Novel bioinspired plasmonic nanocomposites platform for global health and global development applications

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The goal of this proposal is to establish a research program in novel inexpensive nanobiocomposite materials that can be used in applications of global significance and address problems of global concern. Nanocomposite materials offer unique electrical, optical, thermal, and mechanical properties due to their exceptionally high surface-to-volume ratio. They have already found numerous technological applications and will likely transform our lives in the future. We propose to develop unique nanobiocomposites with unique and tunable properties that will find a wide range of applications. The fabrication of these structures is easily scalable and will yield inexpensive materials. The specific directions are to: (i) develop and characterize novel plasmonic, nanobiocomposite structures, (ii) evaluate the capillary flow of fluid through these structures for use in lateral flow assays, and (iii) explore potential applications to global health problems, and (iv) explore their potential applications in global development problems. These nanocomposites are inexpensive and flexible constructs made out of diatomic frustules (or diatomite), graphene, and plasmonic particles, and are fabricated in a variety of ways to fulfill the specific needs in the areas of molecular detection for diagnosis, particle separation for characterization, antibacterial applications, and improved hydrogen production towards clean energy. Specific aims 1. Fabrication and characterization of inexpensive and flexible plasmonic nanocomposite structures on tape. Several fabrication methods and deposition of nanocomposites on a tape will be explored and optimized for applications targeting molecular detection. In this aim we will also perform preliminary measurements of these nanocomposites via SERS and evaluate their analytical capabilities on specific target molecules of interest ranging from small molecules such as toxins to proteins and DNA. COMSOL simulations of the electrical properties will also be performed. 2. Evaluate the flow of fluid through the nanocomposite and use it in lateral flow applications such as for the separation of molecular components for their detection and characterization. These constructs will be compared with more traditional lateral flow assays based on paper for sensitivity and multiplexing capability. 3. Fabricate and evaluate the use of these nanocomposites for health applications via detection and characterization of biomarkers of disease such as tuberculosis markers and extracellular vesicles. 4. Fabricate and use plasmonic nanocomposites targeted for several global development applications such as water purification, antimicrobial applications, and clean energy.