Resistive switching characteristics by using the Al₂O₃ interfacial layer in an Al/Cu/GdO_x/Al₂O₃/TiN memristor have been enhanced as compared to the Al/Cu/GdO_x/TiN structure owing to the insertion of Al₂O₃ layer for the first time. Polycrystalline grain, chemical composition, and surface roughness of defective GdO_x film have been investigated by transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). For bipolar resistive switching (BRS) characteristics, the conduction mechanism of high resistance state (HRS) is a space-charge limited current for the Al/Cu/GdO_x/TiN device while the Al/Cu/GdO_x/Al₂O₃/TiN device shows Schottky emission. However, both devices show Ohmic at a low resistance state (LRS). After the device has been SET, the Cu filament evidences by both TEM and elemental mapping. Oxygen-rich at the Cu/GdO_x interface and Al₂O₃ layer are confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) line profile. The Al/Cu/GdO_x/Al₂O₃/TiN memristor has lower RESET current, higher speed operation of 100 ns, long read pulse endurance of >10⁹ cycles, good data retention, and the memristor with a large resistance ratio of >10⁵ is operated at a low current of 1.5 µA. The complementary resistive switching (CRS) characteristics of the Al/Cu/GdO_x/Al₂O₃/TiN memristor show also a low current operation as compared to the Al/Cu/GdO_x/TiN device (300 µA vs. 3.1 mA). The transport mechanism is the Cu ion migration and it shows Ohmic at low field and hopping at high field regions. A larger hopping distance of 1.82 nm at the Cu/GdO_x interface is obtained as compared to a hopping distance of 1.14 nm in the Al₂O₃ layer owing to a larger Cu filament length at the Cu/GdO_x interface than the Al₂O₃ layer. Similarly, the CRS mechanism is explained by using the schematic model. The CRS characteristics show a stable state with long endurance of >1000 cycles at a pulse width of 1 µs owing to the insertion of Al₂O₃ interfacial layer in the Al/Cu/GdO_x/Al₂O₃/TiN structure.

Pelvic prolapse stands as a substantial medical concern, notably impacting a significant segment of the population, predominantly women. This condition, characterized by the descent of pelvic organs, such as the uterus, bladder, or rectum, from their normal positions, can lead to a range of distressing symptoms, including pelvic pressure, urinary incontinence, and discomfort during intercourse. Clinical challenges abound in the treatment landscape of pelvic prolapse, stemming from its multifactorial etiology and the diverse array of symptoms experienced by affected individuals. Current treatment options, while offering relief to some extent, often fall short in addressing the full spectrum of symptoms and may pose risks of complications or recurrence. Consequently, there exists a palpable need for innovative solutions that can provide more effective, durable, and patient-tailored interventions for pelvic prolapse. We manufactured an integrated polycaprolactone (PCL) mesh, reinforced with nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA), along with drug-eluting poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanofibers for a prolapse scaffold. This aims to offer a promising avenue for enhanced treatment outcomes and improved quality of life for individuals grappling with pelvic prolapse. Solution extrusion additive manufacturing and electrospinning methods were utilized to prepare the nHA filled PCL mesh and drug-incorporated PLGA nanofibers, respectively. The pharmaceuticals employed included metronidazole, ketorolac, bleomycin, and estrone. Properties of fabricated resorbable scaffolds were assessed. The in vitro release characteristics of various pharmaceuticals from the meshes/nanofibers were evaluated. Furthermore, the in vivo drug elution pattern was also estimated on a rat model. The empirical data show that nHA reinforced PCL mesh exhibited superior mechanical strength to virgin PCL mesh. Electrospun resorbable nanofibers possessed diameters ranging from 85 to 540 nm, and released effective metronidazole, ketorolac, bleomycin, and estradiol, respectively, for 9, 30, 3, and over 30 days in vitro. Further, the mesh/nanofiber scaffolds also liberated high drug levels at the target site for more than 28 days in vivo, while the drug concentrations in blood remained low. This discovery suggests that resorbable scaffold can serve as a viable option for treating female pelvic organ prolapse.

Dopamine detection by using N₂/O₂ annealing in a Pt/Ti/n-Si structure is investigated for the first time. To achieve repeatable and stable dopamine detection, a Pt membrane is annealed at elevated temperatures of 500 to 700 °C. N₂/O₂ gas ambient is used to optimize the membrane. The Pt membrane with thicknesses from 5 to 2 nm is optimized. Novel Pt/Ti/n-Si Schottky contact in a metal–electrolyte–membrane–silicon (MEMS) structure detects dopamine with a low concentration of 1 pM. The Pt membrane with N₂ ambient annealing shows the lowest concentration of dopamine sensing with a small volume of 10 µL, acceptable stability, and repeatability. Scan rate-dependent dopamine concentration sensing is also investigated in the two-terminal measurement method. This study is useful for the early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease in the near future.