Boris Mizaikoff

Ulm University & Hahn-Schickard

Interband cascade lasers (ICL) are high output power mid-infrared light sources with low power consumption, serving as a viable alternative to more commonly applied quantum cascade lasers. The integration of ICLs with thin-film waveguides facilitates miniaturized sensing platforms based on the principles of evanescent field absorption toward tailor...

The effects of crystal nuclei or crystallization on the isothermal crystallization behavior of isotactic polypropylene homopolymer are examined using fast scanning calorimetry (FSC) and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXD). During crystalline nucleation below the glass transition temperature as described by Tammann's two‐stage nucleation approach, an...

Background Advanced screening technologies, particularly biospectroscopic techniques like infrared attenuated total reflection (IR-ATR) spectroscopy, are gaining significance for their potential to offer fast, reliable, and specific diagnostic methods. These techniques, combined with chemometric approaches, have been increasingly applied for identi...

This study aims at the assessment of damage on crystallinity of fiber reinforced thermoplastic (FRTP) composites resulting from mechanical polishing to demonstrate a novel methodology enabling comprehensive crystalline structural characterization. Investigating the crystalline structure is relevant for understanding the relationship with the mechan...

Among biomimetic strategies shaping engineering designs, molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) technology stands out, involving chemically synthesised receptors emulating natural antigen-antibody interactions. These versatile ‘designer polymers’ with remarkable stability and low cost, are pivotal for in vitro diagnostics. Amid the recent global healt...

During the development process of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), it is crucial to control (critical) quality attributes such as N-glycosylation influencing pharmacokinetics (PK) and Fc effector functions. Previous reports have shown that mAbs containing high-mannose N-glycans are cleared faster from blood circulation, leading to reduced...

Hierarchical porous acrylate‐based materials are highly interesting as 3D filter materials, such as for virus removal from suspensions. Here, the synthesis of highly porous monolithic 3D materials by polymerization‐induced phase separation in liquid crystal display (LCD) based 3D printing is presented for the efficient removal of human adenovirus t...

Mid-infrared absorption spectroscopy is a well-established technique for non-destructive quantitative molecular analysis. Waveguide-integrated sensors provide a particularly compact solution operating with reduced sample volumes while exhibiting exquisite molecular selectivity, sensitivity, and ultra-low limits of detection. Recent advances in mid-...

In this study, we report a compact and versatile gas sensor system combining mid-infrared interband cascade light emitting diodes (MIR-ICLEDs) with substrate-integrated hollow waveguides (iHWGs) toward miniaturized gas sensors. Two readily exchangeable MIR-ICLEDs with center emission wavelengths of 3.4 µm (2941 cm⁻¹) and 5.7 µm (1754 cm⁻¹), respect...

In this work, we demonstrate that a simple argentometric titration is a scalable, fast, green and robust approach for producing AgCl/antibiotic hybrid antimicrobial materials. We titrated AgNO 3 into tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) aqueous solution, thus forming AgCl/TCH in a one-step procedure. Furthermore, we investigated the one-pot synthesis o...

This study aims at an innovative sample preparation strategy for fiber reinforced thermoplastic (FRTP) composites analyzed via polarized optical microscopy to visualize the crystalline structure of the matrix resin. Investigating the structure is relevant for understanding the relationship with the mechanical properties. In general, polarized optic...

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with customizable macroscopic shapes expand the scope of molecular imprints' impressive applications. Combining 3D printing with molecular imprinting technology enables reproducible and scalable fabrication of polymers in tailored macroscopic structures while preserving molecular recognition properties. This st...

Objective A prototype infrared attenuated total reflection (IR-ATR) laser spectroscopic system designed for in vivo classification of human cartilage tissue according to its histological health status during arthroscopic surgery is presented. Prior to real-world in vivo applications, this so-called osteoarthritis (OA) scanner has been tested at in...

The climate crisis further exacerbates the challenges for food production. For instance, the increasingly unpredictable growth of fungal species in the field can lead to an unprecedented high prevalence of several mycotoxins, including the most important toxic secondary metabolite produced by Fusarium spp., i.e., deoxynivalenol (DON). The presence...

The use of 3D-printing technology for producing optical devices (i.e., mirrors and waveguides) remains challenging, especially in the UV spectral regime. Gas sensors based on absorbance measurements in the UV region are suitable for determining numerous volatile species in a variety of samples and analytical scenarios. The performance of absorbance...

This proof-of-principle study presents the ability of the recently developed iLovEnose to measure ultratrace levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in simulated human breath based on the combination of multiple gas sensors. The iLovEnose was developed by our research team as a test bed for gas sensors that can be hosted in three serially conne...

Cultural heritage (CH) sites are frequently exposed to natural elements, and their exposure becomes particularly precarious with the onset of climate change. This increased vulnerability places these sites at risk of deterioration or complete destruction. Risks such as land deformation, floods, acid rain, and erosion significantly threaten historic...

This study explores how a simple argentometric titration-like approach could be evolved into a versatile, scalable, fast, and robust strategy for the production of AgCl/quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) colloidal nanoantimicrobials (NAMs). These systems, which are green, stable, cost-effective, and reproducible are found to be effective against...

“The field of light‐driven catalysis is an important research field addressing one of the main challenges of our society ‐ the transformation and storage of sunlight in chemical bonds. In this study, we have developed an algebraic approach to calculate and reliably predict the turnover number and the endpoint of a photocatalytic process. This provi...

We performed nano differential scanning fluorimetry (nanoDSF) measurements of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in urea gradient solutions under thermal unfolding. Our results show that the denaturing effect of urea on individual IgG domains can be monitored via a linear mapping of thermal shift curves to the corresponding urea concentrations. Assignment of I...

Photocatalysis is a contemporary research field given that the world's fossil energy resources including coal, mineral oil and natural gas are finite. The vast variety of photocatalytic systems demands for standardized protocols facilitating an objective comparison. While there are commonly accepted performance indicators such as the turnover numbe...

Mycotoxins are amongst the most prevalent food contaminants leading to serious health implications for humans and animals. Limiting exposure to them within the population remains a pressing food safety challenge. Prevention and timely detection are crucial for minimising mycotoxin contamination in food and feed. Therefore easy-to-use, rapid, eco-fr...

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignancy and the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. While CRC screening is already part of organized programs in many countries, there remains a need for improved screening tools. In recent years, a potential approach for cancer diagnosis has emerged via the analysis of vo...

In this study, we demonstrate the combination of a tunable broadband mid-infrared (MIR) femtosecond laser source separately coupled to a ZnSe crystal horizontal attenuated total reflection (ATR) sensor cell for liquid phase samples and to a substrate-integrated hollow waveguide (iHWG) for gas phase samples. Utilizing this emerging light source tech...

Diamond thin-film waveguides were combined with quantum cascade lasers augmented by drop-casted graphene enabling surface-enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy.

Microbial contamination in food industry is a source of foodborne illnesses and biofilm-related diseases. In particular, biogenic amines (BAs) accumulated in fermented foods via lactic acid bacterial activity exert toxic effects on human health. Among these, biofilms of histamine-producer Lentilactobacillus parabuchneri strains adherent at food pro...

Currently, most photosensitizers and catalysts used in the field of artificial photosynthesis are still based on rare earth metals and should thus be utilized as efficiently and economically as possible. While repair of an inactivated catalyst is a potential mitigation strategy, this remains a challenge. State‐of‐the‐art methods are crucial for cha...

A magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer (MMIP) was synthesized and tested for an in vivo rheumatoid arthritis (RA) rat model. Magnetite coated with mesoporous silica (Fe2O3@mSi) was used as core for surface imprinting, dopamine was used as monomer and methotrexate (MTX) was loaded directly during polymerization. The amount of MTX loaded on MMIPs r...

The analytical performance of a compact infrared attenuated total reflection spectrometer using a pyroelectric detector array has been evaluated and compared to a conventional laboratory Fourier transform infrared system for applications in food analysis. Analytical characteristics including sensitivity, repeatability, linearity of the calibration...

Currently, most photosensitizers and catalysts used in the field of artificial photosynthesis are still based on rare earth metals and should thus be utilized as efficiently and economically as possible. While repair of an inactivated catalyst is a potential mitigation strategy, this remains a challenge. State‐of‐the‐art methods are crucial for cha...

A facile and sensitive glucose sandwich assay using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has been developed. Glucose was captured by 3-aminopheyonyl boronic acid (APBA) modified Ag nanoparticles decorated onto a polyamide surface. Then, Ag nanoparticles modified with 3-amino-6-ethynylpicolinonitrile (AEPO) and APBA were used as SERS tags. APBA...

The COVID-19 pandemic remains a global challenge now with the long-COVID arising. Mitigation measures focused on case counting, assessment and determination of variants and their likely targets of infection and transmission, the pursuit of drug treatments, use and enhancement of masks, social distancing, vaccination, post-infection rehabilitation,...

We report on a flexible platform for molecular sensing in the terahertz range. Merging the well-established technologies of near-infrared electro-optic modulation and photomixing realizes a spectrally adaptable terahertz source, which is combined with a new generation of compact gas cells, so-called substrate-integrated hollow waveguides (iHWGs). i...

Diamond thin-film waveguides with a nanocrystalline diamond layer of approximately 20 μm thickness were used in the mid-infrared regime in combination with quantum cascade lasers to detect the IR signature of caffeine. The diamond thin-film waveguides were fundamentally characterized with respect to their morphological properties via AFM and SEM. T...

The rational design of molecularly imprinted polymers has evolved along with state-of-the-art experimental imprinting strategies taking advantage of sophisticated computational tools. In silico methods enable the screening and simulation of innovative polymerization components and conditions superseding conventional formulations. The combined use o...

Lentilactobacillus parabuchneri, a lactic acid bacterium, is largely responsible for the production and accumulation of histamine, a toxic biogenic amine, in cheese. L. parabuchneri strains can form biofilms on the surface of industry equipment. Since they are resistant to cleaning and disinfection, they may act as reservoirs of histamine-producing...

In this study, we report the first combination of mid-infrared (MIR) interband cascade light emitting diodes (ICLEDs) with a central emission wavelength at 4.0 μm and 3.4 μm, respectively, combined with a substrate-integrated hollow waveguide (iHWG) for the detection of CO2 and CH4 analyzing the antisymmetric stretching of CO2 at 2345 cm⁻¹, and the...

Unlike other antimicrobial agents, Ag-based composites are stable and currently widely used as broad spectral additives, fighting microbial biofilms and other biological threats. The goal of the present study is to develop a green, multifunctional, and robust antibiofilm water-insoluble coating, inhibiting histamine-producing Lentilactobacillus par...

We present a frequency flexible platform for molecular sensing in the terahertz range combining an opto-electronic light source with novel compact gas cells. Sensing is demonstrated by measuring the rotational spectrum of nitrous oxide (N 2 O).

A compact yet robust sensor system for applications in harsh environments has been developed. The sensor takes advantage of infrared attenuated total reflection (IR-ATR) spectroscopy with an invariant coupling of IR radiation into the ATR sensing element via substrate-integrated hollow waveguides (iHWGs). The system design, which is supported by ap...

Antimicrobial materials are considered potential alternatives to prevent the development of biofilm-associated contaminations. Concerns regarding synthetic preservatives necessitate the development of innovative and safe natural antimicrobials. In the present study, we discuss the in situ infrared attenuated total reflection spectroscopy (IR-ATR) i...

An efficient capture step for human adenovirus type 5 from cell lysate was developed as an initial virus purification step from cell debris supernatant. Organosilane-based polymer particles were synthesized and experimental monomer screening allowed the selection of appropriate functionalities for the development of particles for virus binding. Aft...

Farmers, cereal suppliers and processors demand rapid techniques for the assessment of mould-associated contamination. Deoxynivalenol (DON) is among the most important Fusarium toxins and related to human and animal diseases besides causing significant economic losses. Routine analytical techniques for the analysis of DON are either based on chroma...

Antibacterial polymer materials have gained interest due to their capability to inhibit or eradicate biofilms with greater efficiency in comparison with their monomeric counterparts. Among the antimicrobial and anti-biofouling polymers, catecholamine-based polymers — and in particular polydopamine — have been studied due to their favorable adhesion...

The increasing consumption of processed foods demands the usage of chemical preservatives to ensure freshness and extended shelf life. For this purpose, sodium sulfite and its derivatives have been widely used in a variety of food products to inhibit microbial spoilage and for mitigating oxidative decay. However, the excessive consumption of sulfit...

Foodborne pathogenic microorganisms form biofilms at abiotic surfaces, which is a particular challenge in food processing industries. The complexity of biofilm formation requires a fundamental understanding on the involved molecular mechanisms, which may then lead to efficient prevention strategies. In the present study, biogenic amine producing ba...

: The development of synthetic particles that emulate real viruses in size, shape, and chemical composition is vital to the development of imprinted polymer-based sorbent materials (MIPs). In this study, we address surrogates for adenovirus type 5 (Adv 5) via the synthesis and subsequent modification of icosahedral gold nanoparticles (iAuNPs) decor...

Small and compact mid-infrared devices are of increasing importance, as there are several applications demanding on-site and real-time measurements in harsh real-world scenarios. The RobustATR, an innovative infrared attenuated total reflectance (IR-ATR) accessory, has been developed and tested with exemplary analytes integrating a single-wavelengt...

Rare cancers are a challenge for clinical practice, the treatment experience at major centers to which rare cancers are referred is limited, and are the most difficult to diagnose. Research to identify causes or develop prevention and/or early detection strategies is extremely challenging. Anal cancer is an example of a rare cancer, Human papilloma...

To date, the most commonly applied method for detecting constituents in exhaled breath is gas chromatography (GC) coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Despite the ability to accurately detect a wide range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), GC-MS-based instruments are frequently large and expensive, and the analysis is time consuming. Modern e...

Computationally guided synthesis of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers or "artificial antibodies"

Quinic acid (QA) and its ester conjugates have been subjected to in-depth scientific investigations for their antioxidant properties. In this study, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) were used for selective extraction of quinic acid (QA) from coffee bean extract. Computational modelling was performed to optimize the process of MIP preparation....

Given the exquisite capability of direct, non-destructive label-free sensing of molecular transitions, IR spectroscopy has become a ubiquitous and versatile analytical tool. IR application scenarios range from industrial manufacturing processes, surveillance tasks and environmental monitoring to elaborate evaluation of (bio)medical samples. Given r...

There is an increasing need for wireless autonomous micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) and microrobots that can perform various functions such as sensing, diagnosis, locomotion, actuation, implantation, material removal, manipulation, and localized drug delivery. A major problem with these systems is the production, storage, and transduction of...