GOALI: Development of a New Generation of Sensors based on Metal/Bacteria Interfaces

本研究的目的是通过制造能够研究、定义和操纵这些独特的细菌和电极表面之间的电子转移路径的新型电极系统，为能够利用细菌将电子转移到电极上的新一代生物传感器开发一个框架。具体目标包括：(A)细菌-电极界面的生物膜阻力，(B)纳米级与微米级表面粗糙度电极之间的电子转移速率，以及(C)细菌之间的远程电导。这将允许设计利用细菌新陈代谢的特异性和多样性的原型传感器，同时通过工业合作利用低成本的制造方法。这项研究的智力价值在于开发预测细菌薄膜的电子性质和性能的模型。针对细菌相互作用进行优化的测试电极将提高研究细菌生物膜时的数据可靠性，并揭示有关微生物电子转移性质的基本信息。这项研究的更广泛影响涉及其改善和降低与电极上微生物活动有关的多种应用的成本的潜力，包括：利用基于生物的设备进行环境监测、加速生物修复和可再生能源生产。该项目将涉及不同的劳动力(年龄、性别和种族)，他们将通过大学研究和与该目标的工业合作伙伴的实习在技术转让中发挥关键作用。将生成关于“绿色”电子产品的教育模块，并将使用公共STEM教育论坛(例如明尼苏达州科学博物馆)，以更广泛和代表性不足的K-12社区群体为目标。

The objective of this research is to develop a framework for a new generation of bio-sensors harnessing bacteria able to transfer electrons to electrodes, by fabricating novel electrode systems able to study, define, and manipulate the pathway of electron transfer between these unique bacteria and electrode surfaces. Specific aims include determination of (a) biofilm resistance at bacteria-electrode interfaces, (b) electron transfer rates to electrodes with nano- versus microscale surface roughness, and (c) long-range conductance between bacteria. This will allow engineering of prototype sensors that exploit the specificity and diversity of bacterial metabolism, while utilizing lower-cost fabrication approaches through industrial partnerships.The intellectual Merit of this research is in the development of models predicting electronic properties and performance of bacterial films. Test electrodes optimized for bacterial interactions will improve data reliability when studying bacterial biofilms, and reveal fundamental information about the nature of microbial electron transfer. The Broader Impact of this research involves its potential to improve and reduce the cost of multiple applications related to microbial activity at electrodes, including; environmental monitoring with bio-based devices, accelerated bioremediation, and renewable energy production. This project will involve a diverse (age, gender, and ethnicity) workforce who will play a key role in technology transfer through university research as well as internships with this GOALI's industrial partner. Educational modules on "green" electronics will be generated, and public STEM education forums (e.g. Science Museum of Minnesota) will be used to target broader and under-represented K-12 community groups.