Biosensing micro-nanostructured tools and materials

1066898格拉卡斯与机械驱动相结合的生化传感在自然界中被广泛观察到，具有高选择性和特异性，无需任何电线或电池即可实现自主功能。然而，这一概念尚未在人类工程中实现，这在很大程度上依赖于机电驱动方案。该提案的重点是开发微纳米结构的工具和材料，这些工具和材料可以感知生物化学物质，并根据它们自主重新配置。该策略的一个基本要素是创造生物传感铰链，它基于化学机械驱动的生物学启发概念，其中化学传感事件引发机械反应，而不需要任何电线、绳索、电池或电力。这一概念将与微型和纳米尺度的模式相结合，以创造功能齐全、智能小型化的设备和材料，这些设备和材料价格低廉，可以大规模生产，而且不消耗电力。因此，这些功能结构可以部署在许多环境中，包括难以到达的地方和长时间（不需要充电），以增强生物医学、芯片实验室和安全应用的设备和材料的能力。在进行研究的同时，我们还将努力加强更广泛的教育，让本科生参与到研究经验中来，并通过研究经验、研讨会、公开讲座和万维网，让K-12学生、教师和公众接触到科学和工程的前沿，特别是在生物学启发的传感模式领域。此外，还将开展活动，通过与巴尔的摩公立学校系统建立联系，提高在科学和工程领域代表性不足的K-12学生的参与度。

1066898GraciasBiochemical sensing coupled with mechanical actuation is widely observed in nature and enables autonomous function with high selectivity and specificity and without the need for any electrical wires or batteries. However, this concept has yet to be realized in human engineering which relies heavily on electromechanical actuation schemes. This proposal is focused on the development of micro-nanostructured tools and materials that sense biochemicals and autonomously reconfigure in response to them. A fundamental element of the strategy is the creation of biosensing hinges which are based on the biologically inspired concept of chemo-mechanical actuation wherein chemical sensing events elicit mechanical responses without the need for any wires, tethers, batteries or electrical power. This concept will be utilized in combination with micro and nanoscale patterning to enable the creation of functional, smart miniaturized devices and materials that are inexpensive, can be mass produced and do not consume electrical power. Hence, these functional structures can be deployed in a number of environments including hard-to-reach places and over long periods of time (without the need for electrical charging) to enhance the capabilities of devices and materials for biomedical, lab-on-a-chip and security applications. Along with the research, significant efforts will be directed at enhancing broader education by the inclusion of undergraduate students in research experiences and exposing K-12 students, teachers and the public to the frontiers of science and engineering, specifically in the area of biologically inspired sensing modalities via research experiences, workshops, public lectures and the world wide web. In addition, activities will be created to enhance participation of K-12 students from groups that are underrepresented in science and engineering by fostering connections with the Baltimore public school system.