EXP-SA: Highly Selective and Sensitive Nanocoatings for Explosives Detection

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Proposal Number: 0731309PI: Lee, Seung-WukInstitution: University of California BerkeleyTitle: EXP-SA: Highly Selective and Sensitive Nanocoatings for Explosives DetectionObjectiveThis research aims to develop a new family of portable sensors able to detect small concentrations of TNT, DNT or cholera toxin. The PI will first use biological selection and evolution of viruses, in order to develop sequence-specific biopolymers which can bind to a single target molecule in multiple sites, which should result in a high energy binding and selectivity far greater than possible with traditional biosensors. Then he will develop new coatings to embed these polymers into, so as to permit the use of nanomechanical cantilevers and membranes to read out the results, and construct a complete sensor system.Intellectual MeritThe development and understanding of these biopolymers will entail research into basic thermodynamic issues, such as the relative roles of enthalpy versus free energy in affecting binding and sensitivity when binding occurs at multiple sites at once. The role of temperature on these issues, and on sensor performance, will also be studied.Broader BenefitsThe immediate benefits will be to explosives detection, for national security and homeland security. Further applications are envisioned for environmental monitoring for airborne and water borne pesticides and other toxins, personal exposure monitoring of molds and allergens, detection of food spoilage, disease detection through breath analysis, etc.