Exploratory Research: Complementary Development of New Chemical Sensor and Probe Microscopy Techniques for Environmental Research in Hydrothermal Ecosystems

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The objectives of this project are to develop the concepts for robust multiplexed arrays of sensors for the detection of inorganic and organic analytes as well as microorganisms and to develop instrumentation to quantify heterogeneous kinetics and molecule/surface interactions in complex, groundwater and surface water, and extreme ecosystems. Electrochemical, Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) and Surface Enhance Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) method will be used as detection schemes for the quantification of inorganic and organic analytes in hydrothermal fluids. The development of robust polymeric thin film sensors will be assisted by current Hydrothermal Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) instrumentation. The investigators will also further the development of the AFM instrumentation to enable intermittent-contact imaging of "soft" materials and surface adsorbed molecules and organisms in hydrothermal conditions. Groundwork will be laid for the development of a low-power, lightweight AFM for potential development into a field-deployable instrument.%%%The results from this project could lead to new methods for obtaining chemical and biological information from complex ecosystems. Furthermore, the research will be used to enhance educational opportunities in this growing field of scientific discovery. Students trained in these areas will be very competitive in the job market as these are areas of high priority in industry.