Fundamenal Studies of Biorecognition Elements Sequestered Within Xerogels

该项目由分析和表面化学项目资助，继续研究利用溶胶-凝胶衍生干凝胶进行化学分析。这项研究是由纽约州立大学布法罗分校的Frank V. Bright博士和他的学生进行的，研究重点是隔离在干凝胶中的酶、抗体和信号蛋白的行为和性能。这些蛋白质掺杂干凝胶被用作开发离散和分布式生物传感器的平台。实验方法首先发展了一个基本的理解，即如何通过选择的干凝胶宿主基质化学、共掺杂剂和制备方案来影响被包覆的蛋白质的分析性能。下一步精确确定干凝胶宿主基质化学，共掺杂剂和制备方案如何影响1)生物识别元件的动力学和2)生物识别元件中负责在目标分析物存在下产生荧光的位置周围的环境。最后，该项目使用上述步骤的结果来生产生物传感器和分布式生物传感器阵列，这些传感器比目前可用的生物传感器更坚固、稳定和可靠。使用该项目开发的传感器可以实现更快、更可靠、成本更低的临床分析。

This project, sponsored by the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program, continues research on utilization of sol-gel derived xerogels for chemical analysis. The research, conducted by Dr. Frank V. Bright and his students at SUNY-Buffalo, focuses on the behavior and performance of enzymes, antibodies, and signaling proteins that are sequestered in xerogels. These protein doped xerogels are used as platforms for developing discrete and distributed biosensors. The experimental aproach first develops a fundamental understanding of how the analytical performance of xerogel entrapped proteins is influenced by the the choice of xerogel host matrix chemistry, co-dopants, and preparation protocol. The next step determines precisely how the xerogel host matrix chemistry, co-dopants, and preparation protocol affect 1) the biorecognition element's dynamics and 2) the environment around the sites within the biorecognition element that are responsible for producing fluorescence in the presence of the target analyte. Finally, the project uses results from the steps above to produce biosensors and distributed biosensor arrays that are more robust, stable, and reliable than those that are currently available. Use of the sensors developed by this project could result in faster, more reliable, and less costly clinical analyses.