Pushing the Frontiers of Bioprinting with CIQTEK SEM

At Ningbo University’s Institute of Intelligent Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, researchers are tackling real-world medical challenges by merging materials science, biology, medicine, information technology, and engineering. The Institute has quickly become a hub for wearable and remote healthcare innovations, advanced medical imaging, and intelligent analysis, intending to turn lab breakthroughs into real clinical impact.

Recently, Dr. Lei Shao, Executive Vice Dean of the Institute, shared highlights of his research journey and how CIQTEK's cutting-edge SEM is fueling his team’s discoveries.

CIQTEK SEM at Ningbo University’s Institute of Intelligent Medicine and Biomedical Engineering

Printing the Future: From Miniature Hearts to Vascular Networks

Since 2016, Dr. Shao has been pioneering biomanufacturing and 3D bioprinting, with the goal of engineering living, functional tissues outside the human body. His team’s work spans from 3D-printed miniature hearts to complex vascularized structures, with applications in drug screening, disease modeling, and regenerative medicine.

A 3D-printed miniature heart

Backed by funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China and local research agencies, his lab has introduced several breakthroughs:

• Smart bioprinting strategies: Using fluid rope-coiling effects with coaxial bioprinting to fabricate microfibers with controlled morphology, enabling the creation of vascular organoids.

• Cryopreservable cell microfibers: Developing standardized, scalable, and cryopreservable cellular microfibers through coaxial bioprinting, with high potential for 3D cell culture, organoid fabrication, drug screening, and transplantation.

• Sacrificial bioinks: Printing mesoscopic porous networks using sacrificial microgel bioinks, building nutrient pathways for effective oxygen/nutrient delivery.

• Complex vascular systems: Constructing complex vascular networks with coaxial bioprinting while inducing in-situ endothelial cell deposition, solving challenges in vascularization of complex structures.

• Anisotropic tissues: Creating anisotropic tissues using shear-oriented bioinks and pre-shearing printing methods.

• High-cell-density constructs: Proposing an original liquid-particle support bath printing technique for high-cell-density bioinks, achieving lifelike bioactive tissues while overcoming the long-standing trade-off between printability and cell viability in extrusion-based bioprinting.

These advances are paving the way toward functional, transplantable tissues, and potentially even engineered organs.

Accelerating Discovery with CIQTEK SEM

With science advancing rapidly, biomedical research stands at the forefront of innovation. Higher efficiency often leads to greater breakthroughs. According to Dr. Shao, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is one of the most indispensable scientific instruments at the Institute. Since adopting CIQTEK’s field-emission SEM, research efficiency and innovation at the Institute have advanced significantly.

“In the past, we had to send samples to other labs and often waited in long queues, which slowed down our research,” Dr. Shao explained. “Now, with CIQTEK’s SEM in-house, we can capture stunning details of biological materials, from 10 nm hydrogel particles to nanofiber networks inside composite hydrogels. The clarity is game-changing.”

The results speak for themselves: multiple high-impact publications on vascularized tissues, drug carriers, and biomaterials have already stemmed from this work.

Selected publications

For Dr. Shao, the instrument has become more than a microscope:

“It’s an accelerator for innovation, helping us move faster from fundamental research to practical applications.”

From miniature 3D-printed hearts to the nanoworld revealed by SEM, Ningbo University’s Institute of Intelligent Medicine is proving how cross-disciplinary innovation can reshape the future of healthcare.

For anyone who lives for the trail, the summit, or the thrill of exploration, gear that keeps up with your adventures isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Enter the TS400, a smartwatch designed to be more than a gadget: it’s a reliable companion for the great outdoors, blending rugged durability with cutting-edge tech.

What sets the TS400 apart? Start with its build. Crafted with Celestial Crystal Shield sapphire glass and a high-strength alloy shell, it laughs off scratches, dust, and even extreme temperatures—from frost-bitten peaks to scorching deserts. Add 3ATM water resistance and IP68 dustproofing, and it’s ready for everything from sudden downpours to 30m swims.

Navigation is a standout feature, too. Equipped with multi-satellite GNSS positioning (BDS, GPS, GLONASS, and more), it delivers centimeter-precise tracking, even in urban canyons or remote wilderness. Pair that with real-time altitude, air pressure, and compass data, and you’re never blind to your surroundings. When night falls, a 400-lumen flashlight with four modes (high beam, SOS, and more) cuts through darkness, perfect for late hikes or campsite setups.

Beyond exploration, it’s a health and fitness powerhouse. With 128+ sports modes, it tracks runs, climbs, and swims with precision, while 24/7 health monitoring (heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep) keeps you in tune with your body. Throw in the Da GPT smart assistant for on-the-go queries, and the TS400 doesn’t just track your journey—it elevates it. For outdoor lovers, this isn’t just a watch. It’s a ticket to bolder, smarter adventures.

Building a clean, reliable video overlay on GPON or XGS-PON starts with choosing the right CATV optical receiver. The goal is simple: preserve picture quality while keeping your fiber resources and power budget in check. A good approach is to map your performance targets (noise, linearity, output level, management features) to product families, then shortlist a Customizable cable TV module that matches your FTTH rollout and CPE design.

Start with noise performance. A Low Noise Optical Receiver preserves carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR) and minimizes distortions like CSO/CTB, which is critical as more services ride on the same fiber. For reference, Sanland’s SMO-P28 lists CNR ≥ 47 dB with CSO/CTB ≤ −57 dBc, while the SMO-P42 specifies CNR around 43 dB—use these figures as benchmarks when comparing options in similar form factors.

Next, lock in level stability. Optical input can swing with split ratios and plant variations, so pick a High-Performance CATV AGC Module that flattens RF output across a wide input window. For example, SMO-P42 offers an AGC dynamic range of −10 to +2 dBm with a typical RF output near 78 dBµV, while SMO-P28 targets AGC from −10 to 0 dBm and ~81 dBµV output—handy targets when you design tap losses and in-home distribution. Many FTTH modules also come in compact builds with SC/APC or FC/APC connectors and run off a simple 5 V rail, keeping CPE designs small and efficient.

Don’t overlook integration and monitoring. Receivers with integrated high-isolation WDM + PIN reduce BOM and space while simplifying 1550 nm video overlay alongside data wavelengths. Extras like I²C access, optical power/RF level/temperature telemetry, and RF enable/disable make field diagnostics faster and enable smarter ONUs. Sanland’s SMO-P42 illustrates this integration approach and is designed expressly for FTTH ONU use in triple-play deployments.

Why SANLAND for your next CATV optical receiver? Beyond competitive specs, SANLAND backs its CATV Optical Receiver Module line with a one-stop FTTx portfolio and experience dating back to 2002—meaning faster selection, cohesive interoperability, and mature manufacturing. The product range spans AGC receivers for GPON/XGS-PON and options positioned for customization (e.g., Custom AGC / Customizable cable TV module), so you can match noise, linearity, connectors, and control interfaces to your design without wrestling with multi-vendor compromises. Pair that with responsive engineering support and a focused fiber-access roadmap, and you get a SANLAND-branded Low Noise Optical Receiver or High-Performance CATV AGC Module that ships with both performance confidence and service reliability.

For many universities, national labs, and research institutes in regions such as Africa and the Middle East, access to advanced scientific instrumentation is often limited by budget, infrastructure, and maintenance challenges. Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEMs) are essential tools for materials science, life sciences, and education, but traditional models can be prohibitively expensive and difficult to maintain.

This is why affordable SEM solutions have become critical for resource-limited environments. But "affordable" should not mean compromising on performance or usability. Below, we explore the key factors to consider when selecting a cost-effective SEM and how CIQTEK is helping research communities worldwide overcome these challenges.

Why Resource-Limited Labs Need Affordable SEMs

In developing regions, researchers often face unique barriers:

• Budget Constraints – High upfront costs and ongoing maintenance make many SEMs inaccessible. 

• Infrastructure Limitations – Power supply stability, room conditions, and service availability can restrict choices.

• Educational Demands – Universities need SEMs that are easy to learn, operate, and maintain for student training.

• Service and Support Gaps – Remote locations often lack local technical support, making reliability and remote assistance crucial.

For example, a university in East Africa wanted to give engineering students access to SEM imaging. A million-dollar instrument was out of reach, but a cost-effective, compact SEM made it possible to expand their curriculum and attract new research collaborations; A national lab in the Middle East struggled with power fluctuations that frequently disrupted their older high-end SEM. Switching to a robust, lower-maintenance system ensured consistent imaging and reduced downtime.

What to Look for in an Affordable SEM

When evaluating SEM options for resource-limited labs, consider the following:

• Total Cost of Ownership
  Not just the purchase price, factor in maintenance, consumables, and energy use.

• Ease of Use
  A user-friendly interface helps reduce training costs and allows students and new researchers to get hands-on quickly.

• Durability & Reliability
  Instruments should perform consistently even in less-than-ideal lab conditions.

• Remote Support & Training
  For institutions far from service centers, remote diagnostics, online training, and virtual demonstrations are essential.

• Scalability
  SEMs should be versatile enough to support both teaching and research, making them a long-term investment.

CIQTEK SEM: Affordable Without Compromise

At CIQTEK, we’ve worked with institutions worldwide to deliver SEMs that combine affordability with reliability. Our systems are designed for teaching labs, national facilities, and emerging research groups that need dependable performance without excessive cost.

• Budget-Friendly Pricing – Enables universities and labs to invest in advanced imaging while leaving room for consumables, training, or lab expansions.

• Low Maintenance Design – Reduced service needs mean fewer interruptions and lower long-term costs.

• User-Friendly Interface – Ideal for classrooms, making SEM operation accessible to undergraduates and postgraduates alike.

• High-Quality Imaging – Clear results suitable for materials science, biology, and applied engineering research.

Whether for a teaching university in Africa or a national lab in the Middle East, CIQTEK SEMs provide a reliable and affordable choice that empowers scientific discovery.

>> If you’re looking for a cost-effective SEM, contact CIQTEK today to learn how our SEM instruments can support your research and teaching needs.

Recently, a team led by Wang Haomin from the Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences made significant progress in studying the magnetism of zigzag graphene nanoribbons (zGNRs) using a CIQTEK Scanning Nitrogen-vacancy Microscope (SNVM).

Building on previous research, the team pre-etched hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) with metal particles to create oriented atomic trenches and used a vapor-phase catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method to controllably prepare chiral graphene nanoribbons in the trenches, obtaining ~9 nm wide zGNRs samples embedded in the hBN lattice. By combining SNVM and magnetic transport measurements, the team directly confirmed its intrinsic magnetism in experiments. This groundbreaking discovery lays a solid foundation for the development of graphene-based spin electronic devices. The related research findings, titled "Signatures of magnetism in zigzag graphene nanoribbons embedded in a hexagonal boron nitride lattice," have been published in the prestigious academic journal "Nature Materials".

Graphene, as a unique two-dimensional material, exhibits magnetic properties of p-orbital electrons that are fundamentally different from the localized magnetic properties of d/f orbital electrons in traditional magnetic materials, opening up new research directions for exploring pure carbon-based magnetism. Zigzag graphene nanoribbons (zGNRs), potentially possessing unique magnetic electronic states near the Fermi level, are believed to hold great potential in the field of spin electronics devices. However, detecting the magnetism of zGNRs through electrical transport methods faces multiple challenges. For instance, nanoribbons assembled from the bottom up are often too short in length to reliably fabricate devices. Additionally, the high chemical reactivity of zGNR edges can lead to instability or uneven doping. Furthermore, in narrower zGNRs, the strong antiferromagnetic coupling of edge states can make it difficult to detect their magnetic signals electrically. These factors hinder direct detection of the magnetism in zGNRs.

ZGNRs embedded in the hBN lattice exhibit higher edge stability and feature an inherent electric field, creating ideal conditions for detecting the magnetism of zGNRs. In the study, the team used CIQTEK's Room-Temperature SNVM to observe the magnetic signals of zGNRs directly at room temperature.

Figure 1: Magnetic measurement of zGNR embedded in a hexagonal boron nitride lattice using Scanning Nitrogen-vacancy Microscope

In electrical transport measurements, the fabricated approximately 9-nanometer-wide zGNR transistors demonstrated high conductivity and ballistic transport characteristics. Under the influence of a magnetic field, the device exhibited significant anisotropic magnetoresistance, with a magnetoresistance change of approximately 175 Ω at 4 K, a magnetoresistance ratio of about 1.3%, and this signal persisted even at temperatures as high as 350 K. Hysteresis was only observed under a magnetic field perpendicular to the plane of the zGNRs, confirming its magnetic anisotropy. Through analysis of the variation of magnetoresistance with tilting angle, the researchers found that the magnetic moment is perpendicular to the sample surface. Furthermore, the decrease in magnetoresistance with increasing source-drain bias and temperature revealed the interaction between magnetic response and charge transport and thermal vibrations.

Figure 2: Magnetic transport characteristics of 9-nanometer-wide zGNR devices embedded in hBN

This research, by combining Scanning Nitrogen-vacancy Microscope technology and transport measurements, directly confirmed the existence of intrinsic magnetism in hBN-embedded zGNRs for the first time, providing a possibility for controlling magnetism through an electric field. This work not only deepens the understanding of graphene's magnetic properties but also opens up new pathways for the development of spin electronic devices based on graphene.

Experience the Nano-scale Magnetic Imaging System

CIQTEK invites you to experience the Scanning Nitrogen-vacancy Microscope (SNVM) – a globally leading nano-scale magnetic field imaging system, operating at temperatures of 1.8~300 K with a vector magnetic field of 9/1/1 T, achieving a magnetic spatial resolution of 10 nm, and magnetic sensitivity of 2 μT/Hz1/2.

SNVM is a precision measurement instrument that combines Diamond Nitrogen-vacancy (NV) Optically Detected Magnetic Resonance (ODMR) technology with Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) scanning imaging technology. It features high spatial resolution, high-sensitivity magnetic imaging, versatile detection capabilities, and non-invasive detection advantages, making it important in areas such as magnetic domain characterization, antiferromagnetic imaging, superconductor characterization, and research on two-dimensional magnetic materials.

Room temperature version of SNVM

Cryogenic version of SNVM

Beyong Nano, a leading innovator in nanotechnology, is set to unveil its groundbreaking model CIQTEK SEM3200 at the prestigious 33rd International Materials Research Congress taking place in Cancun, Mexico.

The Congress, known for bringing together pioneers and visionaries in the field of materials science, provides Beyong Nano with the perfect platform to showcase CIQTEK’s latest technological marvel.

The Scanning Electron Microscope is poised to revolutionize the industry with its advanced features, unparalleled performance, and potential applications across various sectors. 

Visitors to the Beyong Nano booth at the congress can experience firsthand the transformative potential of the model 3200 and engage with the company's team of experts to learn more about its features, applications, and future developments.

We, CIQTEK, are pleased to invite you to the Electron Microscopy Conference 2025, held from October 13th to 15th, 2025, at the Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Egypt. 

The theme of this year's conference is: "The Importance of Electron Microscopy in Enlightening the Invisible". It reflects the profound impact that electron microscopy continues to have across diverse scientific disciplines, from biology to materials science.

Over the conference's three days, we will have the opportunity to engage in in-depth tutorials, keynote sessions, and explore the latest technological advancements in the field of Electron Microscopes. It will follow a Hybrid format, allowing participants from around the world to join us both in person and virtually, ensuring an inclusive and accessible experience for all.

Meet us at ESEM

Date: October 13 - 15, 2025

Location: Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Egypt

In the use of smart sports watches, users often face some frustrating issues:

• GPS drift: running tracks appear inaccurate or offset;
• Unstable Bluetooth: frequent disconnections with phones or earbuds;
• High power consumption: battery drains too fast, limiting usage time.

These problems are not solely caused by software. A key factor lies in the crystal oscillator (XO) selection during hardware design.

The Role of Crystal Oscillators

Crystal oscillators serve as the precise clock source for the GPS module, Bluetooth chip, and MCU controller inside sports watches.

• For GPS: even a tiny clock error can lead to significant location drift.
• For Bluetooth: frequency deviation may cause connection loss or data errors.
• For power management: unstable clocks reduce efficiency in low-power modes, draining the battery faster.

Root Causes of Common Issues

1. Low-accuracy oscillators → large temperature drift, poor stability in varying environments
2. Insufficient power optimization → faster battery drain.
3. Lack of differential/temperature-compensated solutions → poor performance in outdoor environments.

JGHC Crystal Oscillator Solutions

For sports watches and wearable devices, JGHC recommends:

• High-precision TCXO (Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator) → minimizes GPS drift, ensuring accurate positioning.
• Low-power active oscillators (SPXO/OCXO customized) → extends battery life.
• Differential oscillator solutions → enhances wireless stability for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections.

Conclusion

When your sports watch suffers from inaccurate GPS, unstable Bluetooth, or short battery life, the true reason might be that the wrong crystal oscillator was chosen.

JGHC Crystals is committed to providing high-precision, low-power, and highly reliable oscillator solutions for wearable devices, helping brands deliver superior user experiences.

For more crystal oscillator application solutions, please contact JGHC.

The basic working principle of quartz crystal oscillator

Quartz crystal oscillators utilize high-quality piezoelectric crystals, harnessing the piezoelectric effect to generate stable oscillations. The crystal's quality factor (Q) directly impacts frequency stability—a higher Q provides a more accurate and reliable clock signal. The vibration frequency characteristics are determined by three key factors: crystal thickness, crystal geometry, and cutting method.

Effect of thickness on frequency

The frequency of a quartz crystal is inversely proportional to the thickness of the crystal:

Thin wafers: Support higher oscillation frequencies, ideal for high-frequency applications.

Thick wafers: small vibration amplitude and excellent resistance to mechanical shock

Technological breakthrough : Overtone crystal technology enables a chip with a fundamental frequency of 20MHz to reach 100MHz through the fifth overtone, allowing medium and low fundamental frequency chips to meet high-frequency requirements of hundreds of megahertz.

Chip shape and frequency characteristics

Tuning Fork Chip

Typical application: 32.768kHz crystal oscillator

Typical dimensions: 3.2 × 1.5 × 0.8 mm

Temperature characteristics: parabolic characteristics of -0.04ppm/℃²

Manufacturing process: Photolithography technology is used to achieve micron-level precision

Frequency determining factors: mainly depends on the fork length (L), the longer the length, the higher the frequency

Advantages: Especially suitable for low-frequency precise timing scenarios

Fectangular Wafer

Frequency range: MHz level application

Miniaturization: From 7.0×5.0mm to 1.6×1.2mm

High frequency: Up to 300MHz through chamfered edge technology

Low power consumption: current consumption can be as low as 0.5μA

Main features: convenient for large-scale production and standardized packaging

Frequency Determinants: Thickness is the Main Influencing Factor

Comparison of key cutting technologies

The cutting angle of the quartz crystal (defined in the XYZ coordinate system) directly affects:

(1) Long-term aging characteristics

(2) Temperature stability

(3) Frequency accuracy

Mainstream cutting methods : AT cutting, BT cutting, SC cutting, IT cutting, and special cutting processes designed specifically for tuning fork wafers. Each method has its own performance advantages and applicable scenarios.

Contact

Need the optimal quartz crystal oscillator solution for your application? Our team of engineers can provide complete crystal oscillator selection recommendations and technical support, from low to high frequencies, based on your specific application needs.

Please contact our sales team:  

Tel: 0086-576-89808609  

Email: market@acrystals.com

Website: [www.acrystals.com](http://www.acrystals.com)  

What Makes Rogers RT/duroid 5870 Laminates Ideal for High-Frequency Electronics and Precision Circuits?

In the demanding landscape of high-frequency electronics, Rogers 5870 laminates stand as a pinnacle of engineering excellence. These PTFE-based composites, reinforced with randomly dispersed glass microfibers, deliver unparalleled dielectric consistency—making them the substrate of choice for precision stripline and microstrip circuitry. Engineered to thrive in broadband and high-frequency environments, RT/duroid 5870 Material minimizes signal dispersion and energy loss while extending operational efficiency into the Ku-band and beyond.

Critical Performance Attributes

1.Ultra-Low Dielectric Properties

With a dielectric constant (Dk) of 2.33 and dissipation factor (Df) of 0.0012 (verified at 10 GHz),Duroid 5870 PCBensures minimal signal delay and attenuation. These properties enable high-speed signal integrity for 5G infrastructure, satellite communications, and phased-array radar.

2.Moisture Resistance for Harsh Environments

Leveraging inherent PTFE characteristics, the material exhibits remarkably low moisture absorption (0.02%). This resilience guarantees stable performance in high-humidity conditions—critical for avionics, maritime systems, and tropical deployments.

3.Unmatched Signal Integrity

As the lowest-loss reinforced PTFE material available,Rogers RT/Duroid 5870 provides isotropic behavior with uniform electrical properties across all axes. This eliminates directional performance variances, ensuring consistent impedance control for multi-layer RF designs.

Advanced PCB Manufacturing Capabilities

We deliver end-to-end solutions for Duroid 5870 High Frequency PCB-based circuits, supporting the most complex high-frequency applications:

Structural Versatility

Layer Configurations: Single-layer, double-layer, multi-layer (up to 24 layers), and hybrid stacks combining FR-4/Rogers materials.

Thickness Range: Standard options from 10 mil to 62 mil, including 15 mil, 20 mil, and 31 mil profiles. Custom thicknesses available.

Panel Scalability: Maximum panel size of 400mm×500mm—ideal for large-format antennas or multi-project arrays.

Surface Engineering

Copper Weights: 1oz or 2oz finished copper with±0.07 mil tolerance. 

Solder Masks: Green, black, blue, red, yellow, and matte finishes.

Surface Finishes:

Immersion Gold (ENIG)

HASL (Lead/Lead-free)

Immersion Silver/Tin

ENEPIG (for wire bonding)

Electrolytic Hard Gold

OSP & Bare Copper

Mission-Critical Applications

Rogers 5870’s blend of electrical stability and environmental endurance makes it indispensable across defense, aerospace, and telecom sectors:

• Aerospace: Airborne broadband antennas, collision avoidance systems.
• Military: Radar arrays, missile guidance PCBs, electronic warfare modules.
• Telecom: Point-to-point radio antennas, millimeter-wave backhaul links.
• Emerging Tech: Automotive radar (77/79 GHz), quantum computing interconnects.

Why Partner with Us?

As an ISO 9001-certified supplier, we combine Rogers material expertise with:

• Impedance Control:±5% tolerance via TDR testing.
• Hybrid Bonding: Seamless integration of RT/duroid 5870 with FR-4/ceramics.
• High-Tg Processing: Lamination cycles optimized for PTFE’s low thermal expansion.
• DFM Support: Signal layer adjacency planning and via optimization.

Industry Challenge Solved: Traditional FR-4 laminates suffer from erratic Dk values above 6 GHz. RT/duroid 5870’s glass microfiber matrix eliminates this variability—enabling precise phase matching in 40 GHz beamforming networks.

Conclusion

For engineers pushing the boundaries of high-frequency design,RT/duroid 5870 high frequency PCBs deliver uncompromised signal fidelity, thermal resilience, and manufacturing flexibility. Whether developing next-gen radar or satellite payloads, this material system bridges the gap between theoretical performance and real-world reliability.