grains (B-UNCD), 4) Superior biocompatibility (because made of C atoms / life’s element in human DNA, cells, molecules). 5) Superior scaffolds for embryonic cell growth/differentiation to human cells for biological treatments. Technological applications of UNCDTM coatings include: 1.UNCD-coated seals/bearings for pumps used in industrial applications and mixing pharmaceutical chemicals 2.UNCD-coated high-tech/medical devices/prostheses, marketed by OBI-USA/México, namely: • New generation Li-ion batteries (LIBs) with ≥ 10x longer energy life/safer than current LIBs, using N-UNCD-coated current commercial NG/Copper anodes, for phones, portable electronics, and order of magnitude longer life Defibrillator/Pacemakers. • New generation prostheses (Ti-alloys dental implants (clinical trials / 51 patients received UNCD coated Ti-alloys DIs (2022-present). • UNCD-coated Si-microchip (artificial retina) inside eyes, receiving CCD camera’ images, sending electrons, via ganglion cells in eye’s retina, to brain, returns partial vision to people blind by gene- induced photoreceptors’ death (Argus II marketed by Second Sight (2011-2022) returned partial vision to ~ 450 blind people in USA and EU.

Biography

Auciello graduated with honors: M.S. (1973), Ph.D. (1976) – Physics, Institute “Balseiro”/Universidad Nacional Cuyo-Argentina); EE-Universidad Córdoba-Argentina (1964-1970). Postdoctoral-McMaster University, Canada (1977-1979); Distinguished Research Scientist-University of Toronto-Canada (1979-1984), Associate Professor/North Carolina State University-USA (1984-1988), Distinguished Scientist-Microelectronic Center North Carolina-USA (1988-1996), Distinguished Argonne Fellow (1996-2012)-Argonne National Laboratory-USA. Currently (2012-present), Auciello is Distinguished Endowed Chair Professor-University of Texas-Dallas, Materials Science/Engineering and Bioengineering Departments. Auciello directs basic/applied research on multifunctional oxide [ferroelectric (piezoelectric)/high-K dielectrics films], and nanocarbon films (novel Ultrananocrystalline Diamond (UNCDTM) and graphene films) and applications to industrial, high-tech, and external and implantable medical devices. UNCD film technology is commercialized for industrial products by Advanced Diamond Technologies (Auciello et al.-Founders -2003, profitable-2012, sold to large company for profit-2019), and by Original Biomedical Implants (OBI-USA, 2013) and OBI-México (2016) (Auciello and colleagues /founders), for new generations of superior medical devices/prostheses and other implants. Auciello edited 33 books and published about 500 articles in several fields, holds 23 patents, He was Associate Editor of Applied Physics Letter, and currently of Integrated Ferroelectrics, Functional Diamond, and Coatings. He was President of the Materials Research Society (2013) Auciello is Fellow of AAAS, MRS and IAAM, and has numerous Awards.

Abstract

Biosensors have significant potential to revolutionize diagnostics in centralized clinical laboratories while expanding opportunities for rapid and accessible point-of-care testing. Acoustic wave biosensors offer label-free, sensitive, and real-time monitoring of biomolecular interactions that can be applied towards analyte detection in complex biofluids. However, achieving excellent bioanalytical performance in complex matrices requires antifouling surface chemistry that minimizes nonspecific adsorption and enables analyte recognition through biorecognition probes. Antifouling is particularly crucial for detecting small biomarkers present at low concentrations in complex biofluids. Among these biomarkers, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a small phospholipid associated with the onset and progression of ovarian cancer. Since ovarian cancer is commonly diagnosed in advanced stages when survival rate is poor, early diagnosis is critical. Existing blood tests suffer from limited sensitivity and specificity, highlighting the urgent need for an effective ovarian cancer screening test.

This lecture presents acoustic wave biosensors for the detection of LPA in serum with the electromagnetic piezoelectric acoustic sensor (EMPAS) and the thickness-shear mode (TSM)

sensor. Antifouling molecules based on monoethylene glycol were functionalized on the iii biosensing surfaces of EMPAS and TSM, providing bioconjugation capability for the

immobilization of the gelsolin-actin probe. The combination of antifouling chemistry and gelsolinactin enabled sensitive detection of LPA in undiluted human serum, reaching limits of detection of 1.07 and 0.70 μM with EMPAS and TSM, respectively. The biorecognition probe, gelsolin-actin, is a protein complex that enables label-free and indirect detection of LPA through LPA-induced dissociation of the complex. Molecular modeling revealed that the amphipathic nature of LPA destabilizes the complex through insertion of its hydrophobic tail into actin and interactions between its negatively charged headgroup with gelsolin. In addition to the developed acoustic wave biosensors for LPA, novel antifouling thiols were applied in aptasensors targeting penicillin and bacteria in human serum and whole milk, respectively. Furthermore, phosphonic acid surface functionalization was explored as an alternative to silanization of hydroxylated surfaces, where an octadecylphosphonic acid-based biosensor was developed for monitoring bacterial contamination in milk. Overall, this thesis demonstrates the capability of antifouling biosensors to achieve sensitive detection in complex biofluids for ovarian cancer diagnosis and food quality monitoring.

Biography

Professor Michael Thompson obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Wales, UK and his PhD in analytical chemistry from McMaster University. Following a period as Science Research Council PDF at Swansea University, UK, he was appointed Lecturer in Instrumental Analysis at Loughborough University. He then moved to the University of Toronto where he is now Professor of Bioanalytical Chemistry. He has held a number of distinguished research posts including the Leverhulme Fellowship at the University of Durham and the Science Foundation Ireland E.T.S Walton Research Fellowship at the Tyndall National Institute, Cork City. He is recognized internationally for his pioneering work over many years in the area of research into new biosensor technologies and the surface chemistry of biochemical and biological entities. He has made major contributions to the label-free detection of immunochemical and nucleic acid interactions and surface behavior of cells using ultra high frequency acoustic wave physics. In recent years his group has concentrated on solutions to the ubiquitous fouling and biocompatibility problem of sensors and medical devices. This has included the direct operation of biosensors in biological fluids and avoidance of platelet aggregation on medical polymeric materials. Thompson has served on the Editorial Boards of a number of major international journals including Analytical Chemistry and The Analyst and is currently Editor-in-Chief of the monograph series “Detection Science” for the Royal Society of Chemistry, UK. He has been awarded many prestigious international prizes for his research including The Robert Boyle Gold Medal of the Royal Society of Chemistry, The Elsevier Prize in Biosensor and Bioelectronic Technology, the E.W.R. Steacie Award of the Chemical Society of Canada, and recently the 2023 Royal Society of Chemistry Horizons Prize in Analytical Science. He was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 1999.

Abstract

A guardrail system with a movable platform lift that incorporates movable guardrail components was investigated for failure. The manufacturer used a closed design, employing two hinge assemblies that are welded to a hinge bracket bar that is bolted to another guardrail section and also welded to the swinging guardrail gate. This is a poor design because it does not allow for the hinge brackets to be taken apart for inspection and/or maintenance. This presentation will show that this design is a poor design for fall protection safety equipment, because a failure is not the best way to find out that the hinge system is compromised.

Biography

Mr. O’Shea’s career has focused on the design evaluation, materials selection, engineering, fabrication, inspection & examination, and testing of plant equipment related to the energy industries (electric, gas and steam), marine industry, and petrochemical industries. M.S. Materials Science and Engineering - University of Notre Dame, 1986 B.S. Metallurgical and Materials Engineering - Illinois Institute of Technology, 1984 Registered Professional Engineer (Arkansas, Illinois, and Wisconsin)

Abstract

This study investigates the valorization of calcium carbide residue, an industrial by product rich in calcium hydroxide, as a low-carbon binder for sustainable construction materials. Calcium carbide residue was incorporated as a partial cement replacement in mortars and as a main component in unburned blocks cured through accelerated carbonation. The materials were evaluated in terms of mechanical performance, physical properties, environmental impact, and leaching behavior. The results showed that mortars containing 10-20% calcium carbide residue achieved adequate compressive strength for non-structural applications, while carbonated blocks exhibited significant strength improvement due to calcium carbonate formation. The incorporation of calcium carbide residue reduced the carbon footprint and met environmental safety requirements. These findings demonstrate that calcium carbide residue represents a promising secondary raw material supporting circular economy principles and the development of low-carbon construction materials.

Biography

Prof. habil. Dr. Eng. Buruiana Daniela Laura is a remarkable personality in the fields of industrial engineering and materials engineering. As director of the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Eco-Nanotechnologies and Innovative Materials (CC-ITI), she coordinates research projects that integrate advanced and sustainable technologies in the development of innovative materials. With extensive experience in coordinating research projects, she guides young researchers in exploring innovative solutions and implementing them on an industrial scale. In addition to her research, she is actively involved in publishing scientific papers, obtaining national/international patents, and participating in international conferences. She stays up-to-date with the latest discoveries in the field and contributes to the global scientific evolution.

Abstract

Food quality continuously transforms throughout the process of production, transport, storage, sales and consumer use. Despite that, decisions are often based on expiry dates or lab analyses performed at selected moments. This paper looks at how nanostructured materials could convert biological and physicochemical changes in food quality into immediate, understandable signals to allow for intelligent monitoring of food quality. The issue is examined along the path from materials to decision: nanomaterials, targets, signal transduction, packaging and decision making by producers, sellers and consumers.

Metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, magnetic nanostructures, graphene and carbon nanotubes, quantum and carbon dots, and functional polymers have high surface-to-volume ratio, tunable optical and electrical properties, and functionalization opportunities. These features ensure colorimetric, fluorescent, electrochemical, chemiresistive and magnetic detection of spoilage metabolites and volatiles, foodborne pathogens, contaminants, adulterants, and failures in temperature and/or package integrity. The corresponding platforms comprise indicator labels and films, non-contact headspace sensors, paper-based tests, printed electrodes, electronic-nose arrays, and smart-phone or RFID/NFC-readable tags. In addition to single-point analysis, such sensors allow for distributed or continuous monitoring and earlier interventions.

The key benefits analytical sensitivity, fast response, portability, small sample size, and capability to combine sensing with antimicrobial or barrier properties are evaluated in regard to the requirements for practical applications. The problem of matrix interference, selectivity, humidity and temperature stability, reproducibility, nanoparticle migration, toxicological assessment, calibration, scaling-up, data governance, and regulatory approval become crucial.

This paper proposes materials centered approach to choosing appropriate nanomaterials, transducers and packaging to address particular matrices and monitoring tasks. Such approach allows to turn packaging into an information-generating interface.

Biography

Andrei Ivanov is a second-year Ph.D. student at the Doctoral School of Fundamental Sciences and Engineering, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, Romania, in the field of Materials Engineering. He is also a member of the Interdisciplinary Research Centre in the Field of Eco-Nano Technology and Advanced Materials (CC-ITI). His research focuses on the development and application of advanced nanomaterials for food quality and safety, with particular emphasis on nano-enabled sensors and smart packaging technologies. He is the author of the review paper “Nanomaterials for Sensory Systems: A Review”, published in the international journal Biosensors. His current research activities are oriented toward the development of innovative nanomaterial-based sensing platforms and their potential application in the agri-food sector, contributing to improved food monitoring, quality control, and safety.

Abstract

Mechanochemistry is an emerging field of chemistry and materials science that uses milling, grinding, extrusion, and related techniques to drive chemical reactions between solid reactants [1]. In many cases, mechanochemical transformations do not require liquid solvents, can operate across a broad range of temperatures, atmospheres, and gas pressures, and may be less dependent on Earth gravity than conventional solution-based chemical processes. These features make mechanochemistry potentially suitable for diverse unconventional applications, such as sustainable chemical synthesis, the generation of metastable materials and phases, mechanochemically driven depolymerization of common macromolecules, and the recently proposed manufacturing of materials in off-Earth environments. In the latter case, mechanochemistry can help reduce the reliance of in-space manufacturing on Earth-supplied solvents and process consumables.
This presentation discusses mechanochemical transformations of organic molecules and selected metallic and inorganic ionic solids [1-2] from the perspective of their reaction environments and highlights the potential of solvent-free mechanochemistry for in-space manufacturing. It also outlines possible initial steps toward its practical implementation beyond Earth.

Biography

Dr. Viktor Balema is an expert in novel electronic and energy materials, as well as non-conventional materials preparation techniques. He earned his BS/MS degrees from L'viv State University, Ukraine, and PhD from the A. Nesmeyanov Institute of the Academy of Sciences in Moscow. Subsequently, he conducted research at the universities of Karlsruhe and Leipzig, Germany as Visiting Scientist, then joined Ames Laboratory of the US Department of Energy. Over two decades, Dr. Balema directed the Hard Materials Segment and Materials Science R&D at Sigma-Aldrich Co. and held Senior Scientist and CTO positions at Ames Laboratory and in the chemical industry. Currently, he is an Adjunct Professor at Clemson University, SC, USA. Dr. Balema has authored over 100 papers and patents, delivered numerous invited talks, and served as a reviewer for the US DOE, NSF, US CRDF, ACS PRF, and numerous peer-reviewed journals. His research has also been featured in popular scientific magazines, including New Scientist and Scientific American.

Abstract

The development of smart and sustainable road infrastructure requires advanced materials capable of providing information on pavement condition and performance. The integration of sensors into asphalt materials represents a promising approach for real time monitoring of parameters such as temperature, strain, stress, and structural degradation. This paper presents an overview of sensor integrated asphalt materials, focusing on sensor types, integration methods, and their influence on the properties and durability of asphalt mixtures. The use of embedded sensing technologies can support early damage detection, optimize maintenance strategies, and extend pavement service life. Sensor integrated asphalt materials represent an important step toward safer, more durable, and sustainable intelligent road infrastructure.

Biography

Andromeda Iacob is a first-year PhD researcher in Materials Engineering at Dunărea de Jos University of Galați, Romania. She holds degrees in Traffic Police, Law, and Business Administration, as well as a Master’s degree in Criminal Sciences and Criminology. Since 2013, she has worked at the Galați Traffic Police Department, with expertise in traffic management and road systematization. Her doctoral research focuses on the development and evaluation of advanced asphalt materials and the integration of smart sensors for real time monitoring, aiming to enhance road safety, durability, and the sustainability of transportation infrastructure.

Abstract

The increasing demand for lightweight and efficient ballistic protection systems has intensified research into advanced strategies for improving the performance of high-strength fiber-based materials. Among these materials, Kevlar® remains one of the most widely used reinforcements in personal protective systems due to its high tensile strength, low density, excellent specific strength, and favorable energy absorption capability. However, the ballistic performance of Kevlar-based structures is affected by intrinsic limitations, including insufficient interfacial interactions, limited energy transfer between adjacent fibers, and the need for multiple fabric layers to achieve the required protection level. This work addresses the enhancement of Kevlar fiber performance through surface modification and the use of functional and nanostructured coatings. Polymeric, ceramic, carbon-based, and inorganic nanomaterials, including graphene-based materials, carbon nanotubes, silica, metal oxides, and carbides, are considered as promising approaches for improving interfacial adhesion, inter-yarn friction, load transfer, and energy dissipation during high-velocity impact. Among the different nanoscale materials considered, titanium carbide (TiC) represents a promising ceramic reinforcement for Kevlar surface modification due to its favorable mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties. Its incorporation into surface-engineered systems may contribute to improved fiber–coating interactions and enhanced stress transfer while preserving the lightweight character of the protective structure. The efficiency of the modification process is strongly influenced by factors such as surface activation, nanoparticle dispersion, coating morphology and uniformity, deposition technique, and interface architecture. Advanced characterization approaches are also relevant for assessing surface morphology, chemical composition, coating distribution, and the resulting structural and mechanical performance of modified fibers. By integrating nanotechnology with surface engineering, this work highlights promising strategies for tailoring the surface and interfacial properties of Kevlar fibers and for contributing to the development of thinner, lighter, and more efficient ballistic protection systems with potential applications in defense and civil protection.

Biography

Georgiana Ghisman (Alexe) is a second-year PhD researcher in Materials Engineering at Dunărea de Jos University of Galați, Romania. She holds degrees in Materials Science, and Finance and Banking, as well as a master’s degree in Advanced Materials and Innovative Technologies. Her doctoral research focuses on the advanced materials for ballistic protection, with particular emphasis on coatings, high-performance fibers, and micro/nanostructured surface treatments.

Abstract

Contemporary nature-inspired research draws on biological structures and processes to develop advanced materials with enhanced functionality and sustainability. Inspired by systems such as bone architectures, cellular networks, and adaptive ecosystems, researchers increasingly combine biomimetic principles with artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate materials discovery and design.

AI is transforming materials science through its ability to analyze complex datasets, model multiscale phenomena, and optimize material architectures. These capabilities support the development of lightweight, high-performance porous and lattice structures, often manufactured using advanced techniques such as additive manufacturing. Such approaches can improve mechanical efficiency while reducing material consumption and environmental impact. Similarly, the emergence of bio-based materials and deep eutectic solvents demonstrates how nature continues to inspire sustainable innovation in chemistry and materials processing.

Beyond materials development, AI offers powerful tools for addressing environmental challenges, including pollution control, carbon capture, and ecosystem monitoring. However, the growing use of AI also raises concerns related to energy consumption, resource use, ethical issues, and unforeseen technological consequences. These challenges highlight the importance of establishing clear guidelines for the responsible development and application of AI within a sustainability framework.

In the spirit of a renewed Humanitas, scientific and technological progress should be guided by wisdom, responsibility, and respect for the natural world. The convergence of AI and nature-inspired design encourages a balanced approach in which innovation learns from, rather than dominates, living systems. By integrating AI, biomimicry, and ethical stewardship, materials research can contribute to a more sustainable future for both humanity and the environment.

Biography

Severine A.E. Boyer, CNRS Researcher, has completed her PhD from Blaise Pascal Clermont-Ferrand University (France), and Assistant-Professor studies from the Tokyo Metropolitan University (Japan), and respectively from Mines Paris PSL and IMT Mines Douai (France). She has published more than 50 papers. Her activities aim to conduct combinations of chemo-physics / poly-morpho-genesis / interfaces in hybrids materials to meet the challenges of new materials, new model-experiments and new numerical models. Extreme environments and inspiration drawn from Nature lie at the heart of her expertise.

Abstract

Contemporary nature-inspired research draws on biological structures and processes to develop advanced materials with enhanced functionality and sustainability. Inspired by systems such as bone architectures, cellular networks, and adaptive ecosystems, researchers increasingly combine biomimetic principles with artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate materials discovery and design.

AI is transforming materials science through its ability to analyze complex datasets, model multiscale phenomena, and optimize material architectures. These capabilities support the development of lightweight, high-performance porous and lattice structures, often manufactured using advanced techniques such as additive manufacturing. Such approaches can improve mechanical efficiency while reducing material consumption and environmental impact. Similarly, the emergence of bio-based materials and deep eutectic solvents demonstrates how nature continues to inspire sustainable innovation in chemistry and materials processing.

Beyond materials development, AI offers powerful tools for addressing environmental challenges, including pollution control, carbon capture, and ecosystem monitoring. However, the growing use of AI also raises concerns related to energy consumption, resource use, ethical issues, and unforeseen technological consequences. These challenges highlight the importance of establishing clear guidelines for the responsible development and application of AI within a sustainability framework.

In the spirit of a renewed 

Humanitas

, scientific and technological progress should be guided by wisdom, responsibility, and respect for the natural world. The convergence of AI and nature-inspired design encourages a balanced approach in which innovation learns from, rather than dominates, living systems. By integrating AI, biomimicry, and ethical stewardship, materials research can contribute to a more sustainable future for both humanity and the environment.

Biography

Alain Burr, CNRS Researcher, since the beginning of his career [background from ENS Paris Saclay (1987-1991), “agrégé en Mécanique", Mechanical Engineering ; PhD at Paris VI University (France) ; Assistant-Professor at the University of California Santa Barbara (USA)], his research expertise lies at the intersection of advanced computational mechanics, materials science and chemical bio-inspiration. He focused on developing and integrating constitutive equations for aerospace ceramic/metal matrix composites into Abaqus. Then, he formulated hyperelastic and anelastic behavioral laws for filled elastomers by integrating their physico-chemical properties. Currently, he investigates functional polymer nanocomposites and surface grafting modifications to modulate polymer behavior for nD printing applications, with the help of Nature inspirations. In addition, during 2013-2019, as a founder/partner and funder, he created and developed the startup Pigm'Azur, a company that still manufactures hybrid pigments.

Abstract

The increasing need for enhanced protection and traceability of special-regime documents requires the integration of functional security materials with advanced detection and monitoring technologies. This study proposes a sensor-based system for the individual identification and monitoring of documents manufactured using a previously patented secure paper technology containing embedded magnetic microwires. The secure paper is considered in the present study as the functional material enabling magnetic detection, while the novelty of the proposed approach lies in the design and integration of dedicated sensors and detection units capable of recognizing and monitoring secured sheets throughout a controlled perimeter. Specialized sensors are proposed for installation on printing, copying, and document-destruction equipment in order to detect the magnetic signature associated with the secured paper and to control the processing of documents within the protected area. In addition, electromagnetic detection systems positioned at perimeter access points are integrated into the monitoring architecture to identify and track the movement of secured documents entering or leaving the controlled space. The combined use of equipment-mounted sensors, perimeter detection units, and a centralized monitoring system provides a framework for individual document identification, controlled circulation, and enhanced traceability. The proposed concept therefore extends the practical functionality of an existing magnetic-microwire-based secure paper technology through the development of a dedicated sensor architecture for active detection and monitoring. The approach highlights the potential of combining magnetic functional materials with sensor technologies to improve the physical security, traceability, and controlled management of high-security documents.

Biography

Mr. Cătălin Aramă is currently a first-year PhD researcher in Materials Engineering at Dunărea de Jos University of Galați. He coordinates the Technology Transfer Center at the National Institute for Research and Development in Informatics (ICI Bucharest) and serves as project manager for the Mobility Technologies Center at Dunărea de Jos University of Galați. With over 25 years of experience in the IT industry, he has held executive leadership positions in both the public and private sectors. His current doctoral research focuses on the development of sensor-based solutions for the identification, monitoring, and traceability of secure documents, integrating magnetic and electromagnetic detection technologies for advanced security applications.