Responsive polymers for biochemical sensor applications

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Bottlenecks in bioanalyte analyses in food and clinical diagnostics includes lack of rapid, sensitive, and portable detection devices that can be used at the site of analysis by a non-skilled end user. Bioanalytes of interest exist in a labyrinth of other compounds and in matrices that interfere, impeding good detection. The multi-step sample preparation processes necessary before instrumental detection add significantly in terms of cost and time in chemical analysis and require sophisticated lab-localized instrumentation.****The long-term objective of my research program is to fast-track chemical analysis by developing robust, miniaturized, and highly selective biosensors, deployable for in vivo analysis in food and clinical diagnostics. My short-term objectives focus on designing poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) pH and redox responsive polymers, and understanding their capacity as enzyme supports. Our initial focus will be on lipases, glucose oxidase, β-galactosidase, cholesterol oxidase, horseradish peroxidases, and glycerol dehydrogenases.****The enzyme loaded polymers developed will be used to fabricate planar and fiber optic sensors for detection of biologically relevant analytes, specifically triglycerides, hydrogen peroxide, lactose, and cholesterol that otherwise require tedious sample preparation and expensive analytical instrumentation. The enzyme based responsive polymer biosensors proposed to be developed here are expected to address these challenges. Furthermore, the technology lends itself well to point-of-care detection by non-experts. The research program will further the fundamental understanding of responsive polymers, especially redox triggerable polymers that have been the subject of limited study. This could open up their use for bioactive molecule encapsulation and controlled delivery. ****The potential applications of the results of this research program cut across disciplines, including clinical diagnostics as well as environmental and food industries, all of which are areas of great significance to Alberta and Canada. Moreover, this multidisciplinary research will engage and train at least 6 undergraduate students every year (30 students over 5 years).**