Probing molecular interactions on soft surfaces by scanning probe microscopy

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Detecting bacteria and infectious diseases keeps our drinking water safe and our hospitals germ-free. Detection methods currently used in hospitals are reliable and sensitive but take up to 5 days to get results, which allows bacteria to multiply possibly to dangerous levels before diagnosis. Students in this proposed NSERC Discovery program will develop materials and methodology for investigating molecular interactions on surfaces. They will use a set of special imaging tools called scanning probe microscopes to reveal the chemistry and physics on surfaces at sub-100 nm scale. Our long-term goal is to take advantage of the high-resolution ability of the microscopes and increase the visibility of binding sites on cell surfaces. This requires us to develop suitable labeling materials and study how to use them. Nanoparticles will be prepared and functionalized with bio-recognition and ferrocene molecules. These nanoparticles will be designed to bind onto specific antigen sites and give out enhanced electrochemical signals. Using these tools to create innovative materials will enable researchers to study the surface of the bacteria cells. Gaining more insight into cell surface features will lead to developing better strategies to make biosensor devices that can detect and identify bacteria and that can be used in the environment and in the health sector. The ability of these devices to return tests results quickly and at low cost will lower patients' risk of exposure to harmful bacteria in medical settings, improve the effectiveness of treatment and reduce the length of their hospital stays. In an environmental setting, it will allow municipalities to issue boil advisories and beach closures sooner, and people using wells or swimming pools to monitor water quality more frequently. Students in this training program will have opportunities to work on research that connects with multiple fields and interact with experts from health and environmental sectors. They will have strong technical and problem-solving skills. The interdisciplinary training in electrochemistry, surface chemistry, and bio-analytical techniques, will position them for academic and industrial careers in instrumentation development, drug screening and biotechnology sectors.