Nanoscale Transport Optimization
Abstract
A generalized modeling tool has been created that facilitates virtual design of active material systems utilizing nanoscale transport. The construct is bio-mimetic in that the stochastic nature of biological transport proteins is utilized as the basis for transport phenomena. The transport response is then coupled to host response (for instance, elastic deformation of the supporting membrane) via finite element analysis. The advantages of this construct are (1) biological transport phenomena tend to be more complex than engineered transport phenomena, and thus encompass both scenarios, (2) utilizing the finite element coupling enables consideration of any geometrical configuration, and (3) biological transport proteins could in fact be utilized directly in the design of active materials with dial-in stimuli and response. One example case of smart material design is offered in some detail, but the range of possibilities is extraordinary. For instance other possibilities include but are not limited to payload release of a neutralizing agent in the presence of marker stimulus. An illustrative example of the burst scenario is therefore also given some consideration in an example drug delivery implementation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 04, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA500838
Entities
People
- Lisa M. Weiland
Organizations
- University of Pittsburgh