3D C-NEMS Based Aptasensors

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Title: 3D C-NEMS Based AptasensorsBrief description of project Goals: Design, fabricate, evaluate and optimize three dimensional on-chip electrochemical aptasensors based on Carbon-NanoElectroMechanical Systems (C-NEMS).Nontechnical Abstract:The increased amount of proteins such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) can be observed in the early tumorigenesis as well as cancer progression. The PI will focus on developing on-chip capacitive aptasensors employing aptamers as recognition element using unique three dimensional graphene based micropillar arrays, which could deliver high sensitivity, good stability and low detection limits. The miniaturized reconfigurable electrode design is geared to take advantage from the scalable relationship between the interfacial area and overall volume. This project will contribute to the research, education, and diversity goals and strongly support FIUBeyondPossible2020 strategic plan. It will broaden the participation of minority students and women in science and engineering, and foster interdisciplinary interactions. Beyond the impact on the microfabrication research community, this project will have broader impact on cancer diagnosis. The knowledge generated and the key issues identified in this project will impact a broad area of sensor fabrication and development.Technical Abstract:The increased amount of proteins such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) can be observed in the early tumorigenesis as well as cancer progression. In this project, the PI will focus on developing on-chip aptasensors employing aptamers as recognition element based on unique 3D C-MEMS (Carbon-MicroElectroMechanical Systems) and C-NEMS (Carbon-NanoElectroMechanical Systems) platforms. The goal of this project is to design, fabricate, evaluate and optimize the 3D C-NEMS based on-chip electrochemical aptasensors that deliver superior performance (i.e., high sensitivity, good stability, low detection limits).The PI plans to (1) fabricate 3D high-aspect-ratio microelectrode arrays with interdigital fingers by C-MEMS technique; (2) deposit carbon based nanomaterials onto the C-MEMS using electrostatic spray deposition and electrophoretic deposition; (3) functionalize the whole-carbon platform with active chemical groups for efficient and stable immobilization of aptamers; (4) develop and evaluate an electrochemical label-free aptasensor for PDGF protein detection based on characterizing electrochemical impedance and capacitive behaviors. 3D C-NEMS platform will have great advantages and is one of the best solutions to achieve high-sensitivity biosensors. Employing unique C-NEMS technique aptasensors can be fabricated repeatedly with desired dimensions, structures, and material properties. The miniaturized electrode design is geared to take advantage from the scalable relationship between the interfacial area and overall volume. This project will contribute to the research, education, and diversity goals and strongly support FIUBeyondPossible2020 strategic plan. It will broaden the participation of minority students and women in science and engineering. The newly developed technique will be highlighted in the PI's graduate/undergraduate courses. Beyond the impact on the MEMS and NEMS community in academia, the proposed research will have broader impact on cancer diagnosis. The knowledge generated and the key issues identified in this project will impact a broad area of sensor fabrication and development. It is anticipated that the successful implementation of this device in the clinical arena will have significant impact on the early detection, morbidity, and mortality for the large number of patients with cancers, as well as establishing an innovative realm of biomedical technology.