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A method for patterning a material onto a substrate including the steps of: providing a micro-mold having a plurality of non-communicating independent channels and having a plurality of reservoirs for receiving a micro-molding fluid each of which reservoirs communicates with a channel, the micro-mold including an elastomeric master having a surface with a plurality of recesses therein and a substrate; introducing a micro-molding fluid into the micro-mold reservoirs filling said communicating channels; and solidifying the fluid in the micro-mold and removing the elastomeric master thereby generating a pattern of material on the substrate. The micro-mold is formed by contacting the surface of the elastomeric master with the substrate such that the recesses in the surface form the plurality of reservoirs and channels.
1. A method for patterning a material onto a substrate which comprises the steps of:
a. providing a micro-mold having a plurality of non-communicating, independent channels and having a plurality of reservoirs for receiving a micro-molding fluid each of which reservoirs communicates with a channel, said mold comprising an elastomeric master having a surface with a plurality of recesses therein and a substrate, said mold formed by contacting the surface of said elastomeric master with said substrate such that the recesses in said surface form said plurality of reservoirs and channels;
b. introducing a micro-molding fluid into said mold reservoirs filling said communicating channels; and
c. solidifying said fluid in said mold and removing said elastomeric master thereby generating a pattern of material on said substrate.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said substrate is a material selected from the group consisting of glass, sapphire, Si/SiO2, Ti/TiO2, a metal oxide, a metal nitride, a semiconductor material and a non-reactive metal.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein said molding fluid is a sol.
4. The method of claim 3 wherein said molding fluid is an aqueous sol.
5. The method of claim 3 wherein said sol is an inorganic sol.
6. The method of claim 3 wherein said sol is an organically-modified inorganic sol.
7. The method of claim 3 wherein said sol comprises an indicator dye.
8. The method of claim 3 wherein said sol comprises a biologically active component.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein said patterned substrate comprises independent patterns each comprising different materials formed by introducing two or more different micro-molding fluids into different reservoirs of said micro-mold.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein said micro-molding fluids are sols each of which comprises a different indicator dye.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein said indicator dyes are selected from the group of indicator dyes for pH, Ca+ or glucose.
12. The method of claim 9 wherein said micro-molding fluids are selected from the group of a prepolymer or monomer solution, an inorganic salt solution, a latex solution, an inorganic sol or an organically-modified inorganic sol.
13. The method of claim 9 wherein one or more of said micro-molding fluids comprises an indicator dye.
14. The method of claim 9 wherein one or more of said micro-molding fluids comprises a biologically active component.
15. The method of claim 1 wherein said fluid is solidified at a temperature less than or equal to about 100� C.
16. The method of claim 1 wherein said substrate is patterned to comprise an optical waveguide.
17. The method of claim 1 wherein said substrate is patterned to comprise a sensor.
18. The method of claim 1 wherein said substrate to be patterned is within a micro fluid channel.
19. The method of claim 1 further comprising a step of pre-wetting said mold channels prior to introduction of said micro-molding fluid.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein said pre-wetting step is done by dipping said mold in an appropriate solvent.
21. The method of claim 19 wherein said solvent is a lower alcohol.
22. The method of claim 19 wherein said alcohol is ethanol.
23. A method for patterning a substrate which comprises the steps of:
a. providing a micro-mold having a plurality of channels for receiving a micro-molding fluid said mold comprising an elastomeric master having a surface with a plurality of recesses therein and said substrate, said mold formed by contacting the surface of said master with said substrate such that the recesses in said surface form said plurality of channels;
b. introducing a micro-molding fluid which is a sol into said channels; and
c. solidifying said sol in said mold and removing said elastomeric master thereby generating said patterned substrate.
24. The method of claim 23 wherein said sol is an aqueous sol.
25. The method of claim 23 wherein said sol is solidified by gelling and subsequently aged to generate said patterned substrate.
26. The method of claim 23 wherein said sol comprises a precursor of a metal oxide.
27. The method of claim 26 wherein said precursor is an metal alkoxide or mixture of metal alkoxides.
28. The method of claim 27 wherein said precursor is a mixture of alkoxides of different metals.
29. The method of claim 23 wherein said sol comprises an organosilane.
30. The method of claim 29 wherein said organosilane is an alkoxysilane.
31. The method of claim 30 wherein said alkoxysilane is a tetraalkoxysilane.
32. The method of claim 31 wherein said sol further comprises a silane functionalized polymer or prepolymer.
33. The method of claim 32 wherein said silane functionalized polymer or prepolymer is an alkoxysilane.
34. The method of claim 33 wherein said silane functionalized polymer is an N-trialkoxysilylpropyl-O-polyethyleneoxide urethane.
35. The method of claim 23 wherein said sol comprises an indicator dye.
36. The method of claim 35 wherein said indicator dye is a fluorescent dye.
37. The method of claim 23 wherein said sol comprises a biologically active component.
38. The method of claim 37 wherein said biologically active component is selected from the group consisting of proteins, enzymes, antibodies, antigens, nucleic acids, whole cells or cell fractions.
39. The method of claim 23 wherein said patterned substrate is within a micro fluidic channel.
40. The method of claim 39 wherein said patterned substrate provides a plurality of sensing elements within said micro fluidic channel.
This invention was made at least in part with funding from the United States government under National Science Foundation grant number BES-9309041. The United States government has certain rights in this invention.
This invention takes priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) from U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/024,771 filed Aug. 28, 1996 which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.
Microfabrication technology has created new opportunities for chemical sensor design. The potential for rapid analysis and portability makes microfabricated devices attractive for applications ranging from remote chemical sensing to medical diagnostics. Microchip-based technologies for analysis of biological fluids, e.g., blood, are of significant interest.
Micro-molding in capillaries (MIMIC) is a technique for patterning organic polymer structures with micron dimensions (E. Kim, Y. Xia and G. M. Whitesides (1995) "Polymer microstructures formed by moulding in capillaries," Nature 376:581; E. Kim, Y. Xia and G. M. Whitesides (1996) J. Amer. Chem. Soc. 118:5722.) This technique is based on a mold consisting of a continuous network of channels formed when a patterned elastomeric "stamp" is brought into intimate contact with a substrate. Low-viscosity liquid pre-polymer is then placed in contact with the open ends of the channels, which spontaneously fill by capillary action. After the polymer is cured, the elastomeric master is removed, leaving a patterned polymer structure. Subsequently, more details of MIMIC technique and a variety of applications of MIMIC have been reported. See, for example, Kim, E. et al. (1997), "Solvent-assisted microcontact molding: A convenient method for fabricating three-dimensional structures on surfaces of polymers," Adv. Mat. 9(8):651; Schueller, L. J. A. et al. (1997), "Fabrication of glassy carbon microstructures by pyrolysis of microfabricated polymeric precursors," Adv. Mater. 9(6):477; Qin, D. et al. (1997), "Elastomeric light valves," Adv. Mater. 9(5):407; Xia, Y. et al. (1996), "Non-photolithographic methods for fabrication of elastomeric stamps for use in microcontact printing," Langmuir 12:4033-4038; Zhao, X.-M. et al. (1997), "Fabrication of polymeric microstructures with high aspect ratios using shrinkable polystyrene films," Adv. Mater. 9(3):251; Xia, Y. et al. (1997), "Replica molding using polymeric materials: A practical step toward nanomanufacturing," Adv. Mater. 9(2):147; Qin, D. et al. (1996), "Rapid prototyping of complex structures with feature sized larger than 20 μm," Adv. Mater. 8(11):917; Zhao, X.-M. et al. (1996), "Fabrication of single-mode polymeric waveguides using micromolding in capillaries," Adv. Mater. 8(5):420; Xia, Y. et al. (1996), "Complex optical surfaces formed by replica molding against elastomeric masters," Science 273:347; Xia, Y. et al. (1996), "Micromolding of polymers in capillaries: applications in microfabrication," Chem. Mater. 8:1558.
Zhao, X.-M. et al. (1996), "Fabrication of three-dimensional microstructures: microtransfer molding," Adv. Mater. 8(10):837 report a technique related to MIMIC called microtransfer molding (μTM) in which lengthwise channels in a PDMS master are filled after which the filled master is placed on a substrate. Unlike MIMIC, the technique does not rely on capillary filing of the channels. A 3:1 mixture of ethanol with a 1:2 mixture of tetraethylorthosilicate:water (pH 1, using HCl as a catalyst) was employed in the μTM technique to generate SiO2 structures after solvent in the precursor was removed by heating.
Most patterning technologies allow one material to be patterned at a time. Patterning multiple materials on the same substrate normally requires sequential masking, deposition, and/or etching steps. There are a number of applications for multi-component micropatterned substrates carrying independent structures composed of different materials. MIMIC and the related μTM technique provide a means for patterning a substrate with a single material. In one aspect, this invention provides a single-step molding method that can be used to pattern substrates with micro-structures of different materials.
The sol-gel process is a solution chemistry route to inorganic and inorganic-organic hybrid materials. Sol-gel processing has received a tremendous amount of research attention in the last 15 years. The physics and chemistry of the process are described in detail in the textbook: C. J. Brinker and G. W. Scherer, Sol-Gel Science: The Physics and Chemistry of Sol-Gel Processing, Boston: Academic Press, Inc., 1990. In general, the process is based on the hydrolysis and condensation of metal alkoxides, particularly silicon alkoxides. At or near ambient conditions (temperature and pressure), the process yields a gel consisting of continuous solid and fluid phases. Various processing strategies can be used to control the porous microstructure of the final solid material. A variety of sol-gel materials have been formed, with the most common being oxides. Silica has received the most attention, particularly with regard to optics applications (L. C. Klein, "Sol-Gel Optical Materials," Annu.Rev.Mater.Sci. 1993, 23,437; J. D. Mackenzie (ed.) (1994) Sol-Gel Optics III SPIE Proc. Ser. Vol. 2288, SPIE Bellingham, Wash.)
A particularly attractive feature of sol-gels is the low processing temperature, which allows the incorporation of thermally-sensitive organic molecules and functional groups into the rigid inorganic sol-gel host matrix. As a result, organically modified silicas (ORMOSILs) and organic polymer-ceramic hybrid materials (CERAMERs or Polycerams) can be formed. In addition, organics ranging from dyes to proteins to whole cells have been successfully encapsulated in sol-gel materials (See, e.g., B. K. Coltrain, C. Sanchez, D. W. Schaefer, and G. L. Wilkes (eds.)(1996) Better Ceramics Through Chemistry VII: Organic/inorganic Hybrid Materials MRS Symp. Proc. Vol 435, Mat. Res. Soc., Pittsburg, Pa.) These are particularly important for chemical and biosensor applications (O. Lev, M. Tsionsky, L. Rabinovich, V. Glezer, S. Sampath, I. Pankratov, J. Gun, Organically-modified sol-gel sensors," Anal. Chem. 1995, 67,22A; D. Avnir, S. Bram, O. Lev, and M. Ottolenghl, "Enzymes and other proteins entrapped in sol-gel materials," (1994) Chem. Mater. 6: 1605-1614; B. C. Dave, B. Dunn, J. Selverstone-Valentine, J. I. Zink, "Sol-Gel encapsulation methods for biosensors, " Anal. Chem. 1994, 66,1120A.)
The ability to pattern these hybrid materials (i.e., organic/inorganic hybrids) is critical to the development of novel micro optical device and integrated optics applications. The patterning of sol-gel materials to date has been based primarily on techniques such as laser densification (H. Krug and H. Schmidt (1994) "Organic-inorganic nanocomposites for micro optical applications", New J. Chem. 18:1125-1134; M. Yoshida and P. N. Prasad (1996) "Fabrication of channel waveguides from sol-gel processed polyvinylpyrrolidone/SiO2 composite material," Appl. Opt. 35:1500-1506); U. V. imprinting (C. Y. Li, J. Chisham, M. Andrews, S. I. Najafi, J. D. Mackenzie, and N. Peyghambarian (1995) "Sol-gel integrated optic coupler by ultraviolet light imprinting," Electronics Lett. 31:271-272); and photolithography (E. A. Mendoza, D. J. Ferrell, S. J. Syracuse, A. N. Khalil and R. A. Lieberman (1994) "Photolithography of integrated optic devices in sol-gel glasses," Sol-Gel Optics III (J. D. Mackenzie, ed.) SPIE Proc. Ser. Vol. 2288, pp 580-588, SPIE Bellingham, Wash.; C. Xu, L. Eldada, C. Wu, R. A. Norwood, L. W. Shacklette, J. T. Yardley, and Y. Wei (1996) "Photoimageable, low shrinkage organic-inorganic hybrid materials for practical multimode channel waveguides," Chem. Mater, 8:2701-2703; A. S. Holmes, R. R. A. Syms, I. Ming, and M. Green (1993) "Fabrication of buried channel waveguides on silicon substrates using spin-on glass," Appl. Optics 32:4916-4921.) Unfortunately, the radiation exposure and/or chemical treatments associated with these techniques are potentially incompatible with some hybrid sol-gel materials, particularly those containing dyes and biomolecules.
In one aspect, the invention described here is the combination of the chemical processing versatility of the sol-gel process with the fabrication versatility of MIMIC.
N. L. Jeon, P. G. Clem, R. G. Nuzzo, D. A. Payne, "Patterning of dielectric oxide thin layers by microcontact printing of self-assembled monolayers," J. Mater. Res. 1995, 10, 2996 describe methodology for patterning sol-gel layers using a technique called microcontact printing. The method employed is distinct from a capillary micro-moulding techniques in that an elastomeric stamp is first used to pattern a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) onto a sapphire substrate. A sol-gel film is then spin-coated onto the substrate. The sol-gel film has poor adhesion in the areas where the SAM has been formed. A subsequent mechanical cleaning step leaves an adherent, patterned oxide structure on the substrate. The spin-coating method described allows only one sol-gel composition to be deposited on a given substrate. PCT application WO 97/07429 "Self-assembled monolayer directed patterning of surfaces," published Feb. 27, 1997 relates to this SAM patterning method.
The present invention provides methods for patterning materials onto substrate surfaces which involve the use of elastomeric molds. The elastomeric mold is formed by placing an elastomeric master in conforming contact with the substrate surface. The elastomeric master comprises a surface with recessed features representing the pattern to be applied to the substrate. The recessed features in the elastomeric mold surface form a plurality of channels in the mold. Substrate patterning is accomplished by introducing a micro-molding fluid, that is a precursor of the material to be patterned on the substrate, into the mold channels. The fluid is introduced into the mold by capillary action.
In one aspect, this invention relates to the casting or molding of sol-gel materials on substrates using MIMIC techniques. These methods allow inorganic and inorganic/composite materials to be patterned on substrates. The method can employ aqueous sols, inorganic sols and organically-modified inorganic sol. Sols employed in the method can contain indicators, particularly indicator dyes and biologically active molecules.
Sols containing metal alkoxides are attractive for the generation of patterned metal oxide materials on substrates. Sols containing metal alkoxides which gel as a result of hydrolysis and condensation are particularly attractive because of the mild gelling and solidification conditions that are used.
Sol-gel MIMIC is a benign method for micron-scale patterning sol-gel materials onto a substrate. It represents a departure from traditional sol-gel patterning methods, which normally require light irradiation, chemical etching, and development. Sol-gel MIMIC is especially attractive for fabrication of devices containing sensitive dopants such as biomolecules.
In another aspect this invention provided improved MIMIC methods for patterning multiple micron-scale structures of organic, inorganic and inorganic/organic composite materials onto a single substrate in a simple molding step. The improved MIMIC method can be used with any micro-molding precursor fluids that have been employed in conventional MIMIC methods including among others prepolymer and monomer solutions, latex solutions, inorganic and organic salt solutions. The improved MIMIC methods are particularly useful in combination with sol-gel technology. Materials of different chemical composition and functionality can be patterned simultaneously at or near ambient conditions. The invention allows simple fabrication of a multi-functional device. Primary uses are in sensor, waveguide and integrated optics applications. In addition, the ability to cast multiple compositions simultaneously using improved MIMIC elastomeric mold designs eliminates the time-consuming and costly sequential processing normally required to pattern multiple materials.
The improved MIMIC method employs an elastomeric mold having a plurality of reservoirs for receiving micro-molding fluid. Each of the reservoirs communicates with a channel. The plurality of channels in the mold represent the patterning that is to be generated on the substrate. A mold channel is filled by introducing micro-molding fluid into a reservoir after which the channel fills by capillary action. The reservoirs and there connected channels are independent so that multiple materials can be patterned in a single step by introducing different micro-molding fluids into different reservoirs.
This invention includes processes for fabricating micron-scale structures, as well as structures and devices created by the process. Substrates carrying micron-scale independent channels each composed of a different material, for example, can be readily prepared by the disclosed method.
FIGS. 1A-1G illustrate the MIMIC method of this invention for single-step patterning of different materials.
FIG. 2 is an optical microscope image of silica gel ridges prepared on a glass microscope slide using the MIMIC method illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1G.
FIG. 3 is a graph of ethanol absorption into PDMS cubes.
FIGS. 4A-C are optical microscope images in brightfield and/or epifluorescence mode of organically modified silica gel ridges formed on glass substrates using the MIMIC process of FIGS. 1A-1G.
FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a patterned micro fluid channel prepared by the MIMIC method of FIGS. 1A-1G. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the microfluid channel with patterned ridges. FIG. 5B is a top view of the microfluid channel of FIG. 5A. Ridges patterned in the channel contain indicator dyes responsive to analytes in the fluid sample. The exemplified fluid channel can be an element of a micro fluidic chemical analysis system. The channel is optically accessible through an optically transparent cover for detection of dye fluorescence.
The improved MIMIC method of this invention is described by reference to FIGS. 1A-1G.
FIGS. 1A-1G illustrate the improved MIMIC method of this invention for single-step patterning of different materials on substrate surfaces. FIG. 1A illustrates the mask (10) containing a mask pattern (11) from which the patterned silicon wafer 15 of FIG. 1B is prepared by photolithography. Photolithography with reactive ion etching can be used to transfer the mask pattern onto a silicon wafer. After etching to the desired depth, the dark features of the mask were left as ridges on the wafer. The mask provides for independent channels (12) with interconnected reservoirs (13). The silicon wafer carries a raised replica (or positive relief) of the mask pattern with raised reservoir features (16) and ridges (17).
FIG. 1C illustrates the preparation of the elastomeric master (20) by pouring elastomer precursor onto the patterned silicon wafer (15) of FIG. 1B. FIG. 1D illustrates the finished elastomeric master (20) with multiple independent channels (22) and reservoirs (21) replicating pattern of the silicon wafer in negative relief. The master is finished by punching the reservoirs through the elastomer and cutting the master to open the channel ends. Each reservoir (21) extends through the master and the channel ends (23) are open. The elastomeric master can be formed by flowing unpolymerized polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS, Dow-Corning Sylgard 184) onto the etched wafer (15) and allowing it to cure. After curing and removal, the PDMS master possessed a negative relief of the final desired geometry. Excess PDMS is simply cut away, and access to the circular reservoirs is created by punching holes.
FIG. 1E illustrates the single-step MIMIC method. The master of FIG. 1D (20) is positioned channel side-down on the substrate (25) and micro-molding fluid (the precursor to surface patterned material) is introduced into independent reservoirs of the elastomeric master. Fluids, including sols, fill the channel that extends from the reservoir by capillary action. Because the channels are not interconnected to each other and because of the separate reservoirs present in the mold, each channel can be filled with a different micro-molding fluid. The filled mold is aged, heated, irradiated or otherwise processed to form desired solid materials in the channels adhered to the substrate. FIG. 1F illustrates the substrate (25) carrying patterned surface structures, e.g., ridges (26) and reservoir areas (27). The different shading of the structures patterned on the surface in FIG. IF is used to indicate that the independent ridges can be composed of distinct materials. The substrate can be further processed by cleaving the portion carrying the reservoir areas (27) to provide a finished substrate (30) patterned with a plurality of ridges (26) as illustrated in FIG. 1G.
The casting or molding step of the MIMIC process of this invention is a single-step in which multiple compositions are patterned simultaneously. PDMS has been exemplified for making the elastomeric master, however, other elastomer material can be employed. Preferred elastomers are those to which the patterning material does not substantially adhere.
In general the improved MIMIC method provide herein can employ any micro-molding fluids, including prepolymers, monomer solutions, inorganic or organic salts solutions and the like that have previously been employed in MIMIC methods reported in the literature. A variety of substrates can be patterned using this technique including Si/SiO2, Ti/TiO2, other metal oxides (Ni/NiO), glasses, sapphire, metal nitrides, semiconductor material (e.g., Gallium arsenide, Cadmium selenide, etc.) and non-reactive metals (e.g., platinum, gold, etc.). Preferred substrates are those to which the patterning material substantially adheres.
The MIMIC method of this invention is particularly useful in the casting of patterns from micro-molding fluids that are sols. Of particular interest are inorganic sols that gel in the mold and generate silica structures on substrates and related inorganic glassy patterned materials on substrates. In particular, sol useful in this invention can comprise precursors of metal oxide materials. Sols can include a mixture of metal oxide precursors that will provide for patterning of mixed metal oxide materials on substrates. These inorganic sols can be modified to incorporate organic materials to improve properties of the patterned structures.
The method of FIGS. 1A-1G has been exemplified with sols containing silica precursors that are organosilanes, particularly alkoxysilanes. Mixtures of alkoxysilanes and titanium alkoxides have also been used as metal oxide precursors in sols of this invention. In the metal alkoxide sols of this invention acid catalyzed hydrolysis and condensation reactions lead to gel formation from sols in the molds. These gels are hardened with aging to form the patterned metal oxide materials on the substrate. Alternative, metal oxide precursors include metal salts and complexes that can be hydrolyzed and condensed to form gels.
In general, micro-molding fluids can comprise indicators that are responsive to analytes (to give a color change, fluorescence or other detectible signal on interaction with the analyte). Preferred indicators are dyes that change color or produce florescence on interaction with an analyte. Indicator dyes in which the analyte response is reversible are more preferred. Incorporation of these indicators in the micro-molding fluid allows selective incorporation of indicators in patterns on substrate surfaces.
Micro-molding fluids can comprise a variety of biologically active molecules including proteins, enzymes, antibodies, antigens and nucleic acid which bind to, or otherwise react or interact with analytes including other biologically active molecules.
Micro-molding fluids can further comprise whole biological cells and/or cell fractions (e.g., cell wall preparations and the like.) Whole cells have been successfully entrapped in sol-gel systems.
Micro-molding fluids are solidified in the mold by a variety of methods. Prepolymer and/or monomer solutions can be solidified by addition of polymerization catalyst, by crosslinking induced by heating or by U.V. irradiation or similar known methods. Solvent can be removed from inorganic (and organic) salt solutions to crystallize out patterned material. Sols are catalytically gelled and further solidified and/or hardened by aging at ambient or by moderate heating (preferably up to about 100� C.) For silica inorganic sols and organically modified inorganic silica sols, sols gelled in the molds within about 24 h. Gels were allowed to age for 2-7 days in the mold before the mold was removed to provide the patterned substrate.
FIG. 2 is an optical microscope image of silica gel ridges (approximately 20 μm wide and 1 μm high) prepared on a glass microscope slide using the MIMIC method illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1G as described in Example 2 using 1:2:2 TEOS:H2 O:ethanol (with HCl catalyst) as the micro-molding fluid. (No solvent pre-wetting step was employed). The scale bar on the image is 100 μm.
Areas of concern for application of the sol-gel process to MIMIC were the speed of mold filing and fabrication of crack-free patterned products. The ability of the sol to fill the PDMS-on-glass mold (FIG. 1E) depends on factors such as viscosity of the fluid and surface tension in fluid and mold (as discussed in Kim et al. (1995) supra and Kim et al. (1996) supra). Organic/inorganic hybrid sols are, by nature, complicated mixtures containing alkoxides, polymers, water, and solvent. In general, increasing the solvent (alcohol) fraction lowers both viscosity and surface tension and greatly facilitates mold filling. However, increasing the solvent content also leads to significant shrinkage which, in turn, was found to result in cracking of the patterned material. Sol casting in sol-gel MIMIC, therefore, involves striking a balance between competing factors: the desire to fill the mold (completely and in a practical time) and the desire to fabricate crack-free patterned products.
It has been noted that inorganic sol-gel films thicker than 1 μm are very difficult to dry without cracking (Brinker, C. J. and Scherer, G. W. (1990), Sol-Gel Science: The Physics and Chemistry of Sol Gel Processing, Academic Press, Boston, p. 506). Patterned structures with thicknesses of 5 to 50 μm on rigid substrates are of particular interest for sensor, diagnostic and related applications. Optical signal transduction in devices with greater than about 5 μm dimensions do not typically require surface-enhanced techniques and are currently more attractive for sensor and biosensor design applications. Consequently, cracking was expected to be a problem in application of the sol-gel MIMIC. When cast in micro molds having 5 to 50 μM deep channels, the simple inorganic silica gels invariably cracked during drying. Interestingly, when the same inorganic sols were cast in molds ≦1 μm deep, crack-free patterns were readily formed. The 1 μm rule-of-thumb stated for inorganic sol gel films appears to apply to inorganic sol-gel MIMIC materials as well.
Organic polymer modification of the silica sols was used to inhibit gel cracking during fabrication of patterns higher than about 1 μm (e.g., using molds deeper than about 1 μm.) Using sol compositions suggested by Motakef et al. (1995), "Optical loss study of MPEOU-based polyceram planar waveguides," Appl. Opt. 34:721-724, PEOU alkoxide was added to the 1:2:2 TEOS sol in a 3:1 TEOS:PEOU weight ratio and was refluxed for 30 minutes with rapid stirring. After cooling, organic dye dopants and other sol additives can be to the sol.
When cast in molds ≦10 μm thick, the TEOS-PEOU sols would flow into the microchannels a few millimeters and then stop. Part of the poor filling properties of this sol can be attributed to the increased viscosity and hydrophobicity associated with PEOU. Partial filling followed by cessation of flow also suggests a change in the sol properties during mold filling. Increasing viscosity, surface tension, or even premature gelation would all yield the observed behavior. To explain the poor mold-filling observations, we hypothesized that the PDMS was selectively removing ethanol from the sol. A decrease in the relative ethanol concentration would increase sol viscosity and surface tension, inhibiting flow.
To test whether PDMS absorbs ethanol, a simple experiment was performed. Cured PDMS was cut into 0.25 gram elongated cubes with 5�5�10 mm dimensions. The cubes were soaked in absolute ethanol for set periods of time, quickly blown dry, and then weighed. FIG. 3 is a graph of ethanol absorption into PDMS cubes with dimensions 0.5�0.5�1.0 mm as a function of time. This data indicates that ethanol absorption by the PDMS master from sol introduced into the is significant. While the kinetics of the solvent absorption depend on the geometry of the PDMS mold, the results qualitatively show that the absorption is relatively rapid. Since our micro channels have a large surface-to-volume ratio, ethanol extraction from the precursor sol is likely significant.
Pre-soaking the PDMS master in ethanol prior to sol casting facilitated mold filing of organically-modified sols (TEOS:PEOU sols). Channels up to several cm in length could be employing the solvent pre-soaking step. It is believed that the solvent pre-soak of the mold inhibited selected solvent absorption form the sol as it filled the mold. The solvent pre-soak was done by immersing the entire mold in solvent (e.g., alcohol, specifically ethanol) followed by blowing off excess solvent remaining on the mold once it was removed from the solvent bath. It is believed that this pre-soak functioned to pre-wet the channels in the mold inhibiting solvent absorption and facilitating channel filing. Mold pre-wetting to facilitate channel filing can be accomplished by immersion of the mold in solvent or more preferably by introducing solvent into the mold channels prior to filing the molds with micro-molding fluid. For example, reservoirs in elastomeric molds can be filled with solvent which is then allowed to fill the channels. After solvent is allowed to adsorb into the elastomer, excess solvent can be blown from the mold and the micro-molding fluid (e.g., sols) can be introduced into the reservoirs.
The integrity of the PDMS-glass substrate contact may be compromised under the ethanol pre-soak conditions. When cast in pre-soaked PDMS masters, partial sol underflow between the PDMS and the glass substrate was observed. Underflow did not appear to alter the microscopic properties of our devices.
Patterned, organically modified sol-gel ridges are illustrated in the optical microscopy images of FIGS. 4A-C. The sample imaged in these figures was made with the TEOS-PEOU sol described above. The mold had channels approximately 10 μm thick, 20 μm side, and centimeters long. A solvent pre-wetting step (immersion of the mold) was applied prior to introduction of the sol into the mold. The PDMS master was removed after gelation and aging for 6 days. The molding process proceeded with remarkable fidelity. Roughness observed in the original silicon wafer was transferred first to the PDMS master and then to the patterned silica gel structures.
Most patterning technologies allow one material to be patterned at a time. Patterning multiple materials on the same substrate normally requires sequential masking, deposition, and/or etching steps. Sequential patterning steps are avoided by using the elastomeric mold with independent channels illustrated in FIG. 1E. The substrates imaged in FIG. 4A-C were prepared using an elastomeric mold having five independent reservoir and channel systems which allowed five separate sols to be cast simultaneously in a single molding or casting step.
FIGS. 4A-C are optical microscope images of organically modified silica gel ridges formed. FIG. 4A is a brightfield image of the five independent SiO2 -PEOU ridges (41, 42, 43, 44, 45) formed on a glass substrate. Ridges 41, 43 and 45 contained the fluorescent dye rhodamine 6G. The dye was included in the precursor sol used to create ridges 41, 43 and 45 at a level of about 1 mg/ml. FIG. 4B is a brightfield+epi-fluorescence optical microscope image of the same ridges of FIG. 4A, showing fluorescence of ridges 41, 43 and 45 in contrast to other ridges. FIG. 4C is an epi-fluorescence mode image of the same ridges of FIGS. 4A and B indicating that only ridges 41, 43 and 45 containing the dye exhibit fluorescence.
FIGS. 4A-4C clearly demonstrate that the improved MIMIC method of this invention allows the fabrication of closely spaced micro-scale ridges of different chemical compositions in a single substrate.
The ability to cast multiple materials simultaneously, as demonstrated here, is extremely attractive for the development of micro-optical devices such as miniature, multi-analyte chemical sensors. Micro-optical chemical sensor and biosensor devices capable of sensing a plurality of different chemical or biological analytes can be generated by incorporating appropriate indicators and/or biologically active components in the micro-molding fluid used in the MIMIC method of this invention. The sol-gel MIMIC methods disclosed herein are particularly attractive for entrapment and or incorporation of such indicators and biologically active components because mild gelling and solidification methods that do not destroy or inactive these components can be employed.
The sol-gel MIMIC process described herein can be used to prepared relatively long (centimeters), relatively high 50 μm or taller micro structures on substrates without significant cracking on drying.
Patterned substrates prepared by the MIMIC methods of this invention are useful in a variety of sensing, diagnostic, and optical applications. Sol-gel MIMIC substrates of this invention are particularly useful in the fabrication of new, multi-functional sensor materials. The methods are applicable to the wide range of sol-gel sensor materials have been demonstrated in recent years. Sol-gel MIMIC allows multiple sensor materials to be formed on a single substrate, creating a multi-functional sensor device.
FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a patterned micro fluid channel 51 prepared by the MIMIC method of FIGS. 1A-1G. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the patterned microfluid channel with transparent cover and FIG. 5B is a top view of the patterned microfluid channel. Ridges patterned in the channel (52-54) contain different indicator dyes responsive to analytes in the fluid sample that is passed or held in the fluid channel. The exemplified fluid channel is formed with an etched and patterned silicon wafer (50) and an optically transparent cover (55). The fluid channel can be an element of a micro fluidic chemical analysis system with appropriate means for fluid sample introduction (not shown) and a means for detecting indicator response to analytes (schematically shown as detector 57). Each patterned ridge can contain a distinct indicator dye (or other immobilized sensing reagents)responsive to a particular analyte that may be present in fluid passed through the micro channel. The channel is shown as optically accessible through an optically transparent cover (55) for detection of dye fluorescence from the sensor patterns on the wafer. Microscope detection methods, for example, can be used to detect fluorescence of indicator dyes. Alternatively, one or more waveguides can be provided adjacent the fluid channel in optical contact with the sensor ridges in the channel. Fluorescence of indicator dyes in the ridges can then be detected using standard light intensity measurements of light exiting the waveguide(s).
Sol-gel MIMIC patterned substrates of this invention can also be used in waveguide and integrated optics applications. Low losses (<0.2 dB/cm) have already been demonstrated in sol-gel planar and channel waveguides S. Motakef et al. 1994 supra. Sol-gel MIMIC can be employed to fabricate waveguides and integrated optics in electro-optic, non-linear optic and light amplification devices.
Elastomeric masters for MIMIC were prepared essentially as described in Kim et al. (1995) supra ; Kim, E. et al. (1996) supra; Xia, Y. et al. (1996), Science supra; Xia, Y. et al. (1996), Chem. Mater. supra. with modifications of the master design as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1D to allow for generation of independent micro-sized channels. A multi-channel mask (e.g., FIG. 1A) was designed using CAD software. The circular pads contiguous with each channel which provide for the reservoirs were typically approximately 5 mm in diameter. In a specific mask five lines (for five independent channels) were 10 to 20 μm wide separated by 100 μm on center, and were up to three centimeters long. Mask lines down to about 1 μm wide can be prepared. The mask pattern was transferred to silicon wafers using photolithography with reactive ion etching. Etching depths for different samples ranged from approximately 1 to 50 μm, yielding three-dimensional ridge raised structures on the silicon wafer. Each wafer was placed in a dish into which liquid polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS, Dow-Corning Sylrad 184) was poured. After curing, the transparent, flexible PDMS elastomer master was peeled off of the silicon wafer, which could be then be reused to make more PDMS masters. Final preparation of the master involved punching holes in the PDMS to expose the circular reservoirs, opening the channel ends, and then cutting the master to size. The thickness of the elastomer was typically 2-5 mm.
The PDMS master of Example 1 is placed channel-side down onto a substrate such as a glass microscope slide to form a micro-mold. The master makes conformal contact with the substrate and creates a series of independent micro channels with independent reservoirs in the micro-mold. Fluids were introduced into the molds via individual reservoirs. For example, sols were cast by placing a drop in the cylindrical reservoir of the mold. Alternatively, a drop of fluid can be placed at the open edge of a micro channel. The five reservoir mold illustrated in the FIGS. 1A-1G allows five different materials, e.g., five different sols, to be cast (or molded) simultaneously in a single-step procedure. Sols are allowed to gel by aging at ambient temperature with the PDMS master in place. Other fluid precursors are gelled, hardened, crystalized or otherwise solidified in the mold using appropriate aging, heating or chemical reaction conditions.
The MIMIC method of this invention is illustrated with sol-gel materials. Acid catalyzed tetraethoxysilane (TEOS, Gelest) was used as the silica source. Silica sols (e.g., inorganic TEOS sols) were prepared by mixing tetraethoxysilane (TEOS, Gelest), 0.15 M HCl, and absolute ethanol, typically in a 1:2:2 molar ratio. Silica sols were introduced into individual reservoirs of the mold of FIG. 1E and the channel connected to the reservoir filled by capillary action. Filing of the channel molds can be facilitated by application of vacuum and by solvent pre-wetting steps discussed in Example 3. Care should be taken when a vacuum is applied to avoid formation of air/gas bubbles in the sols or other fluids employed.
Organically-modified inorganic sols were also used to illustrate the method of FIGS. 1A-1G. TEOS sols were, for example, modified with N-triethoxysilylpropyl-O-polyethylene oxide urethane (PEOU, Gelest). PEOU was selected because it has been demonstrated as useful in the fabrication of low-loss organically modified silica waveguides (Motakef, S. et al. (1995), "Optical loss study of MPEOU-based polyceram planar waveguides," Appl. Opt. 34:721-728). In addition, polyethylene oxide polymers are attractive as non-fouling surfaces in biomaterial applications. Organically-modified inorganic sols were prepared with ethanol as a common solvent.
N-triethoxysilylpropyl-O-polyethylene oxide urethane (PEOU, Gelest) was added to the silica sol and the TEOS:PEOU weight ratio was typically 3:1. The silica-PEOU sols were refluxed then for 30 minutes, cooled to room temperature, and divided into several volumes.
Organic dye dopants that were added to the sols included rhodamine 6G, carboxyfluorescein, and bromphenol blue. The organic dye when added was typically dissolved in an appropriate solvent, e.g.,ethanol, and the dye solution was added to the cooled sols with vigorous stiring. Dyes were typically added to the sol at a level of about 1 mg/ml. However, the dye concentration in the sol can be varied over a relatively wide range dependent upon the application and the dye. The dye level is selected to maximize signal intensity and minimize dye aggregation.
The sols gelled in the mold (about 24 h) to form a material with a rubbery consistency. The gels were aged from 2-7 days dependent upon sol composition before removing the PDMS master. Care must be taken to allow sufficient time for aging to avoid sticking of the gelled material to the elastomeric mold. When the PDMS master is removed, patterned sol-gel structures are left on the glass substrate. Alternatively, the sol in the mold can be subjected to moderate heating to gel and solidify the material. If heat is applied temperatures are selected to avoid inactivation or decomposition of any entrapped materials, such as dyes or biologically active materials. In addition, sol-containing molds and sol-gel patterned substrates should not be subject to temperature extremes to avoid cracking of the patterned materials.
When cast in molds ≦10 μm thick, the TEOS-PEOU sols would flow into the microchannels a few millimeters and then stop. Part of the poor filling properties of this sol can be attributed to the increased viscosity and hydrophobicity associated with PEOU. Partial filling followed by cessation of flow also suggests that a change in the sol properties occurs during mold filling. Increasing viscosity, surface tension, or even premature gelation would all yield the observed behavior. It was found that PDMS cubes absorbed alcohol (the solvent used in sols.) Selective removal of solvent, e.g., ethanol, from the sol in the mold would explain the poor mold-filling observations. A decrease in the relative ethanol concentration would increase sol viscosity and surface tension, inhibiting flow.
Selective absorption of ethanol from the sol was inhibited by pre-wetting the PDMS master in ethanol prior to introducing sols into the molds. Ethanol pre-wetting proved successful in facilitating mold filling with sols.
Initially, the mold was pre-wet with solvents by immersing the entire mold in the solvent, removing the mold from the solvent and blowing excess solvent from the mold surface. A presently more preferred method of solvent pre-wetting involves selective pre-wetting of the channels in the mold. Solvent (ethanol) is introduced into the reservoirs and allowed to fill the channels by capillary action. The solvent is allowed to absorb into the mold and excess solvent is blown out of the mold. Solvent channel wetting is done just prior to introduction of the micro-molding fluid into the mold.
The integrity of the PDMS-glass substrate contact may be compromised by using certain pre-wetting procedures. When sols were cast in pre-wet PDMS masters that had been fully immersed in the solvent, partial sol underflow between the PDMS and the glass substrate was observed. Underflow did not, however, appear to alter the microscopic properties of the devices made. Preferably care should be taken to avoid underflow between channels.
The foregoing examples are intended to illustrate the invention and are in no way intended to limit its scope. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that materials, methods, reactions, procedures and techniques other than those specifically described herein can be readily used or routinely adapted to practice the method of this invention. All such materials, methods, reactions, procedures and techniques that are functionally equivalent to the specific methods described or that can be readily used or that can be routinely adapted for use in this invention are encompassed by the spirit and scope of this invention.
All references cited herein are incorporated in their entirety by reference herein.
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Terms and Conditions
These terms and conditions, together with your application, constitute your RITBA E-ZPass Agreement. Please read these terms and conditions and keep them for your records. When you open your account and your transponder is used, you agree as follows:
Failure to comply with this Agreement may result in unpaid toll transaction fee, administrative fees, fines, suspension, revocation, or termination of your E-ZPass account. Failure to pay tolls may result in additional penalties provided by law, including termination of your account.
Transponder Use
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- The application establishes your E-ZPass account. When you use your transponder at any E-ZPass facility, you authorize us to debit your E-ZPass account for such use.
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Your RITBA E-ZPass Account
Your RITBA E-ZPass Account consists of a Prepaid Toll deposit and a Transponder Purchase as follows:
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Commuter Plans - Newport Pell Bridge
Thirty Day Frequent User Plan (RI6TRIP) provides: 6 trips be taken within 30 days per transponder providing a discounted rate of $0.91 cents per trip. Upon completion of the 6th trip or 30 days, whichever comes first, the plan cycle will renew. All unused trips in a plan cycle will be billed to your E-Zpass account and appear on your statement as Unused Commuter trips (UUCT) at the discounted rate of $0.91cents per trip: The plan becomes effective at 12:01am on the day the plan is added to the account and the plan will be acctivated upon the 1st trip taken. Cancellation of the plan during the 6 trip cycle will result in a charge for any Unused Commuter Trips not taken. (Only 2 axle, maximum 4 tire vehicles are eligible)
Thirty Day Unlimited Discount Plan (RIUNL - Newport Bridge only)
provides: Unlimited trips within a 30 day cycle on the Newport Pell Bridge only, for a pre-paid cost of $40.00 per transponder enrolled in the plan.
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RI toll rates, discount plans and percentage of discounts are subject to change at any time.
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This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Rhode Island. You agree to inform us of any changes to the information provided by you in your RITBA E-ZPass Application, such as:
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RITBA E-ZPass Customer Service Center
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Jamestown, RI 02835
Schedule of Deposits/Administrative Fees -
lost, damaged or stolen E-ZPass transponder
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You must indicate your acceptance of these Terms and Conditions before proceeding.

subset: commoncrawl


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Archive for category : Your Local News
Wild Weekend Sees Phantoms Win Two
Despite all that transpired over the weekend, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms battled their way to two victories in their first
Nazareth Blaze Destroys Restaurant
Photos by Joe Korba A fire that was reported around 10:30 a.m. Wednesday destroyed a well-known Nazareth pizza restaurant and
Governor Wolf Historical Society Christmas House Tour
Submitted by JULIE SWAN The Governor Wolf Historical Society will hold its 34th annual Christmas House Tour of historic homes and
Cement Worker Of The Month: Peter G. Zagar
Submitted by Ed Pany Mr. Peter G. Zagar was born in Stanford, Cali. and graduated from Los Altos High School
Northampton Area Food Bank Walk-A-Thon
Submitted by Northampton Area Food Bank The Northampton Area Food Bank Halloween Walk-A-Thon (rain, snow, or shine) will take place Saturday,
Turn Bath Pink Makes History With Human Ribbon
By ALICE WANAMAKER | Photo by LORI STACK This past Saturday, the Turn Bath Pink Committee along with 130 participants
Andy's Corner | 10/23
The 2014 Nazareth sports fall season is now fully in playoff season for most sports. The Nazareth Field Hockey team
Andy's Corner | 10/16
The 2014 Nazareth High School Blue Eagles fall sports season is now in playoffs for most of the teams. On
Andy's Corner | 10/9
The fall sports season in Nazareth is down the home stretch. The Varsity Football team played host to Allentown Central
Northampton Library Exterior Gets Overhauled
A landscape overhaul wrapped up earlier this month at the Northampton Area Public Library. The project was spearheaded and executed


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YOU CAN'T HAVE YOUR CAKE; A Look at the Daft Rulings Made by Our Killjoy Politicians, Bureaucrats and Jobsworths
Byline: By Samantha Booth
BAKING competitions are the latest innocent pleasure to fall foul of the politically correct brigade.
The Scottish Women's Rural Institute have banned the consumption of cakes and scones entered in competitions, insisting that all baked goods are destroyed immediately following judging.
The new rules are meant to help avoid possible food poisoning outbreaks but stopping people from eating cakes and scones baked for country fair competitions just sounds like yet more political correctness gone mad.
Here, we take a look at some of the other mad rules that have invaded the UK in recent years.
Tunbridge Wells Borough Council in Kent were recently reported to have swapped the phrase "brainstorming" for "thought showers" out of fear of offending epileptics or the mentally ill.
A few months ago, Welsh mum Jayne Jones was prevented from taking her disabled son to school by taxi each day along with his specialist medical equipment because she had not been screened for a criminal record.
A dad was recently asked to stop taking pictures of his son on a slide by fairground staff after another mother called him a pervert. Even though he showed staff the pictures he had taken, he was not allowed to take any more.
In July, worried education chiefs banned the sack and three-legged races from an Edwardian-themed sports day at a Tyne and Wear school in case children fell over.
Airport bosses were also accused of taking political correctness too far recently when they advertised for an air traffic controller in braille.
In March, a school in Essex made headlines by covering pupils 'faces with smiley faces on a school photo posted on their internet site. They said the move was to protect children from paedophiles.
Many schools have outlawed conker games - either because of the risk of injury or potential nut allergies. Some only allow children to play if they wear safety goggles and gloves.
The Health and Safety Executive's guidelines have also led to the banning of egg boxes from craft lessons, in case they are contaminated with Salmonella.
In 2003, health and safety guidelines dictated that pins were banned from Remembrance Day poppies in case wearers stabbed themselves.
A coastguard crew had their wrists slapped for rescuing a young girl in a boat that had not been properly checked by health and safety.
In 2005, health and safety fears saw carol singers in Cornwall swap their candles for glowsticks during a 500- strong candlelit procession. …


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SHC Women's Soccer Athletic Guide
Spring Hill College's Women's Soccer Team's coaches, players, records, and schedule
DATE August Thurs. 15 Fri. 23 Sat. 24 Sat. 24 Sun. 25 Fri. 30 Sat. 31 Sun. 8 Mon. 16 Fri. 20 Sat. 21 Fri. 27 Sat. 28 Wed. 2 Sat. 5 Mon. 7 Wed. 16 Sat. 19 Sat. 26 Fri. 1 Sat. 2 9-16 OPPONENT at University of South Alabama (Exh.) SITE Classic on the Hill USA Jaguar Field Library Field Library Field Library Field Library Field Columbia, Mo. Fulton, Mo. Library Field Library Field Library Field Library Field Central, S.C. Franklin Springs, Ga. Jackson, Miss. Library Field Pensacola, Fla. Montgomery, Ala. Montgomery, Ala. Univ. of Mobile Library Field Library Field Montgomery, Ala. TIME 7 p.m. 1 p.m. 11 a.m. 3 p.m. 1 p.m. 4 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 3 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 2 p.m. 4 p.m. 4 p.m. 5 p.m. 1 p.m. 7:30 p.m. 2 p.m. 4 p.m. 5 p.m. 1 p.m. 1 p.m. TBA September October November Ave Maria University vs. Texas College Texas College Ave Marie University vs. Wiley College Wiley College at Stephens College at William Woods University Judson College (Ala.) Tennessee Temple University *Brenau University *Brewton-Parker College *at Southern Wesleyan University *at Emmanuel University *at Belhaven University *William Carey University at University of West Florida *at Auburn University at Montgomery *at Faulkner University *at University of Mobile *Martin Methodist College *Bethel University (Tenn.) at SSAC Championship Tournament *- SSAC match


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GenreDrama, Adventure, Historical
Release DateJune 13, 2014 (Limited)
Duration103 min.
Production Budget$7 millions
StudioEnthuse Entertainment
Official Siteclick here
REVIEWS RATE: Critics Readers Be the 1st!
Cast and Crew
DirectorRay Bengston, George Escobar
ProducerBarbara Divisek, Cynthia Walker
ScreenwriterJames Richards, George Escobar
- Kelly Greyson
- Natalie Racoosin
- Joanie Stewart
- Robert Pierce
- Clay Walker as Fritz
- Jenn Gotzon
- Cassie Brennan
- Justin Tully
- Ozzie Torres
- Tony Wade
- Joseph Gray
- Ian Nelson
The year is 1755, and the English colonies are being ravaged by the atrocities of war. Opposing European powers have clashed over the fertile Ohio valley, and entire families are devastated by the ensuing violence. Hostile native tribes are raiding the vulnerable frontier farms, and two young sisters are among those taken captive.
While hoping for rescue and return to their home, they are comforted with the words of a family hymn: Alone Yet Not Alone. But when the sisters are suddenly and cruelly separated, their tender faith is brought to a stretching point.
Forcibly immersed into a primitive foreign culture, the older sister, Barbara, clings to her beliefs. Yet now a deeper fate threatens, and she makes a difficult decision: to risk her life in an attempt to escape.
Pursued by a relentless and cunning warrior, Barbara and her three fellow captives must cross over two hundred miles of raw wilderness in their effort to reach friendly territory.
Will their courage and trust in God be enough to see them through? And if they do succeed, will they find their family? Will Barbara ever see her sister again?Alone Yet Not Alone depicts the riveting true story of a family at a critical juncture in our nation's history.


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Grandpa's Bar Soap Refreshing Witch-Hazel -- 3.25 oz
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Vegetable Based Grandpa's refreshing Witch-Hazel Soap Soft & Gentle.
Refreshing Witch-Hazel Soap Soft & Gentle...is an extremely mild soap that you can use every day. Ever since Native Americans introduced the early settlers to the medicinal value of Witch-Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), it has become a staple in most medicine cabinets. The astringent property of witch hazel makes it a "natural" for skin care.
"Naturally Refreshing"
Vitacost price: $3.59
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Vitacost price: $6.10


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1892-S S$1 MS62 PCGS. In grades below the AU level of preservation, the 1892-S is not a particularly difficult issue to loc...
2005 St. Louis, MO (CSNS) Signature Auction #372
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Elusive Uncirculated 1892-S Morgan Dollar1892-S $1 MS62 PCGS. In grades below the AU level of preservation, the 1892-S is not a particularly difficult issue to locate despite a relatively limited mintage of 1.2 million pieces. An accurately graded AU will, however, set collectors back a decent amount of money, and Mint State examples are rare. Writing in 1993, Bowers stated that perhaps 75-150 coins are extant at the BU (MS60-62) grade level, along with an additional 25-50 examples in MS63, 10-20 coins in MS64, and 25-50 examples at or above the MS65 level of preservation. As with virtually all Uncirculated '92-S Dollars, the present example is well struck with no areas of bothersome incompleteness of detail. Although a significant rarity in all Mint State grades, this issue is not plagued by excessive bagmarks, and this MS62 representative is relatively smooth for the grade. There is, however, a small mark on the reverse behind the eagle's head. The luster is suitably frosty, and both sides are white and completely untoned. A coin that should see spirited bidding among Morgan Dollar specialists.
From The Milwaukee Shore Collection.(#7218) (Registry values: P8, N7079) (NGC ID# 255P, PCGS# 7218)
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35 year old man | Manhattan, NY, USA | Seeking women 22-35 within 50 miles of New York, NY
Active within 3 days
my brother found his wife on match...figure i'll give it a try!
My brother found his wife on match so I figure I'll give it a try. I have been told and I would like to believe that I am loyal, passionate, intelligent, and fun loving, so it would be great to find a woman with those similar traits. A bit more about me and or what I am looking for: Family and friends are very important to me. An independent person who is also willing to share completely themselves. Communication is essential and being open and available emotionally, especially with a significant other. I dislike apathy. I like discussion so its important for me that someone has thought out passionate beliefs on important topics of the day. An independent thinker. Someone who challenges me intellectually. Someone who has a like or at least open mind towards classical music/opera and/or who is willing to learn more about it. Have you been to an opera or classical music event?...definite bonus if you have. Not afraid to stand up for what one believes in and fight for it. To believe in something greater than oneself with consideration for the greater humanity. Willing to experience and travel the world outside of the the US. I love great food and cooking. Someone who looks at the glass half full. I dont mind normal public displays of affection so it would be cool if you didn't mind either. Someone similar to me in that one who can be very focused and determined on their work while also then being able to totally chill and relax...being a silly goofball when appropriate is awesome...laughing and smiling is fantastic! Caring, funny, interesting, focused, idealistic, determined, accepting, inquisitive, kind, good natured... Happy searching!
Coffee and conversation , Cooking , Dining out , Movies/Videos , Museums and art , Music and concerts , Exploring new areas , Performing arts , Playing sports , Political interests , Travel/Sightseeing , Volunteering , Watching sports , Wine tasting
Baseball, Basketball, Cycling, Dancing, Golf, Swimming, Tennis / Racquet sports, Walking / Hiking, Weights / Machines, Yoga
I exercise 3-4 times per week.
I like Dogs
i am very allergic to cats...sorry cat girls.
Middle of the Road
Amalfi Coast - Italy, Long Island, NYC, Hawaii, Chicago, Paris, London.
New York University, New York, NY
Opera, Listening to great Tenors, Watching shows like Mad Men, Entourage and Breaking Bad, Cable news, Italian food, Whole Foods, Cuddling, Having a superb meal where there is wine, dimmed lighting and great discussion about the nuances of life.
Classical Music, Tenor Singing, Politics, Debating, Stock Market, Cooking, Boating/Water Skiing/Fishing.
I enjoy non-fiction and biographies. I live plenty of fiction when I perform on stage.
Z{{Cta}} {{#if HasMoreInfo}} ?{{CtaSecondary}} {{/if}}
|What he is looking for
|6'0" (182cms)
|5'2" (157cms) to 5'9" (175cms)
|Body type:
|Athletic and toned
|Slender, About average, Curvy, Athletic and toned
|No preference
|No preference
|No Way
|No Way, Occasionally
|Social Drinker
|No preference
|Artistic / Creative / Performance
|No preference
International Operatic Leading Tenor.
|I'll tell you later
|No preference
|Never Married
|Never Married
|Have kids:
|Wants kids:
|White / Caucasian
|No preference
Italian American.
|Christian / Catholic
|No preference
I am a pragmatic thinker. I don't just believe what I am told to. I question and then accept only what I interpret as valuable for my life.
|English, Italian
|No preference
|Graduate degree
|Bachelors degree
Went to Duke University then transferred to and graduated from New York University. Also a graduate diploma from Mannes College of Music.


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Lopez Island Mussel Soup
|Off dry white wine
|2 Cup (32 tbs) (Such As Lopez Island Madeleine Angevine)
|Chopped garlic
|1 Tablespoon
|3 Pound, cleaned and debearded
|2 Tablespoon
|All purpose flour
|2 Tablespoon
|Whipping cream
|2 Cup (32 tbs)
|Saffron threads
|1 1⁄4 Pinch, preferably spanish, steeped in 2 tablespoons warm water for 15 minutes (Generous Pinch)
|Warm water
|2 Tablespoon
|Spinach leaves/Sorrel
|6 , cut into fine ribbons (For Garnish)
COMBINE THE WINE and garlic in a kettle over high heat and bring to a boil.
Add the mussels, cover, and steam until they begin to open, about 3 minutes.
Transfer opened mussels to a bowl, using a slotted spoon.
Continue steaming until all have opened, 2 to 3 minutes longer.
Discard any mussels that do not open.
Reserve the cooking liquid.
As soon as the mussels are cool enough to handle, remove them from their shells and put them in the cooking liquid.
MELT THE BUTTER in a large saucepan.
Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
Add the cream and bring to a boil, whisking constantly.
Add the saffron and its steeping liquid along with the mussels and their cooking liquid.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, and serve hot, garnishing each bowl with fine ribbons of spinach or sorrel.


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Preview: Grizzlies vs. Hornets
Grizzlies vs. New Orleans
7 p.m., FedExForum
TV, radio: SportSouth, WRBO-FM (103.5)
Records: Grizzlies 34-28; Hornets 35-28
Grizzlies: Mike Conley, 6-1, Sam Young, 6-6, Tony Allen, 6-4, Zach Randolph, 6-9, Marc Gasol, 7-1
Hornets: Chris Paul, 6-0, Willie Green, 6-3, Trevor Ariza, 6-8, David West, 6-9, Emeka Okafor, 6-10
The Griz have won five straight home games and can move past the struggling Hornets in the Western Conference playoff standings with a win. New Orleans has lost three straight games and 12 of 16 overall. Paul continues to struggle with his shooting. He has shot poorly for nearly a month, making 34.7 percent from the floor and averaging 11.6 points in his last 11 games. Who to watch? Conley. He's averaging 17.4 points, 5.3 assists and 50 percent shooting in the past eight games. He even has seven blocks in his last six outings after blocking just eight shots in his first 56 games this season.
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He also never explained why someone who wanted money for a corpse would hide the corpse for months.
Though Hader's smooch with the dog is the most cringe-worthy moment, Fred Armisen licking a corpse was a close second.
The corpse "should be digitally scanned, inside and out—and made available for everyone to take his or her own picture."
1540s, variant spelling of corps (q.v.). The -p- originally was silent, as in French, and with some speakers still is. The terminal -e was rare before 19c. Corpse-candle is attested from 1690s.
corpse (kôrps)
A dead body, especially the dead body of a human.
A cadaver.


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Veloute Sauce For Seafood
|1 Ounce (25 Gram)
|1 Ounce (25 Gram)
|1⁄2 Pint (3 Dl, Fish, Chicken, Veal Or Vegetable)
|To Taste
|To Taste, freshly milled
|Lemon juice
|To Taste
|Egg yolk
|4 Tablespoon
1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter or margarine over low heat.
2. Add the flour and stir until it begins to froth in the butter and resembles sand texture but is not browned.
3. Gradually add the hot stock, stirring or whisking vigorously to blend with the flour-butter paste, until smooth.
4. Bring the sauce to the boil, stirring.
5. Cook, stirring constantly for 3 to 5 minutes until flour is cooked and sauce is thick and bubbly.
6. Season sauce with salt, pepper and lemon juice.
7. In a small bowl, blend egg yolk and cream.
8. Spoon a little of the hot sauce into the mixture and blend well.
9. The pour the egg-cream mixture into the sauce in the pan, whisking constantly to prevent sauce from lumping.
10. Cook the sauce on a low flame for a few minutes, stirring, until egg is cooked.
11. Cover surface of the sauce with waxed paper to prevent skinning.
12. Veloute sauce can be poured over fish, chicken, veal or vegetables, using the appropriate stock.
13. Add ingredients like sautéed mushrooms, cooked asparagus tips, shrimps or prawns to flavor the sauce.


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Polly Trottenberg
Staten Island Man Quarrels With de Blasio, Says Speed Cameras Are For Revenue
A resident quarreled with Mayor Bill de Blasio after an event on Staten Island Thursday, accusing the mayor of mounting speed cameras to bring in revenue.
NYC Officials To Drivers: Give Pothole Repair Crews A Brake
Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg said the city has filled nearly 200,000 potholes since December. Last year, crews repaired about 500,000 craters.
City Unveils 'Vision Zero' Pedestrian Safety Plan For Queens
Polly Trottenberg, commissioner of the city's Department of Transportation, said efforts will focus on Sunnyside, Jackson Heights, Flushing, Jamaica and Elmhurst.
Advocates Looking For Ways To Make NYC Streets Safer For Pedestrians
The advocacy group Families for Safe Streets estimates every 35 hours someone is killed in traffic in New York City.
CBS2 Investigates: As Winter Sets In, What Is Being Done To Fix The City's Pothole Problem?
Potholes have become just another part of the daily grind fro New Yorkers. So much so that a national study found more than 50 percent of New York's roads are in poor condition.
DOT Installs Pedestrian Island, Crosswalk At Dangerous LES Intersection
Crossing Delancey and Pitt streets in the Lower East Side just got safer.
NYC's New 25 MPH Speed Limit Goes Into Effect On Most City Streets
Crews were out Friday putting up new signs to replace those showing higher speed limits.
New 25 MPH NYC Speed Limit Takes Effect Friday
The new default speed limit, which goes into effect Friday, will apply to all streets where no other limit is posted.
NY, NJ To Get $3.3B In Federal Funds For Sandy-Related Transit Improvements
Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx said it's the last big chunk of Sandy funds the federal Transportation Department has to dole out.
Funeral To Be Held For Jill Tarlov, Former 1010 WINS Employee Struck By Cyclist In Central Park
Jill Tarlov was struck last Thursday on West Drive at 62nd Street at a traffic light-enforced crosswalk and suffered head trauma.
Jill Tarlov, Former 1010 WINS Employee Struck By Cyclist In Central Park, Dies
Mike Wittman, a senior vice president of finance at CBS, announced the death of his wife, Jill Tarlov, in an emailed statement Monday morning.
More Speed Cameras Being Installed Near NYC Schools
New York City is installing more speed cameras near schools as part of Mayor Bill de Blasio's Vision Zero plan.
Police Begin Enforcing New Reduced Speed Limits In NYC
City officials are hoping that by lowering the speed limit from 30 to 25 mph and ticketing drivers, they can help prevent future fatalities.
Assemblyman To Distribute Plastic Holders For 'Flimsy' Muni Meter Receipts
New York State Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) has partnered with the city Department of Transportation for an effort to distribute receipt holders for those who park using Muni meters.
State Lawmakers Give OK To 25 MPH Speed Limit For New York City
The state Assembly approved the city's request late Thursday and the Senate followed suit early Friday morning as the Legislature worked to adjourn their six-month session.


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Average Customer Review
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Destined for Platinum (Overall review and track-by-track)
Miranda slays again with her 5th studio album, "Platinum", after a looong three year wait since her 4th album, "Four the Record". "Platinum" is Miranda's most sonically ambitious album yet, exploring different musical realms while still maintaining her strong country roots. The album embodies many emotions and by extension holds a song for everyone. "Platinum" is...
Published 13 months ago by Dreams123
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing but with flashes of magic!
I have 4 other Miranda Lambert albums and I have to say this is the most disappointing. After the wonderful promise of the great single "Automatic" the rest of the album doesn't stack up. One track with her friend Carrie Underwood is pretty good, however, it's more like 80's hair metal than Country Rock. There's a couple of average Ragtime blues tracks on there...
Published 12 months ago by D. L. Potts
Most Helpful First | Newest First
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Destined for Platinum (Overall review and track-by-track),
Miranda slays again with her 5th studio album, "Platinum", after a looong three year wait since her 4th album, "Four the Record". "Platinum" is Miranda's most sonically ambitious album yet, exploring different musical realms while still maintaining her strong country roots. The album embodies many emotions and by extension holds a song for everyone. "Platinum" is commercial, yes, but something about it beckons that it is far from ordinary. What makes "Platinum" particularly special is Miranda's ability to combine dark wit with some truly evocative lyrics. There's clever humour ("Gravity is a Bitch"), attitude ("Little Red Wagon") and nostalgia ("Automatic"). "Platinum" embodies everything you would expect a country album too, and much, much more. :)
My favourite songs and the stand out songs of the album:
"Platinum". The title track is possibly the most pop sounding song ever released by Lambert, even though it is still undeniably country. It's light-hearted, feminine and fun, also combining Miranda's trademark humour with kick of sass. Although "Platinum" is not just about selling loads of records (which she has).In a recent interview Miranda stated "I don't want to sound pretentious. It's about platinum records, but also the color of an Airstream, and the color of my hair".
Favourite lyric: "What doesn't kill you, only makes you blonder"
"Little Red Wagon" is the classic Miranda stomper on the album, and one of her most musically ambitious songs to date. Fuelled by attitude, wit and a raging guitar, "Little Red Wagon" is indisputably Miranda, even if it is a cover. The song almost produces a classic rock feel, while still resting in contemporary country.
Favourite lyric:"And you're just trying to slow this rolling stone/But I'm on to you, babe"
One of my personal favourites on "Platinum" is track five, "Priscilla". While it was not directly written by Miranda, it was written by her close friends, Nicolle Galyon and Natalie Hemby. They have witnessed her and her husband, Blake Shelton's constant scrutiny by the media. "Priscilla" is clearly written from Miranda's view point, about how she and her country superstar husband deal with all the attention. The song draws connections from the couple's lives to that of Elvis and Priscilla Presley's. However, "Priscilla" is less of a comparison and more of a show of empathy on Priscilla Presley's part. It's upbeat, yes, but also real and open.
Favourite lyric: "How do you or don't you get the love you want when everybody wants your man?"
"Bathroom Sink" is the only song entirely self penned by Miranda on "Platinum". It's a soaring song about self worth while being sure to leave out the cheese factor. Starting off moody and slow, "Bathroom Sink" talks about the very un-glamours process of getting made-up, then eventually erupting into a explosion of frustration, which works very well with the lyrics. The music and not-an-exact-rhyme lyrics come together perfectly to create this dark, painfully honest song.
Favourite lyric: "I'm looking forward to the girl I wanna be/But regret has got a way of staring me right in the face/So I try not to waste/Too much time at the bathroom sink"
Track 10 is the humorously titled "Gravity Is a Bitch" about the misery of getting old. It's another simple song however "Gravity Is a Bitch" moves slightly away from the country side and venturing in to a almost jazz/blues club area. It's a very interesting take for Miranda, who has scarcely looked into this territory. The song is darkly humours which seems to be the only thing in it that is classically Miranda, which is not necessarily a bad thing here, though.
Favourite lyric:"You can nip and tuck and squeeze it/But you're never gonna beat it/'Cause gravity is a bitch"
"Holding on to You" is a beautiful, swirling, love song. This song is some of Miranda's finest work lyrically, musically and vocally. It's understated, sweet and sultry. "Holding on to You" exudes a old timey feel, not in the way "Old S***" and "All That's Left Does" but in a way that is reminiscent of rock 'n' roll.
Favourite lyric:"I've seen a newborn child put stars in her mama's eyes and I prayed to the man in the moon/I got drunk with The Highwaymen, felt the burn of the desert wind/Seen some promising 'I do's'/Ain't no moment like when I'm holding on to you"
Another musically ambitious track, "Two Rings Shy" leads with a circus themed ambience. In a recent interview, Miranda claimed to have recorded sounds from a real circus and then added them to the track. It's a fun, interesting song but one that also holds a rich message.
Favourite lyric:"The main attraction's leaving, let the side show pay the rent/Take this diamond back and you'll be two rings shy of the big top tent"
"Hard Staying Sober" is a simple- yet still dynamic- track. It is reminiscent of Miranda's previous albums, particularly "Kerosene", all the while reaming current and fits nicely on "Platinum". The song starts off with Miranda's sweet vocals sitting on top of a twangy guitar. The lyrics are simple but pack a real punch especially when combined with the music and Miranda's voice. Midway through the break up song, you think it has come to an end, however, after a few seconds of silence Miranda breaks in with heart-wrenching passion and lyrics. I defiantly think this is the underdog of the album, but one of the highlights, also.
Favourite lyric: "It's hard to quit this smoking, when my will to fight is broken/It's hard to quit a habit in the rush/Hits me in the morning, just like you I'm looking for them/Can't seem to put down this pick-me-up"
Overall "Platinum" is a wonderful album and I would recommend to anyone, particularly lovers of country music and rock 'n' roll. :) Super awesome.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars She's back!,
Matthew Channell "Badgerking" (Poole, Dorset) - See all my reviews
The first lady of Texas honky-tonk country music is back with a great record of tracks that demonstrate her fantastic voice, her sense of humour and her knack of choosing excellent supporting musicians and collaborators. Platinum has hit after hit from the Salon soul of the title track to the pure sass of Little Red Wagon. If you like Country that makes you tap your foot rather than cry into your beer than Miranda is for you. Yeee Haaaaa!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Country Girl - country sounds,
roger's reviews "Rog" (Tamworth, Staffordshire) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Platinum (MP3 Download)
This latest from Miranda Lambert gives great, simple, genuine, sometimes BAD! (as in naughty!) country words and music. This is my first of Miranda's albums, and I reckon its what country music SHOULD sound like.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars I love this album,
Mr. B. R. Good (London, United Kingdom) - See all my reviews
Yet again Miranda comes out with something fresh and new but still real country. There is not a forgettable track on this album, I particularly love Little Red Wagon, Babies Makin' Babies, Two Rings Shy and the Shanondoah 'tribute' Sunday in The South.
One of my favourite country albums of the past 5 years.
Any fan of Miranda's Lamberts voice will love this.
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Top quality music as expected from Miranda,
Peter Durward Harris "Pete the music fan" (Leicester England) - See all my reviews
(No. 1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER) (TOP 50 REVIEWER)
Miranda has the ideal voice for country music, and there's more of a country feel to this album than some of her earlier albums. I particularly like All that's left (featuring the Time Jumpers), perhaps because it's the most obviously country track here - and it's a great fun song too.
Miranda does seem to like using expletives, although she avoids the really bad one. You can see from the track listing what she uses; my review might not be posted if I repeat them :-) One expletive is used a lot on the track before All that's left, reflecting on a lot of old things that Miranda enjoys, including Black and Decker tools. I wonder if Black and Decker (who I worked for twice, each spell being a six-month temporary assignment) will feel flattered or insulted. I hope flattered; they still exist albeit as part of a larger entity called Stanley Black and Decker.
There are many other great songs here, including Smokin' and Drinkin' ([featuring. Little Big Town]), Hard staying sober, Another Sunday in the South and Gravity is a ....
This may be Miranda Lambert's best solo album yet, although I haven't heard Kerosene.
4.0 out of 5 stars Very good, but not as brilliant as I've come to expect.,
Okay, lets be honest. Miranda Lambert could just sing the contents of a phone book, and it would be 90% better than what most singers come up with these days, but I can't help feeling slightly disappointed with her latest album.
Nothing seemed to hook me from the first listen, which is unusual for her if I'm honest.
Saying that though, it's a solid collection of songs that are just as humorous as we've all come to expect from ML, and her songwriting seems as good as always, but IMO there's just something missing, that I can't put my finger on.
Definitely her weakest offering yet, but 5 albums in, she isn't doing too badly.
Ironically, considering the album title, this is her first album not to reach Platinum status in the US.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A Revelation!,
M. Grove "mark5211" (Manchester) - See all my reviews
I'm a fan of rock music but over the past year I've been listening to artists like Eric Church, Florida Georgia Line, Lindi Ortega, The Tennessee Three, Tim McGraw and Kacey Musgraves and slowly but surely getting into this genre of music,
The only artist I've been 'struggling' with was Miranda Lambert, although I liked her last CD's and her version of 'Wrote a song for everyone' on John Fogertys latest CD, I didn't think her previous stuff contained any knock-out tracks, but what a surprise when I played Platinum for the first time last night, compared with her last CD's this is a revelation, totally professional and an extremely listenable experience.
I can't list all the good tracks on this CD because everyone is excellent, The CD is quite Poppy/Rocky/Country in moments and is a lot more lively that someone like Kacey Musgraves latest CD, The album strays into a more country/vintage sound near the middle for a two or three of tracks but then reverts back to a soft rock country sound again for the final 6 or 7 tracks.
I think this CD could be the breakthrough album for Miranda in the UK and maybe with a tour she could gain some popularity over here as it is well deserved with this latest effort.
Girls, Platinum Smokin' and Drinkin and Automatic are excellent and that's only the first six tracks, from track 8 (Old ****) its country all the way until track 13 (Holding on to you) when the pace slows down with a couple of classic ballads a bit more country and some pop, the album stays strong to the end with no duff tracks, Give this CD a listen too as you won't regret buying this one its great and sure to get many more 5* reviews!
4.0 out of 5 stars Can do better,
Bob Scott "Dr R J Scott" (Cambs) - See all my reviews
I have loved all Miranda Lambert's albums to date both solo and with the Pistol Annies. (A music collection is not complete without 'Four the Record' which is a masterpiece.) However, 'Platinum' is disappointing because the quality of tracks is so uneven. You get 16 tracks but will rapidly realise that this would be a better album if tracks 3, 8, 9, 10, and 14 had simply been omitted because either the songs or the arrangements just don't belong here. Best tracks are 'Automatic' 'Bathroom Sink' and 'Holding On to You'.
4.0 out of 5 stars I like quite a large spectrum of country music and never ...,
I like quite a large spectrum of country music and never really liked the pistol, annies.Miranda gets more than her fair share of publicity as connected to Blake Shelton and at first didnt think she had a natural talent.This album was my chance to see what the girl is made of.I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of this work but the jury is still out to see if Miranda will ever be a country diva on her own merit..
5.0 out of 5 stars Quality top to bottom,
Neil Gibbs (Cardiff, South Glamorgan United Kingdom) - See all my reviews
Her best yet ! This is a long record but the quality control is so high it flys by when you listen to it.It has quality ballads and excellent up tempo tracks complemented by excellent guitar breaks.Even better is mid album set of songs that showcase Miranda's country roots and further enhance her standing as a benchmark of contemporary country music !
Most Helpful First | Newest First
Platinum by Miranda Lambert
Buy MP3 Album: �6.69


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China's Internet is a Giant Shopping Mall
It's well known that the spending power of China's rising middle class is changing the global retail landscape. Less understood is the enthusiasm Chinese consumers have for shopping on the Internet. After increasing by 55% last year to $194 billion, China's total online retail spending this year could blow by that of the U.S., making the mainland the world's largest online shopping market, some researchers are predicting.


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Most Popular in:
New in Regulatory (page 17 of 21)
Nov 12, 2007 | 11:00 AM CST
FMA Defends DEP in Air Fresheners
The Fragrance Materials Association of the United States (FMA) has issued a response to a recent petition titled "Citizen Petition to EPA and CPSC Regarding Air Fresheners," which asks for regulatory action on air freshener products and producers.
Nov 05, 2007 | 02:39 PM CST
EU Forming Green Supplier Database
The EU Ecolabel program is developing a new voluntary database of green raw material suppliers.
Nov 05, 2007 | 11:00 AM CST
US Chem Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards
The US Department of Homeland Security's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards interim final rule is available here.
Oct 30, 2007 | 09:56 AM CDT
Comment: NTEF Attacks Clarins
When the story first broke that the National Toxic Encephalopathy Foundation (NTEF; Las Vegas, NV) was petitioning the US Food and Drug Administration to reclassify Clarins' (Paris, France) Angel Parfum as a drug due to its coumarin content, Perfumer & Flavorist magazine was initially hesitant to give traction to such a strange and marginal action. However, since other trade publications have picked up the story, we feel compelled to comment.
Oct 30, 2007 | 09:05 AM CDT
REACH Exemption Details
Details for determining which chemicals are exempt from REACH are now available from the European Commission...
Oct 29, 2007 | 10:24 AM CDT
Diacetyl FFIDS Update
The flavor or fragrance ingredient data sheet (FFIDS) for diacetyl has been updated, including updates to the human health section as well as added Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidance.
Oct 16, 2007 | 05:51 PM CDT
L'Oreal and Fragrance Intellectual Property
Imitation is the highest form of flattery, but is it a violation of intellectual property law? When it comes to fine fragrances, it depends who you ask.
Sep 25, 2007 | 10:50 AM CDT
IFRA Reports Full Cooperation with Compliance Program
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) (Brussels, Belgium) has reported that 100% of market products selected for testing at random in the May 2006–May 2007 period met IFRA Standards.
Sep 24, 2007 | 10:59 AM CDT
Protecting Formulas
Strategies for addressing formula disclosure requests for flavors and fragrances and recent challenges. In the flavor and fragrance industry, IP (IP)—and formulas in particular—are key. Without limited disclosure, companies would have little in the way of uniqueness or value.
Sep 18, 2007 | 02:27 PM CDT
SCCP Investigates Fragrance Materials
The European Commission (EC) has requested opinions from its Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCP) on fragrance substances citral, farnesol and phenylacetaldehyde