UNS: A functional nanocomposite-based biosensor for real-time ambulatory monitoring of salivary biomarkers

1512816 Cheng，Li-Jing这项研究将开发一种新型的传感器设备，当一个人处于心理压力下时，该设备将能够测量唾液中发现的分子。 如果研究成功，将能够在门诊环境中测量压力标志物。 由于生物传感器将配备无线连接，因此可以远程监控个人所经历的压力。实时检测压力唾液生物标志物可以评估个体的压力水平。唾液生物标志物通常通过荧光免疫测定法和酶动力学方法进行分析，这些方法不能在原位进行。建议的压力生物传感器内置在可穿戴配置中，将显着有利于那些经常参与压力密集型活动的人，如士兵，飞行员和紧急护理专业人员。通过传感功能，可以早期检测压力和疲劳，以避免其可能导致的损害。智力优势：所提出的传感器由浸渍有针对唾液生物标志物的抗体的生物聚合物的复合物和纳米颗粒电子器件组成，纳米颗粒电子器件测量分析物结合时隧道电流的变化。这种方法能够灵敏，特异性和可逆检测中性电荷的皮质醇和D-淀粉酶，而无需添加化学报告或氧化还原试剂的信号转导。这种能力克服了基于电荷的晶体管/纳米线生物传感器或电化学生物传感技术中遇到的限制。无源RFID系统将被集成到传感器中，用于无线监测唾液生物标志物。这项研究将提供深入了解功能材料，纳米电子传输，在有限的几何形状和设备集成的质量传输科学。更广泛的影响：拟议的教育和推广工作的目标是促进发展多样化的科学和工程劳动力，对功能材料，纳米技术和生物传感和信号转导设备有深刻的理解。为实现这一目标，教育和外联目标是：开发新的生物传感器和医疗设备教学实验室课程，让学生进行涉及表面化学，分子检测和微流体质量传输的实验，通过让少数民族本科生和高中生参与暑期研究项目，并通过参与我们的SESEY夏令营，为高中女生和少数民族学生提供工程领域的研究经验，ASE计划，为高中学生提供为期八周的暑期实习。建议采用分层导师制结构，让每一级的学生都有机会担任低年级学生的导师。

1512816 Cheng, Li-Jing This research will develop a novel sensor device which will be able to measure molecules that are found in saliva when a person is under psychological stress. The study if successful will enable measurement of stress markers in ambulatory setting. Because the biosensor will be equipped with wireless connectivity, one can monitor stress experienced by the individual remotely. Real-time, detection of the stress salivary biomarkers enables assessment of stress levels in individuals. The salivary biomarkers are typically analyzed by fluorescence immunoassay and enzyme kinetic method which cannot be done in situ. The proposed stress biosensor built in a wearable configuration, will significantly benefit those regularly involved in stress-intensive activities, such as soldiers, pilots, and emergency care professionals. With the sensing function, stress and fatigue could be detected early in order to avoid impairment it may cause. Intellectual Merit: The proposed sensor consists of a composite of biopolymer impregnated with antibodies against saliva biomarkers, and nanoparticle electronics that measures changes in tunneling current upon analyte binding. This approach enables sensitive, specific and reversible detection of neutrally charged cortisol and D-amylase without addition of chemical reporters or redox reagents for signal transduction. Such capability overcomes the limits encountered in charge-based transistor/nanowire biosensors or electrochemical biosensing techniques. A passive RFID system will be integrated into the sensor for wireless monitoring of salivary biomarkers. The study will provide insights into the science of functional materials, nanoscale electron transport, mass transport in confined geometries and device integration. Broader impacts: The goal of the proposed education and outreach effort is to foster the development of a diverse science and engineering workforce with a deep understanding of functional materials, nanotechnology, and devices for biosensing and signal transduction. To achieve this goal, the education and outreach objectives are: to develop new lab class for teaching biosensor and medical devices that allow students to conduct experiments involving, surface chemistry, molecular detection and mass transport in microfluidics, and to recruit and retain women and minorities in science and engineering careers by engaging minority undergraduate and high school students in summer research projects and through participation in our SESEY summer camp, which offers research experience in engineering fields for high school girls and minority students, and ASE program, which provides an eight-week summer apprenticeship to high school students in our research labs. A hierarchical mentorship structure is proposed in which students at each level will have the opportunity to serve as mentors for younger students.