Studies of Small-Scale Sensors

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This project, supported in the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program, focusses on the development of advanced sol-gel materials to be used in the construction of micron dimension analytical biosensors and biosensor arrays. Biorecognition molecules will be placed in these sol-gel matrices and their selectivity and reactivity will be characterized. The biosensor devices that are constructed during this work will be applied to simultaneous multicomponent analyses in complex matrices. In this work Professor Bright will utilize a broad range of modern analytical techniques including scanning electron microscopy, mercury porsimetry, optical microscopy, profilometry, and static and time-resolved fluorescence and Raman spectroscopies. The goal of this project is to develop small, reliable, and inexpensive biosensors that can be used in the quantification of clinically important analytes. These devices will employ biological molecules as active elements because their reactions are selective and sensitive. The biological molecules will be held in sol-gel matrices where they will retain their reactivity within the sensor. Professor Bright will also take advantage of the fact that sol-gel materials can be fabricated in very small dimensions thereby enabling analyses in microscopic volumes. The work to be done by Professor Bright and his students could lead to new and improved methods for doing important clinical analyses.