Core-shell nanoparticles for direct detection of radioisotopes in aqueous environments

在这个项目中，由化学系化学测量和成像项目资助，亚利桑那大学（UA）的Craig Aspinwall教授和他的研究小组正在开发新的选择性传感器来探测复杂系统。正在开发的测量工具为分析各种目标分子提供了前所未有的时间分辨率和选择性，有可能提高对生物和其他复杂功能的理解。这项工作为来自UA（西班牙裔服务机构）和亚利桑那社区学院系统的研究生和本科生提供了参与现代跨学科化学研究的机会，从而帮助建立一支多样化的科学、技术、工程和数学工作队伍。Aspinwall小组正在开发新型核壳纳米材料传感器，能够实时检测低能放射性同位素。近一个世纪以来，放射性同位素一直是生物研究的基石，因为最常见的碳、氢、硫和磷放射性同位素在化学和生物系统中无处不在，而且与荧光团相比，放射性同位素的掺入侵入性更小。常见的放射性同位素检测方法通常与活体/功能性生物系统/组分不相容，因此提供的系统动力学信息很少。Aspinwall博士开发的新型纳米材料传感器（称为“nanoSPA”）提供了一种水溶性、生物相容性的平台，可以对放射性同位素标记的化合物进行高选择性和高灵敏度的实时分析。该项目侧重于纳米ospa传感器的开发和表征，重点是影响传感器功能和性能的关键变量。这项工作的目标是通过集成新的闪烁材料来优化光输出和多路复用能力；鉴定新的生物功能化方法；以及模型生化系统的性能评价。该项目为UA和Yavapai学院的本科生和研究生提供了教育和培训机会，以扩大跨学科化学研究的接触范围，并增强国家的科学劳动力。该奖项反映了美国国家科学基金会的法定使命，并通过使用基金会的知识价值和更广泛的影响审查标准进行评估，被认为值得支持。

In this project, funded by the Chemical Measurement and Imaging Program in the Division of Chemistry, Professor Craig Aspinwall and his research group at the University of Arizona (UA) are developing new and selective sensors to probe complex systems. The measurement tools being developed offer unprecedented time resolution and selectivity for analysis of a diverse set of target molecules, potentially enabling improved understanding of biological and other complex functions. The work provides opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students from UA (a Hispanic Serving Institution) and the Arizona community college system to participate in modern, interdisciplinary chemical research, thereby helping to build a diverse science, technology, engineering and mathematics work force.The Aspinwall group is developing novel core-shell nanomaterial sensors capable of real-time detection of low-energy radioisotopes. Radioisotopes have been a cornerstone of biological research for nearly a century because of the ubiquitous nature of the most common radioisotopes of C, H, S, and P in chemical and biological systems, and because their incorporation is less invasive compared to fluorophores. Common methods of detection for radioisotopes are typically incompatible with living/functional biological systems/components and as such provide little information about system dynamics. The novel nanomaterial sensor (termed "nanoSPA") being developed by Dr. Aspinwall provides a water-soluble, biocompatible platform to enable real-time analysis of radioisotope-labeled compounds with high selectivity and sensitivity. The project focuses on development and characterization of nanoSPA sensors with emphasis on key variables that affect sensor function and performance. The work targets optimization of light output and multiplexing capabilities via integration of new scintillant materials; identification of novel biofunctionalization approaches; and performance evaluation in model biochemical systems. The project provides educational and training opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students at UA and Yavapai College to broaden exposure to interdisciplinary chemical research and enhance the nation's science workforce.This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.