NER: Switchable nanomembranes for macromolecule separations

智力优势：该项目正在研究分子薄（15 nm）硅基纳米多孔膜材料（pnc-Si）在微流体应用中作为可切换分子过滤器的潜力。pnc-Si膜的薄度意味着与任何商业膜材料相比，分离效率和样品损失的数量级改进。利用化学附着硅与正或负电荷的能力，实验将首先测量不同离子强度的溶液中带电染料的扩散传输，并与带电物质通过反向带电孔的扩散理论进行比较。电荷对蛋白质通过膜扩散的影响将通过调节选择蛋白质的等电点周围的溶液pH值来直接研究。最后，该项目将用贵金属涂覆pnc-Si膜，并试图通过主动操纵膜电荷来操纵孔径和渗透性。 更广泛的影响：Pnc-Si膜代表了第一个可用于微流体系统的模块化分子过滤器，应该允许主动调节孔径。这项技术应该能够实现一系列新的微流体装置，用于小规模分离和检测分子种类。该项目将与参加生物医学工程系两学期高级设计课程的本科生合作，开发用于表征pnc-Si膜和设备原型的系统。研究项目将为罗切斯特杰斐逊高中的创业学院项目做出贡献，方法是开发一门关于技术和创业精神的短期课程，2）为高中生提供指导性的研究职位。

Intellectual Merit: This project is investigating the potential of a molecularly thin (15 nm) silicon-based, nanoporous membrane material (pnc-Si) to serve as a switchable molecular filter in microfluidic applications. The thinness of pnc-Si membranes implies orders-of magnitude improvement in separation efficiencies and sample loss compared to any commercial membrane material. Exploiting the ability to chemically affix silicon with positive or negative charges, experiments will first measure diffusive transport of charged dyes in solutions of different ionic strengths and compare to theories of diffusion of charged species through counter-charged pores. The effects of charges on protein diffusion through membranes will be directly investigated by modulating solution pH around the isoelectric point of select proteins. Finally, the project will coat pnc-Si membranes with nobel metals and attempt to manipulate pore size and permeability through the active manipulation of membrane charge. Broader Impact:Pnc-Si membranes represent the first modular molecular filters available for microfluidic systems and should allow active adjustment of pore sizes. This technology should enable an array of new microfluidic devices for small-scale separation and detection of molecular species. The project will develop systems for characterizing pnc-Si membranes and device prototypes in collaboration with undergraduates participating in the Biomedical Engineering Department's two-semester Senior Design course. Research programs will contribute to the Academy of Entrepreneurship program at Rochester's Jefferson High School by developing a short course on technology and entrepreneurship and 2) by providing mentored research positions for high school students.