CAREER: Biosensors Based on Carbon Nanotube-Redox Polymer Composites

本研究的总体目标是通过将单壁碳纳米管的独特性能（即导电性、机械强度和高表面积）与氧化还原水凝胶的电子传导能力相结合，开发出高灵敏度的安培生物传感器阵列。具体目标是：(1)表征和控制特定氧化还原酶在单壁碳纳米管（SWNTs）上的固定化；(2)表征氧化还原聚合物与酶修饰SWNTs之间的分子相互作用；(3)开发基于氧化还原聚合物-碳纳米管复合材料的微加工技术来开发生物传感器阵列。(4)通过提供实践经验，改善大学生和小学生的理工科教育。首席研究员（PI）将为本科生、高中生和对生物医学和生物传感器研究感兴趣的代表性不足的群体提供研究机会。PI还将通过参加俄克拉何马大学的Sooner小学工程和科学俱乐部项目（SEES），激发小学生对科学和数学的兴趣。

Schmidtke0547619The overall goal of this research is to develop highly sensitive arrays of amperometric biosensors by combining the unique properties (i.e. electrical conductivity, mechanical strength, and high surface area) of single-walled carbon nanotubes with the electron conducting abilities of redox hydrogels. The specific aims are: (1) to characterize and control the immobilization of specific redox enzymes onto single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), (2) to characterize the molecular interactions between redox polymers and enzyme-modified SWNTs, (3) to develop microfabrication techniques to develop biosensor arrays based on redox polymer-carbon nanotube composites., and (4) to improve the science and engineering education of undergraduate and elementary students by providing hands-on experiences. The principal investigator (PI) will provide research opportunities to undergraduates, high school students, and underrepresented groups who are interested in biomedical and biosensor research. The PI will also inspire interest in science and mathematics in elementary school students by participating in the Sooner Elementary Engineering and Science Clubs program (SEES) at the University of Oklahoma.