Inspired by the mammalian olfactory system which uses cross-reactive receptors for multianalyte detection, this project focuses on building a biosensor based on weak interactions rather than the traditional, highly specific “key-lock” configuration.
By working with a multitude of weak interactions, a surface with various functional groups can differentiate analytes with distinct physical and chemical characteristics (for example, size, charge, ligands, etc.), as the weak, nonspecific interactions map out a particular fingerprint profile. Pretty much like our nose!
Inspired by the mammalian olfactory system which uses cross-reactive receptors for multianalyte detection, this project focuses on building a biosensor based on weak interactions rather than the traditional, highly specific “key-lock” configuration. By working with a multitude of weak interactions, a surface with various functional groups can differentiate analytes with distinct physical and chemical characteristics (for example, size, charge, ligands, etc.), as the weak, nonspecific interactions map out a particular fingerprint profile. Pretty much like our nose!
This project will focus on fabricating micropatterned surfaces of weak receptors. We will first demonstrate the concept using DNA-patterned surfaces. You will be learning different techniques such as surface chemistry, photolithography, quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), FluidFM and dark field microscope.
This project will focus on fabricating micropatterned surfaces of weak receptors. We will first demonstrate the concept using DNA-patterned surfaces. You will be learning different techniques such as surface chemistry, photolithography, quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), FluidFM and dark field microscope.