The Davis Centre buzzed with excitement as 21 Nanotechnology Engineering teams presented their fourth year design project research and poster displays at this year’s Capstone Design Symposium on March 16, 2016. Projects were categorized within the four themes of study: NEMS, nanoelectronics & nanofluidics; instrumentation & nanophotonics; nanofunctional materials; and nanobiotechnology & biomedical.
Judges reviewed projects that reflected a wide range of innovative nanotechnology research and real-world applications, including a nanosilver-based pressure sensor that prevents bedsores by monitoring the pressure on risk-prone areas of bedridden patients, a nanostructured film that maximizes solar panel performance by passively protecting them from the buildup of dirt and grime, and a small reusable packet that selectively absorbs high levels of oxygen to enable the long-term storage of food. Many more interesting and useful projects were presented to the public and a panel of judges that included lab instructors and some teaching assistants.
Outstanding achievement
After a thorough review of the projects, the judges recognized three teams for their outstanding achievement. Their projects include inventions that could help detect counterfeit products, including money, pharmaceutical drugs and electronics; improve genetic testing; monitor toxic gases; and mitigate the effects of unwanted heat in our vehicles:
First place: Arylla: Verification of Fluorescent Anti-Counterfeit Inks
Perry Everett, Justin Raimbault, Benjamin Rasera, Graham Thomas
Arylla Inc. is aiming to end the counterfeit trade, which costs the global economy up to two trillion dollars every year. This Waterloo start-up company uses their low-cost, rapid scanner to detect and authenticate goods that have been flagged with their special ink, which is virtually impossible to replicate and can be applied to products for minimal added cost. With this solution, corporations can reliably authenticate their products, thereby strengthening brand value, minimizing lost revenue and ensuring consumer safety.