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 | RESEARCH PROJECTS > CHEMISTRY
Introduction
Materials, such as plastics (polymers), ceramics, and metals are currently being re-shaped and re-formulated such that they have characteristics that make them outstanding for applications that range from medical sensors to wireless communications. We discuss here polymers and metals made unique by their nano-scale and micro-scale feature sizes that lend themselves well to applications in biomedical sensing technologies. The polymeric materials have characteristics that make them “smart” due to their ability to respond to their environment and are then able to capture targets, such as those associated with diseases. By integrating these nano- and micro-scopic polymers and metals, miniaturized sensing devices or “microsensing” systems can be fabricated and utilized for the applications described below.
Objectives
The program is focused on forming micro- and nano-scopic materials in a defined fashion on surfaces such that their novel characteristics can be used to build MicroSensing Systems that are able to capture and concentrate species of interest.
Specifically, we wish to build MicroSensing Systems that can:
• Have Polymer and Metal Features Formed in Patterns on Surfaces with Exquisite Control over Feature Size (Micro- and Nano-Sized Features)
• Use Patterned Metal Features as Communication Highway
• Detect Miniscule Amounts of Biological Species Indicative of Disease (Bio-Markers) Using Responsive Sorbent Polymers
• Recognize Bio-Markers Based on Shape and Size (Lock-and-Key)
Highlight of Findings
Metal Features Formed in Patterns on Surfaces – MicroHeaters and MicroCircuitry
Patterned Metal Features – Communicating with MicroSystems
MicroHeater on Poly(carbonate)
MicroCircuitry Sensors on Poly(carbonate)
Through use of the metal deposition process at left, we have been able to create a wide variety of nano- and micro-sized metallic features for use in simple, robust MicroSystems that allow for the amplification and detection of biological materials, such as genetic material and proteins.
Formation of Metal "Seed" (Particle) Layer
Electroless Depostion of Metal Film
Detect Miniscule Amounts of Biological Species with Responsive Sorbent Polymers – Protein Preconcentration
Temperature Responsive Polymers - Capture of Proteins
To sense very small amounts of biological species, we have MicroSystems that utilize preconcentrator units based on temperature-responsive polymer surfaces. By exposing the species of interest (protein) to the polymer, it is possible to capture the analyte, as noted in the green color above.
Recognize Bio-Markers Based on Shape and Size – Detection of Breast Cancer
Microsensing System for Breast Cancer Protein - Carcinoembryonic Antigen
By attaching recognition elements (Receptors) to the surfaces of MicroSystems using the path above, we have been able to detect a bio-marker for breast cancer. Our goal is to use the patterning strategies above to detect various bio-markers in a sample so as to aid in the early diagnosis of various diseases.
Impact on Education and Outreach
The interdisciplinary programs associated with materials development have resulted in the following over the past 5 years:
• 30+ Graduates and 40+ Undergraduates Trained
Large female and underrepresented group population
• Student Employment in (Examples):
Louisiana (Lockheed-Martin, US Department of Agriculture, Mezzo Systems)
Texas (ATMI, University of Texas)
Maryland (National Institute of Standards and Technology, DuPont)
Georgia (GA Tech)
California (UC-San Francisco)
• Public Outreach/Education to over 38,500 preK-12 Students and Public Participants in Louisiana
ChemDemo Program
Saturday Science at LSU
Iota Sigma Pi Outreach
National Chemistry Week Program
Economic Development Impact
Patent applications are pending in or being prepared for submission to the US Patent and Trademark Office for:
“Photoresist-free Micropatterning on Polymer Surfaces” (pending)
“Surface-imprinted Polymers for Detection of Rare Events” (in preparation)
Conclusion and Anticipated Benefits
The development and implementation of new materials and materials processing methods are crucial to the future of MicroSensing Systems. Through the use of novel surface, polymer, metal and biological strategies, we have been able to open up new avenues for the analysis of a broad range of biological materials. To further the capabilities and strengths of Micro-Sensing Systems, we are including new materials research directions by collaborating with scientists and engineers from LSU, the University of Louisiana, and Louisiana Tech, Xavier, Tulane, Iowa State and Michigan State Universities.
These new directions will allow for the more wide-spread application of MicroSensing Systems in biomedical settings, as well as their use in the environmental testing and home land security arenas. In addition, these interdisciplinary/interinstitutional relationships are leading to the submission of large, center-type grants to a variety of funding agencies, which will in turn increase Louisiana’s visibility as a leader in the development of advanced materials for MicroSensing Systems, as well as other leading technology applications. In this latter regard, the development of a strong polymer materials science infrastructure in the State is key to building the State’s stronghold in the polymer industry, a major rationale behind the establishment of APTEC (Applied Polymer Technology Extension Consortium) by the State legislature in 2003.
Acknowledgments
This work was supported by grants from the National Science Foundation (CHE-0108961, EPS-0346411, BIO-0138048, ENG-0139656 (Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program) and DMR-0116757) and the National Institutes of Health (R24CA842625, R21CA099246, and R01HG001499). | |
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