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

1512816程丽静这项研究将开发一种新型传感器设备，它将能够测量一个人在心理压力下唾液中发现的分子。如果这项研究成功，将能够在非卧床环境中测量应激标记。由于生物传感器将配备无线连接，人们可以远程监测个人感受到的压力。对压力唾液生物标志物的实时检测能够评估个体的压力水平。唾液生物标志物的分析通常采用荧光免疫分析和酶动力学方法，不能在现场进行。拟议的压力生物传感器构建在可穿戴配置中，将显著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。有了传感功能，可以及早发现应激和疲劳，以避免可能造成的损伤。智能优点：建议的传感器由浸渍了针对唾液生物标记物的抗体的生物聚合物和测量分析物结合时隧道电流变化的纳米电子组成。这种方法能够灵敏、特异和可逆地检测中性带电的皮质醇和D-淀粉酶，而不需要添加用于信号转导的化学报告或氧化还原试剂。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所遇到的限制。无源射频识别系统将集成到传感器中，用于对唾液生物标志物进行无线监测。这项研究将为功能材料、纳米级电子传输、受限几何中的质量传输和设备集成的科学提供见解。更广泛的影响：拟议的教育和推广工作的目标是促进培养一支对功能材料、纳米技术以及生物传感和信号转导设备有深入了解的多样化的科学和工程劳动力队伍。为了实现这一目标，教育和外展目标是：开发新的生物传感器和医疗器械实验班，允许学生进行微流体中涉及表面化学、分子检测和质量传输的实验，并通过让少数族裔本科生和高中生参加暑期研究项目和参加我们的SEY夏令营(为高中女生和少数族裔学生提供工程领域的研究经验)和ASE计划(在我们的研究实验室为高中生提供为期八周的暑期学徒)来招募和留住科学和工程领域的女性和少数族裔。提出了一种分层的导师结构，在这种结构中，每个级别的学生都有机会担任年轻学生的导师。

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.