Analytical Sciences with Nanoporous Materials

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Nanoporous materials can be rationally designed to enhance the desired properties of a material for applications in chemical and biochemical analysis. In our program we are examining both a self-assembled and a manufactured methodology for material fabrication to create devices, and surfaces, with applications in the life sciences. Our focus is on DNA and protein separation, and in peptide, protein and metabolite mass spectrometry. The fabrication techniques allow us to engineer the pore size, order and material properties of the nanoporous media, while known surface chemistry synthetic techniques allow us to further control the properties and performance of the materials. We are examining the performance improvements that occur in separation, and in sample ionization for mass spectrometry, which arise from the material engineering our fabrication techniques provide. We will be able to improve analytical performance, or create new means of analysis, using our methods of fabrication of nanoporous materials. The excellent engineering control over the materials and their porosity also allows us to explore the mechanisms involved in separation, and in ionization for mass spectrometry. The techniques we develop have applications in the analysis of biomolecules, and will support the continuing search for important biomarkers that can provide early disease detection, and aid out understanding of the fundamental engines of life.